UPPER LAKE >> John P. Smith signed up for the Road Scholar program hosted by Tallman Hotel looking for a bit of fun.
“You start off thinking ‘let’s got to wine country,’” the visitor from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, said. “But the process is very educational. We learn a lot.”
The recurring program titled “North of Napa: California Wine Country as It Used to Be” wraps up today for the 22 people from around the country participating. Already they have heard an overview on local wines from Gaye Allen, author of “Lake County Wine Guide,” learned the fine art of tasting in a presentation from Pietro Buttitta, experienced a closer look at harvest and took part in a series of lectures and discussions.
Today they will be blending their own wine at Six Sigma.
And, of course, they have toured the county visiting several vineyards.
Barbara Parente from Bolton, Massachusetts, admitted to knowing virtually nothing of the region before this five day program. She has picked up 15 bottles on the trip.
“I am truly enjoying learning about Lake County wine,” she said.
Road Scholar is a not for profit organization offering educational travel programs around the world. It evolved out of the old Elderhostel — which started with courses at five universities back in 1975 — to cover subjects in some 150 countries.
The Lake County option is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive course in wine from field to food pairing, with access to winemakers most people never achieve. The group took field trips to Brassfield Estate Winery, Steele Wines, Wildhurst Vineyards, Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill all before their half day on Wednesday.
Today they end the tour by visiting with Gregory Graham (Gregory Graham Wines) and Matt Hughes (Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, before a final spin through the county’s newest spot, Boatique.
Patty Robeson from Westerville, Ohio — the home of Prohibition, she said with a laugh — found the wines so far more intensely flavorful than those she is familiar with from travels to New York’s wine country.
“I love them,” she added. “All of the wineries — everyone is wonderful. I can’t wait to come back.”
Some of those participating in the Lake County program were admitted novices. Others were home winemakers with specific questions.
For Six Sigma winemaker Matt Hughes, who spoke with the group on Wednesday at the Tallman Hotel, it works perfectly.
“The knowledge level varies, but they are all looking at Lake County with a fresh set of eyes,” he said.
He pointed out that working with the guests pays off for those in the industry, as well.
“It’s healthy for me to get out and do this,” he said.
Hearing their interests, listening to what they approved of in a wine provides insight into consumer demand. Hughes pointed out that it is far too easy for winemakers to narrow their focus if they isolate themselves from the business and social aspects of the industry.
Of course, the purpose is to educate and entertain participants.
“Hopefully it’s making us better consumers,” Smith observed. “It’s certainly making us fans of Lake County.”
