ONGOING
Concerts with Conversations, Upper Lake
Last Saturday each month, January through May
Monthly concert series January – May features live music in an intimate setting with sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and wine. A benefit for the Soper-Reese Community Theatre Fund. An informal concert and dialogue with the artist follows wine, hearty appetizers, and coffee with dessert. 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tallman Hotel, 9550 Main Street. Reservations are suggested as seating is limited. (707) 275-2244, www.tallmanhotel.com
Tuscan Village Music & Art Series, Lower Lake
Fridays, year-round
Live music every Friday evening by great performers. Food, wine tasting, and arts and crafts. Outdoors in the orchard during nice weather; inside during other seasons. Presented by 2Goombas Deli and Terrill Cellars. $5 suggested donation. Main Street. (707) 252-8444, www.terrillcellars.com
Fondue Friday, Upper Lake
Year-round by reservation
The Lake County Wine Studio (LCWS) offers a selection of fondue pots by 48-hour advance reservation, along with different Lake County wines. LCWS pours wines from more than two dozen Lake County wineries with a rotating tasting menu of eight to 10 wines, with more than 40 wines available for purchase by the bottle. 9505 Main Street. (707) 275-8030, (707)293-8752.
Gregory Graham Winery Vineyard Tours, Lower Lake
Year-round by reservation
Join winegrower Gregory Graham on a one-hour tour of his vineyards and gain first-hand knowledge of the area and what makes his particular vineyards so special. Then it’s back to the tasting room for samples of current release wines while viewing the winery. Weather permitting. Advance reservations required. 13633 Point Lakeview Road. (707) 995-3500, www.ggwines.com
Tallman Hotel Wine Touring Package, Countywide
Year-round by reservation
Guests of the hotel can enjoy this five-hour limousine tour with a personable and knowledgeable driver. Choose from a guaranteed private tour or a shared tour with others, up to eight guests total. Book the tour and a room by contacting the hotel. Gratuity to driver not included. Add picnic lunch box for $20 per person. 9550 Main Street. (866) 708-5253, (707) 275-2244, or www.tallmanhotel.com
Tulip Hill Winery Tours, Nice
Year-round by reservation
Guided tour of the winery’s production of world-class wines offered by reservation only. Admission is free. 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
Vines, Mines, and Wines at Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, Lower Lake
Year-round by reservation
Hop into the Six Sigma Ranch Pinzgauer for the rugged accent to the high altitude Diamond Mine Vineyard. Following the vineyard tour, return to the Stage Coach House for a tasting of current Six Sigma releases. Weather permitting. Allow 90 minutes. $125 for up to 10 people or $25 per person. Various other tours available Monday through Friday. 13372 Spruce Grove Road. (707) 994-4068, www.sixsigmaranch.com
Water Tours, Clear Lake
Year-round by reservation
Guests discover the beauty of Clear Lake from the water. Tours include deluxe seating for eight in a 21-foot pontoon boat with canopy and a knowledgeable guide. Tours are customized to guest specification: wildlife and nature, wine tasting, fishing, or sightseeing. Indian Beach Resort, 9945 E. Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks. (707) 998-3760, www.theindianbeachresort.com
Langtry Estate & Vineyards Tour, Middletown
Tuesday through Saturday, year-round, weather permitting
Guided tours of the historic vineyard travel to the higher elevation of Tephra Ridge for spectacular views of Guenoc Valley. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Includes picnic-style lunch in the vineyard and wine tasting. $45 per person. 48-hours advance reservations required. 21000 Butts Canyon Road, Middletown. (707) 987-2385, www.langtryestate.com
Winemaker Dinner Series, Kelseyville
First Tuesday of each month
Each month, the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro features a special menu paired with a local or regional wine on the first Tuesday of each month. Dine al fresco on the wraparound porch or inside where walls of the circa-1902 building are festooned with local art. 3825 Main Street. (707) 278-0129, www.sawshopbistro.com
Meet the Winemaker Series, Upper Lake
Select Thursdays of each month
The Blue Wing Saloon & Café hosts the owner and/or winemaker of one of the great Lake County wineries whose vintages are featured on the wine list on the first Friday of each month. Special menu items for that day are carefully paired with the featured wines. 9520 Main Street. (707) 275-2233, www.bluewingsaloon.com
Meet the Winemaker/Artist, Upper Lake
First Friday and Saturday of each month (except January)
On the first Friday of the month, the Lake County Wine Studio (LCWS) showcases a local winery as the featured tasting for the evening. Local artists – photography, painting, and more – also are featured. 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $10.00 per person. 9505 Main Street. (707) 275-8030.
