LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County’s annual Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival, briefly sidelined last year by an adverse ruling by the State, is back in business again.  

According to Ed Bublitz, co-president of the Lake County Symphony Association – sponsors of the “Winefest” as it’s called – the event will take place on Saturday, June 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Lakeport’s Library Park.

Home winemakers and home brewers from anywhere and everywhere are invited to pour tastes for attendees who will then rate them for the “Peoples Choice” ribbons.

Those who enter their amateur efforts for judging by a panel of professionals are also eligible for awards in a wide range of different wines and brews.  A nominal fee is charged for judging,

Last year’s legal challenge resulted in amateurs being barred from the festival, but the slack was taken up by many of Lake County’s leading commercial wineries who stepped in to save the day for the Winefest, which was in its 11th year as the major fundraiser for the symphony association.  

Many of the commercial wineries will be back again this year in support of the group’s activities on behalf of music for young people, as well as the symphony.

Breakout music groups from the symphony and Lake County Youth Orchestra will entertain visitors to the Winefest, along with the “David Neft Duo,” consisting of popular local keyboardist David Neft and drummer Steve DuBois. There will also be a major silent auction and raffle.

Along with the chance to taste the best adult beverages made by both amateurs and professionals, attendees will be greeted by a large display of the works of artists and crafts- people from throughout the region.

Home winemakers interested in entering the Winefest are urged to contact Ed Bublitz at 707-277-8172 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . He is also the contact for all vendors wishing to participate.  
Home brewers may contact Scott Simkover at 707-279-2762 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Admission to the Winefest remains at $20 per person advance ticket price or $25 at the gate.  

Others are invited to visit the site without charge, although only those of legal age and wearing the wrist-band issued at the gate, will be allowed to taste the beverage offerings .

A list of sites offering advance ticket sales to the event will be published well in advance, Bublitz said.