The Home Wine and Beer Makers’ Festival at Lakeport’s Library Park was, according to organizers, “A great success.” The annual Winefest (as it has been abbreviated) is the largest fundraiser for the Lake County Symphony Association (LCSA) and helps provide operating expenses for the Lake County Symphony. Much of the funds raised go to support youth and community programs that include music lessons and scholarships and to help cover transportation and lodging costs for non-local musicians who play in the symphony. Conductor John Parkinson manned the Symphony booth with help from symphony violinists Andi Skelton and Sue Condit.
It was the first Winefest in two years, thanks to Covid19, and planners were hopeful of a good turnout to make up for lost time. “We had good crowds and ticket sales were similar to previous years,” said Carl Fredrickson, president of the Symphony Wine Club, which was created over 20 years ago to make good amateur wines and provide a regular source of funds for the LCSA. “Even the weather cooperated,” he said. “Temperatures were in the 80’s and it was not too hot.” Amateur wine makers had a chance to enter their wines for professional judging, which took place earlier in the day, prior to the start of the Winefest.
Everyone who bought a ticket was eligible to taste the commercial and amateur wine and beers showcased at the festival, and to vote on their favorites for the coveted People’s Choice Awards. Others just came for the food, the crafts, the excellent music performed by David Neft on keyboard and Steve Dubois on drums, the silent auction, the raffle, or to walk their dogs; non-wine and beer drinkers did not have to purchase a ticket to enjoy the rest of the Fest, making it an event that was truly open to everyone in the community.
It was a long day for organizers and helpers who had to set up booths early in the day (and take them down much later) and do the “behind the scenes” work necessary to make everything run smoothly. Bert Hutt, announcer extraordinaire, was one of the busiest, keeping the crowd informed of time limits in the raffle and the Silent Auction, and staying until the very end to give out ribbons to winners of the People’s Choice Award with help from Cornelia Sieber, A.K.A. the P.C. “wizard,” who made the event go ever so smoothly.
Amateur Wine Makers Win Awards in Professional Judging
The morning before the start of the Lake County Symphony Association Wine and Beer Makers’ Festival, local judging took place to award winners of the best wines made by amateurs.
Merry Jo Velasquez was the big winner, with four gold ribbons for her Rose, Red-Other, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Others who won gold ribbons were Doug Moore for his Reisling, LCSA Wine Club for its Sauvignon Blanc and Jerry Martinez for his White-Other.
Silver Ribbons went to LCSA Wine Club for Reisling and Rose, Jerry Martinez for Sauvignon Blanc, Luciano Meconi for Red-Other, David Pretari for Zinfandel and John Zirelli for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Bronze ribbons went to Merry Jo Velasquez for Sauvignon Blanc, Scott Knickmeyer for Rose, the LCSA Wine Club for Red-Other, John Zirelli for Zinfandel, and Doug Moore for Cabernet Sauvignon.
This event was open to all amateur wine makers who signed up in advance and provided bottles to be evaluated in a blind tasting. Judges were Scott Simkover of Smiling Dogs Ranch, Bonnie Sears of Beckstoffer Vineyards, Buffy Thomas of Thorn Hill Winery and Mt. Konocti Winery and Susan Feiler, local Wine Aficionado. The wine judging coordinator was David Velasquez. Dan Mardock tabulated the results of the judging.
Congrats to People’s Choice Winners at Wine & Beer Makers Festival
Each year during the Wine and Beer Makers’ Festival, amateur participants eagerly await the counting of the votes to see if they are a winner of the coveted People’s Choice Awards. Here is the list of the happy People’s Choice winners for the 2022 Winefest which took place on June 11 at Library Park in Lakeport. The winners were decided on by Winefest attendees who voted for their favorites in a variety of categories.
David Petrari Red Wine (Zinfandel)
Doug Moore White Wine (Dry Reisling)
Michelle Shultz Other Wine (Walnut Wine)
Bill Heubel Light Beer (IPA)
Kerry Shaver Dark Beer (Belgium Sour)
Paul Lew Other Brew (Peach Seltzer)
Merry Jo Velasquez Best Booth (Heron House)
Deborah Welch Best Wine Label (Squirrel Hill)
Thanks to ALL for Participation and Generous Support for the 2022 Winefest
This year’s Home Wine and Beer Makers’ Festival was a winner! Thanks to all who donated to help the Lake County Symphony!
A&H General Store
Angelina’s Bakery
Arti Café
Andi Skelton Fiddle Lessons
Ann Carson Jewelry
Bunk House Gifts
B&T Wood and Jewels
Braitos’ Riviera Foods
Bruno’s Shop Smart
Congressman Mike Thompson
Carleton Cooper Tires
Cindy Langley Yard Art
Chalerm Thai Bistro
David Zellerbach
David Neft
David Farrell (The Puzzle Guy)
Drs. David and Merry Jo Velasquez
Dr. Dhanda
Diane Stawicki, artist
Disney’s Boat Rentals
Diana Liebe-Artist
Doug & Kerry Moore
Deborah Welch
Erwin Ludwig
Foods, Etc.
Griffin’s Furniture
Grinders Steep
Gregory Graham Winery
Garry Colson-Artist
Green Heron Dispensary
Hillside Power Sports
Jerry & Patti Martinez
Laura Silva-Artist
Little River Inn
Lynne Bruner
Laujor Winery
Lakeport Automotive
Mendo Mill Lakeport
Nimble Needle
Pet Country Store and Groomers
Pogo’s Pizza
Rainbow Ag
Riviera Hills Restaurant & Lounge
Romi’s Brew & BBQ
Robinson’s Rancheria
Renee’s Café
Safeway Clearlake and Lakeport
Shoebox
Six Sigma Ranch & Winery
Style and Soul Boutique
Suzanna Macedo
Tamra and Denny Renfrow
Tie Dye Planet
Twin Pine Casino & Hotel
Verve Coffee Roasters
