CALENDAR

Next Meeting

May 14th

Cuver Brewing"s Brewmaster and Co-owner will speak
on the craft of Belgian brewing and the North Bay beer scene

Sonoma Community Center, Room 110

Time: 6:30 Socializing, 7:00 Start

In a unique departure from the world of homemade wine, Sonoma Home Winemakers has brewed up a special presentation in May to explore the art of the hop and the grain. This session focuses on the intricate craft of Belgian brewing, featuring Don Mills and Hendrik Cuver of Windsor’s Cuver Brewing. The duo will bridge the gap between European heritage and local craft innovation, discussing the science behind their award-winning recipes and the evolving state of the North Bay brewing scene.

Hendrik Cuver, Co-founder, brewmaster and manager is a 4th generation brewer born in Belgium. He holds a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Ghent, world-renowned for its Laboratory for Brewing Science & Technology, and provides the deep scientific foundation for Cuver’s Old World styles. He is joined by Hoppy Don Mills, co-owner and head of sales and a Sonoma State University graduate with 30 years of experience in media and storytelling. Mills oversees sales across Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties. Together, Mills and Cuver, along with owner and award-winning home brewer Dr. Jan Verspecht, have built a Belgian beer brand grounded in family, relationships, and technical mastery. By combining academic precision with a passion for fermentation, the Cuver team has created a bridge between historical European traditions and the vibrant California craft market.

This event is free to attend, but registration is kindly requested via EventBrite. EventBrite free event registration

21+ only please due to wine tasting of our members’ wines during the event. I.D. required.

Please bring your own glass (two if you’d like to do a side by side comparison).

Winemakers are encouraged to bring a bottle of their wine for tasting that night.

Want to become a home winemaker? Start here. All welcomed.

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.

scroll down to see
information on upcoming meetings and events, guide to seasonal/monthly vineyard and winery tasks and planning

Join Sonoma Home Winemakers for a Member-Exclusive Old Vines Tour at Bedrock Vineyard!

Thursday, May 21st, 2026 ~ 10AM - 12PM

Location: Bedrock Vineyard in Glen Ellen

(more details forthcoming)

Great wine is made in the vineyard. Join us on May 21st for a Sonoma Home Winemakers members-only event to learn about old vine management within a regenerative organic farming practice at Bedrock Vineyard.

This is a truly special and rare opportunity to get behind the scenes of one of the most respected wineries in the North Coast, visiting a vineyard that was planted in the 1880s and is still producing today! The tour will be led by Bedrock's viticulturist Jake Neustadt, who will take us through considerations when taking over an old vine vineyard, managing old vines and the benefits of regenerative farming.

RSVP no later than Friday, May 15th or until sold-out.

Space is limited to 25 Sonoma Home Winemaker members ONLY.

Each member who wishes to attend MUST register on the Eventbright:

This event involves approximately 1 mile of walking on relatively flat gravel and cover-crop covered ground. Parking is approximately 1/4 mile from the vineyard. Dress in sturdy shoes, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen as needed.

These and more wonderful opportunities are open to SHW Members-only.
Have you forgotten to pay your dues? Not a member yet? Renew or Join today!

Recent Meetings

April 9, 2026 meeting

Malia van der Kamp of Sonoma's Van der Kamp Vineyard , regaled our guests with the joys and trials of managing a second generation family vineyard in turbulent times. Van der Kamp stressed doing whatever you do the right way, stay true to your mission and the importance of organic practices. Her Pinot Noir and Rose of Pinot Noir delighted everyone. We appreciate the genuine article that is you.

Malia produces handcrafted, micro-lot wines with a focus on letting the unique terroir of Sonoma Mountain speak for itself. She primarily works with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

March 12, 2026 meetimg

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,.

February 12, 2026 meeting

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. 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.

January 8 Monthly Meeting

Kicking the 2026 educational year off with both a lot of laughs and great wine making info, Chris Jones of Claudio Family Cellars held us captive with stories of falling in love with wine in Minnesota then moving to the Napa Valley to fulfill his dream. Our home wine makers scribbled furiously to capture all his tips, tricks and ideas to help make this year's vintage even better. And he brought 6 bottles of his wine which were appreciated with gusto - pouring while he spoke. A first. Thank you, Chris!

November 13 Monthly Meeting

Stephanie Moriarty of Torrellerie Ø spoke on barrels and Creative Oak alternatives and the pivotal role that our California made French and American oak barrels play in helping winemakers make the wine they intend. Creative Oak alternatives provide winemakers, distillers, and brew masters the freedom to flavor their products exactly how they envision.

October 9 Monthly Meeting

Award wining wine maker and SHW alum Dennis McCarter of McCarter Cellars regaled us with stories of lessons learned as a new winemaker -- the good, the bad, and the unexpected -- at our October 8th monthly meeting. We appreciate him returning to share his tips and techniques learned from trial and error, and being there in the moment ... but always trusting what he thought was right. His award winning wines speak for themselves. With our gratitude!

September 11 Monthly Meeting

Joel Petersen, AKA the Godfather of Zin, founder of Ravenswood Winery, now Once and future Wines and 2011 inductee into the Vintners Hall of Fame gave a memorable talk on The Rise and Resurgence of Zinfandel, Tips and Secrets of Wine Making. And he brought his wine for us to appreciate!

Joel is a current member and former president of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance and also served on the Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Vintners. A founding board member and former two-time president of ZAP, he is also an advisor to the Historic Vineyard Society. Joel was the lead winemaker and chairman of the Heritage Vineyard project,

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

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.

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.

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.