LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Visitors from across the United States – as well as some from across “the pond” in the United Kingdom and from throughout California – joined local wine enthusiasts in the eighth-annual Lake County Wine Adventure held Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29, in the high-elevation terroir of Lake County.
“Wines with 'altitude' – I get it now!” exclaimed two event-goers from Rancho Cordova as they sampled the wines at Laujor Estate in the Red Hills AVA on the northeastern flank of the Mayacamas.
With expansive views of Mount Konocti, Clear Lake and to the Coastal Range mountains beyond, the visitors, who began their adventure at Laujor Estate, said they were excited to taste – and explore – more of what the Lake County Wine Adventure (LCWA) had to offer.
Only two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento Valley, many wine tourists on the LCWA were stunned by the natural beauty of Lake County – the vast open spaces, mountain peaks surrounding the largest natural lake within California – and very appreciative of the quality wines available to sample at the welcoming tasting rooms and wineries.
“We just left a magnificent estate in the middle of nowhere,” said a group from Glen Ellen who had come from Brassfield Estate Winery and were now sampling at Noggle Vineyards & Winery, “and have arrived at what looks to be a winery in a garage! We love it!” they said with smiles and nods of agreement all-around. “It's like we're in on your secret; but we're telling on you!”
Several event-goers noted appreciatively that most of the wineries had excellent food and wine pairings.
“It really helps me buy a wine – and become a fan of that winery – when I can easily pair foods that I like with wines that I like, but I need some assistance. I'm not a chef or sommelier,” said a visitor from Oakland. “Some of the pairings today were out of this world – and most were paired with food and ingredients that I will actually use. I really enjoy that because I know I can do it too and absolutely 'wow' my friends back home!”
“This is brilliant!” said a visitor from the UK who was staying with family in San Francisco that had come up for the event. “Certainly not like wine tasting at home!”
“I've been to a former stage coach stop, a winery atop a mountain where all I could see were the vineyards and trees, one that grew their own olives and made olive oil and soaps, one on the lake shore that still smelled of lavender that had recently been harvested, and two that had outdoor clay ovens. And at every one – I've enjoyed great wine. We've tasted from almost 20 wineries in two days – they should make this a three-day event so we could get to them all!”
Hosted by the members of the Lake County Winery Association, with major sponsorship from Calpine Corporation and Twin Pine Casino & Hotel. Other sponsors included Robert A. Boccabella – Business Design Services, Dan Camache, The Ice Water Co., David Lucido – First American Title Co., Lake County AODS, Clearlake Police Department and the numerous local businesses that provided outstanding prizes for the 2012 Wine Adventure raffle.
“No, no – I'm going to win that prize,” was overheard time and again as the nearly 2,000 LCWA participants perused the extensive list of prizes available.
One local resident was explaining to visitors the merits of each of the prizes as they were cued up in line to buy their tickets for the event at the Lake County Wine Studio.
In this passport-style event, event-goers left their “passports” at their final destination to be entered into a drawing for numerous prizes that included a variety of Lake County “stay and play” packages valued at $500 or more each featuring overnight accommodations, dining, and a wide range of recreational activities to enjoy.
The grand prize, an “Instant Cellar” showcasing an assortment of wines from the participating Lake County Wine Adventure wineries, was much-talked about and is valued at $1,200.
Drawing for the prizes took place during the week of Aug. 6. Notification of winners was to follow shortly thereafter.
“What a fun event! I'm so happy to be in warm and sunny weather, in a beautiful place, tasting great wines with friendly and nice people. I'll be back,” said a resident of Mill Valley.
The 2012 LCWA event was chaired by Cheryl Lucido of Laujor Estate and co-chaired by Pam Prisco of Steele Wines.
It is hosted by the wineries of the Lake County Winery Association. Special thanks to Susan Feiler, proprietor of the Lake County Wine Studio for her assistance with the LCWA raffle.