From Donna Bettencourt:

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Gin Yang on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

As a member of the Sacramento Home Winemakers (SHW) since 2005, I am certain in saying that Gin has been pivotal in leading our club to becoming what I believe is the greatest home winemaking club in California, maybe in the United States, if not the world.

Gin was passionate about initiating and polishing every aspect of our organization.  She was steady, intelligent, tactical, and most of all, welcoming and kind.

If you would like to honor Gin’s memory and preserve her legacy, please consider these five actions:

1. Welcome the Stranger: Introduce yourself to new SHW members. If you see someone at a meeting that you may not recognize, introduce yourself and share your winemaking journey.  Share some wine with them and in return ask to taste their wine.Save a seat for them at every meeting.

2. Be Generous : Share your winemaking tips and grape resources with fellow members.  Do not hide your winemaking failures: use those disasters to help a fellow member.  Share your winemaking equipment, your knowledge, and your time.

3. Connect Members with Fellow Members: If you have been around in the Club for a while, you know who is struggling with winemaking (or you should know).   Introduce that member to someone who makes that varietal wine successfully and can share their winemaking tips with them.

4. Step up to SHW Leadership Roles: Gin’s passing reminds us that no one lives forever, however young or good looking we are. Our club needs members to step up to leadership roles.  Volunteer to be nominated to a position on the Executive Board, or lead a Committee or help out at special events.  Gin cannot be replaced; only replicated.

5. Always Carry a Baggie of Tartaric acid in your Purse or Pocket to SHW functions: Gin was an excellent cook and knew in her soul that acid always brightens fruit.

On a personal note, I knew and served with Gin to improve our club for over 20 years.  During that time we spoke often and shared our dream for a Sacramento Home Winemakers organization that would become inclusive, generous, and laser focused on the education of home winemakers. With her kind, strategic, and graceful ways, I believe that she achieved that dream.