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The event is a benefit for the Clear Lake Performing Arts (CLPA), and the purchase of a commemorative wine glass will allow event goers to taste any or all of the wines from the amateur winemakers at booths set up along Main Street in historic downtown Kelseyville.
In the morning before the festival begins, a professional judging panel will choose winners in several categories. Craig Renaud, wine critic and author of "Great American Wine: The Wine Rebel's Manual," will serve as one of the judges at this year's Lake County Home Winemakers Festival.
Renaud, one of the top wine brokers in California, challenges many of the ideas taken for granted by other wine experts and contends that price alone is a very poor indicator of a wine's quality. "Show me a bottle of $200 imported wine, and I can show you a dozen American wines just as good or better at a fraction of the price," he says. Renaud will have his book available for purchase at the event and be available for signing.
During the festival, guests vote on their favorite wines and other categories, and People's Choice awards will be presented at the end of the day to winners.
Local commercial wineries, including EdenCrest Vineyards, Dusinberre Cellars, Rosa d'Oro Vineyards, Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Winery, Steele Wines, Wildhurst Vineyards, Langtry Estate and Vineyards and Tulip Hill Winery and Vineyards will be present to support CLPA's event, and some will even pour their wines for tasting.
Wine isn't all that's on the menu, however. Several home-brewed beers will be available for sampling as well. In addition, local purveyors will be selling food during the festival, including John's Market, the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro, Studebakers, and St. Peter's Catholic Church serving Mexican food and more – all from Kelseyville.
A silent auction will take place during the festival with many donated items – including a timeshare stay in Hawaii, some overnight stays, wines from commercial wineries in attendance, and wine-related items.
A number of artists and artist groups also will set up booths to demonstrate their artistic processes, as well as exhibit and sell their art. Local pianist David Neft and Friends will perform during the festival. The music of the day will be light jazz, bluegrass, folk, and similar genres.
A benefit for CLPA, the Home Winemakers Festival is sponsored by the Kelseyville Business Association and CLPA, as well as the Lake County Winegrape Commission.
For more information on the Lake County Home Winemakers Festival or to register as an amateur winemaker, contact Ed Bublitz, 707-277-8172.
Tickets may be purchased in advance for $15 from Catfish Books, 1013 11th St., Lakeport, or Wild About Books, 14290 Olympic Dr., Clearlake. Tickets will be $20 on the day of the event.
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