Thank you for making Lake County WINEFEST 2026 such a memorable celebration of wine, music and community! From the energetic sounds of Vickie Guillory & the Sugar Cats, to delicious food, artisan vendors, beautiful silent auction baskets and “The Best Wine Money Can’t Buy,” there was something for everyone to enjoy.
A sincere thank you to our attendees, volunteers, vendors, donors, sponsors and especially the talented amateur winemakers, brewers and creators of unique specialty and dessert wines who shared their handcrafted creations with us. Your passion and generosity made this event a tremendous success and helped support the music education and performance programs of the Lake County Symphony Association.
Congratulations to all of this year’s entrants in the Blind Wine Judging competition. Below are the results.
Blind Wine Judging Results
Sauvignon Blanc
🥇 GOLD
Scott Knickmeyer
🥈 SILVER
Merry Jo Velasquez
🥉 BRONZE
Deborah & Chris Welch
Other White
🥇 GOLD
Jerry Martinez
🥈 SILVER
LCSA Wine Club
Rosé
🥇 GOLD
Scott Knickmeyer
🥈 SILVER
Merry Jo Velasquez
Syrah
🥇 GOLD
Jerry Martinez
🥈 SILVER
Scott Knickmeyer
🥉 BRONZE
Merry Jo Velasquez
Zinfandel
🥇 GOLD
Jerry Martinez
🥈 SILVER
Chris Twohy
🥉 BRONZE
David Pretari
Petite Sirah
🥇 GOLD
David Hicks
🥈 SILVER
Jerry Martinez
🥉 BRONZE
LCSA Wine Club
Other Red
🥇 GOLD
Jerry Martinez
🥈 SILVER
Chris Twohy
🥉 BRONZE
Deborah & Chris Welch
Dessert
🥇 GOLD
Kathy Knickmeyer
🥈 SILVER
Scott Knickmeyer
🥉 BRONZE
Tara Venezio
🍷🎶 As Featured in Wine Country May 2026 🍇✨
Celebrating a one-of-a-kind festival where homecrafted wine and beer, live music, food and artisan vendors come together to benefit the Lake County Symphony Association.
Read the article “Sip, savor and support music at WINEFEST…”
“Making Wine for Music“
WINEFEST proceeds benefit Lake County Symphony Association’s programs:
- In-school music programs for students
- Scholarships
- Concerts
- Underwriting of the outstanding Lake County Symphony
