- Connel Murray
- Posted On
Festival seeks home wine and beer makers
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Organizers of the annual Lake County Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival are seeking entrants for this year’s event.
The festival will take place at Lakeport’s Library Park from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27.
Children and leashed pets are welcome although beverage tastings are restricted to those 21 years and older.
Home brewers and wine makers from across Northern California are urged to share tastes of their best efforts with an admiring public, along with winning recognition from a panel of professional judges.
The Winefest, as it’s called, is now in its 13th year and is the major fundraiser for the Lake County Symphony and Youth Orchestras, as well as providing music teaching for many local young people.
During the festival music is provided by a variety of sources including the popular David Neft and acoustic classical guitarist Travis Rinker.
Those interested in entering their beverages for professional judging will be charged a fee of $7 per 750 milliliter bottle, applicable to most of the popular varietals, including dessert wines.
Samples need to arrive at the festival before 9 a.m. on the date of the event. The judges' stand will be at the Lake County Yacht Club, located just to the left of the boat ramp when entering Library Park.
Home brewers should contact Michael Shoemaker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for entry information and registration of their beer and ale entries.
There are no fees for the amateurs although they are urged to provide a canopy or other sunshade and lawn furniture for both themselves and their guests. Water for rinsing glasses and perhaps a selection of crackers for palate cleansing might also be a good idea.
In addition to the amateurs, many of Lake County’s leading commercial wineries and breweries also will be on hand, pouring tastes for the public who pay just $20 per advance sale ticket, or $25 at the gate, which includes a commemorative wine glass necessary for tasting, as well as ballots for voting in the popular People’s Choice awards.
Advance ticket outlets are available at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 875 Lakeshore Blvd., and Watershed Books, 305 N. Main St., both in Lakeport.
Tickets also are available at the tasting rooms of most of the county’s leading commercial wineries including Cache Creek, 14572 E. Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks; Six Sigma, 13372 Spruce Grove Road, Lower Lake; Don Angel, 165 N. Main St., Lakeport; Steele Wines, 3350 Thomas Drive, Finley; and Laujor Winery, 8664 Seigler Springs Road near Kit’s Corner, Kelseyville.
Other Kelseyville locations are Rosa D’Oro, 3915 Main St., and Wildhurst Wines, 3855 Main St.
Food and arts and crafts vendors also will be featured, along with a silent auction and raffles.
All participants should contact Ed Bublitz at 707-277-7076, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , for space reservations or Charlie Schley at 707-279-2997, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , for wine entries.
Check the festival’s Web site at www.lakecountyhomewinemakers.com for additional information.