The October SHW membership meeting featured a round-table discussion of the ins-and-outs of making non-grape wines (particularly fruit wines). Judy Pinegar showed the group a one-page document created by UC Davis listing the quantities of ingredients required to make various non-grape wines. Unfortunately, the document was a copy of a copy of a copy and…
I am pleased to announce that WineMaker Magazine has agreed to continue our previous relationship, and provide a generous discount of 50% to members of Sacramento Home Winemakers. This discount applies to WineMaker+ membership that includes special online access to thousands of expert-reviewed winemaking articles and techniques. Members that join with this special offer will…
With the 2026 Harvest season behind us, Lodi Wine Labs has adjusted their pick-up schedule and hours. Please see the post Harvest Courier Hours for Lodi Wine Labs listed below: Courier Services and Sample Drop-Off Locations Courier Pickup Schedule COURIER SERVICES TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS Please see below for current pickup locations and cutoff times. To…
Folsom Lake College has returned from their summer hiatus and is resuming their testing. Effective August 24, 2026, there will be new testing days and hours in which you can drop off your samples: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Winemakers can drop off their samples at Folsom Lake College’s El Dorado Center…
Last Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Tina Valenzuela from Laffort USA, visited us for our monthly meeting. She gave SHW members an informative and lively presentation, addressing the development of mouthfeel in our wines, whether naturally, or as a correction. Tina has generously shared her presentation with us providing members the opportunity to view. Additionally, this…
Aaron Larson, PhD, winemaker and co-owner of Raven’s Reach Winery (Sutter Creek, CA), gave a presentation to SHW members, on blending common and lesser-known varietals. Aaron has graciously shared his presentation with us for use as a reference for blending and includes a list of unusual varietals grown in California. The techniques he uses, and…
