Fore Family features art and poetry in their tasting room

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – For 10 years straight, 12 months a year, the Fore Family Vineyards has been featuring local artists on the wall of their tasting room in Kelseyville.

Owners Jim and Diane Fore and their son Eric said displaying local artwork was always in their plans as they remodeled the 1929 building, taking care to preserve its character and connection to the past.

To complement the art that would be displayed there, Jim and Eric stained the long cement wall in subtle shades of earth tones. The effect is an integrated, warm and inviting space where custom-crafted wines can be enjoyed along with beauty that fills the eyes.

“We feel like people enjoy the things they’re tasting and seeing,” Diane said, “and it creates a nice experience for them. That was kind of our goal.”

The Fore Family Vineyards is well-named. They grow their own grapes, which is unusual for wineries, and they do as much in-house as possible. Eric, a photographer and self-taught graphic artist, designs their labels.

Fourteen acres on Cobb are dedicated to raising their grapes, which include unusual varieties such as Albariño, Mourvèdre, Grenache Blanc and Syrah. 

Their farming methods are sustainable. When asked about pesticides, Diane said their usage was minimal. “We use sulfur to keep the grapes from mildewing, and we don’t use weed killer; we use the tractor.”

Typically, on the first Sunday of every month, the work of featured artists is celebrated with a new exhibit opening. One artist said, “All the local artists come and support one another there.” The tasting room has become a special place of developing relationships and inspiration within the art-loving community.

Diane said, “We love the fact that we change the art monthly, and we enjoy looking at the different styles and subject matter.”

Creative people are finding the Fore Family Vineyards Tasting Room a welcoming space to gather. A book club meets there once a month, and musicians come and give concerts in the peaceful atmosphere.

Since September last year, current Lake County Poet Laureate Brenda Yeager has hosted the Sunday Poetry Lounge on the third Sunday of each month. There is a featured reader followed by an open mic, a chance for everyone to enjoy poets reading their own work. Featured readers have included the candidates for this year's Lake County Poet Laureate.

The Fore Family Vineyards Tasting Room is open Saturday, noon to 5, and Sunday, noon to 4. It’s located at 3924 Main St. in downtown Kelseyville.

Carolyn Wing Greenlee is a Lake County poet emerita. She lives in Kelseyville.