UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Lake County Wine Studio (LCWS) is hosting a wine release party and artist show reception with Bell Hill Vineyards and artist Carolyn Hawley on Friday, Feb. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Alex Maxwell representing Bell Hill, will be at the Studio for the Saturday evening reception.
 
Phillip and Julia Maxwell have been growing winegrapes for about 30 years and founded Bell Hill Vineyards in 2005.

The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are located in the Kelsey Bench AVA at about 1,400 feet elevation in alluvial soils.

Originally growing the grapes for sale to other vintners, the Maxwells began making wine through the custom crush opportunity at Steele Wines.

Both the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced by the Maxwells have been consistent medal winners.

The wine sampler and appetizers, which cost $12.50 and $10 for LCWS club members, will showcase Bell Hill 2005 Merlot with Julia Maxwell's Chimichurri sauce recipe on crostini – steak optional, 2006 Merlot with roasted asparagus drizzled with a balsamic glaze, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon with gourmet cheeses and the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon with double chocolate brownies.
 
Artist Carolyn Hawley is by profession a classical musician, but took up painting when she moved from the Bay Area to Mendocino and  Lake counties in the 1970s.

A former music professor and conductor of the Ukiah Symphony, she is a composer of more than 100 music works, is a concert pianist and a teacher.

Hawley has won many awards for her art, which critics have labeled “magic realism.”

“I am inspired to capture the true essence of my subjects, painting landscapes, seascapes, skycaps, animals, people and whatever grabs my attention,” she said.

Self-taught, she has learned from other artists such as Ukiah artist and friend Adele Pruitt and from Main Street Art Gallery friends.

She has shown her works at shows throughout Northern California at galleries, wineries, art groups, banks and other venues such as the Lake County Fair, and is a member of the Lake County Artists Guild and the Lake County Arts Council.
 
Hawley is mother of two grown children and grandmother of three, all of whom are also musicians and artists in San Francisco and Eugene, Oregon.

She lives in the hills of Nice with her pets and garden, as well as the many wild animals who pass through. She also is a published author of a book “Memoirs of an Aging Woodnymph” and six books of poetry.
 
The Hawley art show will be on display for the full month of February.

For more information call Lake County Wine Studio at 707-275-8030 or 707-293-8752.

The gallery is located at 9505 Main St. in Upper Lake.