Newsletter for the Sacramento Home Winemakers. Dessert, Fruit, Port, and (Sparklers?) Wine Evaluations

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1 g{x ZÜtÑxä Çx November 2015 Newsletter for the Sacramento Home Winemakers November Meeting Highlights Dessert, Fruit, Port, and (Sparklers?) Wine Evaluations SHW Monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month starting at 7pm, upstairs at the Turn Verein Hall located at 3349 J Street in Midtown, Sacramento. For more information on SHW membership, meetings and activities, visit: Inside This Issue A Trip to Scott Harvey Winery Last Home Winemaking Competition Page 2-3 Page 3 Harvest Dinner Page 4 On November 18, the program will be Dessert, Fruit, and Port wine evaluations and maybe sparklers. The evaluator will be Kurt Burris. Kurt has a degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis and has a variety of experiences related to wine including being a wine buyer, sommelier, and in wine sales. He has reped for Grgich Hills, Pahlmeyer, Madrona, Truchard, and Sierra Vista. He has also been making wine at home since He has also been serving as a wine judge since Also, Gold Medal and Focus group wines will be poured. Elections for the Executive Board will also be held at the November meeting. SHW Annual Election of Officers The Annual Election of SHW Officers will take place during our general meeting on Wednesday. The Board of Directors of SHW is responsible for presenting a slate of candidates for the Officers' positions. For 2016, the Board of Directors presents the following Candidates for the following positions: President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Membership: Joe McGillivray Donna Bettencourt Bruce Currie Jacque Brown Gin Yang & Fred Millar SHW Annual Holiday Party Information Silent Auction Information Page 5-6 Page 7 This year the SHW Bylaws were amended to allow up to 3 elected at large members to be added to the board. These elected members will not be voting board members but will participate at the Executive Board Meeting and hopefully move into one of the Officer's positions in subsequent years. This year 2 of the 3 proposed at large members of the Board are: Calendar of Events Page 7 Information Corner Back Page Bob Peake and Angie Cassidy. We will be taking care of this Club business at the beginning of the November meeting so please be ready to vote. Members in good standing i.e., current on dues, are eligible to vote. Also, per our bylaws, nominations are permitted to be made from the floor at the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Fred Millar at: fredmillar1@gmail.com

2 Page 2 A Trip to St. Helena on a Beautiful Fall Day, by Kevin D. Hubred, SHW Grapevine Editor We had the very fortunate opportunity this past Saturday November 7, 2015, to spend the afternoon at the private home of Scott and Jana Harvey, Scott Harvey Wineries, St. Helena, CA. Other than the excellent wines that were served to our group, enjoying the beautiful sunny afternoon and learning the history and roots of the famous vintners was surely the quintessential event of the day. Scott has quite a history in making wine Growing up in California s Sierra Mountains Region, Scott developed a keen interest in winemaking as a high school exchange student in the Rhineland Pfalz region of Germany. Scott attended California State University at Sacramento before beginning practical Enology training at Montevina Winery in Amador County. Back to Germany in 1975, he apprenticed at K. Fitz-Ritter Winery while attending the Weinbau Schule in Neustadt. Once again returning to Montevina Winery, Scott focused on all aspects of winemaking and running a winery. From farming the grapes to effectively marketing the wine, Scott solidified his knowledge and experience. In 1978, at the age of twenty -three, Scott took over as Head Winemaker for Story Winery, also in Amador County. In 1979 Scott developed an ambitious winery plan for the Santino family. As Winemaker and General Manager of Santino Winery, Scott is credited with placing Amador County firmly on the California wine map. Crafting the best wines possible from the soils and climatic conditions of the region, Santino and later Renwood benefited from Scott s German training and innovative style. Becoming one of the leading wineries in Amador County, and garnering critical acclaim, the wine world was paying attention. Amador County was now recognized as a world-class wine-growing appellation. In 1996, Scott was recruited as Partner, Winemaker & President for newly purchased, Folie a Deux Winery in Napa Valley. Combining forces with Lead Partner, renowned Winemaker, Richard Peterson, Ph.D, a formidable winemaking team was launched. Scott pursued his commitment to awardwinning Cabernets made from the Estate Vineyards in Napa Valley while continuing his passion for Amador County Zinfandel. Access to Scott s original Grandpère vineyard in Amador County and close relationships with premier Amador County growers, resulted in award-winning wines all around for Folie a Deux. In addition, Scott s creation, the Menage a Trois line of wines, was an instant commercial success. In 2004, Folie a Deux, now a respected brand, was sold to Sutter Home / Trinchero Winery. Scott was finally positioned and ready to start his own venture, and he had the ideal partner his wife, Jana, a wine industry veteran. Scott Harvey Wines, the initial line of wines in the Creative Wine Concepts portfolio, was created out of market demand for Scott s wines niche wines that over deliver. The Scott Harvey line focuses on Scott s roots Zinfandel, Syrah and Barbera from the Sierras. Approachable, food friendly and full of luscious fruit, these wines have struck a cord in the marketplace. Scott has hit his stride with his new mantra Scott Harvey Wines, it s time! Scott Harvey Winery & Tasting Room Scott Harvey announced the opening of our Scott Harvey Winery & Tasting Room in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County! After 20 years of pro-

