Lake County, Wine Country with Altitude!
LAKE COUNTY RISING
WINE SPECTATOR- February. 2010 by James Laube
"The Cameron Hughes Cabernet is also a reminder of how the quality of Lake County reds are on the rise. You see the Lake County appellation on more wines these days..."
APPELLATION-the tasting panel, Sept. 2008 by Deborah Parker Wong
"Lake County has long been a source of fruit for some of California's oldest and most prestigious brands. Now, the county's growers and artisan winemakers are stepping out with new labels and a value proposition that warrants a closer look at this pristine region."
THE NEW YORK TIMES, September 2008 by Jaime Gross
"Today Lake County is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the state, with more than 8,500 acres of vineyards, 5 distinct appellations and 25 wineries, compared to just 4 in 2002.
WINE ENTHUSIAST, December 2009 by Steve Heimoff
DESTINATIION: Lake County "Lakeside views, classic cuisine and world-class red are the draw in this charming California region."
most recent...
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, February 7, 2010, written by Tim Teichgraeber
"How do you get from Napa Valley to Lake County? Just follow the Mayacamas Mountains --and the smart money."
"Experienced Napa growers have been flocking to the region north of Napa in search of prime Cabernet Sauvignon-growing conditions at a much cheaper price. Since 1997 the number of wineries in Lake County has increased from four to 32, at least doubling in the past four years. Total vineyard plantings have gone from 5,000 acres to 8,800 acres - up by almost 80 percent. With quality high and cost low, you will be seeing more wines carrying the Lake County name."
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS During the last weekend of July of 2010, on Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th, the fine wines of Lake County will be served with delicious hors d'oeuvres during the Wine Adventure Weekend. This two day event is incredibly priced and a lot of fun. If you are ready for a real wine adventure, mark your calendars and come explore Lake County! Online ticket sales will open soon.
Designated Drivers receive special priveleges, be sure to ask for more information.
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ANNOUNCING...PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINE AWARDS--A Comprehensive Judging of Lake County Award Winning Wines
On September 26, 2010 the Lake County Winery Association will once again host the much talked about "People's Choice Wine Awards". At last year event, "Consumers were able to experience firsthand the depth and breadth of the quality wines being produced from Lake County fruit and by Lake County wineries," says Kaj Ahlmann, chairman of the Lake County Winery Association.
In August, a prestigious panel of professional wine judges will convene at Langtry Estate & Vineyards in Middletown. They will taste through a few hundred wines and narrow the field to a few dozen finalists in a variety of categories. The judges top picks & the Peoples Choice selections will be announced at the Lake County 11h Annual Wine Auction on October 16th.
On Sunday, September 26th, the "people" will vote for their favorites among the judges' top picks--The Consumer's Choice tasting event will be held at Six Sigma Ranch & Winery.
WINE AWARDS from the 2009 People's Choice Wine Competition include:
Best of Show White Wine: Gregory Graham 2008 Viognier
Best of Show Red Wine: Gregory Graham Crimson Hil 2006 Syrah
LAKE COUNTY WINERY OF THE YEAR was awarded to STEELE WINES
For a complete listing of all wine awards click on the NEWS tab above
A PDF printout out of all the People's Choice Wine Awards for your convenience
Lake County Winery Association truly appreciates the support of our past sponsors: Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Elk Mountain Vineyards, Jonas Oil, Kadar Hungary Cooperage, Lake County Winegrape Commission, Rosenthal Vineyards, Synergy Glass & Packaging, Tallman Hotel & Blue Wing Saloon, World Cooperage, M.A. Silva Corks, USA, Twin Pine Casino, David Weiss of Bella Vista Farming Co. LLC, SaverGlass, Lake Event Design & Party, and the Clearlake Foods Etc.
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If you have a few minutes, I would invite you to see some of the new Lake County in the following video compliments of the Lake County Winegrape Commission
www.lakecountywinegrape.org/country/spotlight.php
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ABOUT LAKE COUNTY Lake County is one of the newest destinations for those looking to enjoy fine wines in a relaxed, down-to-earth, rural and breathtaking environment. This award-winning, yet unspoiled, and relatively undiscovered wine region is located just two hours by car from the San Francisco Bay area or the Pacific Coast. It surrounds Clear Lake, California’s largest natural freshwater lake, and sits at the foot of Mt. Konocti, a dormant, multiple volcano that forms a prominent and majestic landmark almost centered in Lake County. Mt. Konocti is responsible for crafting a wide range of elevations suitable for growing a wide selection of varietals.
Here in Lake County, it is the combination of the high elevation, rugged lands; the gentle slopping, rolling hillsides; the expansive fertile valley floor; and the spectacular and picturesque lake and lakeshore that provide the origin of Lake County’s highly acclaimed wines.
We invite you to explore Lake County vineyards and Lake County wineries...