UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Wine Studio is hosting a wine release party and artist show reception with Adam Forni of Dancing Crow Vineyards and local artist Jack Ballance on Friday, Feb. 1, from 5 t 8 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m.

The $15 ($12.50/pp for studio club members) wine sampler and appetizers by the Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant will feature fried green beans and chipotle aioli paired with the Dancing Crow Vineyards 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, smoked trout dip with house made cracker paired with the 2017 Zinfandel, meatball drizzled with honey sauce paired with the 2016 Volcano Ridge Cuvée, and Elk/Wagyu beef bites paired with the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.

When Jack Ballance chose art as his calling, he decided that the Academy of Art in San Francisco offered what he needed, and he signed up for part-time classes in drawing, life class, and composition.

He later enrolled in the home study program, the Famous Artist’s Course, which provided the technical training necessary in doing professional work.

Ballance found that there were many commercial opportunities in San Francisco for young artists. Photo retouching, spot illustration, composition, specifying type, and so forth were learned while employed by Macy’s advertising department, Customaire Products, and Richardson’s Studio. His goal however, was easel painting.

Little by little, Ballance learned how to paint in oils, and one momentous day armed with seven representative paintings, he headed for Carmel by the Sea, the home of dozens of fine art galleries.

As naiveté was subdued by strong determination, he approached the Zantman Gallery, one of Carmel’s best. Mr. Zantman quietly studied Ballance’s work. Almost a half hour went by without a word. Finally, Zantman spoke. In a clear, soft voice he said, “Well, don’t give up your day job yet, Jack, but I’ll take these three pieces" pointing to the best in the group. And with that, Ballance’s career had begun!

In addition to his representation in Carmel, his art has also been in galleries in Palm Springs, Calistoga and Kelseyville, and in Hood River, Bend and Portland, Oregon. Ballance has taught oil painting in Hood River, and more recently in Kelseyville.

Dancing Crow’s Sauvignon Blanc vineyard is at the northwestern base of Mount Konocti, in close proximity to Clear Lake. The midday heat of summer is tempered daily by cool afternoon breezes brought in by the lake and the 1,400-foot elevation, creating a unique microclimate which allows for a true expression of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal without excessive alcohol levels.

The soil is a rich, black “Diablo clay” that cracks in the summer, restricting root extension and decreasing vigor, yet still retaining water.

This unique terroir, in addition to sustainable farming practices results in a complex flavor profile, showcasing floral aromas complimented by citrus, green apple and stone fruit flavors. Dancing Crow recently acquired their Zinfandel vineyard, which is located in the Kelsey Bench AVA where vineyards are planted up to 1,600 feet.

The higher elevations and Lake County’s pure air allow for greater levels of UV light, as much as 10 percent more than neighboring sea level valleys. This UV intensity triggers thicker skins, greater tannins, and intense wines with high phenolic content. The soil is rich, red volcanic and well-drained.

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.

Artists’ shows are held on a monthly basis with art and wine receptions held the first Friday and subsequent Saturday of each month.

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.

The Ballance art show will be on display for the month of February.

For more information call Lake County Wine Studio at 707-275-8030 or 707-293-8752.