February 2025 Newsletter
In This Issue…
LCWC Launches New Video Campaign
Lake County at 2025 Unified Symposium
Lake County Wines in the News
Grape & Wine Marketplace
Weather & Climate Report
Affiliate Sponsor: PG&E
LCWC Launches Social Media Video Campaign
The Lake County Winegrape Commission recently launched a video marketing campaign to showcase the distinct characteristics of the region. The videos will be available on LCWC’s social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. The Commission encourages growers to ‘like’ and share the videos to increase their visibility as they are released.
LCWC collaborated with Lake County’s Tourism Improvement District to gather footage for the videos, and they have begun releasing their own campaign to attract visitors.
LCWC Promotes Lake County Region at Unified
LCWC participated in the Regional Wine Tasting on the tradeshow floor on January 29 at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium. LCWC Marketing & Events Manager Megan Hoberg and Outreach & Events Coordinator Summer Brown poured a selection of Lake County wines representing the region’s key varietals and viticultural areas and answered questions about the winegrowing region.
Additionally, as part of the curriculum for the LCWC Master Vigneron Academy®, students of this year’s class attended Unified to kick off the 2025 MVA sessions. The participants were able to attend Spanish-speaking sessions and explore the exhibits on the tradeshow floor.
In the News
The Volcanic Wines of Northern California
Obsidian Wine Co. and Brassfield Estate recently hosted a webinar with Somm Journal to discuss volcanic wines.
Somm Journal VP of Education moderated the panel with Jonathan Walters, GM of Brassfield Estate; Arpad Molnar, co-founder of Obsidian Wine Co., Dr. Seth Burgess, renowned research geologist; and Katharine & David Desante, winemaking consultants at Brassfield.
Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gifts for Entrepreneurs: 2025 Edition
Editor’s note: Full article was featured on HomeBusinessMag.com.
Sol Rouge Petite Sirah 2018:
On the nose, Sol Rouge Petite Sirah 2018 unveils aromas of ripe blueberries, blackberries, tobacco, dark chocolate, and a hint of mineral essence. The palate reveals the intensity of the volcanic region, offering rich flavors and velvety spiciness that culminate in a long, satisfying finish. Sharing a bottle of this award-winning wine creates a memorable experience, whether enjoyed over a candlelit dinner or with decadent chocolates.
14 Of The Best Pinot Grigios For Every Budget
Editor’s note: Full article was featured on ChowHound.com.
Brassfield Estate Winery Pinot Gris:
Everything at Brassfield is estate-grown, produced, and bottled — no shortcuts here. Winemaker Carlos Valadez, backed by the dynamic duo of consulting winemakers David and Katharine DeSante, crafts wines that are sustainably certified, impeccably made, and packed with flavor. This includes their “classic” Pinot Gris, which is by no means ordinary. Grown on volcanic soils with high-altitude UV magic, this wine bursts with citrusy bergamot, juicy Bartlett pear, and wild chaparral vibes. Crisp, bright, and endlessly refreshing, it’s a go-to for pairing with everything — or nothing at all.
Wine Competitions Accepting Entries
Entries for the 2025 TEXSOM Awards will be accepted until Monday, February 3 at 3:00 PM.
The North Coast Wine Challenge is currently accepting entries. The Early Bird discount deadline is before midnight on March 7, and the final entry deadline is March 21.
Marketplace
In the market for bulk wine? Visit the Marketplace page of the LCWC website for an up-to-date list of Lake County bulk wine, grapes, and vines available for sale.
LCWC recently distributed this buyer guide and printed lists of available grapes and bulk wine for sale. Please feel free to download and share the file.
Weather & Climate
View January Report from Dr. Gregory Jones.
Affiliate Sponsor: Pacific Gas & Electric
Visit PG&E at the 2025 World Ag Expo
Don’t miss the must-see seminar “Let’s Get Connected,” where PG&E and SoCal Gas team up to talk about how dairy and agriculture farmers can benefit from Renewable Energy.
World Ag Expo
Tulare, California
Tuesday, February 11
4:00 PM
Trailer 2