UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Lake County Wine Studio is hosting a wine release party and artist show reception with winemaker Scott Simkover of Smiling Dogs Ranch and artist Linda Becker from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 5, and 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6.
The $15 ($12.50/per person for studio club members) wine sampler featuring appetizers designer by Cache Creek Catering, will showcase Smiling Dogs 2016 Sauvignon Blanc paired with pink grapefruit and shrimp drizzled with Blood Orange olive oil and dusted with fresh cilantro, 2014 Barbera with roasted vegetable skewers, 2014 Sophie's Choice (red blend) with Monterey Jack cheese and white pepper on crostini with fennel pollen and parsley, and the 2014 BaryLot (red blend) with smoked bacon crumbles fingerling potatoes.
Named for the friendly, playful and loving Samoyeds who reside there (Sophie and Vino), Smiling Dogs Ranch Winery & Vineyard is a boutique operation located in Kelseyville.
Winemaker, scientist and longtime supporter of the health and arts of Lake County, Scott Simkover uses grapes grown in the Big Valley, Kelsey Bench and Red Hills AVA's to make wines at his solar and wind powered winery.
Originally interested in beer, Simkover was a small batch brewer before becoming a winemaker. After almost two decades combined in brewing his craft beer and fermenting wines, Simkover transitioned from being an award winning home winemaker to commercial winemaking in 2014.
His commercial releases have brought in medals and Best of Class awards at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition, and this year's winners include the Barbera and Sophie's Choice that will be featured at the May receptions.
Linda Becker, born Linda Bayhi in New Orleans, Louisiana of French and Hispanic heritage, moved to southern California in the late 1950s where she grew up and started a family. She raised four sons and has lived in Lake County since 1990.
Becker has always had a passion for life, people, children and animals. She was shy in school, but when it came to her art classes she felt right at home and knew her calling. She devoted her life to her children who always came first, and once they were grown, she found time again for herself.
With her passion for art rekindled, she decided to attend college taking computer and several art classes consisting of drawing and painting, learning perspective and composition and the balance of color. She has also received instruction for many years from local established artists.
Becker's paintings consist of still life, portraits and wildlife. She started out using pencil, charcoal and ink, then ventured into oils and pastels. She gives great attention to detail and strives for photo realism.
She has been a member of the Lake County Arts Council for over 20 years and has shown her work in the Main Street Gallery in Lakeport, California several times. She also participates in many art groups and competitions, mainly online.
Recently she placed fourth in the American Art Awards, which is juried by 25 American art galleries. She also received a Special Merit Award in the All Women Art Exhibition through the Art, Space and Time Online Art Gallery. For several years, she was a member of the American Academy of Women Artists being featured in Southwest Art Magazine.
Lake County Wine Studio is a gallery for display of arts and a tasting room, wine bar and retail shop for the fine wines of Lake County. Artist's shows are held on a monthly basis with art and wine receptions held the first Friday and subsequent Saturday of each month.
The Becker art show will be on display for the full month of May.
The gallery is located at 9505 Main St. in Upper Lake. It is open Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Friday from 1 to 8 p.m.
For more information call Lake County Wine Studio at 707-275-8030 or 707-293-8752.