LAKEPORT, Calif. – Delight your sweetheart this Valentine's Day with tickets to the fifth annual Wine & Chocolate Festival.
This year’s event, a benefit for Lake Family Resource Center, takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at Mt. Konocti Growers, 2550 Big Valley Road, Lakeport.
The fundraiser is presented by Kathy Fowler Auto Center, Mt. Konocti Growers, Bruno’s Shop Smart, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Mendo Lake Credit Union, Konocti Vista Casino, Savings Bank of Mendocino County and other donors and sponsors.
More than 25 Lake County wineries are participating, and are pouring award-winning, premium Lake County wines, including sparkling wines, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Grenache and ports.
Luscious chocolates have been paired by Certified Sommelier Stephanie Green from Focused on Wine in Kelseyville.
Green, currently pursuing her master's in wine sponsored by Gina Gallo, said Wine & Chocolate is one of her favorite local wine events.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for local wineries to present premium wines to a wide audience,” Green said.
In addition to tasting wine and chocolate, entertainment will include raffles, a silent auction, workshops, conversations with winemakers, a new “Best Pairing, Best Wine, Best Food” contest, and an antique car show (weather permitting).
New this year is participation by several local restaurants offering tastes of savory gourmet foods paired with local wines.
The silent auction and raffle includes trips, wine baskets, special dinners at local wineries, and many other unique items and opportunities.
Proceeds from the Wine & Chocolate Festival benefit the programs and services of Lake Family Resource Center.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door and are available at the following locations:
Hillside Honda, Lakeport;
Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Lakeport;
Lake Family Resource Center, Kelseyville offices;
Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery, Clearlake Oaks;
Six Sigma Ranch, Vineyards & Winery, Lower Lake;
Wildhurst Vineyards, Kelseyville;
Kitchen Gallery, Lakeport;
Saw Shop Gallery & Bistro, Kelseyville;
Judy Conard Law Office, Lakeport;
Steele Winery, Kelseyville;
Tulip Hill, Nice.
For more information, call 707-279-0563 or 888-775-8336.