Wine and beer lovers from around the county and beyond will make their yearly visit to Library Park in Lakeport between noon and 5 p.m. on Saturday to taste a variety of adult beverages in the 17th annual Lake County Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival. It is sponsored as a major fund-raiser by the Lake County Symphony Association with all proceeds going to support the Lake County Symphony and Youth Orchestras.
Admission to the event is $25 for adults, or $20 for advance purchase, which can be made at the Chamber of Commerce, or most of the commercial winery tasting rooms. Many of the local commercial wineries also pour samples at the Winefest, although they are not eligible for the Peoples’ Choice ribbons awarded to the amateurs. Home wine makers may also enter their wines for judging by a panel of experts, who will issue awards in a wide range of categories covering red, white and dessert wines. Entries are charged seven dollars for each varietal submitted.
There will be many vendors of foods and wine-related products and services on hand, and once again the Lakeport chapter of the Norcal Air-cooled Group Camp ‘n Shine car club will display more than two dozen of their collectible vehicles.
Tasting of adult beverages are restricted to adults who are given identifying wrist bands along with their tickets. Others, including children, are invited to visit the vendors and the antique car show free of charge.
Leashed pets are also welcome.
