LAKE COUNTY – Six Lake County wineries spent a sunny afternoon pouring their fine wines on the Vallejo waterfront on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The afternoon event drew scores of people to the grassy area next to the ferry building with kite-flying, arts and crafts, barbecue, chocolatiers, music, tai chi, yoga and more.

“This was a wonderful event with wine, food, activities, and artisan crafters. It gave us a chance to showcase Lake County wines and introduce the Lake County wine region to people in the Vallejo area,” said Lake County Winery Association Director Terry Dereniuk.

U. S. Rep. Mike Thompson and his wife stopped to take in the event along with Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis and many members of city government.

Vallejo resident Frank Malifrando, brought the event together in just six weeks with help from Mayor Davis and Congressman Thompson.

“Frank was wonderful to work with on this event. Through his efforts, the Lake County wine region enjoyed exposure with ads on the SolTrans bus system, the electronic bill board just off Highway 80, and many other outlets in the area,” said Dereniuk.

Lake County wineries pouring their wines included Rosa d’Oro, Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill, Olof Cellars, Langtry Estate and Vineyards, Art and Farm Wines and Moore Family Winery.

Dereniuk, Lu Baird, and local author Gaye Allen were on hand to pour a flight of Sauvignon Blanc with wines from Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, Wildhurst Vineyards, Steele Wines and Vigilance Winery in a sensory pouring.

Allen, who has just published a book titled “Lake County Wine Guide,” said, “People really enjoyed comparing the four different Sauvignon Blanc wines side by side. Terry's idea to bring some fruits and other examples of typical flavor characteristics for people to smell worked especially well. We received a really warm reception from the people of Vallejo who showed a great interest in Lake County’s location as well as its wines. Many asked if we were coming back next week.”

“People were thrilled to have a beautiful wineglass (instead of plastic) to take home after tasting our amazing wines,” said Baird, a Lake County Winery Association member and supporter. “Several dozen attendees returned to the ticket table to purchase additional tasting tickets and commented on how impressed they were with our product. Some already knew about Lake County; and many said, ‘Now I’ll have to take a trip to visit your wineries.' Attendees were also given a postcard with special offers from participating wineries. I was so pleased to be able to showcase our beautiful county.”

For Robin and Steve Moore, pouring in Vallejo was a trip home.

“It's beautiful down here,” said Steve Moore as patrons lined up to taste their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. “Not many cities have this. I think they should push this waterfront.”

Gigi Stahl, Konocti Trails Coordinator for the county of Lake, brought information and displays about the outdoor activities that Lake County offers.

She made a special presentation to Congressman Thompson, giving him with a camp stool as a small token of appreciation for his continued support of Lake County’s trails.

Upcoming events for Lake County Winery Association and Lake County wineries include a booth at the Kelseyville Pear Festival where Lake County wines by the glass will be available and the annual Christmas in the Country the first weekend in December.

The Lake County Winery Association works to promote the wines of Lake County’s high elevation region. Membership is open to wineries, winegrape growers, and individuals or businesses interested in promoting the Lake County wine industry.

For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship or membership opportunities, call 707 357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .