LAKEPORT — Home winemakers and brewers across Northern California are preparing for the 13th annual Lake County Festival/Winefest, celebrating their crafts.
The event is scheduled to take place on June 21 between 1 and 5 p.m. at Library Park.
The Winefest features dozens of amateur winemakers and brewers who will pour tastes for attendees. Attendees will vote for their favorites for the People”s Choice awards in categories of both wines and beers. In addition, panels of professionals will judge a broad range of beverages including red and white wine varietals, sparkling and dessert wines and blends, with first-, second- and third-prizes awarded in each category if justified in the opinion of the judges.
Judges confirmed to date are Stephen Dilley, founder and owner of Lavender Blue Winery; Jack Vos, restaurant and food server manager at Manzanita Restaurant at Middletown”s Twin Pine Casino and Hotel; Stephanie Green, wine sommelier; Bonnie Sears, Beckstoffer”s Kelseyville area Vineyards; Quincy Steele, Calvino Jones and Steele Wines of Finley; Sean Piper, creative director of Wine Consumer magazine; Miguel Angel, owner of Don Angel Cellar winery, and Anita McKee, representing Lakeview Homes and Estates.
Beer and ale judging will be restricted to those voting in the People”s Choice awards.
The Winefest will also feature a silent auction and lottery, as well as vendors offering a range of products and services. Music will be provided by the duo David Neft and Steve DuBois and by the symphony and youth orchestras.
Home winemakers and vendors interested in participating should contact Ed Bublitz at 277-8172 or emailedandcharb1@att.net. Home brewers should call Scott Simkover at 279-2762 or email simkover@pacbell.com.
Admission to the festival is $25 at the gate and includes a commemorative wine glass. Only people 21 or older and wearing the identifying wristband issued with the ticket will be permitted tastes of the wines and beers.
Tickets purchased in advance cost $20 and can be obtained from Lower Lake Coffee Company on Main Street in Lower Lake, Middletown Florist in Middletown, EJ Video Store in the Riviera Shopping Center on Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville and the Lake County Wine Studio in Upper Lake.
The event is sponsored by the Lake County Symphony Association. Proceeds will support the organization”s music programs, including underwriting the county”s symphonic and youth orchestras.
For information, call 277-8172 or visit homewinemakersfestival.com.
Library Park is located at 222 Park St. in Lakeport.
