Lake County, CA — Successful bidders at this year’s Lake County Wine Auction will sail San Francisco Bay at sunset on FDR’s historic presidential yacht, savor cuban rum and cigars, and join the Lake County Quilt Trail by taking home a stunning new quilt block called “Changing Seasons.”
That’s just the beginning of an evening of wine, food and fun designed to help build a better community. Since it’s beginning in 2000, the Lake County Wine Auction has distributed $1,177,802 to Lake County community groups and organizations. Last year the distribution totaled $96,500.
In accepting the position of honorary co-chairs of the event, Don and Margie Van Pelt said they are “thrilled that we have been chosen to participate in the wine auction.” The Van Pelt’s are owners of Cache Creek Winery, the scene of this year’s event. Don Van Pelt said, “It’s rewarding to build something and have the community use it for a great cause.”
Cache Creek Winery, one of the county’s newest, is located at the intersection of Highway 20 and New Long Valley Road. Over the summer the winery has improved it’s outdoor event venue with the construction of an impressive concert stage, where The Funky Dozen Band, a regional favorite, will entertain during the the early evening food tastings and later for dancing as everyone celebrates the impact they have made on our community.
Wineries, caterers and restaurants from all over the area will feature a wide variety of fine wines and foods with an emphasis on bringing attention to Lake County’s Agricultural Bounty. Sixteen Lake County Wineries will be pouring with eight of them having contributed to a pair of special Cuvée blends created by veteran winemaker Jed Steel to accompany the evening’s three course gourmet dinner.
We hear a lot about the high quality wines that are a signature in Lake County, but with many unique food products being produced here, we now see the county developing as a first rate agricultural region as well. Chef Warren Finch, the executive chef at Running Creek Casino, has taken care to embrace the quality ingredients that we have at our fingertips.
Since our 17 corporate sponsors underwrite the cost of the event, those who purchase tickets are guaranteed that all of their ticket and auction money will go directly to the evening’s designated organizations.
This year’s sponsors include: Cal Pine, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Six Sigma Winery, St. Helena Hospital, Sysco Foods, Artist John Clarke, Mendo-Lake Credit Union, Umpqua Bank, Cache Creek Winery, Boatique Winery, Kelseyville Pharmacy, Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Winery, C-Line Express Trucking, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, and P.G. & E.
The Lake County Wine Auction is produced by the Lake County Wine Alliance, which is a 501c non-profit dedicated to supporting the Arts, Health and Community. The Wine Alliance is administered by a board of directors whose members are: Kaj Ahlmann, Lower Lake, president; Judy Luchsinger,Lakeport, vice president; Sharron Zoller, Kelseyville, secretary; Rob Roumiguiere, Kelseyville,treasurer; and Marie Beery, Kelseyville, and Bill Groody, Kelseyville, directors.
For more information and updates visit the Wine Auction website: www.winealliance.org