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Wine Adventure Weekend set for May 15 through 17
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Have you seen the Marymount Castle? Get your chance at the gala opening party for the 2015 Lake County Wine Adventure weekend on Friday, May 15.
Imagine yourself strolling through the Castle, sipping your favorite wines and savoring the views.
Enjoy wines from a baker’s dozen of Lake County’s finest wineries and nosh on a bountiful array of appetizers prepared by Running Creek Casino.
The BMP Swingtet will be on hand to get the party swinging. Dress in period costume is encouraged for a memorable evening of fun. And of course, don’t forget the password – shhh! The word is WINE.
The Marymount Castle sits high on the hill overlooking Lucerne with views of Clear Lake and architecture that hearkens back to the 1920s.
Formerly known as the Lucerne Hotel, it was the brainchild of two investors in the Clear Lake Beach Co.
Richard Palmer and Louis Becker founded the Lucerne Hotel Corp. and started selling stock for the hotel corporation in 1925. Construction of the hotel began in 1926 but was stopped in 1929 due to the Great Depression.
Financial troubles followed with the Clear Lake Beach Co filing bankruptcy and the hotel property taken over as payment for a construction lien.
In the spring of 1938 the hotel was finally completed. It was opened for a year before closing and being sold. The hotel had a succession of owners including a group who wanted to open it as an Adventist hospital until it was discovered that the doors were too small to accommodate a hospital gurney.
In the early 1950s the Northern California Baptist Association bought the hotel and opened it until about 1955.
The hotel was then sold and resold, and opened and closed for short periods but always went back to the Baptists for the debt.
Today the former Lucerne Hotel is home to Marymount California University and fondly referred to as the Marymount Castle.
Sponsored by the Lake County Winery Association, the Speakeasy will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 15.
The Marymount Castle is located at 3700 Country Club Drive in Lucerne.
The passport portion of the Wine Adventure on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, offers a unique opportunity to explore the region and enjoy the Lake County wine experience.
Twenty-six Lake County wineries will open their doors to welcome adventurers from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wineries will offer special wine tastings paired with foods to showcase the flavors of the wines.
Some locations will also offer barrel tastings, live music, and products by local artisans. The best winery contest started in 2014 will return again this year with an opportunity to vote in three categories. Many wineries will also be offering specials on wine during the weekend.
Relay for Life is returning as charity partner for the 2015 Lake County Wine Adventure. Raffle tickets will be sold during the weekend for a chance to win a very special Wine and Dine prize package.
In addition to an instant cellar of Lake County wines, the winner will receive gift certificates for dinner at selected Lake County restaurants and a wine tour for four donated by Frontier Wine Tours.
Participating restaurants include the Saw Shop Gallery & Bistro, the Blue Wing Saloon, Wild Creek Restaurant at Running Creek Casino, Park Place Restaurant and the Manzanita Restaurant at Twin Pine Casino.
Tickets will be $5 each or five for $20. All proceeds will go to the Lake County Relay for Life.
Sponsors for the 2015 Lake County Wine Adventure include Twin Pine Casino and Hotel, Lake County, Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Riley Cabs.
Tickets for the Castle Speakeasy are $55 and advanced reservations are required. Tickets for the two-day passport adventure good Saturday and Sunday are $45 in advance or $50 at the door. The Sunday only passport is $35 in advance or $40 at the door.
Designated drivers are free and will get to enjoy the food and fun as they help make it a safe event for everyone.
Tickets for the Castle Speakeasy and Passport Adventure can be purchased many local wineries, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce or online at www.lakecountywineries.org .
The Lake County Winery Association 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 .