CLEARLAKE OAKS >> Lake County wine professionals gathered in mid-June at Gregory Graham Wines in the Red Hills to blind test 91 Lake County wines, submitted by local wineries. The goal of the tasting was to choose the top Lake County wines to compete in the people’s choice competition of Red, White & Blues being hosted by the Lake County Winery Association (LCWA), and being held at Brassfield Estate Winery in Clearlake Oaks on Saturday, July 1.
Red, White & Blues is a new twist on an old favorite,” said LCWA Chairperson, Raven Sprague of Steele Wines. “The people’s choice blind-tasting is being inserted in a 4th of July weekend holiday event, complete with a barbecue provided by Rosey Cooks, and music provided by Blues Farm. We’re hoping to capture some of the out-of-town holiday visitors to increase the exposure of Lake County wines.”
Guests at the event have the opportunity to blind taste 35 Lake County wines in 11 categories, from bold reds to port to rosé, and vote for their favorite wine in each category.
Wines from the following eighteen wineries have been included in the competition:
Beaver Creek Vineyards
Boatique Winery
Brassfield Estate Winery
Cache Creek Vineyards
Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill
Fore Family Vineyards
Fults Family Vineyards
Gregory Graham Wines
Kaz Winery
Mt. Konocti Winery
Olof Cellars
R Vineyards
Rosa D’Oro Vineyards
Shannon Ridge Family of Wines
Six Sigma Ranch & Winery
Smiling Dogs Ranch
Steele Wines
Wildhurst Vineyards
“There are going to be a lot of great wines to taste,” said Amanda Bolla of Brassfield Estate Winery and an LCWA Board Member. “We suggest to always taste from whites to reds. Trying to pick out fruit flavors in Sauvignon Blanc after trying a bunch of full-bodied reds is nearly impossible.”
Guest can expect up to 1-ounce pours of each wine.
“We do ask our guests to taste responsibly and to use the dump buckets provided, stay hydrated, but most importantly to have fun while learning about all the amazing wines Lake County has to offer,” added Bolla.
Tickets to Red, White & Blues are $60 ($25 for food only).
Red, White & Blues tickets can be purchased at www.LakeCountyWineries.org . Please check the website for a schedule of the day’s event, and find out more information about Lake County wines on the Lake County Winery Association Facebook page.
The Lake County Winery Association is a non-profit organization committed to promoting the Lake County wine region as a producer of premium, high elevation wines, and a relaxing travel destination.
