A Decade of Adventures: The Lake County Wine Adventure

Lake County Wine AdventureIf you haven’t been wine tasting in Lake County recently, seize your chance at the 10th Annual Lake County Wine Adventure on July 26 and 27. Come enjoy wine, food, music, art and more between 11 am and 5 pm both days at wineries surrounding beautiful Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California.  This food and wine weekend is a great way to discover how well they make wines in this region of high elevations, rolling hillsides and valley floors next to a majestic (but happily dormant) volcano (Mt. Konocti).

The 2014 Wine Adventure is an optimal way to visit over two dozen wineries in Lake County, an appealing destination for those looking to enjoy fine wines in a relaxed, rural and breathtaking environment only two hours by car from either the San Francisco Bay Area or the Sacramento Valley.  If you come, you will have the chance to try wines from five distinct appellations within Lake County including the Clear Lake, Benmore Valley, Guenoc Valley, High Valley, and Red Hills AVAs.

Brassfield Estate Winery

Brassfield Estate Winery

Some of the wineries we are eager to taste samples (and do some buying) from this year include Brassfield Estate Winery, Bullion Creek Vineyards, Ceàgo Vinegarden, Chacewater Winery, Fore Family Vineyards, Gregory Graham WinesLangtry Estate and VineyardsMoore Family Winery, Robledo Family Winery, Rosa d’Oro VineyardsSol RougeSix Sigma Ranch & Wineryand Wildhurst Vineyards.  To see the complete list of wineries participating in the Adventure and to order tickets please go here.  

Langtry Estate

Langtry Estate & Vineyards

When you purchase your Lake County Wine Adventure ticket in advance, it’s only $45 for two days of fun.  You can purchase tickets online until July 26 or you can buy them in person at any one of these locations the weekend of the event:  Twin Pine “Off the Vine” (Middletown), Langtry Estate & Vineyard (Middletown),  Six Sigma Ranch (Lower Lake), Steele Wines (Kelseyville), Chacewater Winery (Kelseyville), Upper Lake Wine Studio (Upper Lake), or Brassfield Estate Winery (Clearlake Oaks)If you prefer, you can also purchase a Sunday-only Wine Adventure Passport for $35 but those are only available for sale online.

If you’re not familiar with the area, then this map (which you will receive at your check-in point for the Adventure) may help you get your bearings.  The event organizers promote responsible hospitality and encourage all participants to hire or designate a driver.  Designated drivers are invited to enjoy non-alcoholic drinks, food and entertainment free of charge at each site.

Lake County One of the Lake County wine region’s appealing features is that you can find all sorts of varietals here.  Over two days, in an easily covered area, you could try everything from popular varietals (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) to less commonly found ones (Charbono, Grenache, Muscat, Tempranillo, Sagrantino) to only-in-Lake-County offerings (Sparkling Pear Wine, proprietary blends).

If you come for the Lake County Wine Adventure you may be lucky enough to try some of the winners from the 2014 Lake County Wine Awards Competition:

  • Best White Wine – 2013 Sauvignon Blanc from Chacewater Winery
  • Best Rosé – 2013 Rosé of Malbec from Ceàgo Vinegarden
  • Best Red Wine – 2010 Cinder Cone Reserve from Gregory Graham Wines
  • Best Dessert Wine – 2009 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc from Moore Family Winery
Carnitas Taco

Carnitas Taco, from Chacewater Winery

The Lake County Wine Adventure hosting wineries will also offer a variety of food to go along with your wines.   Some of our favorite tastes last year were Heirloom Tomato Crostini, Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce, Carnitas Tacos, Chicken Empanadas, Grilled Lamb, and a Popcorn Pot de Crème with Caramel Drizzle.   We also found fruit, nuts, cheeses and chocolates during our 2013 Adventure.

Relay For LifeThere are two new features at the 2014 Lake County Wine Adventure we want to be sure to mention.  One is a charity raffle, where Relay for Life of Lake County will be giving away two separate “instant” wine cellars full of Lake County wines (you can buy raffle tickets from Relay for Life team members at participating wineries).  Another is an early check-in, where you can pick up your Wine Adventure passport, glass and wrist band at Twin Pine Casino & Hotel on Friday, June 25th between 3pm and 7 pm if you have your entire party with you (just remember to select “Friday Concierge Service” when you purchase your tickets online).

If you need a place to stay that weekend, please check out these LCWA Diamond Hospitality Members who may still have room availability:  Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast Resort, The Lodge at Blue Lakes, Makiivka Estate, Sea Breeze Resort, Skylark Shores Resort, and Twin Pine Casino & Hotel.

Lake County Winery AssociationThe Lake County Wine Adventure is hosted by the Lake County Winery Association.  Founded in 2007, the Association promotes the county’s unique and distinct rural attributes, and is committed to sustainable farming and winery practices.  We have really enjoyed prior Wine Adventures and can’t wait for this year’s event.

 

 


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