First Friday Fling, Lakeport
First Friday of each month
A reception spotlighting artists currently showing in the Main Street Gallery with music, hors d’oeuvres, and wine; student gallery open. Sponsored by the Lake County Arts Council. 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 325 N. Main Street. Free. 707-263-6658, www.lakecountyartscouncil.com
Specialty Tasting & Tidbits, Kelseyville
First Thursday of the month, May through August
On the first Thursday of each month, Stephanie Cruz-Green, sommelier and owner of Focused on Wine, will offer a specialty wine tasting served with tasty tidbits and wine education pointers. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Focused on Wine, 3940 Main Street. (707) 279-2112, www.focusedonwine.com
Kelseyville Certified Farmers’ Market, Kelseyville
Saturdays, May through October
Local farmers offer their finest, freshest produce, eggs, baked goods, and cheese. Live music. 8:30 a.m. to noon. Steele Wines, 4350 Thomas Drive. (707) 263-6076, www.lakecountyfarmersfinest.org
Concert in the Vineyard Series, Kelseyville
Select Saturdays, May through September
The Moore Family Winery hosts a family-friendly concert in the vineyard series on Saturdays in the summer. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; concert begins at 5:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or a low-back lounge chair. Wine, food, and soft drinks available for purchase. $15-$30 per person. Kids 12 and under free. 11990 Bottle Rock Road. (707) 738-0507, www.moorefamilywinery.com
Tulip Hill Winery Concert in the Garden Series, Nice
Select Saturdays, June through September
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy music in the garden. Doors open at 3:00 p.m.; music 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Includes wine tasting with food pairing and admission. Wine also available for purchase by the glass or bottle. 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
Local Cuisine Scene at Lake County Wine Studio, Upper Lake
Second Friday of each month, October through April
Features local food and wines of Lake County. Presented by Cache Creek Catering and Lake County Wine Studio. 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $15 per person. (707) 275-8030. www.cachecreekcatering.com
FEBRUARY
Crab Boil at Moore Family Winery, Kelseyville
February 5, 2011
Be prepared to get messy at the third-annual Crab Boil at Moore Family Winery. Fresh hot crab, potatoes, corn, and artichokes are served straight from a giant pot to your table. The dinner also includes salad, pasta, French bread, and a glass of wine. Wine by the bottle and glass will be available for purchase. Silent auction and a live pie auction to benefit the Cobb Elementary School and The Cobb Elementary Garden Project. Live music and dancing to follow. 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets $65 per person. 21 years and older. 11990 Bottle Rock Road. (707) 738-0507, www.moorefamilywinery.com
Wine & Chocolate, Lakeport
February 19, 2011
Taste ultra-premium Lake County wines – everything from pear sparkling wine to award-winning Syrah and Port – with luscious chocolates and other tasty food bites masterfully paired by certified sommelier Stephanie Cruz-Green, owner of Focused on Wine. Support Lake Family Resource Center programs and services while enjoying wine, chocolate, food, music, wine- and olive oil-related workshops, wine store, and silent auction. Noon to 4:00 p.m. Mt. Konocti Growers, 2550 Big Valley Road. Admission is $35 per person in advance; $40 at the door. (707) 279-0563.
