UPPER LAKE— Lake County Wine Studio (LCWS) is hosting a wine release party and artist show reception with Kaitlyn Wright and Valerie McDermott of Cache Creek Vineyards, and artist Raphael Tapia on Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 4 to 7 p.m.
The $15 ($12.50/per person for Studio club members) wine sampler featuring appetizers by Fresh & Bangin’, will showcase Cache Creek Vineyards 2016 Celebration Cuvée Blanc de Blanc Sparkling wine paired with goat cheese and pear on mixed greens with blueberry vinaigrette, 2015 Chardonnay with chicken salad and celery, currants and shaved almonds, 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon with skewered pork belly with a spicy honey glaze, and the 2012 Petite Sirah with a chicken apple sausage skewer with raspberry mustard.
The artist for April is Raphael Tapia. Tapia has lived and worked in Lake County since 1992. He is probably most recognized from his work at local wineries and tasting rooms, currently at Wildhurst Vineyards.
Photography is relaxation to Tapia, and he often spends hours after work staking out the perfect location to catch that “perfect shot.” His keen eye reflects the things he is passionate about; his work in the wine industry and his love of the natural world.
Part of a 590-acre parcel owned by the Van Pelt family, Cache Creek Vineyards is a 74-acre sustainably farmed vineyard that is nestled between the mountainous terrain and the north fork of Cache Creek, which flows through the property. The grape varietals planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Cache Creek Vineyards experiences average summer daytime temperatures between 90-95 degrees. In the evening, the cooling breezes from nearby Clear Lake can reduce the temperature to 55-60 degrees. This 35 degree swing helps preserve the desired acidity to produce premium quality wines. The surrounding mountainous terrain and Cache Creek also contribute to the microclimate. The vineyard’s ground is composed of old alluvial soil, which is a combination of clay, silt, and sand with rocky gravel underneath, which allows for excellent drainage during the rainy winter months. The soil is also rich with micro minerals, like magnesium, but lean in other more growth-promoting material, so the vines are stressed during the growing season. Stressed vines have to work harder and the resulting grapes produce wines that are elegant and more refined in style.
The property also serves as a sanctuary for the Tule Elk herd that lives in and around the Cache Creek Vineyards. The Van Pelts planted a variety of grasses and created several ponds from winter rainfall to provide water sources for waterfowl, otters, beaver, wild turkeys, deer. They also planted a variety of grasses, establishing habitat that feeds the resident wildlife and attracts beneficial insect predators that help protect the grapevines. Owl boxes placed throughout the vineyard provide a natural method of gopher control. All these sustainable practices are healthy for the wildlife that call the property home and are equally beneficial for the vineyards and the grapes.
2003 was the first vintage Cache Creek Vineyards sold grapes to wineries in Napa and Lake County, and the response to the fruit was excellent. In 2004, Bill Van Pelt passed away. His son Don, who was managing the vineyard and property for the family, wanted to acknowledge Bill’s legacy. With vineyards producing exquisite grapes, Don, with the support of the Van Pelt family, decided to create a winery that honored their father and his dream of the Tule Elk sanctuary. Today Don, his wife Margie, and their daughter Kaitlyn Wright manage the day-to-day operations of the winery. The grapes used in Cache Creek wines are 100% estate grown. An image of a Tule Elk adorns every bottle of their wine. Bill Van Pelt’s vision, love for the property, and his bond with the Tule Elk live on through the winery, the vineyards, and his family.
Lake County Wine Studio is a gallery for display of arts and a tasting room, wine bar and retail shop for the fine wines of Lake County. The gallery is located at 9505 Main Street in Upper Lake. It is open Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m., Friday from 1 to 8 p.m., and by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Tapia art show will be on display for the full month of April. For more information call Lake County Wine Studio at (707) 275-8030 or (707) 293-8752.
