Home wine makers and brewers have only through tomorrow, June 17, to sign up to show off their talents at this year’s Lake County Home Wine and Beer Makers’ Festival, taking place Saturday at Lakeport’s Library Park.
The Winefest — its abbreviated name — is now in its 15th year. It is sponsored as a major fundraiser by the Lake County Symphony Association, with all proceeds going to support the Lake County Symphony and Youth orchestras.
Amateur wine makers wishing to pour tastes of their beverages to attendees may call 569-6880 for a space reservation. There is no fee, but if they want any of their wines judged by a panel of professionals, there is a fee of $7 per bottle. Samples must be submitted to the judge’s station at the Lakeport Yacht Club, adjacent to the park, by 8:30 a.m. the day of the event. Home Brewers should call 279-1280 for both space reservations and also to learn how their beers and ales can be entered in the popular “Peoples’ Choice” awards.
This year for the first time the Winefest will share the park with the Lakeport Camp n’ Shine Chapter of the NorCal Air-cooled Group Car Club, with some three dozen vintage collectible cars on display from 8 until 5 p.m.
As always many of Lake County’s premium commercial wineries will be pouring tastes, and there will also be a major silent auction and the traditional ‘Barrel of Wine” raffle, as well as a host of vendors of arts, crafts and foods. There is no charge for entry to the event and children and leashed pets are welcome, but a fee is charged for those 21 and older wishing to taste the adult beverages.
Tasting tickets are $25 per person at the gate including a commemorative wine glass, or $20 advance purchase. Almost all local winery tasting rooms offer tickets for sale, as well as the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.
