LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Winery Association (LCWA) hosted the annual membership meeting at Brassfield Estate and Winery on Feb. 26.

More than 60 members and guests braved the rain soaked roads to enjoy an evening of Lake County wines, and socializing.

Bellissimo! Wine Country Catering provided delicious appetizers and Tony Barthel from Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort entertained guests with easy listening music.

LCWA volunteers Sinda Knight from WestAmerica Bank, and Mireya Turner from the county of Lake assisted with the event.

Calling the meeting to order, LCWA Chairman Nick Buttitta welcomed the attendees and introduced the members of the 2014 Board of Directors.

He also recognized retiring board members Megan Hoberg, Wildhurst Vineyards & Tasting Room, and Jacquelyn Farrington, Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, and thanked them for their hard work on the 2013 board.

Serving on the board this year will be Cheryl Lucido, Laujor Estate; Greg Graham, Gregory Graham Wines; Cielo Fox, Brassfield Estate Winery; Cindi Olof, Olof Cellars; Dustin Fults, Langtry Estate & Vineyard; Jonathan Walters, Robinson Lake Vineyard; Nick Buttitta, Rosa d'Oro Winery; Steve Tylicki, Steele Wines; and Susan Feiler, Lake County Wine Studio.

"We have a busy year planned for the Association and look forward to everyone's help and involvement in continuing to promote the Lake County wine region,” Buttitta said.

Executive Director Terry Dereniuk added, "We are planning several events to showcase Lake County wines including the People's Choice wine tasting on June 14 and the 10th anniversary Wine Adventure the last weekend in July."

Dereniuk mentioned that Lake County was named one of five new wine regions, not in California, not in the United States, but in the world with tremendous potential last year by Ray Isle, writer for Food and Wine Magazine.

In addition to the People's Choice and Lake County Wine Adventure, LCWA will host the 2014 Lake County High Elevation Wine Competition in June.

This professional wine judging competition will be directed by Bob Fraser, director of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

A number of Lake County wineries will also bring Lake County to the San Francisco Vintner's Market in April.

LCWA continues to grow. New members Lu Baird, a Lake County wine lover, Tulip Hill Winery, and Rick Lewis, Nice Wine Co. were welcomed as new members.

Lewis talked about the Nice Wine Co. and spoke about their new custom facility for boutique wine production.

LCWA works to promote the wines of Lake County's high elevation region.

Membership is open to wineries, winegrape growers, and individuals or businesses interested in promoting the Lake County wine industry.

For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship or membership opportunities, call 707-357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .