LAKEPORT – Lake County Fair is just around the corner, and plans are under way for a new display of wines produced by winery operations in Lake County.

 

Fair officials are working out the details of a partnership with the newly formed Lake County Vintner's Association to produce a display of as many locally produced wines as possible.

The display will take the place of the commercial wine competition that has been produced by the fair during the past decade.

The number of wines entered in the competition has varied widely from year to year, with as few as 75 wines entered in some years and nearly 300 wines entered in other years.

 

"We've sometimes had more wines from outside Lake County entered in the competition than wines produced here. We're trying to showcase the local industry through this partnership, and give our patrons a single place to see the huge variety of great wines from Lake County," said Fair CEO Richard Persons.

 

Competitive classes for amateur wines and beers are still being offered, with cash prizes for winners in a variety of categories.

Information about entering the amateur wine and brewing competitions can be found at the fair's Web site, www.lakecountyfair.com, in the Exhibitor Handbook, which contains information about all of the prize competitions offered at the Lake County Fair.

 

Fair officials hope the Lake County Vintner's Association display will grow in future years to include a wine tasting opportunity for Fair patrons.

"Wouldn't it be great to be able to attend the fair and view several hundred wines produced right here in your neighborhood, and then purchase tastes of a few wines that you've never tried before?" pondered Persons.

 

Wine producers interested in participating in the new Lake County Vintner's Association display can contact the fair office at 263-6181 for more information.

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