LAKEPORT >> This year’s Lake County Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival will take place on Saturday, June 18 at Lakeport’s Library Park, but the amateurs are already planning which of their numerous products have the best chance of winning awards.
Ribbons are offered in a wide range of categories for both homemade wines and home brewed beers and ales, with judging by a panel of professionals.
The Winefest — its abbreviated name — is now in its 14th year and is sponsored by the Lake County Symphony Association as its major fund-raiser, with proceeds going to support the Symphony and LCSA Youth Orchestras, as well as scholarships and other music-related activities. Naturally music will play a major role in the day’s events.
This year the Winefest adds a new dimension with the inclusion of the Lakeport Camp N’ Shine chapter of the Norcal Aircooled Group car club, whose four dozen plus members will be on hand from eight to three to show off their collectible Volkswagens and other air-cooled cars. There will also be many artists and artisans on hand to display — and sell — their arts and crafts, as well as food vendors.
Many of Lake County’s premier commercial wineries and breweries also participate, making it possible for attendees to sample the best the county has to offer all in one place on one afternoon. Wineries interested in participating may call Connel Murray at (707) 277-7076, or email murrayjc@sbcglobal.net
Vendors of arts and crafts may contact Kerry Moore at (707) 569-6880 or email
matmoor1741@hotmail.com for information or advance reservations. Food vendors wishing to participate in the event should call David Velasquez at (651)238-2833 or djvelasquez@citilink.net.
Finally, amateur wine makers who want to enter their wines for professional judging, and also pour sample tastes for visitors can call Doug Moore at (707) 569-6880, matmor1741@hotmail.com or Jim Perry, jjlkport@digitalpath.net, or (707) 279-2199. Wines may be reds and whites, blends and dessert and aperitifs. There is no cost to amateur wine and beer makers for sampling their products, although modest fees are charged for judging. Wines submitted from any place on the globe will be welcome, although most traditionally come from Northern California.
One of the most popular features of the Festival is the Peoples’ Choice ribbons awarded by the votes of those attending the event. Although both the Winefest and the car club displays are free and open to the public, individuals wishing to taste the beverages — both home-made and commercial — must purchase a ticket. These are $25 at the gate or $20 advance purchase.
A list of advance purchase outlets will be published well in advance of the event.
