FINLEY >> Wine and chocolate and more, oh my.
There was plenty of wine — both red and white — and lots of chocolate — milk and dark — at the 10th Annual Wine & Chocolate and More fundraiser Saturday at the Mt. Konocti Winery & Event Center, located between Kelseyville and Lakeport.
The “more” included gourmet foods, wine tasting and olive oil sensory classes and a silent auction featuring dozens of items and gift baskets, ranging from a collection of Lake County wines to a sit-on-top kayak.
About 700 people attended the charity event, although a precise figure was not immediately available due to an unexpectedly large number of walk-in guests. Proceeds benefit the Lake Family Resource Center that provides a wide range of programs, including a domestic violence shelter, suicide crisis line, rape crisis center and parenting classes.
One of those attending the event was Panette Talia, who moved last July from the San Jose area to Kelseyville. It was her first time at the gala.
“This is wonderful,” she said, adding it’s one reason why, “I love Lake County and everything about it.”
Make no doubt about it. While there was plenty of delicious and unique chocolate treats, Lake County is wine country and Talia knows this despite her short residency.
“I like the chocolate but I came here for the wine,” she said between sips of 2008 Thorn Hill Petite Syrah.
Nearly two dozen local wineries participated in the fundraiser, including Boatique Winery, Cache Creek Vineyards & Winery, Gregory Graham Wines, Olof Cellars, Thorn Hill Vineyards, Don Angel Cellars and Guenoc & Langtry Vineyards.
Thorn Hill has had a tasting table at the annual event since 2012, said winery spokesman Jonathan Thorn. “We had a great time our first year and have been coming back ever since,” he said.
The Kelseyville winery served homemade dark chocolate bark that Thorn recommended be paired with the winery’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon or 2008 Petite Sirah.
“These events are about doing something nice for the people of Lake County and also to attract visitors,” Thorn said.
The event seems to get a little bigger each year, Thorn added, which he credits to word of mouth.
He also said the fundraiser promotes and highlights the county’s largest legal industry, wine and wine grapes. “This is a great event that helps develop the wine culture of Lake County.”
All of the wineries represented at the event offered tastings, with many featuring recent releases.
Andrew Godin is a fan of local wines and traveled from San Francisco to attend the event.
“This is my first time here and it’s excellent,” he said. “All the wines are delicious and the fundraiser is a good way to try the different (Lake County) wines.”
In distance traveled, Aaron Rollins has Godin beat — he’s from Chicago. He grew up in Lake County and was back visiting family.
“I’m here because this is the best thing to do on a Saturday,” he said in front of the Thorn Hill table. Nodding at two Thorn Hill workers behind the table, he added, “They keep pouring the wine which is never bad.”
Probably the most unique chocolate offerings were at the booth of the Aromas Cafe, run by students in the culinary program at Yuba College, Clear Lake Campus.
“I challenged the students to do something unique and different,” said Ann-Marie Pleskaczewski, chief culinary arts instructor at the campus in Clearlake.
For example, she pointed to one of the booth’s four offerings, the gluten-free lavender truffles, which she described as having a balance of flavors.
“Gluten-free food is a big trend right now and the students need to stay current of food trends,” she said. Also, being bakers, the students are in the “back of the house” and the event gives them the opportunity for social interaction with the public, she added.
Other treat at the Aromas Cafe booth were raspberry pate de fruit, Black Forest cupcakes and cherry Earl Grey tea shortbread.
Other food purveyors at the event included Alexander Baking Co., Fresh and Bangin’ Eatery, Konocti Cafe, Konocti Vista Casino, Park Place Restaurant, Wholly Bowl and Gonzalez catering.
Workshops included Wine 101, conducted by certified Sommelier Stephanie Green, and Olive Oil Sensory presented by Emilio de la Cruz, millmaster at Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill in Kelseyville.
Boatique Winery earned the people’s choice award for their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2013 Malbec. The people’s favorite food purveyor nod went to Fresh and Bangin’ Eatery. The Lucerne restaurant served bacon brownies.
