LAKE COUNTY >> Lake County Wine Studio (LCWS) is hosting a wine tasting event featuring releases from Smiling Dogs Ranch and artist’s reception with paintings and books by Sunny Franson tonight, 5-8 p.m., and Saturday, 4-7 p.m. Winemaker Scott Simkover will be at both events to meet with guests. Musical guest during the Saturday reception is Jim Williams.
The $15 ($12 per person for studio club members) wine sampler with paired appetizers created by Rosey Cooks, will feature 2013 Sauvignon Blanc with Chèvre and green grape tapenade on crostini, 2013 Rosé of Zinfandel with chicken salad and fresh strawberry, 2013 Merlot with pork belly medallions and a blackberry / brussel slaw, and the 2013 Backyard Zinfandel with chocolate truffles with raspberry gastrique.
Franson lives on a small walnut acreage in Upper Lake. She began painting almost 17 years ago, finding the resulting joy and learning process immensely fulfilling. She now considers her time making art a top priority and is a member of Lake County Arts Council, Gualala Arts Council and Artists for Conservation.
As a wildlife biologist, Franson has an unlimited source of inspiration in the ecosystems of Lake County and all of nature beyond. Franson is an author and also plays instruments. Three of the books that she has published will be available for sale and signing during the receptions.
Named for the friendly, playful and loving Samoyeds who reside there (Sophie and Vino), Smiling Dogs Ranch Winery & Vineyard is a boutique operation located in Kelseyville. Winemaker, scientist and longtime supporter of the health and arts of Lake County, Simkover uses grapes grown in the Big Valley, Kelsey Bench and Red Hills American Viticulture Areas to make wines at his solar and wind powered winery.
Originally interested in beer, Simkover was a small batch brewer before becoming interested in making wine. After almost two decades combined in brewing his craft beer and fermenting wines, Simkover transitioned from being an award winning home winemaker to commercial winemaking in 2014. His commercial releases have already brought in medals and “Best of Class” awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and his current Rosé release received gold at an all-Rosé competition held at SIMI Winery in Sonoma.
LCWS is both a gallery for display of arts and a tasting room, wine bar and retail shop for the fine wines of Lake County. Artist’s shows are held on a monthly basis with art and wine receptions held the first Friday and subsequent Saturday of each month.
The gallery is located at 9505 Main St. in Upper Lake. It is open Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 1 to 8 p.m. The Franson art show will be on display for the full month of April. For more information call LCWS at (707) 275-8030.
