LC Winter  
Visit Lake County
Volume 2, Issue 1
January 2013
 Cobb Mountain   
    

Photo of the Month

 Cobb Mountain

Photo Credit - Wes Nelms, www.wesphotos.com

Greetings!

Visit Lake County is the official resource for upcoming events, fun activities, exciting wineries, and cool places to stay - all designed to help you make the most out of your next visit to Lake County. If you'd like personal assistance planning your stay, just call (800) LAKESIDE to speak with one of our friendly Lake County concierges.
 
- The Visit Lake County team
Play
Wine and Chocolate...and More - February 9   
Wine & Chocolate Mark your calendar for the second Saturday in February, for the annual Lake County Wine and Chocolate...and More event, which for the past six years has been held at Mt. Konocti Wineries Barrel Room Event Center.

 

This exceptional event, spotlighting Lake County's ultra-premium wines, is a benefit for Lake Family Resource Center. Wine and Chocolate...and More includes lovely pairings of local wines not only with incredible chocolates, but also with savory bites from local restaurants and caterers. The event includes an auction, workshops on wine and food pairings, olive oil, and other topics. This year's event will include beer tasting from a couple of local breweries, a firepit, an antique car show (weather permitting), and an opportunity to purchase a lovely catered lunch. 

 

Mt. Konocti Winery and Event Center, 2550 Big Valley Road, Kelseyville, www.lakefrc.org

Stay

Lakeside Casitas at Ceago Vinegarden, Nice  Ceago Lakeside Casitas       

Ceago Vinegarden offers two cozy and romantic casitas, nestled alongside the banks of Clear Lake, surrounded by old olive and willow trees, lavender fields, and a world-class biodynamic winery and vineyard. Spend the day strolling the grounds, taking in the lake and mountain views, and catching up on reading and relaxing. Sample wine by day and snuggle by the fire at night.
  
Luxurious king and queen beds, fireplaces, private patios, and breathtaking views invite you to unwind and discover the beauty and serenity of Lake County's wine region. Casitas are equipped with flat-screens with satellite television and radio, and CD players. A complimentary in-room wine tasting is available for guests over 21 years of age.
  
5115 E. Hwy 20, Nice
(707) 718-4008, www.ceago.com
Taste
Bell Hill Vineyards, LakeportBell Hill    
Phil and Julia Maxwell have been growing and selling their grapes for over three decades. In 2004, they decided to reserve some of their own grapes and make their own wine under the Bell Hill brand. The "Bell Hill" name was chosen so local residents could associate the name with the 40-acre  vineyard located on Bell Hill Road. Then in 2011, the Maxwells opened the Bell Hill tasting room. In the Lakeport tasting room, you may sip on the Bell Hill wines while viewing artist's creative endeavors or take in the breathtaking view of Clear Lake just across the street.


Tasting Room Open Thursday - Monday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and by appointment

 

125 Park Street, Lakeport

(707) 490-4400, www.bellhillvineyards.com

Farm to Table

 

Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes, Basil & Parmesan
Contributed by: Colleen Rentsch, Seely Farm Stand,
Upper Lake
Seely Farm Stand  

3 lbs Lake County spaghetti squash, cut in half, lengthwise

4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup fresh Lake County basil leaves, plus additional for garnish

1/2 tsp dried oregano

6 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

2 cups Lake County cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced

 

In a glass baking dish, arrange the squash halves, cut side down. Pour 1/4 cup water around squash halves. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 12 minutes, or until soft. Remove carefully from microwave and let stand for three minutes.

 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, basil, oregano, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Stir in the tomatoes and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. While the squash is warm, scrape it with a fork to form strands. Add to the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and garnish with basil. Serve warm.

 

Makes 4-6 main dish servings.

Finding Treasures...

Art in Rural Places

 

The Soper-Reese Community Theatre in Lakeport, a project of the Lake County Arts Council.

Ongoing events include:

*2nd Tuesday Classic Movie Series - enjoy favorite classic movies on the big screen.

*3rd Friday Live - local favorite bands play the third Friday of each month.

 

First Friday Fling - a reception held the first Friday of each month, spotlighting artists currently showing at the Main Street Gallery, with music, hors d'oeuvres, and wine.

  

For a complete list of fun things to do in Lake County, visit www.lakecounty.com

    A Look Ahead to Spring and Summer...

Don't miss out on these fun events. Start making your vacation plans now!

 

1/26 Ice Bowl Disc Golf - 14th annual tournament, produced by Lake County Basketcase Club, is a benefit for Catholic Charities. Charitable goal is $500 and 1,000 pounds of food.

 

2/9 Wine and Chocolate...and More - This event features local wines, incredible chocolates, savory bites, beer tasting, a firepit, and an antique car show.

 

3/16 Rhythm & Brews - Enjoy a wide variety of microbrews, musical entertainment, St. Patricks's Day Costume & Kazoo Parade, and a chili cook-off. Prizes awarded. Open to all ages.

 

4/21 Kelseyville Olive Festival - Olive mill tours, product samples, vendor booths, olive pit spitting contest, silent auction, raffle, local beer and wine tasting, and much more.

 

5/12 Mother's Day Pops Concert - Clear Lake Performing Arts presents the Lake County Symphony Concert Series.

 

6/22 Home Winemakers Festival - Taste the winemaking efforts of more than 40 Northern California amateurs, as well as those from leading Lake County commercial wineries. Tasting fee includes music, food, art, auction, raffle, and a chance to vote on the winners.

 

7/27-7/28 Lake County Wine Adventure - Sample distinct "high-elevation" award-winning wines from a limited number of Lake County wineries. Many locations also feature barrel tastings, entertainment, winery tours, and other fun activities.

 

8/2-8/4 Blue Wing Blues Festival - Two great bands perform each evening using the hotel veranda as a stage. The price of admission includes a gourmet barbecue dinner. 

 

Don't miss these family-friendly fishing events...

 

4/27-4/28 Blue Lakes Trout Derby - Local merchants and individuals donate prizes, with the proceeds going to support our local firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and Blue Lakes community projects.

 

5/17-5/19 Catfish Derby - The tournament features separate divisions for adults and children, food and entertainment, prizes, and a cash and merchandise drawing. 

Quick Links

If you're planning a visit or considering re-locating to Lake County, find out what this beautiful area has to offer. Take a Video Tour of Lake County

 

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