Blog

May 20, 2026, SHW Meeting: Winemaking with Emerging and Lesser-Known Varietals

This Wednesday, May 20th, Aaron Lawson PhD will be joining us at our monthly meeting. Aaron received his PhD from Cornell University and began his winemaking journey as a home winemaker! Currently, Aaron is both the winemaker and co-owner of Raven’s Reach Winery, Sutter Creek, CA (Amador County) and will be presenting wine blending techniques,…

Sentia Testing Available! Bring your Samples Wednesday Night!

Wondering if your wine has VA?  We now can test for acetic acid using the Sentia Wine Analyzer! Seems like there might be some residual sugar? We can test that also with glucose and fructose strips! Currently we have test strips for free SO2, Malic Acid, Acetic Acid, Glucose, Fructose and Titratable Acidity (TA). All…

Grapes for Sale: Sangiovese, Barbera, Viognier, Cabernet Franc – Fair Play, El Dorado County

The Chaney Family Winery is located in the Fair Play American Viticultural Area (AVA). Fair Play AVA is known for its deep, moderately to well drained, granitic soils that encompasses 33 sq miles. It is a beautiful area with topography of rolling hills between 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level. You can pick your…

A Message From Donna Bettencourt: The Passing of Gin Yang-Staehlin

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…