LAKE COUNTY — Visitors from across the United States ? as well as some from across “the pond” in the United Kingdom and from throughout California ? joined Lake County wine enthusiasts in the eighth-annual Lake County Wine Adventure, held July 28 and 29 in the high-elevation terroir of Lake County.
Only two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento Valley, many wine tourists on the wine adventure were stunned by the natural beauty of Lake County ? the vast open spaces, mountain peaks surrounding the largest natural lake within California ? and very appreciative of the quality wines available to sample at the welcoming tasting rooms and wineries.
Several event-goers noted appreciatively that most of the wineries had excellent food and wine pairings.
Lake County Wine Adventure was hosted by the members of the Lake County Winery Association, with major sponsorship from Calpine Corporation and Twin Pine Casino & Hotel. Other sponsors included Robert A. Boccabella ? Business Design Services, Dan Camache, The Ice Water Company, David Lucido ? First American Title Company, Lake County Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Clearlake Police Department and numerous Lake County businesses that provided prizes for the 2012 Wine Adventure raffle.
Nearly 2,000 LCWA participants perused an extensive list of prizes available.
In this passport-style event, event-goers left their “passports” at their final destination to be entered into a drawing for prizes that included a variety of Lake County “stay and play” packages valued at $500 or more, each featuring overnight accommodations, dining and a wide range of recreational activities to enjoy. The grand prize, an “Instant Cellar” showcasing an assortment of wines from the participating Lake County Wine Adventure wineries, was valued at $1,200.
A drawing for the prizes took place during the week of Aug. 6. Notification of winners will follow.
The 2012 LCWA event was chaired by Cheryl Lucido of Laujor Estate and co-chaired by Pam Prisco of Steele Wines. It is hosted by the wineries of the Lake County Winery Association.
Susan Feiler, proprietor of the Lake County Wine Studio assisted with the LCWA raffle.
The Lake County Winery Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to promote the wine industry in Lake County.
Today, the Lake County Winery Association serves more than 50 vintners and associate hospitality members who share a mission to promote awareness of Lake County”s excellent wine industry, high elevation wines, and tourism opportunities while preserving and protecting the pristine beauty of the region.
Through partnerships with Lake County organizations and the County of Lake, the Lake County Winery Association strives to promote the county”s unique and distinct rural attributes: its lakes, mountains, clean air and lands.
The Lake County Winery Association is committed to sustainable farming and winery operation practices and to the Lake County community and its members.
Visit www.lakecountywineries.org to learn more about the Lake County Winery Association, or call Executive Director Monica Rosenthal at 355-2762.
