LAKE COUNTY – Organizers of the annual Lake County Home Wine Makers and Home Brewers Festival, taking place on June 26 in Lakeport, have extended the deadline for persons interested in submitting their products for judging.

The new cutoff date for entries is Friday, June 18.

Participants will have their wines, beers and ales judged by not only panels of experts, but also members of the public attending the event.

This year's festival will take place at Lakeport's Library Park between the hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

It is sponsored as a fundraiser by nonprofit Clear Lake Performing Arts, Lake County's fine music support group.

Information on the Winefest – now in its eighth year – may be obtained at www.homewinemakersfestival.com.

Wines will be judged in a broad variety of reds, whites and pinks.

Those interested in submitting their wines for judging and for sampling to the public may contact Connel Murray at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-277-7076. Home brewers should contact Scott Simkover at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-279-2762.

Discounted advance ticket sales were introduced June 7 at most Lake County wineries as well as many retail and civic outlets including both the Lakeport and Clearlake Chambers of Commerce and members of the Lakeport Main Street Association.

An addition to the list is the Kitchen Gallery, now in a new location at 341 N. Main St. in Lakeport.

Advance tickets are $15, while those purchased the day of the event are $20.