LAKE COUNTY – Six Lake County wineries spent a sunny afternoon pouring their fine wines on the Vallejo waterfront on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The afternoon event drew scores of people to the grassy area next to the ferry building with kite-flying, arts and crafts, barbecue, chocolatiers, music, tai chi, yoga and more.

“This was a wonderful event with wine, food, activities, and artisan crafters. It gave us a chance to showcase Lake County wines and introduce the Lake County wine region to people in the Vallejo area,” said Lake County Winery Association Director Terry Dereniuk.

U. S. Rep. Mike Thompson and his wife stopped to take in the event along with Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis and many members of city government.

Vallejo resident Frank Malifrando, brought the event together in just six weeks with help from Mayor Davis and Congressman Thompson.

“Frank was wonderful to work with on this event. Through his efforts, the Lake County wine region enjoyed exposure with ads on the SolTrans bus system, the electronic bill board just off Highway 80, and many other outlets in the area,” said Dereniuk.

Lake County wineries pouring their wines included Rosa d’Oro, Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill, Olof Cellars, Langtry Estate and Vineyards, Art and Farm Wines and Moore Family Winery.

Dereniuk, Lu Baird, and local author Gaye Allen were on hand to pour a flight of Sauvignon Blanc with wines from Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, Wildhurst Vineyards, Steele Wines and Vigilance Winery in a sensory pouring.

Allen, who has just published a book titled “Lake County Wine Guide,” said, “People really enjoyed comparing the four different Sauvignon Blanc wines side by side. Terry's idea to bring some fruits and other examples of typical flavor characteristics for people to smell worked especially well. We received a really warm reception from the people of Vallejo who showed a great interest in Lake County’s location as well as its wines. Many asked if we were coming back next week.”

“People were thrilled to have a beautiful wineglass (instead of plastic) to take home after tasting our amazing wines,” said Baird, a Lake County Winery Association member and supporter. “Several dozen attendees returned to the ticket table to purchase additional tasting tickets and commented on how impressed they were with our product. Some already knew about Lake County; and many said, ‘Now I’ll have to take a trip to visit your wineries.' Attendees were also given a postcard with special offers from participating wineries. I was so pleased to be able to showcase our beautiful county.”

For Robin and Steve Moore, pouring in Vallejo was a trip home.

“It's beautiful down here,” said Steve Moore as patrons lined up to taste their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. “Not many cities have this. I think they should push this waterfront.”

Gigi Stahl, Konocti Trails Coordinator for the county of Lake, brought information and displays about the outdoor activities that Lake County offers.

She made a special presentation to Congressman Thompson, giving him with a camp stool as a small token of appreciation for his continued support of Lake County’s trails.

Upcoming events for Lake County Winery Association and Lake County wineries include a booth at the Kelseyville Pear Festival where Lake County wines by the glass will be available and the annual Christmas in the Country the first weekend in December.

The Lake County Winery Association works to promote the wines of Lake County’s high elevation region. Membership is open to wineries, winegrape growers, and individuals or businesses interested in promoting the Lake County wine industry.

For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship or membership opportunities, call 707 357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .

LUCERNE, Calif. – A caregiver support group for families dealing with memory loss or other cognitive impairments will meet on Thursday, Aug. 21.

The group meets at the First Lutheran Church, 3863 Country Club Drive across from the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Social worker Jenny Johnson is the facilitator.

The group is sponsored by Redwood Caregiver Resource Center (1-800-834-1636) and the Social Day Programs in Lake County.

For more information call Jenny Johnson at 707-350-3030 or Caroline Denny at 707-263-9481.

LUCERNE, Calif. – The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center will host a fun Western Band Potluck on Wednesday, Aug 20, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The third Wednesday every month marks this regular fundraiser and music event.  

The High Notes band is featured and will get toes tapping.  

This potluck fundraiser has a $12 admission.

Bring something wonderful to share. This is a chance to hear one of Lake County’s most experienced talent and to dance.

All proceeds from the meal benefit the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, a not-for-profit that serves north shore senior populations with on site lunches, Meals on Wheels and advocacy.

The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center is located at 3985 Country Club Drive.

For more information about services or the Western Band Potluck with the High Notes, call the center at 707-274-8779.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Konocti Art Society artwork is now on display at the Kelseyville WestAmerica Bank, 4025 Main St.

WestAmerica invited the Konocti Art Society artists to show a sample of their artwork during the months of August and September as a build up to the Kelseyville Pear Festival.

Artist Ruth Morgan’s “Pear Picking Day” is the featured piece of art in the bank as it was this year’s poster contest winner for the Pear Festival.

The original will be auctioned off at the Dave Stamey Concert on Friday, Sept. 26.

Other artists displaying at this prefestival show at WestAmerica are Leah Adams, Judy Cardinale, Pat Courtney, Barbara Funke, Gerri Groody, Jan Hambrick, Annette Higday, Barbara Kossen, Jeanne
Landon-Myers, Barbara Levasseur, Diana Liebe, Karen Magnuson, Gaylene McComb, Carolyn Morris, Patty Oates and Diane Tembey-Stawicki.

Artwork consists of acrylic, oil, pastel, watercolor, ceramic, pen and ink, color pencil and multimedia.

Konocti Art Society artwork is displayed annually at WestAmerica Bank in Kelseyville during the Kelseyville Pear Festival, which this year is Sept. 27.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The annual meeting of the Lake Community PRIDE Foundation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Konocti Unified School District Office, 9430 Lake St. in Lower Lake.

Among the organization's projects is the Safe House that offers shelter to homeless teens.

LAKEPORT – JoAnn Saccato will speak on “mindfulness” on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 5 p.m. at Lakeport Library.

Saccato is a mindfulness teacher and consultant, Reiki master/teacher, author and inspirational speaker.

She says she “consults with businesses and individuals focusing on companioning each to live authentically, mindfully and consciously discovering and reaching their aspirations.”

This free program is open to the public.

The Friends of the Lake County Library will provide light refreshments.

Lakeport Library, located at 1425 N. High St., is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m.

The phone number is 707-263-8817.

The Lake County Library is on the Internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary .