SAN DIEGO AMATEUR WINEMAKING SOCIETY
September 2002
September is the time to turn grapes to wine. A time true to all of our hearts.
SPECIAL THANK YOU
As most of you know, Michelle Russell has resigned as
Treasurer and Secretary and Organizer because of personal circumstances. We
all want to thank Michelle very much for all the time and energy she expended
to try and make SDAWS a better and more organized organization. We look forward
to her continued membership in the society. May everything go well for you Michelle!!
TREASURY REPORT
According to Michelle, there is approximately $350.00 remaining in the treasury after the picnic. Michelle made the recommendation that we use those monies to make sure our web page is funded in future years. A decision as to how to use the funds will be discussed at the meeting.
BUSINESS
There are a number of issues that must be addressed at our next
meeting.
1. The feasibility of splitting the club into two chapters. One north and one
south so that more people can attend meetings
2. It is suggested that each chapter have a meeting every other month, on different
dates, preferably on Saturdays in the afternoon, so more people can attend and
the driving home process can be safer.
3. The selection of a new Secretary, Treasurer to fill Michelle's shoes (Which
will be a hard job to do)
4. Bob Howard, with the help of Rick Buffington, has agreed to act as President
of the North Chapter, but someone from the South needs to step forward.
5. New formats for meetings. It is suggested that more time be spent in visiting
vineyards, wineries and learning. Belle Marie Winery has offered their meeting
facilities for club meetings. Rick and I will offer our vineyards and home winemaking
facilities for training and learning. We need to find other activities to participate
in.
6. New members need to be added to the Club. Presently there are three new people
who are interested in the North, we need more.
MEETING
The Annual Picnic and Elections at Menghini winery did not accomplish as much as we would like, but all had a good time. We did have a turn-out of 20 or so members, it was good to get together. Discussions included having Saturday meetings and having 2 chapters but still meeting together for the July picnic. It was decided that a vote for new officers could not occur because there were not enough members in attendance.
The next meeting is mostly to save and set-up the structure for the club. We do plan on a tour of the Buffington vineyard as well. The vineyard was planted this year, about 1 acre, and consists of Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Syrah vines. Any items that you would like added to the agenda should be submitted to Bob Howard prior to the meeting.
The meeting is scheduled at the Buffington's home on Saturday, September 14, at 12 Noon. We will have a pot luck and Rick Buffington and Bob will provide Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. If everyone else could bring a salad or dessert it would be great, don't forget a bottle of wine. Please RSVP so we can buy supplies appropriately to Bob Howard at broquer@direcpc.com or 760-728-4856. This is a very important meeting for the future of the club and as many as possible must attend. (Please note that this is a new email address for Bob, so update your Address books if you have it saved).
Dog lovers appreciated! The Buffington's have 2
Labrador Retriever's (2 1/2 and 1 1/2 years old). They will be at the meeting
so any people terribly allergic to dogs please be aware. They are very friendly
and will be your best friend if you pet (Sandie) and throw toys (Diego)! What
clever names...Sandie and Diego are.
The street address for the Buffingtons is 2383 Dos Lomas in Fallbrook. You may
get the directions from mapquest, but beware that the very last turn to the
right is actually a turn to the left (within a block of the house at that point).
From the South... I-15 North to the Oceanside/I-76 exit. Head west on Hwy 76
to Gird Road (~3 miles). Turn right (only choice) on Gird. Go about 1.5 miles
and turn left on Via Loma (just past the California Coi Company). If you make
it to the Fallbrook County Club, you need to backtrack a mile or so. On Via
Loma wind to the top of the first hill and turn right on Via Loma (street sign
says to Champagne Crest, next to home with American flag flying). It's a gated
community, but the gates will be open 11:30 - 1pm. If not open or you found
the second gate to Champagne Crest, look up Buffington in the gate software.
We'll open the gate for you. 2nd house of the left if found first gate, down
the hill 1 mile if found second gate.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
By all accounts, the wine purchase from Belle Marie Winery seem to have gone quite well. Nine people purchased a total of 313 boxes of wine or @14,000 pounds. At 150 gallons a ton, that should be well in excess of 1000 gallons of wine.
Be sure to continuely check out the www.sdaws.org website pages
for Grapes for Sale and the Bulletin Board. We have gotten alot of outside advertising
for Grapes for Sale and 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 wines and to give Society members a means of exchanging information on winemaking methods, materials and equipment. Regular meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of odd numbered months. Meetings often consist of a short business session, a technical discussion or a speaker and wine tasting. A bulletin is mailed to Society members six times a year before each regular meeting, and information about SDAWS activities is available.
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