LAKE COUNTY – After considerable design review, the Lake County Winery Association has a new look to better reflect the organization; contemporary yet classy featuring Mt. Konocti, Clear Lake, and Lake County wine.

Simple yet stylish, this new logo will complement the Lake County Winegrape Commission logo and the County of Lake logo. It will appear in full, vibrant color, two-color, or black and white. Look forward to seeing the new LCWA logo on a variety of printed materials including the posters and postcards promoting the inaugural People's Choice Wine Awards judging and tasting to be held on Oct. 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Six Sigma Ranch & Winery.

Tickets are $25 each for an afternoon of fun, food, and wine. Event goers will have the opportunity to taste and judge over 50 award-winning Lake County wines while enjoying the scenery at the 4,300 acre Six Sigma ranch. We encourage designated drivers and continue to promote responsible hospitality.

In a collaborative effort with the Lake County Marketing & Economic Development Program, LCWA also is implementing a winery and tasting room signage system that will enable visitors to more easily find their way throughout the Lake County wine region.

These types of winery directional signs are relatively common in other major wine regions throughout California and beyond. After consulting with several wine industry groups in other counties, we now have a project ready to implement.

As most of these signs will be placed at intersections of key travel routes, representatives of CalTrans have been consulted. Additionally, the Lake County Board of Supervisors has been informed of this project and, on Jan. 22, 2008, signed Resolution No. 2008-16 in support of the Directional “Way Finding” Signage Program.

Next steps include constructing and producing the signs and obtain authorization from property owners to install them at key locations throughout the county.

LCWS hopes for the continued support from the community on this project as it is important to the wineries and tasting rooms of Lake County, as well as to the County’s tourism program and economic health.

More information on the Lake County Directional "Way Finding" sign will be released in the near future.

Tickets for the People's Choice Wine Awards tasting and judging on Oct. 3, can be purchased online or at the following Lake County wineries: Gregory Graham Wines, Langtry Estates & Vineyards, Rosa D'Oro Vineyards, Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery, Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, Steele Wines, Tulip Hill Winery and Wildhurst Vineyards.

In Middletown tickets also are available at the Middletown Florist located in the shopping center at the corner of Highway 29 and Wardlaw Street. Call 707-355-2762 or www.lakecountywineries.org for more information.

Founded in 2007, the Lake County Winery Association (LCWA) works closely with the county of Lake and the Lake County Winegrape Commission, as well as other county businesses and organizations, to increase Lake County tourism by promoting our award-winning, breathtaking, and still relatively undiscovered, wine region.

One of the newest destinations for those looking to enjoy fine wines in a relaxed, down-to-earth, rural and breathtaking environment, this award-winning, yet unspoiled, and relatively undiscovered wine region is located just two hours by car from the San Francisco Bay area or the Pacific Coast. It surrounds Clear Lake, California’s largest natural freshwater lake, and sits at the foot of Mt. Konocti, a dormant, multiple volcano that forms a prominent and majestic landmark almost centered in Lake County. Mt. Konocti is responsible for crafting a wide range of elevations suitable for growing a wide selection of varietals.

Here in Lake County, it is the combination of the high elevation, rugged lands; the gentle slopping, rolling hillsides; the expansive fertile valley floor; and the spectacular and picturesque lake and lakeshore that provide the origin of Lake County’s highly acclaimed wines. The winery association invites visitors and residents alike to explore Lake County vineyards and Lake County wineries.