3 St. Helena Continued... ducing Amador County and Napa Valley wines in a custom crush facility, we are now coming full circle and returning to our roots! They are still under construction at the new facility (formerly Stonehouse Winery), but are currently open Thursday through Monday for tastings. Their located in Amador County is Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, CA and also have a tasting room in Sutter Creek. Reading more about Scott Harvey Winery on their website, you ll find an list of recipes whereby specific varietals of wines are used Check out Scott Harvey s recipes - While listening and learning more from Scott as he spoke about his wine making and family of farmers, I learned that Scotts ancestors homesteaded land in the small town of Hoffman, Minnesota (current population of 581) near the north central town of Alexandria - the same town that my great grandfather Johan Hubred homesteaded at the same time in the late 1800 s. Both Scott and I have ancestors from Europe from Norway and Sweden so of course we have kindred spirits. My father was born in a small county farmhouse in Hoffman of which I have fond memories as a child visiting the family farm. The land that the farm sat on has since reverted back to the State of MN and is once again open land and a natural wildlife refuge. Scotts family has also taken up the art of winemaking in this small remote town in Minnesota and of course, Scott is lending a hand every chance he gets. Scott informed me that he has judged SHW wine tasting events and also offered to come and speak at a SHW event I look forward to seeing Scott and his wife Jana in the very near future! Thank you again Scott and Jana Harvey for your hospitality a big thank you from all of us that visited your California homestead. Last Home Wine Competition of the Year 42nd Annual Amateur Wine Competition 2015 Sponsored by the Cellarmasters The deadline to enter this venerable home wine competition is Monday, November 16, All bottles must be received by that date in Woodland Hills, CA. Please go to their website for more information about this competition, If you are entering wine in this competition in hopes of improving your score for our SHW Home Winemaker of the competition, I am assured, that as Chief Judge, I will have access to the results by November 30th, the deadline for entry for the SHW Home Winemaker of the year award. You can find the entry criterion for Winemaker of the Year on our SHW website, under the Member Resources tab. I will accept entries until midnight, November 30, 2015 either by mail, or be at bettencourt1045@softcom.net If you did well at the State Fair and at our Jubilee, and one other competition, please consider tossing your hat in the ring. Winner to be announced at our annual Christmas Party in December. If you just want to enter this competition for feedback, follow the instructions on the Cellarmasters website. Cheers, Page 3 Donna Bettencourt, Chief Judge, SHW

4 Page SHW Harvest Dinner Celebrating the 2015 harvest, Club members and guests celebrated with an evening of food, smiles, and wine. Spending the November 1 evening at Carmichael s Firebird Russian Restaurant our plates were filled with eastern European fare. Guests included Bob Peak with The Beverage People in Santa Rosa, and his wife Marti, and John and Vicky Troiano.

5 Page 7 SHW s Annual Holiday Dinner Party - Sunday, December 13, 2015 SHW s Annual Holiday Dinner Party and Silent Auction is a festive time when members and guests enjoy an evening filled with friends, wine and food. This event is in lieu of December s general meeting. Come. This year s party venue is on the terrace of the Embassy Suites Riverfront Promenade in Old Sacramento on Sunday, December 13. See the flyer in this newsletter for details. The Annual Holiday Party is SHW s only formal fundraising event. Funds raised go toward Club expenses such as meeting room rent, equipment, speakers, and other budget items to bring you SHW programs and events. Your generous contribution as a donor or bidder or both is greatly appreciated! Donate. Would you like to offer event tickets, commercial and home wines, a few days at your vacation home, hosting a dinner, wine grapes, gift certificates, themed gift baskets or a round of golf? Or, donate a few hours of your time especially if you have a special talent plumbing, electrical, gardening. Participate. Share your love! Place your generous bids for auction items and purchase your height s worth of raffle tickets. Stay. The Embassy is offering a special room rate the night of the party (December 13) with complimentary valet parking for $129 plus taxes and fees. Reservations must be made by Monday, November 30. Group Name: Group Code: Check-in: Check-out: Sacramento Home Winemakers Christmas Party SHW 13-DEC DEC-2015 To book: Go to: WT.mc_id=POG Or call (916) and ask for the Sacramento Home Winemakers discount rate. Call Samantha Weiss at if you have questions regarding this offer. More info: The Evening: Fred Millar at To Donate: Judy Pinegar at or judypinegar@gmail.com.

