[Lake County, CA – October, 2022] The Lake County Winery Association is thrilled to secure a $440,476 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to support its “When You Think Wine, Think Lake County” initiative. This exciting new focus aims to firm up the understanding of the bounty of Lake County in the minds of younger consumers, and to cultivate their lifelong dedication and support.
Historically, Lake County has been an important wine grape growing region and has helped supplement the grapes needed for Napa County wine production. In recent decades, Lake County wineries have flourished independent of Napa County and produce a range of wines that speak to the county’s distinct volcanic terroir. Further, Lake County wineries are family owned and operated, which provides a much more personalized experience for visitors and for consumers. As younger generations seek out smaller production and boutique wineries, authentic experiences, and the ability to support family farms, the Lake County Winery Association aims to promote its 24 wineries as the perfect destination for wine tasting weekends and more.
“This is a great opportunity to expose more people, especially the younger generation, to the strong growing reputation of quality wines from Lake County,” said Association Chair Kendall Fults of Fults Family Vineyards. “We’re delighted to share our dedication to our wines, our region, and our livelihoods with younger visitors.” With 9 sub AVAs, Lake County wineries showcase its distinctive soil and high elevation in the high quality, passion-driven wines.
The grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is part of the 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This funding will help support digital, social media, and video marketing campaigns, as well as an updated website, to help build awareness of, appreciation for, and dedication to Lake County’s offerings to Millennials and Gen Zers in San Francisco and Sacramento, with the goal of creating lifelong lovers of Lake County. Located just over 2 hours from both, Lake County offers city residents quiet respite with sweeping vistas, towering Mount Konocti, and expansive Clear Lake alongside vast agricultural acreage.
About the Lake County Winery Association
The Lake County Winery Association promotes the Lake County wine region as a producer of premium, high-elevation wines and a relaxing travel destination. To learn more about Lake County wines visit www.lakecountywineries.org
Acknowledgement of Support
Funding for this “When You Think Wine, Think Lake County” initiative was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant AM22SCBPCA1133. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
