LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Home Wine Makers Festival reminds amateur wine and beer makers that it's not too late for them to submit their entries for both tasting and judging at the event, which is taking place Saturday, June 25, at Lakeport's Library Park.

There are no fees for wine samples poured for the general public, who will then vote for their favorites in the popular “Peoples Choice” awards event. A modest $7 per bottle is assessed for wines submitted for judging by a panel of professionals.

Thanks to the generosity of one of the participating commercial wineries, Bell Hill Vineyard, the building next door to Bigg's Cafe will again be made available for wine judging. It is located at 125 Park Street, across the street from the winefest venue, and is the site of the future downtown tasting room of Bell Hill.

Amateurs entering their wines for judging should deliver them to this location no later than nine am the morning of the event. Beers and ales to be judged may be delivered to Guido's Pizza, 5440 Live Oak Drive, Kelseyville, prior to the winefest.

Applications and instructions for all winefest events and activities can be had by visiting its Web site at www.homewinemakersfestival.com, or by calling 707-277-8172 or 707-277-7076. Home brewers may also call 707-279-2762.

Last year's Peoples Choice winners were David Petrari of Foster City for best dry red, Connel Murray of Kelseyville for best dry white, Bruce Lightfoot of Cobb, for best fruit wine, Jack Morris of Lakeport, for best sparkling wine and Greg and Jeff Conely of Middletown for best aperitif/dessert wine.

Best label awards went to Jeff Buege, Rolf Kriken, and Pam and Rod Duncan for their Big Valley Red, with a “best booth” award tie between Sheila Honeycutt of Kelseyville and Dennis and Marisa Koenig of San Mateo.

Best beer winner was the “Two Dudes” team of Dan Wieman of Lower Lake and Joe Parker of Kelseyville.

In judged wines and beers, nearly five dozen ribbons were awarded, split among some 44 contestants from Lake and other Northern California counties.

Once again popular local keyboardist David Neft, supported by drummer Steve DuBois will provide musical entertainment as The David Neft Duo, with intermission assistance from guitarist Travis Renker. Erik Patrick will once again serve as master of ceremonies.

The winefest – as it's popularly known – is now in its ninth year, and is the major fundraiser for Clear Lake Performing Arts.

All proceeds support the group's local music activities, including the Lake County Symphony and the CLPA Youth and Junior Youth orchestras, as well as scholarships for deserving students. Winefest hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Many of Lake County's leading commercial wineries also participate, and although they are not eligible for judging or direct sales, many schedule special promotions and winery-discount sales to coincide with the event.

Arts and crafts people and commercial and food vendors also contribute to the winefest, which is free and open to the public although people wishing to taste the wines and beers – whether amateur or professional – need to purchase a ticket and tasting glass for $20 at the gate or in advance for $15.

Tickets may be obtained from The Kitchen Gallery, 301 N. Main St.; Watershed Books, 305 N. Main St.; Shari's Secret Garden, 240 N. Main St.; Catfish Books, 1113 11th St.; or the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 875 Lakeport Blvd., all in Lakeport.

Tickets also may be purchased at Rosa d'Oro Wines, 3915 Main St., and Wildhurst Winery, 3855 Main St., both in Kelseyville; Steele Wines, 3350 Thomas Dr. in Finley; Tulip Hill Winery, 4900 Bartlett Springs Road and Hwy 20 in Nice and High Valley Winery, 12151 E. Hwy 20, Clearlake Oaks.