Sierra Wine & Grape Growers Association
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Latest News and Notices...
Do You Have Some Black Plastic Pots?
Does anyone have any 1-2 gallon black plastic pots they would care to be rid of? These can be dirty, labels etc. If you have only a few, could you bring them to the SWGGA meeting on Thursday August 15th.
Or, if you have quite a few, I can come retrieve them!
Thanks So Much!!!
Member Carrie Lou Peterson
carrieloupeterson@gmail.com
Basic Winemaking Program Offered
In the recent survey responses, several members indicated a desire to learn more about making wine. Guy Lauterbach, owner of Gray Pine Vineyard & Winery, has graciously agreed to teach the basics of winemaking. While the details are still being worked out, we presently envision some time spent explaining the basics of winemaking and wine chemistry, and then some hands on work making wine.
We would start by picking some red grapes at Guy’s vineyard, then going through the crushing/de-stemming process, testing and sulfiting, cold soaking, yeast inoculation, and pressing. This would take place over several days as the process unfolds, probably in late September or early October.
Before we do any significant preparatory work, we need to make sure there is sufficient interest in this proposal. So, if you are interested in participating and willing to commit to the multi-day process, please send an email to Bernie Zimmerman at bz@youbetvin.com .
HELP WANTED – ASSISTANT WINEMAKER/CELLAR RAT
Due to limitations following recent major surgery, an experienced, successful winemaker is looking for one or more able-bodied assistant winemakers/cellar rats. We will make 2 to 3 white wines and two red wines. Help needed harvesting, crushing/stemming, pressing, transferring, adjusting chemistry, fermenting, and punching down. This is a great opportunity to learn new techniques, which could lead to great new winemaking! Will pay in generous shares of wine produced!
If interested, please call Dave Elliott at (916) 201-2403
What SWGGA Does...
Education
Our monthly programs are a mix of educational and social gatherings with the aim of exploring all aspects of grape growing and winemaking. Most meetings are at the Nevada County Fairgrounds and combine technical and social elements.
Wine Tastings
Wine tastings and evaluations are an important part of our growth in developing our winemaking skills. In addition to meetings devoted specifically to tasting, we have casual sessions prior to our regular meetings.
Winery Visits
We have meetings at both commercial and our member home wineries and vineyards during the year. Seeing first-hand how others grow their grapes and make wine is a valuable part of our education.
Scholarships
Each year SWGGA awards a scholarship to a deserving highschool graduate pursuing a major in agriculture or the sciences. Funds for the scholarships are contributed by our members and friends.
Mentoring
Members of SWGGA are generous with their time and help each other with their winemaking and grape growing. New members, especially, are encouraged to ask questions.
Our Story
The Sierra Wine & Grape Growers Association
Originally founded in 1978, the Sierra Wine and Grape Growers Association represents home winemakers and the farmers and their families who grow grapes in Nevada County, and adjoining Yuba, Sierra and Placer Counties in California.
Our membership is open to all those who either own a vineyard, make wine, or are simply interested in wine and being a member of the organization.
Members are continually increasing their knowledge of viticultural practices in the northern Sierra Foothills to produce premium grapes for high quality wines.
If you'd like to become a member of SWGGA, please download an application...