6 Page 6 Sacramento Home Winemakers Annual Holiday Dinner & Party Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade (Complimentary valet parking at hotel garage) Sunday, December 13, 2015 Social Hour 4:00 PM ~~ Dinner 5:00 PM Please bring wine for your table and to share with other Club Members!! Appetizers ~ Served during Social Hour Swedish Meatballs, Stuffed Mushrooms, International Cheese Selection Plated Dinner Baby Spinach Greens Salad with Candied Pecans, Goat Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette with your choice of One (1): Grilled Flank Steak with Roasted Shallot & Wild Mushroom Demi- Glace, Burnt Citrus Glazed Salmon & Baby Bok Choy, or Citrus Grilled Chicken, Grapefruit Beurre Blanc & Herb Roasted Potatoes. ~~Vegetables and Dinner Rolls Dessert Puff Pastry with assorted fresh berries & Vanilla Bean Sauce ~~ Coffee, Tea $50 per person for Members ~~ $55 per person for Non-Members (Inclusive of corkage, tax and gratuity) Payment is non-refundable and must be received by Wednesday, December 2, 2013 Questions? Please contact Fred Millar, Party Coordinator, at ============= Cut here and mail or bring to November 18 meeting ============= Please CIRCLE choice of: Flank Steak (FS); Salmon (S) or Chicken (C). Reservation(s) First/Last Name(s) ( FS / S / C ) ( FS / S / C ) ( FS / S / C ) # of Members Attending x $50 = $ # of Non-Members Attending x $55 = $ Total $ (make check payable to SHW) Mail form with check to: Steve Barrett SHW Treasurer, PO Box 623, Roseville, CA 95678

7 SHW Calendar of Events Page 7 Executive Board Meetings 6:30 PM; contact President J.D. Phelps for location; jd.phelps@gmail.com General Meetings 7:00 PM; upstairs at 3349 J Street, Sacramento Meeting and event details - see Events Calendar and latest Newsletter. General Meeting Executive Board Meeting Holiday Party and Fundraiser Executive Board Meeting General Meeting Nov. 18, 7PM Wednesday Dec. 2, 6:30PM Wednesday Dec. 13, 4PM Sunday Jan. 6, 2016, 6:30PM Wednesday Jan. 20, PM Wednesday Annual Meeting (Election), Gold Medal Tasting, and Evaluation of Desserts, Ports, Bubblies & Fruit Wines. Guest Evaluator: Kurt Burris, Enologist All members are welcome. In Sacramento. Annual holiday dinner and fundraiser (no general meeting in December). See article in this newsletter. All members are welcome. Varietal Differences. Guest Speaker: Chik Brenneman, UC Davis Winemaker, Department of Viticulture & Enology Holiday Silent Auction Judy Pinegar and Shannon Shackelford are looking for donations for the Silent Auction to be held at the annual Holiday Dinner this December. This is one of our major fundraisers, and lots of fun too. You donation as a donor of (or bidder on) the goods is really appreciated. This year we already have a couple of the old favorites donated: Two nights stay in a newer South Shore (Tahoe Park) home with Hot Tub, Wi-fi, access to private beach with 2 piers, picnic area and lots of games. Donated by Jackie and Craig Brown. Value $ Let s take a trip to Spain! Cooking class for up to 8 participants. You will prepare Paella, authentic Spanish sidedishes accompanied by home-made Sangria and Spanish Style wine. Donated by JD Phelps & Erin Bartling. Value $100 per couple. If you want to donate something please a list of your offer, treasures, or a large wine basket (with items identified) and an approximate value to Judy at judypinegar@gmail.com. We need this information ahead of time to do the bid sheets, etc. We are also running the usual Holiday Raffle if you would rather donate something smaller like a bottle of wine or a gift item, these can just be brought on the day of the event.

8 Postage: CLUB EQUIPMENT: De-stemmer/Crusher: Matt Sainson (916) ( Basket Press and Corker: Jacque and Craig Brown Filter: Donna Bettencourt (916) Each item is subject to a nominal upkeep fee per use: De-stemmer/Crusher: $10 Basket Press: $10 Corker: $5 Filter: 5$ Mail To: We re on the Web! Sacramento Home Winemakers C/O Steve Barrett PO Box 623 Roseville CA INFORMATION CORNER SHW BOARD OF DIRECTORS; Donna Bettencourt-Past President Fred Millar Past President Lynn Keay Past President Gary Young Past President SHW Elected Officers President: JD Phelps Vice President: - Bruce Currie Treasurers: - Steve Barrett/Mary Breedlove Secretaries: Joe and Lynne McGillivray Membership Chairs: Gin Yang & Fred Millar Needed! Volunteers for Hospitality. Choose a month to help the club! Duties are to purchase cheese and cracker and/or bread for the monthly meeting. The club will reimburse you for your expenses. Please cut the cheese and slice the bread. Most important when the meeting has ended, stay to remove the left over, package them and wash the tables. See Jacque or Craig Brown to sign up.