Tulip Hill Winery Food & Wine Pairing and Release Party, Nice
February 19, 2011
Sample new release wines from Tulip Hill Winery expertly paired with scrumptious appetizers. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tulip Hill Winery, 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
MARCH
Pruning and Pastries at Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, Lower Lake
March 5, 2011
Six Sigma Ranch and Winery hosts the fourth-annual “Pruning 101” from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The Six Sigma Vineyard crew leads a hands-on winter pruning demonstration. $15 per person; pastries, coffee and juice will be served. Reservations suggested. 13372 Spruce Grove Road. (707) 994-4068, www.sixsigmaranch.com
Venetian Carnival Masquerade Party at Rosa D’Oro Vineyards, Kelseyville
March 5, 2011
Wear a mask and enter the contest at the annual Venetian Carnival Masquerade Party, held in the tasting room of Rosa D’Oro Vineyards in downtown Kelseyville. Guests will enjoy food, winetasting, and fun. Prizes awarded for costumes, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is $5. Rosa D’Oro Vineyards, 3915 Main Street. (707) 279-0483, www.rosadorowine.com
Irish Feast, Kelseyville
March 12, 2011
Enjoy a night of fun where guests will dine on a traditional Irish feast complete with corned beef and cabbage and Guinness chocolate mousse paired with Moore Family wines. Come dance a jig with the live Irish band. $40 per person. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Must be 21 years old to attend. 11990 Bottle Rock Rd, (707) 279-9279, www.moorefamilywinery.com
Wine Tasting and Art Show, Lower Lake
March 12, 2011
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., call for information and location. (707) 995-9316.
Kelseyville Olive Festival, Kelseyville
March 20, 2011
This celebration of locally grown olives will introduce guests to the olive oil and olive products produced from Lake County olives. Hosted by Rosa D’Oro Vineyards and the Kelseyville Olive Mill, which is located on a 10-acre olive orchard (formerly the St. Gregory Olive Farm) with 3,000 olive trees. This family-friendly event also features an olive pit spitting contest, as well as olive oil tasting workshops by a certified olive oil taster, food demonstrations, and wine tasting. Benefit for the programs of the Lake Family Resource Center. Admission is free, $10 for wine tasting. Kelseyville Wine Company, 5625 Gaddy Lane. (707) 279-2995, www.kelseyvilleolivemill.com
Festival of Tulips, Nice
March 26, 2011
Seventh-annual event will feature wine, food, and entertainment set amid Tulip Hill Winery’s gardens blooming with 30,000 tulips imported from Holland. Admission includes a Tulip Hill wine glass for unlimited tastings, sumptuous hors d’oeuvres from several upscale Lake County restaurants, live music, winery tours, barbecue and dessert, and demonstrations. Winery tours will be given and guests will get a chance to explore the crush pad, cellar, and bottling room as the tour guide explains the winemaking process. Noon to 5:00 p.m. 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
APRIL
Historic Family Ranch Day Trip: The Wildflower Tour, Clearlake Oaks
April 1 – 30, 2011 by reservation only
Wildflowers are the highlight of April’s daytrips as guests experience a 90-minute narrated mule-drawn wagon ride that meanders through a valley rich with history, wildlife, and other flora and ends with an authentic chuckwagon barbecue, complete with Dutch oven cobbler and complimentary Lake County wine. Eleven Roses Ranch. (707) 998-4471, www.elevenrosesranch.com
MAY
Tulip Hill Winery Food & Wine Pairing and Concert in the Garden, Nice
May 21, 2011
Sample new release wines from Tulip Hill Winery expertly paired with scrumptious appetizers while enjoying live music in the garden. 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
Oysters and Sauvignon Blanc, Kelseyville
May 21, 2011
Oysters and Sauvignon Blanc are an undisputed culinary delight. Moore Family Winery will host a feast of oysters both barbecued and raw, along with Sauvignon Blancs from the winery. Admission: free, Oysters: $1 each and wine $5 per glass. 11990 Bottle Rock Road, (707) 279-9279, www.moorefamilywinery.com
JUNE
Release Party at Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, Lower Lake
June 4, 2011
Taste the new releases from Six Sigma Ranch and Winery at this party on the Six Sigma crush pad. Great wines paired with tasty food. Reservations suggested. 13372 Spruce Grove Road. (707) 297-2927, www.sixsigmaranch.com
Tulip Hill Winery Food & Wine Pairing and Concert in the Garden, Nice
June 11, 2011
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy music in the garden. Doors open at 3:00 p.m.; music 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission price includes wine tasting expertly paired with scrumptious appetizers. Wine also available for purchase by the glass or bottle. 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
