top of page

CALENDAR

Member's only Pizza party

Thursday August 14

Details to come via eMail!

Peter.png

 

​Sonoma Home Winemakers at the 

Tuesday Night Market

 July 15 and August 19

 

Join your fellow home winemakers in celebrating home wine at the Tuesday Night Market.  Invite your friends and family to celebrate with us. Bring some homemade wine and nibbles to share.  Bring your picnic chairs and your own glasses.  Get ready to enjoy life.  As with last year, we will have plastic glasses for the age appropriate general public to sample our wines.

We will meet on the west side of the plaza, north of the duck pond along the east west path.  Look for our large signs.

This event is open to the public.

Just stop by if you are interested in the state of the wine business and/or home winemaking.  21+ only please as we will be tasting our member's wines during the event.

PD background-13813307217Iw copy.jpg

Sonoma Home Winemakers meet the 2nd Thursday of each month except August and December. 

​

We meet at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St. Sonoma, CA

Socializing at 6:30. Meetings begin at 7:00 PM


We encourage members to bring wines they are particularly proud of
or for which they want member assessments and advice.


Most meetings have a guest speaker who offers insights into viticulture and oenology. 

Upcoming Meetings

September 11,  2025

Joel Petersen, AKA the Godfather of Zin, founder of Ravenswood Winery, now Once and future Wines.

Sonoma Community Center Secret Garden

Time: 6:30 Socializing,  7:00 Start

October 9  2025

Dennis McCarter of McCarter Cellars is a SONOMA HOME WINEMAKERS Alum!  He has received awards for his recent bottling of a unique Cabernet and Viogner blend.

Sonoma Community Center,  Room 110

Time: 6:30 Socializing,  7:00 Start

unnamed (1).png

September 25–27, 2025

The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation invite you to experience the 128th Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival — a cherished Sonoma tradition filled with wine, community, and celebration.

Be the first to guarantee your spot!  Act now — VIP access is your first chance to lock in a spot at this iconic Sonoma celebration.​ General Admission Tickets Go On Sale June 5th!
 

Recent Meetings

Ron_Fenolio_closeup.png

July 10 Monthly Meeting

 

Ron Fenolio of Veedercrest Wines, Napa.

 Ron and partners started Veedercrest Winery and in 1976 it was one of the participants in the historic “Judgement of Paris” wine competition where his wine won "the most French wine" award... Ron's presentation covered the history of the wine industry in California, Judgement of Paris and the current state of the wine business.

​

A brief history of California wine - worth watching!

As a videographer, I’ve recorded countless wine talks, but Ron’s extemporaneous command of winemaking, history, and marketing left me awestruck—he held every attendee spellbound from opening to closing.”

—John V. Pinto, Napa Valley Wine-Tasters Society Videographer

 

See full POV 30 minute video on our YouTube channel.  https://youtu.be/xtwu_4UVS-M

Travis Gallagher of Amorim Cork.png

June 12 Monthly Meeting

 

Travis Gallagher of Amorim Cork spoke on selecting right cork for the right usage in bottling your wine and offered in-depth information of cork realities. After graduating with his V&E degree from UC Davis, he worked 13 harvests at Trefethen Winery in Napa.  For the last several years Travis has worked in wine regions across the country advising winemakers big and small on the proper cork selection for their vintages.

​

See 6 PDFs with the details of Travis presentation at the bottom of our Resources page.

Cameron Hughes May 8.jpg

May 8 Monthly Meeting

 

On May 8th, Cameron Hughes, one the country's most successful negociants, founder of the nationally known Cameron Hughes Wine label offered his perspective on the wine business and future wine consumption. "Changes in the wine world: a Negociant's  perspective."

We would like to thank Cameron for sharing a unique perspective on the wine world and the future of wine enjoyment.

Jay and Nick Jensen.png

April 10 Monthly Meeting

 

Jay and Nick Jensen of Novavine. Father and son team, Jay and Nick Jensen of Novavine brought decades of grapevine, vineyard and nursery experience to this talk. The focus was be on proper selection of vines, why it's important and steps to insure success from the moment they're in the ground. Since 1996, Novavine is a Santa Rosa based grapevine and olive tree nursery business selling into 49 States, Canada and Mexico with over 6 million vines sold annually.

Katie Nydell.png

March 13 Monthly Meeting

​

Katie Nydell, 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. 

Past Speakers

​​
  • Ron Fenolio of Veedercrest Wines, Napa.  Ron and partners started Veedercrest Winery and in 1976 and it was one of the participants in the historic “Judgement of Paris” wine competition where his wine won "the most French wine" award... Ron's presentation covered the history of the wine industry in California, Judgement of Paris and the current state of the wine business.
     

  • Travis Gallagher of Amorim Cork spoke on selecting right cork for the right usage in bottling your wine and offered in-depth information of cork realities. For the last several years Travis has worked in wine regions across the country advising winemakers big and small on the proper cork selection for their vintages.

  • Cameron Hughes, one the country's most successful negociants, founder of the nationally known Cameron Hughes Wine label offered his perspective on the wine business and future wine consumption. "Changes in the wine world: a Negociant's  perspective."
     

  • Jay and Nick Jensen of Novavine brought decades of grapevine, vineyard and nursery experience to this talk that focused on the proper selection of vines, it's importance and steps to insure success from the moment they're in the ground.
     

  • Katie Nydell, principal at VinLuxe Consulting spoke on fining techniques and tips. Her presentation included "Before and After" samples and details on how a simple fix can greatly enhance and even save a wine. 
     

