LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – What’s the draw with blind tasting wine?

Seems like many people are fascinated by it if past Lake County People’s Choice events are any indication. Attendees flock to the blind tasting tables for a pour and then sniff, swirl, and taste like the experts.
 
The 2016 People’s Choice Wine Tasting sponsored by the Lake County Winery Association (LCWA) is coming up on Saturday, July 30, and will feature a blind tasting and an opportunity to taste wines that were awarded gold medals in the 2016 Lake County Wine Competition before voting for the People’s Choice in both categories.

The event will be held at Moore Family Winery, 11990 Bottle Rock Road, in Kelseyville.

Offering 360 degree views of Cobb Mountain and almost 3,000 feet in elevation, this is the coolest (F°) place in Lake County on a hot July day!
 
The fun will begin with blind tasting from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Moore Family Winery Tasting Room.

This year, it will focus on Lake County Sauvignon Blanc with wines from 13 producers.

Sauvignon Blanc is the second most widely grown varietal in Lake County and one that is synonymous with the region in many consumers’ minds.

Julie Hoskins from Chic le Chef will educate tasters on the art of preparing food pairings that compliment this varietal, and offer delectable bites during the blind tasting.
 
Fourteen wineries will be pouring a selection of their gold medal winners on the back patio. Lake County olive oil producers Rosa d’Oro, Villa Barone, and Sunset Ranch will offer samples and sales of their olive oils.

Music, food, and a chance to mug for the camera will add to the fun. Take home your I Voted button plus recipes and more. Results from the voting for the People’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc and the People’s Choice Gold Medal wine will be announced during the event.
 
Tickets for the People’s Choice can be purchased online at www.lakecountywineries.org/choice .

Tasting tickets are $40 advance purchase and $45 at the door. Designated driver tickets are $10 and will include all of the fun except the wine. A special “Save 20 percent - Buy a Pair of Tasting Tickets” is available as a ticket option through July 24.
 
The Lake County Wine Awards Competition was started in 2009 as the exclusive competition for wines made with Lake County winegrapes and labeled with a Lake County appellation. During the first and second year, the competition was fashioned as a People’s Choice Wine Awards competition. The public was invited to blind taste the wines and select the winners.
 
In 2011, the Competition evolved into a professional wine-judging competition with a panel of wine judges. The 2016 Competition was held in June at Langtry Estates. Judges tasted over 125 wines, and awarded six wines with the coveted sweepstakes awards plus 16 best of class, and a total of 97 gold, silver, and bronze awards.
 
LCWA is planning a celebration of Lake County wines during September, California Wine Month. Look for Lake County wines in the new wine pavilion at the Kelseyville Pear Festival and ask for Lake County wines at your favorite restaurant during this month long celebration of the region.

December will feature the popular Give the Gift of Wine holiday events at Lake County wineries for holiday shopping including a chance to purchase tickets to the 2017 Lake County Wine Adventure. Visit www.lakecountywineries.org for the latest information on upcoming events.
 
LCWA 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 .