LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Home winemakers and brewers across Northern California are getting ready for the 13th annual Lake County Home Wine Makers Festival celebrating their crafts, scheduled to take place in Lakeport on Saturday, June 21.

The winefest takes place between 1 and 5 p.m. at Lakeport’s Library Park, and also features a major silent auction and lottery, as well as vendors offering a wide range of products and services.  

The event is sponsored by nonprofit Lake County Symphony Association, with proceeds going to support the organization’s music programs, including underwriting the county’s symphonic and youth orchestras.

The winefest, as it’s usually called, features dozens of amateurs who will pour tastes for attendees, who will then vote for their favorites for the “People’s Choice” awards in major categories of both wines and beers.  

In addition, panels of professionals will judge a broad range of beverages including red and white wine varietals, sparkling and dessert wines and blends, with first, second and third prizes awarded, in each category if justified in the opinion of the judges.  

Judges confirmed to date are Stephan Dilley, founder and owner of Lavender Blue Winery; Jack Vos, restaurant/food server manager at Manzanita Restaurant at Middletown’s Twin Pine Casino and Hotel; Stephanie Green, wine sommelier and owner of the recent Wine Studio in Kelseyville; Bonnie Sears, with Beckstoffer’s Kelseyville area vineyards; Quincy Steele, of Calvino Jones and Steele Wines of Finley; Sean Piper, Napa County born and raised creative director of “Wine Consumer” magazine; Miguel Angel, owner of Don Angel Cellar winery; and Anita McKee , representing Lakeview Homes and Estates. All have judged at prior winefests or other similar events.

Beers and ales judging will be restricted to those voting in the “People’s Choice” awards.

Music will be provided by the duo of David Neft and Steve DuBois, with breakout groups from the Symphony and Youth Orchestras as well as a possible return of perennial favorites the Konocti Fiddle Club.

Lake County’s major commercial wineries also will participate, pouring samples of their finest products.  

Last year the commercial operators basically kept the event afloat after an adverse ruling from the State ABC prohibited amateurs from participating. The Symphony Association deeply appreciates their coming to the group’s assistance at a moment of crisis.

Home winemakers wishing to participate can contact Ed Bublitz at 707-277-8172 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Prospective vendors should do the same.  

Home brewers can call Scott Simkover at 707-279-2762 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

General information about the winefest can be obtained by visiting www.homewinemakersfestival.com .

Admission to the festival is $25 per person at the gate, which includes a commemorative wine glass.  

Only persons 21 years or older and wearing the identifying wrist-band issued with the ticket, will be permitted tastes of the wines and beers.  

Tickets purchased in advance are $20 and can be obtained from Lower Lake Coffee Co. on Main Street in Lower Lake, Middletown Florist in Middletown, EJ Video Store in the Riviera Shopping Center on Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, and Lake County Wine Studio, Upper Lake.  

For additional outlets or other information call 707-277-8172.