LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County Home Wine & Beer Makers’ Festival on Saturday, June 18, proved to be a great event, according to organizers.

For the annual “Winefest,” the 2016 event may have been the most successful in its 15-year history, according to Charlie Schley, president of the Lake County Symphony Association, which sponsors the event as its main fundraiser.

“We still have some income and expense items to tally, but at first blush it looks like we’ll have more than $10,000 to contribute in part to the Lake County Symphony, which permits us to continue funding what is arguably one of the finest small-market symphonies in the state,” said Schley.

Schley credited the success to the efforts of Symphony Association members who spent weeks canvassing local businesses for donations to the silent auction and raffle which were important elements in its fundraising, and to the generosity of the many merchants who contributed.

He also saluted the many premium wineries and brewing companies who joined the amateurs in pouring tastes for the public, including Laujour, Rosa d'Oro, Wildhurst, Smiling Dogs and Don Angel wineries.

Special recognition also was given to Westamerica Bank and Kathy Fowler Chevrolet, who co-sponsored the event, and an honorary association membership was awarded to former Lakeport Mayor Martin Scheel who served as announcer and described the activities with accuracy and enthusiasm.

Event organizers also recognized the Lake County Wine Alliance and Umpqua Bank for their contribution to the LCSA Youth Orchestra.

Scheel also gave Mother Nature a salute for the event’s success. “The weather was perfect, and the Library Park venue was spectacular” he said. “People just didn’t want to leave.”

The best accolades, though, were reserved for the amateur winemakers and home brewers who presented the results of their labors to the visitors.

“I think every year has seen the quality of their beverages improve,” said one long-time attendee.

His view seems to have been supported by the panel of professional judges, who sipped and spit their way through dozens of entries.

The result included gold medals awarded to Zack Zoller for two of his wines, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Zinfandel.

Michelle Schultz of Winona Toffoli’s Finley-based Remembrance Group won gold for three entries, a Syrah, a Port and a wine in the “unique” category they called “Vin de Noix.”

Kelseyville’s Tom Harty won two golds, one for his Barbera and the other for a red blend, while other golds went to Jamie Celozzi for a Merlot and Connel Murray for a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Silver ribbons went to Murray for his Zinfandel and Barbera, to Doug Moore for a Sauvignon Blanc, and to Scott Knickmeyer for both a Syrah and a red blend, and Lucianol Coni for Syrah Port.

Harty won bronze for a Merlot and Meconi for a Syrah Port in the dessert wine category. Harty also took a bronze for his Syrah, as did Moore for his Merlot, while Murray again scored with his Sauvignon Blanc and a blend of red Italian wines.

Beers and ales were not judged by professionals, but rather by the public in the popular “Peoples’ Choice” awards.

Ribbons went to Mike Shoemaker, a member of the Malt Konocti Mashers homebrew group, for his entry in the pale ale category entitled “Raspberry Spring,” while Clint Cole took home an award for his plum and apple hard cider. In the dark beers category, Skip McFarling won for his “Trepidations.”

Home winemakers winning Peoples’ Choice awards were led by Doug Moore, who won in the white category for his Sauvignon Blanc and “The Remembrance Group” in the red wine category for their Syrah. Moore also won for his “Dream Maker’s” as the best wine label.

This year for the first time the Lake County Symphony Association shared the park with the Lakeport Camp 'n Shine chapter of the Norcal Aircooled Car club, giving attendees the chance to inspect some three dozen vintage vehicles while taking a break from their tastings it proved to be a benefit for both groups.