Lake County Home Winemakers Festival, Lakeport
June 25, 2011
Eighth-annual festival for tasting the winemaking efforts of more than 40 Northern California amateurs, as well as those from leading Lake County commercial wineries; tasters vote on their favorites. This year’s venue will be shaded Library Park, on the shores of Clear Lake. Live music sets the mood with plentiful food from local purveyors available. Sponsored by and a benefit for Clear Lake Performing Arts. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. $15 per person in advance; $20 day of event. Includes a commemorative wine glass and a chance to vote on the winners. Library Park, Park Street. (707) 277-7076, www.clearlakeperformingarts.org
Concert in the Vineyard, Kelseyville
June 25, 2011
Bring the entire family and listen to The Sons of Champlin with Bill Champlin of Chicago playing on the grass, under the stars at Moore Family Winery. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:00 p.m. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets $25. 11990 Bottle Rock Road, (707) 279-9279, www.moorefamilywinery.com
Lavender Festival at Ceago Vinegarden, Nice
June 2011(exact date TBD)
Each year, the fragrant fields of lavender on the shore of Clear Lake at Ceago Vinegard is harvested and distilled. Join the festivities at Ceago on the shore of Clear Lake and home to the tasting room of Ceago Vinegarden, the organic and biodynamic wine label of Jim Fetzer. The lavender is used to produce essential oils, soaps, and more which are for sale in the tasting room. Small fee. 5115 E. Highway 20. (707) 274-1462, www.ceago.com
JULY
Tulip Hill Winery Red, White & Blush Food & Wine Pairing and Concert in the Garden, Nice
July 2, 2011
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy music in the garden. Doors open at 3:00 p.m.; music 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission price includes wine tasting expertly paired with scrumptious appetizers. Music by TLC featuring Mojo, Neft, and Dubois. Wine also available for purchase by the glass or bottle. 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
Music Festival at Moore Family Winery, Kelseyville
July 10, 2010
Set high in the mountains of the Red Hills AVA, the Moore Family Winery hosts a music festival surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Enjoy a variety of live music including blues, rock, and soul along with a variety of foods, arts and craft vendors, and wine tasting. 11990 Bottle Rock Road. (707) 738-0507, www.moorefamilywinery.com
Concert in the Vineyard, Kelseyville
July 30, 2011
Bring the entire family and listen to wonderful music on the grass, under the stars at Moore Family Winery. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:00 p.m. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets $25. 11990 Bottle Rock Road, (707) 279-9279, www.moorefamilywinery.com
Lake County Wine Adventure Weekend, Countywide
July 30 – 31, 2011
Seventh-annual Wine Adventure offers guests a chance to explore many wines and wineries of California’s Lake County. Eventgoers can sample distinct high-elevation award-winning wines from participating wineries and enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres. During this two-day, passport-style event, many locations also feature barrel tastings, entertainment, winery tours, wine and food pairings, and other fun and sustainable wine activities. At the end of the Lake County Wine Adventure route, all participants are eligible to enter a raffle drawing. The purchase of a two-day Wine Adventure ticket includes a logo wine glass, tasting booklet, adventure map, and a weekend of fun in fabulous Lake County. Designated drivers are encouraged. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. Countywide. (707) 355-2762, www.lakecountywineries.org
AUGUST
Blue Wing Blues Festival, Upper Lake
August 5 – 7, 2011
Fifth-annual blues festival in which acclaimed musicians take turns each night on the hotel veranda, performing for a full crowd in a garden setting. A delicious barbecue dinner is served and each night of the festival is sponsored by a different Lake County winery with tasting available. 9550 Main Street. (707) 275-2244, www.tallmanhotel.com
Tulip Hill Winery Food & Wine Pairing and Concert in the Garden, Nice
August 13, 2011
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy music in the garden. Doors open at 3:00 p.m.; music 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission price includes wine tasting expertly paired with scrumptious appetizers. Wine also available for purchase by the glass or bottle. 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
Taste of Lakeport, Lakeport
August 19, 2011
