The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Library Park, 225 Park St., in downtown Lakeport.
Sponsored by the Clear Lake Performing Arts, the event is a benefit for Lake County symphony and music programs and the purchase of a commemorative glass will allow event goers to taste any or all of the wines from the amateur winemakers and brews from the amateur brew makers.
In the morning before the festival begins, a professional judging panel will choose winners in several categories. Craig Renaud, one of the top wine brokers in California, wine critic, and author of “Great American Wine: The Wine Rebel's Manual,” has provided signed copies of his book to sell at the event. The proceeds will benefit the Clear Lake Performing Arts.
During the festival, guests vote on their favorite wines, brews, and other categories, and People’s Choice awards will be presented at the end of the day.
Local commercial wineries, including Rosa d’Oro Vineyards, Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery, Tulip Hill Winery & Vineyards, Moore Family Vineyard, and the Robledo Family Winery & Vineyards will be present to support the event, and some will even pour their wines for tasting.
In addition to wine, several home-brewed beers also will be available for sampling. Local purveyors will be selling food during the festival, including Basq Barbeque, Main Street Pizza, Lulu’s Ice Cream, and St. Peter’s Catholic Church serving Mexican food and more.
A silent auction will take place during the festival with many donated items – including a timeshare stay in Hawaii, some overnight stays, wines from commercial wineries in attendance, and wine-related items. The David Neft Duo will perform during the festival. The sounds of the day will include light jazz, bluegrass, folk, and similar genres.
The Home Winemakers Festival is sponsored by Clear Lake Performing Arts. For more information on the Lake County Home Winemakers Festival or to register as an amateur winemaker, contact Conn Murray, 707-277-7076.
Tickets may be purchased in advance for $15 from Catfish Books, 1013 11th St. in Lakeport; the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 875 Lakeport Boulevard, Lakeport; Clearlake Chamber of Commerce, 3425 Bowers Ave., Clearlake; Watershed Books, 305 N. Main St., Lakeport; Lake County Wine Studio, 9505 Main St., Upper Lake; Shari’s Secret Garden, 240 N. Main St., Lakeport; and most all Lake County wineries. Tickets will be $20 on the day of the event.
Lake County is part of the North Coast AVA, which also encompasses Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties. Within Lake County, five other AVAs exist – Clear Lake AVA, Benmore Valley AVA, Guenoc AVA, and the recently approved Red Hills AVA and High Valley AVA.
For visitor information, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com.
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