It was a Homemade Wine Wonderland!
2025 Holiday Party (really, the entire year) was a Success
The December 11th SHW Holiday Party welcomed 60-plus revelers sharing tasty wine new and old, luscious food and rich desserts -- and abundant holiday spirit! (Thank you board member, Faye Mellos, for chairing the fun and to all who volunteered to help!)
The occasion gave us an opportunity to share this year's membership growth with the people for whom this educational nonprofit exists -- home wine makers and vineyard owners who want to tend both better. This year, SHW introduced a series of new, successful member-only educational events that gave greater value to your membership investment. And a new slate of those events are on tap for 2026 as well. All of us on the Board wish to take this moment and thank you -- our members -- for being a part of this growing club of home wine enthusiasts, followers and friends. And a very Happy New Vintage Year!
Would like to participate in our private events? Not a paid member? Great time to join!
Members-only event was a great success!!!
On August 18th, our members enjoyed great party at the home of always great and generous hosts Peter and Gayle Stanfords. Great Pizza, wonderfool appetizers, salads and deserts. Member's wine, Limoncello and Walnut liqueur. And the greatest party spirit ever!!!
Would like to participate in our private events? Not a paid member? Great time to join!
Sebastiani Theater filled to capacity to celebrate SHW's 40th Anniversary!
The night of October 23rd guests flocked in from all over Sonoma and Napa counties and jammed the Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma to help us celebrate our 40th anniversary providing good education and a lot of fun to home winemakers all throughout the North Bay region!
Along with all the home winemakers' wares being generously poured, revelers enjoyed the local pro winemaker / filmmaker Joe Daniel’s “Tiny Vineyards” -- a fun, funny and accurate documentary that follows Sonoma Valley hobby winemakers through a wine making season. A true celebration of home winemakers and their obsession. The free movie nite was presented by the SHW and co-sponsored by the Sebastiani Theatre and Tiny Vineyards Wine Co.
"I've shown this film hundreds of times to audiences all over the country, and have never seen such an enthusiastic response to it til tonight. Outstanding!" offered filmmaker Daniel.
Thanks to all the members who contributed cases of their best wines and poured for over two hours to all the guests -- SHW winemakers included JW Nichols, Les Boschke, Peter Stanford & Doug Ghiselin. Joe Daniel of Tiny Vineyards Wine Co. generously shared some of his best as well -- a former SHW member who went pro and did well!
Special thanks to SHW members who made this event such a success: Idea originator Faye Mellos -- and Bob Brindley, Brian Middleton, Rebecca Kreeger, Bob Flanagan, Barbara Carbone, Sophie Wong, Patricia Plowman, Leslie Hennessy, Greg Levinson, Karen Freese, Donah Kalens and Paul Pastorino. And thank you to volunteers Ronda Giangreco and Angelique Mack.
Thank you Lisa Bishop Forbes!
On March 12, 2026, winemaker/consultant Lisa Bishop Forbes of Bishop Forbes Wines spoke on the topic of quality wine making offering production tips and techniques.
Lisa Bishop Forbes is the founder and winemaker of Bishop Forbes Wines, a boutique label that showcases her site-driven approach and more than 20 years of experience crafting ultra-premium wines that consistently score 90 points and above. The Bishop Forbes portfolio is focused on balance, varietal integrity, and a clear expression of place,.
Thank you Anne Moller-Racke!
On February 12, 2026, Anne Moller-Racke, founder of of The Donum Estate and Blue Farm spoke on the her work of introducing new rootstocks to California and making great Pino in Carneros and Russian River apelations.
In 1981, Anne arrived from Germany to Sonoma, where she worked with legendary winemaker André Tchelistchef.
For over three decades, Anne has been farming some of California’s most celebrated vineyards. In 2001, Anne founded The Donum Estate, and over those 18 years she grew Donum to one of the top Pinot Noir producers in California. She is one of the top Ampelographers ( identification and classification of grape vines ) on the planet. It includes Grand Cru style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from five vineyards and five AVAs within Sonoma County. Anne designed the vineyard to produce one complete wine, blended from four clones. Today, five Blue Farm vineyards reach from Sonoma’s Valley, to its Coast, as well as the Russian River. Blue Farm wines reveal exceptional discoveries from lands graced with natural gifts.
Thank you Katie Nydell!
On March 13, Katie Nydell, a principal at VinLuxe Consulting spoke on Making Wine Adjustments at the Barrel to Improve What Goes Into The Bottle. Katie Nydell is a dedicated wine producer with a wealth of experience gained from prestigious winemaking teams including Lambert Bridge, Skipstone and Knight Bridge. Her presentation included fining techniques and tips and problem solving presented in a multipage printed format. "Before and After" samples for our guests to taste underscored how, many times, a simple fix can greatly enhance and even save a wine.
SHW Alum Joseph Daniel awarded Double Gold Medals and Best of Class in the Professional Wine Competitions.
Congratulations to Joseph Daniel, Sonoma Home Winemaker member since 2018 and commercial winemaker since 2021 and owner of TinY Vineyards. He has again been rewarded for his efforts with a Double-Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for his 2021 Eclipse Malbec. He was also awarded a Double-Gold and Best of Class at the Sonoma Harvest Fair for their 2022 Tinto Rústico. Well done, Joe!
Supporting our Community
Sonoma Home Winemakers donated 20 professional pruning shears to the SVHS Viticulture Program
We support Sonoma High School Viticulture program by donating much needed tools to this popular program. Included in the picture are SHW members Bob Brindley, Doug Ghiselin, and Rebecca Kreeger. Also pictured are Pat Stornetta, industry advisor to the program; a faculty member Lori Bisordi with daughter and students Audrey Clarke, and Mari Suazo The photo was taken by Les Boschke
Supporting Mount Veeder Fire Safety Council at the Home Winemaker Classic.
Board Members Paul Pastorino and Rebecca Kreeger poured a selection of Sonoma Home Wines at the Home Winemaker Classic Napa. This event supports the Mount Veeder Fire Safety Council.