LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Winery Association (LCWA) has scheduled the dates for the 2016 Lake County Wine Adventure for May 20, 21 and 22.
A red and white theme for the event will build on the region’s reputation for Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
“We had a lot of discussion before changing the date from the last weekend in July to the third weekend in May for 2015,” said association Director Terry Dereniuk. “In the end, the prospect of cooler weather and Lake County’s beautiful spring scenery won out and the event was a huge success. We will be fleshing out our plans over the summer or the 2016 celebration to be ready for ticket sales during the Give the Gift of Wine holiday open house in December.”
Attendance at the 2015 Wine Adventure eclipsed the prior year, bringing out over 1,300 people to enjoy the fun.
This year, the Castle Speakeasy was added to the weekend. The gala evening featured wines poured by more than a dozen Lake County wineries at the Marymount Castle.
Twenty-six wineries opened their doors to welcome passport holders on Saturday and Sunday with themed events, wine and food pairings, barrel tastings, music, and more.
This year’s passport attendees got a chance to vote in the “Best” winery contest during the 2015 Wine Adventure.
This contest was started in 2014 as a way to promote great hospitality and recognize the hard work that goes into making Wine Adventure a success.
Wine Adventure participants get to vote for their favorite winery in three categories: best food and wine; best hospitality; best overall experience.
Attendee comments like “the owner met us at the front entrance” and “super friendly” proved that the efforts were worth the work and appreciated.
Cache Creek Vineyards took first place in all three categories with their Reggae and Rosé theme.
Guests were invited to taste Cache Creek’s Gold Medal Rosé paired with Jamaican jerk chicken and grilled pineapple. The Street Urchinz Band took the stage on Saturday, proving that “This is da’ place to be.”
“I was so excited to receive the news. I'm so glad that we provided tourist and residents an amazing experience,” said Cache Creek Event and Marketing Coordinator Ari Lopez.
Second place honors went to the team at Six Sigma Ranch with a fiesta theme and mustache necklaces.
Chef Mark Linback created the menu with ceviche, chile verde, and albondigas meatballs made with meat from Six Sigma Ranch and of course plenty of chips and salsa. Music by Austin and Owens Flamenco guitarists added to the fiesta vibe.
Third place honors for 2015 were shared by several wineries. Best food and wine went to Gregory Graham. Fults Family won the best hospitality vote. The best overall experience vote resulted in a three-way tie between Brassfield Estate, Gregory Graham and Wildhurst Vineyards.
Upcoming events for LCWA include the 2015 People’s Choice Wine Tasting and Concert at Moore Family Winery on July 25.
The association will also have a wine by the glass booth at the Pear Festival offering visitors a chance to sample Lake County wines.
The Give the Gift of Wine holiday open house will be held the first weekend in December, offering shoppers a chance to pick up wine and other gifts for the holidays.
For more information, visit www.lakecountywineries.org .
LCWA works to promote the wines of Lake County’s high elevation region. Membership is open to wineries, winegrape growers, and individuals or businesses interested in promoting the Lake County wine industry.
For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship, or membership opportunities, call 707-357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .
Dates for 2016 Lake County Wine Adventure and winners of 'best' winery contest announced
- Lake County News reports
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