  • Adam Fey, SVP & Senior Relationship Manager, Global Commercial Banking Wine Team Lead spoke about The State of the Wine Business​" 
     

  • Leslie Hennessy, owner of Gourmet Wines and host ofKSVY-FM "Wine Around with Hennessy" spoke on winter vineyard management tips and secrets. 
     

  • Leo Prada, the owner of ReCoop Barrels spoke on the interplay of wine and wood, and advantages of re-cooping.
     

  • Dennis Stroud, owner of Vintage Supply Partners. Dennis shared his knowledge of harvesting preparation.
     

  • Mike Officer is an owner and winemaker at Carlisle Winery & Vineyards, known for high end Zin and Rhône style, old vines and superb quality.
     

  • Robyn Sebastiani spoke about the role of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance.
     

  • Allison Bettis, viticulturist at Silver Oak Cellars & Twomey Cellars. We would like to thank her again for sharing with us her methods of vineyard management.
     

  • Robert Rex, founder and winemaker at Deerfield Ranch Winer Talked about “How to make your wine better from handling the fruit through fermentation and aging.”
     

  • Eric Close, A Vineyard Manager with Enterprise Vineyard Management . Winemakers and vineyard owners call on Enterprise Vineyards when they aspire to the highest standards of responsible stewardship of land and resources.
     

  • Maggie Staines, Assistant General Manager of La Rochelle Winery.  She spoke about “The Tasting Experience - Past, Present, & Future.” We strongly encourage you to visit her at La Rochelle Winery.
     

  • Leigh Meyering, Enologist & Winemaker at myEnologist.Leigh's technical skills enhance her creative vision creating a diverse background in all levels of production. myEnologist
     

  • Ruben Calatayud, Second part of the seminar on "common winemaking mistakes". Rueben, the “Wine Doctor”,  presented 16 common problems and solutions. Ruben is Enologist at Kosta Browne Winery  that is part of the Duckhorn Portfolio.
     

  • Kelley Levin, Marketing Communications Manager for sister brands Marin French Cheese Co. and Laura Chenel.  Kelley conducted a class on the Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine. 
     

  • Mike Faulk, Lab Technician for Enartis discusses tips for the home winemaker- yeast strains, nutrients and wine adds. Mikes favorites yeast strain is WS.
    Enartis winemaker's solutions

     

  • Rick Tranchina, Co-owner of the new shop in town, Pomme Cider Shop & Tap Room discusses the changing trend towards lighter, lower alcohol and even alcohol-free beverages.  These beverages include artisanal ciders, Pét Nats, natural fermentations, and other styles of wines and ferments. 
     

  • Ruben Calatayud, Enologist at Kosta Browne Winery . Rueben has earned the reputation as the “Wine Doctor” and the solver of wine problems by fixing any wine issues that come his way.  Kosta Browne is part of the Duckhorn Portfolio.
     

  • Sam Baron, Winemaker GM at Kivelstadt Cellars -  California non-traditional varietal & style winemaking.
     

  • Jack Sporer, the co-owner and manager of Magnolia Wine Services -  Ways to make the vineyards better using natural, organic and regenerative farming methods.  Jack makes wine under the label Fresh Wine Co
     

  • Brian Casey, Sommelier at The Sonoma  Mission Inn - Wine varietals and history of local grape growers.
     

  • Taylor Serres, History of the valley through the eyes of The Serres Ranch Farm and Winery that spans six generations of growers and winemakers. 
     

  • Mike Benziger, Founder of Benziger Winery - Importance of pollinators in the vineyard and beyond. 
     

  • Mike Sangiacomo, 3rd gen. grape grower Sangiacomo Wines.
     

  • Robert Rex, Winemaker at Deerfield Ranch Winery - Use of sulfites in winemaking. 
     

  • Katie Madigan, Winemaker at St Francis Winery - Winemaking techniques.
     

  • Steve Hill, Grower and winemaker. History of winemaking and vineyard management. Durrell Vineyards
     

  • Alison Crowe, Winemaker at Garnet Vineyards, columnist, UC lecturer and author of the Winemaker's Answer Book - winemaking techniques.
     

  • Ken Wornick, Winemaker at Dysfunctional Family Winery - Fruits, tannins and the best time to pick grapes.
     

  • Bill Reading with Sonoma Portworks - The art and science of making Port.
     

  • Jeff Murrell, Director of Research at StaVin - Barrels, Oak,and Aging Techniques
     

  • Michael Jones, Fermentation Specialist at Scott Laboratories - Yeast and Fermentation.
     

  • Lydia Constantini, Manager of Sonoma Mission Gardens- Compatible local plants to support sustainable vineyard farming.
     

  • Jeff Gaffner, owner/winemaker of Saxon Brown - The business of wine marking and harvesting grapes.
     

  • John Rodrigues, Founder of Home Wine Lab - Testing and analysis to protect what goes in the bottle.
     

  • Casey Graybehl, founder and winemaker at The Grenachista Wine Company - Producing the Rhone-style varietal, Grenache.
     

  • Bob Peak, Writer/Editor for Winemaker Magazine - Critical decisions that need to be made on harvest and winemaking.
     

  • Doug Ghiselin, SHW member - Managing vine growth and removing suckers. 
     

  • Rich Treghillo, Chef and SHW member - Wine and food pairing.
     

  • Dennis Przybycien, SHW member - Vineyard pruning demonstration.
     

Sonoma Home Winemakers

sonomahomewine@gmail.com

"There can never be any substitute for your own palate nor any better education than tasting the wine yourself."
- Robert B. Parker

bottom of page