Members of the Lake County Symphony Wine Club got together recently for a grape picking session, harvesting 800 pounds of syrah before transporting their bounty to the club’s processing center (“The Barn”) for crushing.
“This has been a particularly good year for us,” said Doug Moore, club president. “We also picked about 1,500 pounds in two previous outings at other vineyards this past month.”
After their arrival at The Barn, the grapes are crushed, fermented and prepared for bottling. Members do it all for the Lake County Symphony, which is the reason why the club was originally formed nearly 20 years ago. Love of wine is not mandatory, but members who participate in the work do get to keep some of the wine they make.
“It was Connel Murray who came up with the wine club idea,” said longtime member Ed Bublitz. “Conn was already making his own wine at home; after he got involved with the Lake County Symphony Association, he suggested we do a wine festival similar to a European street fair, as a way to raise funds. We think it has worked out pretty well, as it has been our main fundraiser for the symphony for the past 16 years. We are already planning next year’s Wine & Beer Fest for June 16 at Library Park in Lakeport.”
“New members are always welcome,” added Moore. “We want the club to keep growing and provide even more support for the symphony in Lake County. “
To learn more about home wine making or to become a member call 612-247-8207.
