A Message from VP Donna Bettencourt:
Sacramento Home Winemakers
September 16, 2026 Program
“Finishing Touches to Enhance Your Wines”
Tina Valenzuela of Laffort USA will be presenting to us on the important, but many times overlooked steps to finish our wine to achieve our goals.
We will identify characteristics that may benefit from enhancement or adjustment. Perhaps the wine has a green or herbal character that you’d like to soften while bringing the fruit forward. Maybe it’s lacking mid-palate structure, depth, roundness, or a lingering finish. We’ll explore the different products available, how they influence the sensory profile of the wine, and how to use them strategically to achieve the style and balance you’re looking for. The goal is to give you the tools to make informed mouthfeel and finishing decisions that guide your wine in the direction you envisioned.
Meeting starts upstairs at 7 pm at the Turn Verein located at 3349 J Street in Sacramento.
- Front doors open around 6:00 pm. Parking in the back lot is limited.
- Bring a wine glass for your use.
- Bring a writing utensil to take notes.
- Keep the chatter down to allow all to hear the speaker. Please take your side conversations outside of the meeting room.
- Your help in setting up and cleaning up is appreciated.
- Enjoy responsibly.
- For meeting details, contact Vice President Donna Bettencourt at donnab1045@gmail.com.
Wine analysis services for Club members are available for pH, titratable acidity, free SO2 , malic acid, and glucose-fructose (residual sugar). Bring your wine samples to Jamie or Kevin at the Sentia station near the kitchen. $4 per test ($8 for residual sugar), no cash but check, Paypal and Venmo accepted. Bring a 1-5 ml sample per test in a container with your name and test requested. See here for the details. Please ensure your 2026 membership is current.
Want to get feedback on your bottled or wine in progress? Bring a sample of your wine (500 ml -750 ml) and bring it to Sue at the designated TASTING TABLE to the left as you enter the room. Your fellow SHW members will gladly provide you with written anonymous feedback; be sure and circle back to the Table to pick up your tasting notes.
