LAKE COUNTY >> It is a little-known fact, but the annual Winefest actually starts in September or October, when members of the Symphony Wine Club get together to pick grapes that are donated by many of the leading wine grape growers in Lake County.
“There are so many that have helped us over the years and continue to help us, there are really too many to mention,” said Connel Murray, founder of the Wine Club. “I think the growers like helping our group because they know it’s for a good cause. Sometimes they just turn us loose in part of the vineyard; sometimes they give us areas to pick where the picking machines can’t get to. We are happy for anything we get. It has worked out very well since we started the club nearly 20 years ago.”
“This past year was a particularly good year for us,” said Doug Moore, current club president. “We harvested 800 pounds of Syrah grapes on one outing and about 1500 pounds in two previous outings at other vineyards.” Club members typically pick for several hours—often in the hot sun—then transport the grapes to the club’s processing center (The Barn), where the grapes are crushed, fermented and prepared for bottling.
Members do it all out of love for the Lake County Symphony.
“It was Conn Murray who came up with the wine club idea,” said Ed Bublitz, this year’s Winefest Czar. “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. It not only supports our very talented Symphony, but provides funds for youth music programs and scholarships. We want everyone in Lake County to come to the Winefest at Library Park this Saturday. It will be a lot of fun and it’s for a great cause.”
For more information, go to www.homewinemakersfestival.com. Admission to The Winefest, from noon to 5 p.m. on June 16, is $25 per person with advance purchase or $30 at the gate. For advance tickets, several outlets are listed on the webpage as well as the link to Eventbrite. Each ticket includes a commemorative wine glass.
