KELSEYVILLE, CA — On Saturday, the Lake County Wine Alliance took it back to the 1980s, holding their 24 annual Wine Auction in Kelseyville. Every year the auction raises money for over three dozen non profit beneficiaries and local schools, with this year’s amount totaling over $100,000 in live bids alone.
Clearlake City Manager Alan Flora alongside his wife and executive director of the Lake County Economic Development Corporation Nicole Flora was the master of ceremonies at the event where most attendees were dressed in 80s outfits, while auctioneer Robert Irwin garnered bids for what he claimed to be his “first time.” Flora addressed the approximate 400 guest attending the auction. Alan Flora said, “There are 39 local groups and programs that will be supported with your giving today.” He continued “To the Wine Industry, thank you. I think we all know that Lake County Wines are as good as any in the world.”
They welcomed special guests Congressman Mike Thompson, and Allie Davari from the Konocti Harbor Resort Team. Davari spoke on her nostalgic memories of Konocti and the great honor it is managing this establishment. She said, “Without the support of each one of you tonight, along with your beloved families and friends, we simply cannot bring this resort back to it’s greatness.”
Congressman Thompson also shared his sentiments for the community. He said, “This is an incredible event that has done an incredible amount for the county.” He continued to explain the importance of this fundraiser for the community, noting how the beneficiaries are comprised of passionate nonprofits that focus on or county’s seniors and youth, while always upholding music and arts programs.
Guest speakers from presenting sponsors Sutter Health and Lake County Tribal Health also expressed their joy in the evening’s event. Sutter Health CEO Timothy Stephens said, “The wine alliance is more than a gathering of growers and vintners, it’s a movement, cooperative, a people who are giving back to our communities.” Stephens noted that last year the alliance raised $210,000, adding to the grand total of over $3 million raised since the beginning of the alliance, all directly to community members. Ernesto Padilla, CEO of Lake County Tribal Health, also shared his gratitude. “At Tribal Health we love this event because it gives us the opportunity to give back to areas that aren’t really related to the medical service line like education and ag,” he said.
Hosting the event this year was the Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa, showcasing their recently renovated pool and deck areas. Sprawling through the resort grounds the appetizers were served poolside, on the decks overlooking the lake. Twelve different restaurants and caterers offered up their bite sized culinary creations, which included savory options like a corn salad from Tina Scott’s students in the Clear Lake High School Culinary Class, classic sloppy joes from the Ripe Choice Catering company, and a tabbouleh from the Saw Shop Public House and the Blue Zones Project. Sweets abounded with mini cheesecake and cupcake bites from Mother Lovin’ from the Oven and waffles on a stick from Rosie’s Bread and Butter.
Navigating through the bar area there were numerous silent auction items donated from local organizations. Though the focus of the evening was on the live auction where 20 different one-of-a-kind experiences and prize packages were up for grabs. The top grossing live auction items were the coveted “Christmas in the Country” VIP dining experience at Saw Shop Public House which went for $10,500. Next in line was the dinner with Congressman Mike Thompson bringing in $17,000. Lastly was the Ogulin House Experience, fetching an impressive $17,500.
Dinner was presented by the Konocti Harbor Restaurant featuring their signature beef brisket, while the salad and dessert were prepared by others. The salad was a harvest wedge prepared by Chef Robert Reil and his culinary team at the Lower Lake High School Culinary Pathway Class. The dessert was a cookie flight trio created by Chef Instructor Roseanne Crews and her team at the Adaptive Culinary Program offered by the Vision of Hope Village. Organizers noted that the culinary program is the heart of the vision of creating a safe, sustainable community where adults with autism or other developmental differences can live, learn and thrive. The meal was served family style by Kelseyville High School students.