Friendships, like fine wine, are a complex interplay of many pieces that make the whole better than the sum of its parts. With friendship, it is shared passions, mutual respect, and the joy of intellectual exchange.
The “Not So Snobbies” wine club exemplifies that. Bound by a shared love of winemaking, we have grown into a vibrant group of close friends that defies great distances. Unlike most amateur winemaking clubs, we don’t share a crusher/destemmer, don’t go in on group grape purchases, nor have we ever made wine together. Those things would be difficult since we live across the country and only meet in person once a year at the WineMaker Conference. It’s a reunion of sorts, as well as an anniversary as it’s the place we all met.
Our group began at the 2017 conference held at Cornell University in the Finger Lakes wine region of New York. I was considered the “older winemaker” in our group, and I could tell we had something special. Eight years later, their winemaking skills have far exceeded my own, and I revel in their successes.
At the heart of our connection lies a profound appreciation for the artistry and science of winemaking. We enjoy the game between letting nature take its course and human intervention, from the careful selection of grapes to the delicate balance of acid and oak. Knowing the wine we want to make, we work backwards, letting the grapes direct our course. Our conversations involve the interplay of flavors, aromas, and technical insights, each member contributing their unique perspective to the collective understanding.
Beyond our shared enthusiasm, it is our open-mindedness and eagerness to explore new ideas that truly sets our group apart. We recognize that different experiences and viewpoints enrich our discussions. Whether it’s an approach to vineyard management, a weird idea for a blend, or a cutting-edge winemaking technique, we approach each new concept with curiosity.
While each conference is the highlight of the year, we also meet virtually most months on Zoom. Yes, there is discussion of wine projects, but it has grown to be much more and rolls into discussing our families and our lives. The distance may separate us physically, but it cannot diminish the warmth and camaraderie that permeates our conversations through the screen. We share stories of triumphs and challenges, offer advice and support, and simply enjoy each other’s company.
The annual WineMaker Conference “reunions” are a testament to the enduring nature of our friendship. We gather to taste each other’s wines, share meals, and engage in lively discussions. The winemakers present range from newbies and kit winemakers, to the very experienced and amateurs who even grow their own fruit.
The laughter, the debates, and the shared moments of discovery create a sense of belonging. We always meet new friends with fresh ideas and a shared passion. These gatherings are a time to reconnect, to celebrate our achievements, to meet others, and to dream of future ideas and exchanges.
At this past Thanksgiving, our “British contingent” said, “I am thankful that I have you all as friends. I think my liver is also thankful we all don’t live on the same street. Otherwise, we would all be together drinking every day.”
Come join us at this year’s WineMaker Conference in Sacramento, California. We are the loud ones in the lobby until late in the evening.
One reader who is also a medical doctor discusses the potential health benefits of wine tasters who swish and spit their wines. It may be one of the healthiest things you can do . . . but that doesn’t mean he abides by the spitting aspect.
A group of wine lovers in Kenya turned to traditional winemaking when the world around them slowed to a crawl and imports of wines from Europe and the U.S. nearly stopped. Check out the story of muratina wine — a wine made from a potentially poisonous fruit.