Fourteenth-annual winetasting event featuring food, wine tasting, live music, and dancing. Businesses in downtown Lakeport stay open late for the event, which features hors d’oeuvres at the many tasting stations, as well as live music and dancing. Purchase of a tasting ticket includes a commemorative wine glass and a chance to win raffle prizes donated by the local businesses. Presented by Lakeport Main Street Association; a benefit for the revitalization of downtown Lakeport. 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Main Street. (707) 263-8843, www.lakeportmainstreet.com
Concert in the Vineyard, Kelseyville
August 20, 2011
Bring the entire family and listen to wonderful music on the grass, under the stars at Moore Family Winery. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:00 p.m. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets $25. 11990 Bottle Rock Road, (707) 279-9279, www.moorefamilywinery.com
SEPTEMBER
Concert in the Vineyard, Kelseyville
September 3, 2011
The final event in the Moore Family Winery concert in the vineyard series. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Bring a blanket or a low-back lounge chair. Food and wine available for purchase. Tickets are $15 per person, children under 12 are free. 11990 Bottle Rock Road, (707) 279-9279, www.moorefamilywinery.com
Tulip Hill Winery Food & Wine Pairing and Concert in the Garden, Nice
September 10, 2011
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy music in the garden. Doors open at 3:00 p.m.; music 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission price includes wine tasting expertly paired with scrumptious appetizers. Wine also available for purchase by the glass or bottle. A benefit for Operation Tango Mike featuring music by Twice as Good. Tulip Hill Winery, 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
Harvest Education, Lower Lake
September 10, 2011
The Six Sigma Winery, Ranch & Vineyard team will lead a demonstration on “Harvest 101”. The event includes various hands-on harvest techniques followed by a light lunch served with Six Sigma wines. $25 per person. Reservations suggested. 13372 Spruce Grove Road. (707) 994-4068, www.sixsigmaranch.com
Lake County Wine Auction, Nice
September 17, 2011
The Lake County Wine Alliance will hold its 12th-annual Wine Auction gala, a benefit for the arts, health, and community of Lake County with live and silent auctions, wine and gourmet foods from local purveyors, and music. Black-tie is encouraged. The Wine Auction begins at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday; tickets are $125 per person. Ceago Vinegarden, 5115 East Highway 20, in Nice. For tickets and information, contact (866) 279-WINE, www.winealliance.org
OCTOBER
Steele Wines Harvest Festival, Kelseyville
October 8 – 9, 2011
Festival famous for its grape-stomping competition for kids and adults, as well as its Vineyard Run for Literacy — a certified 5K/10K run and 5K walk amid autumn-colored vineyards and orchards. Held the second weekend each October, various musicians will perform live both days. Visitors taste the wines of Steele’s extensive collection and enjoy the 4-H Club’s barbecue, as well as a myriad of vendor booths with plentiful food, fine art, arts and crafts, and other unique souvenirs and gifts. A kids’ corner features a storyteller and face painting. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. Vineyard Run for Literacy will be held Sunday. Steele Wines, 4350 Thomas Drive. (707) 279-9475, www.steelewines.com
NOVEMBER
Tulip Hill Winery Food and Wine Pairing, Nice
November 19, 2011
Celebrate autumn by sampling world-class wines from Tulip Hill Winery expertly paired with scrumptious appetizers. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tulip Hill Winery, 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
DECEMBER
Tulip Hill Winery Open House and Food &Wine Pairing, Nice
December 10 – 11, 2011
Holiday open house at Tulip Hill Winery includes tasty holiday treats, as well as a sale on wines and merchandise. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tulip Hill Winery, 4900 Bartlett Springs Road, Nice. (707) 274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
Though Lake County is still often referred to as “The Undiscovered Wine Country,” its grape-growing history dates back to the late 1800s with Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino as its next-door neighbors. The influence of the area’s temperate climate combines with the terroir imparted by its distinct volcanic soils to produce ultra-premium winegrapes that have attracted the interest and investment of several famous winemakers. Visitors will experience these award-winning wines poured in casual tasting rooms that reflect the area’s friendly, relaxed lifestyle. Lake County is part of the North Coast AVA, and within Lake County, five other AVAs exist—Clear Lake, Benmore Valley, Guenoc, and the recently approved Red Hills and High Valley AVAs.
