LAKEPORT >> More than 1,100 adventurers descended on Lake County and traveled between participating wineries July 26 and 27 for Lake County Wine Adventure.
From the Baconfest at Gregory Graham”s to the sliders at Twin Pines, revelers enjoyed a smorgasbord of wonderful food pairings to accompany the award winning wines poured for the day.
Lake County Winery Association Executive Director Terry Dereniuk said, “I heard over and over that this was the best Wine Adventure yet. Adventurers enjoyed one delicious experience after the other in spite of triple digit temperatures. Our members really rolled out the welcome mat to showcase our wines and welcome people to enjoy the Lake County wine region experience.”
Twenty-nine wineries opened their doors and offered wines, food and music for the 10th anniversary of this annual event, Dereniuk stated. New features were added, including the option of picking up the passport adventure kit on Friday to avoid the Saturday rush, a best winery contest, diamond wine charms to celebrate Lake County”s diamonds, displays by local artists at many locations and a raffle benefiting the Lake County Chapter of Relay for Life.
The best winery contest invited participants to vote for their favorite wineries in three categories: best food and wine; best hospitality and best overall experience. Ballots are still being counted, but Dereniuk said, “The wineries” staffs and volunteers work so hard to plan and execute this annual weekend. I know that they are all waiting to find out the winner in each category.”
The Relay for Life raffle included more than 50 bottles of Lake County wines. Relay volunteers sold tickets at 14 winery locations, raising more than $5,000 for the fight against cancer, Dereniuk stated. The winner of the raffle was Donna Rose.
“We were thrilled to sponsor the Relay for Life,” Dereniuk said. “Cancer touches so many of us that we wanted to help raise money to help the American Cancer Society in the race for a cure.”
For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship or membership opportunities, call 357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org.
