May 20th Meeting – Winemaking with Emerging and Lesser Known Varietals with a Focus on Blending

Please join us on May 20th, 2026, as we welcome Aaron Lawson, PhD., winemaker at Raven’s Reach Winery of Sutter Creek, CA (Amador County).

Aaron will be presenting on the topic of wine blending techniques, with a focus on lesser-known varietals. Members will have the opportunity to taste a couple of the individual varietals, and a blend of them made from them side by side, learning about the distinct characteristics of each varietal and how blending them can create a different wine that is more than the sum of the parts.

Bring 3 wine glasses for your use. For the courtesy of our speakers, please take side conversations and cell calls outside of the meeting room.

Tasting Table – have your wine anonymously evaluated. Bring in a sample (about 375-750 ml) identified with only the varietal/blend and vintage. Find Sue Nemeth at the Tasting Table and she’ll check you in. At the beginning and end of the meeting, members can taste and provide anonymous written feedback on your wine. Before leaving the meeting, pick up your bottle and feedback.

Sentia Testing – wine analysis samples will be accepted at the meeting. See here for the details. Find Jamie Garrett at the Sentia Table.

As always, we request that you enjoy responsibly.