LAKEPORT, Calif. – Summer Solstice Day – the first day of summer – has come and gone, but a familiar aspect of the season did not appear.
The Lake County Home Wine and Beer Maker’s Festival, which has played a major role in Solstice celebrations ever since its inception more than a dozen years ago, will be a week late in arriving.
Due to a scheduling conflict the Winefest, as it’s called, will take place on Saturday, June 27, at Lakeport’s Library Park between one and five pm.
The discrepancy caused some confusion among people who’d set their calendars to the June 21 date.
Ed Bublitz, co-president of the Lake County Symphony Association, which sponsors the event as its major fundraiser, said he’s fielded a number of calls from both participants and attendees checking on the correct date.
“Even the banner hanging across Main Street in Lakeport added to the confusion. Apparently the ‘seven’ on the sign looked like a ‘one’ to a lot of folks,” he said.
Amateurs wanting to enter their wines, beers and ales for public tastings and/or professional judging can contact Bublitz at 707-277-8172 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
There are no fees but entrants are expected to provide a canopy and sufficient folding tables and chairs to furnish their location.
Wines entered for judging are levied a fee of $7 per 750 milliliter bottle. These should be delivered to the judge’s stand by 9 a.m. It is located in the Lake County Yacht Club, to the right 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. . Vendors may call Ed Bublitz at the number above.
Since all proceeds go to support the Lake County Symphony and Youth Orchestras, and other music education programs, music will be a key part of the festival, with the duo of David Neft and Steve Dubois and acoustic guitarist Travis Rinker leading the way. There also will be appearances by local favorites the Konocti Fiddle Club.
In another first, Lakeport Mayor Martin Scheel has agreed to take on the job of master of ceremonies, introducing the events as they happen, including winners in the numerous homemade wine and beer categories as well as those of the raffles and auctions, which are a key part of the event.
Many of Lake County’s leading commercial wineries also will be on hand, pouring tastes for attendees.
Due in part to the large number of arts, crafts and other vendors, the Winefest has become a family affair, with kids and leashed pets welcome, though of course only adults 21 or older with appropriate wristbands are eligible for tasting the adult beverages.
The $20 entry fee includes a commemorative wine glass and ballots for the popular Peoples’ Choice awards voting.
Tickets are available at most Lake County winery tasting rooms, as well as the Lake County Chamber of Commerce in Lakeport and Watershed Books, 305 N. Main St., also in Lakeport.
Tickets at the gate are $25 per person.