SAN DIEGO AMATEUR WINEMAKING SOCIETY
November 2002
As the leaves turn colors and fall from the vines and our wine
ferments in the barrel we wish for happy holidays for everyone and a truly special
vintage for the coming year.
TREASURY REPORT
Our new Secretary-Treasurer, Steve Sgrosso, has been given control of the funds for SDAWS. Expenditures this month have been for a Receipt Book and Ledger so we can better control who and when dues have been paid and expenses incurred . From this time forward, when dues are paid, a receipt will be given to the member and a copy kept in file for record. We will collect dues for year 2003 at the November Meeting.
New members who join in November will be ask to pay for the remainder of 2002
($2.00) and the regular $12.00 annual fee.
BUSINESS
There are a number of issues that must be addressed at our next meeting:
1) The Northern Chapter has elected to hold meeting on the third Saturday of
odd number months. It is suggested that the Southern Chapter hold meetings on
the third or second Saturday of even numbered months so people can go to both
meetings if they desire. We received several email messages from members and
prospective members in the South who were interested in coming to the next meeting.
We look forward to seeing you there.
2) Bob Howard was elected President on the North Chapter and will act as president
of SDAWS until a President of the Southern Chapter can be elected. Bob appointed
Rick Buffington as Vice President to carry on duties if Bob was unavailable.
3) The web page has been modified allow those who are trying to contact us easier
access via email. Steve Sgrosso has been named contact for new member inquires,
Bob Howard has been named for general information and Jennifer Buffington has
been identified to answer web listing and link questions.
4) For the most part, the purchase of wine went fairly smoothly except for a
couple of glitches. For some reason, one box of wine came missing at one of
the pick-up days. For this reason, Mick has elected to only sell to Belle Marie
Vintage Club members next year. Mick has asked that Bob manage any grapes sales
for him next year, no decision made by Bob.
MEETING
The September meeting got most of our stated goals at least covered.
18 people attended and the election of officers for the Northern Chapter was
accomplished. They are as follows:
Bob Howard - President Northern Chapter
Rick Buffington - Appointed Vice President by Bob Howard
Steve Sgrosso - Secretary, Treasurer
Jennifer Buffington - Web Mistress
This meeting is scheduled at Bell Marie Winery just North of Escondido on Saturday,
November 16 at 12 Noon. Mick, the owner of Bell Marie has graciously provided
us complementary use of his training center. For lunch, everyone is requested
to bring his or her own main course (Sandwich or something) and a salad or snack
to share. There is a picnic area, but no cooking facility. Paper plates and
forks and napkins will be provided. Please let Bob Howard know if you are coming
so we can make sure there is plenty of seating. broquer@direcpc.com If anyone
knows where the glasses are, would you please bring them to the meeting or arrange
to have someone else bring them.
We would like to have a wine event at this meeting. In addition to a bottle
of wine to share during the meeting, we are asking that everyone bring an extra
bottle to include in a drawing. Each person who enters a bottle in the drawing
will receive a bottle from the drawing. If you have not yet made a wine that
you can enter, then bring a bottle of wine that you have tried and like. Please
make the cost at about $10.00. This way, everyone will have a bottle of wine
to take home to try.
We have ask Lum to give us a tour of Belle Marie's wine making equipment and
processes. During that time, perhaps we can get some additional information
on testing procedures.
We have received some samples of Wine Bottle Capsules from a firm in Texas.
We will share them with everyone. We would like to discuss the bulk purchase
of bottles, we have an opportunity. Bob is also bringing a sample of The Wine
Lab Catalog. It has lots and lots of information about Melolactic Bacteria and
Liquid Yeast Cultures as well as lots of other information.
We would like everyone to send us an email with what grapes you are growing
in your vineyards, when you expect to have crops and if your are intending to
sell your grapes. You can also bring that information to the meeting if you
wish. Wouldn't it be nice if SDAWS could become self sufficient in the grapes
we produce for the wines we make.
During the last portion of the meeting we will have open discussion on what
to cover at the next meeting, any new business and where the next meeting is
to be held.
An Agenda for the November meeting will be sent to all members prior to the
meeting
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Be sure to continually check out the www.SDAWS.org website pages for new information
and the Bulletin Board. The Bulletin Board gets input from members and outside
interest as well. Remember that this is our website and members are encouraged
to use it for their own advertising/wanted/whatever ... as well.
DUES
Dues for members are $12.00 a year per household. Due January 1. New members can join at a prorated amount based upon the month in which they join.
ABOUT THE SOCIETY
The objectives of the San Diego Winemaking Society are to foster a general interest in growing grapes and making wines and to give Society members a means of exchanging information on winemaking methods, materials and equipment. Regular meetings are held at 12:00 PM. on the third Saturday of odd numbered months. Meetings often consist of a short business session, a technical discussion or a speaker and wine tasting. Sometimes there are special events planed. A bulletin is mailed to Society members six times a year before each regular meeting, and information about SDAWS activities is available on our web site at www.SDAWS.org
PUBLISHER PLATFORM
Articles and information are best submitted in email format (not in a Word attachment).