Home Wine and Beer Makers’ Festival returns after two-year hiatus
- Deb Fredrickson
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — After missing two years due to the pandemic, the Lake County Home Wine and Beer Makers’ Festival is back.
This family-friendly event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, at Library Park in Lakeport.
Now in its 20th year, the winefest has become a fixture in Lake County. It was originally started by the late Connel Murray and other amateur winemakers who were members of the Lake County Symphony Association to help raise needed funds for the symphony.
This year, John Parkinson, the conductor of the symphony, will again be manning the symphony’s booth.
The WineFest was expanded over the years to include amateur and commercial beer makers — a welcome addition that has included participants such as the Konocti Mashers and the O’Meara Bros. Brewing Co.
For nearly two decades, home winemakers and brewers from all over Northern California have come to Lake County to pour samples for the public.
Home winemakers have the chance to enter their products before the event for judging by experts. All participants are eligible for the gold, silver and bronze ribbons which are awarded for a wide range of varietals and brews.
All have a chance to win the popular “Peoples’ Choice” awards voted on by attendees, with results announced during the festival. Several Lake County commercial wineries, including Rose d’Oro and Smiling Dogs, will be represented at the WineFest to show support for the LCSA, but they are not eligible for prizes; these only go to the amateurs.
There is more to the WineFest than just wine and beer, though. As in past years, there will be numerous vendors offering original arts and crafts, clothing, and agricultural products.
Attendees to this year’s event can also expect a variety of delicious food choices, including tri-tip sandwiches from our local Knights of Columbus and the always-popular Villa’s Snow Cones. Tres Bien Creamery, the Noodle Bowl and I Love BLT’s (AKA Badass BLT’s) are also planning to be there.
Music will come from a variety of sources, including the ever-popular David Neft Duo, featuring David Neft on keyboard and Steve Dubois on drums.
The silent auction is another key component of the WineFest, featuring a variety of gift items donated by local businesses and original artwork.
A US flag that was flown over our Capitol has been provided by Congressman Mike Thompson, along with a donation of wine and balsamic vinegar from his own small Lake County vineyard.
The popular “Barrel of Wine” raffle goes on all day long and gives the lucky winner approximately 36 bottles of assorted Lake County wines. The actual barrel used for the wines in the raffle will be available for bidders in the Silent Auction.
Advance tickets are $30, a discount of $5. They are available now at Watershed Books, Wine in the Willows, and the Chamber of Commerce.
For additional ticket information and other details, go to https://www.homewinemakersfestival.com.
Questions concerning the event can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Deb Fredrickson is a member of the Lake County Symphony Association.