Hello Lamroinda Wine Growers,
I am David Hicks and as the newly elected President of the Lamorinda Board I want to introduce myself to our membership. But first I want to remind all of our members about the associations Wine Fare on May 1st from noon to 6 PM. Six of our local bonded wineries will set up tents and be pouring at least 19 different wines made from Lamorinda AVA grapes. The event will be held behind Wine Thieves on Mt. Diablo next to Jack in the Box. We will also have two different food trucks for lunch and snack selection. A special thanks to David Rey, a founding member of our association, for making the space behind Wine Thieves available to us for the event. Amy Schofeld of our board has put together a first rate program for our members, their friends and guests, and very importantly the wine appreciating public.
Tickets will go on sale first week of April. We urge you to buy your tickets early. $30 for members, $35 for guests, $40 at the door. Amy will be emailing asking members to loan us tables and chairs for the event so that we won’t have to rent. Please contact Amy at 510.227.9312 to make arrangements?
It has been a challenge these past two years with our enthralling “zoom” meetings and the endless delays Larry Thal has experienced getting his permits to build his Local Vines project just down the street from Wine Thieves which is now underway. A special thanks to thank Daniel Howsepian for his two years as president during this crazy and occasionally stressful period for his leadership patience and creativity. We are looking forward to resuming our social and educational events in the months ahead.
My background in grape growing and winemaking is a bit different in that even though I’ve lived in Lafayette since 1978 my vineyard and winery are in the Red Hills AVA on the shore of Clear Lake. From 2002 to 2005 I took the entire Vet and Eno extension program at UC Davis, planting my vineyard in 2003 and making my first wine in 2007. Over the last 15 years I’ve made most of the common varieties of wine with grapes from my own and other CL vineyards. [left the Pinot Noir to Bill English]. Even tried Botritus Sauve Blanc [Sauturne] and once made brandy. Having a residence in Lake County and being a member of the local grape growers association has been a educational grape growing bonanza for me. It is my hope to bring some of those benefits to Lamorinda growers during my tenure.
Our immediate focus in on our May 1 event which is quickly approaching. We urge you to bring your family, friends, neighbors and extended social circles to this fun and delicious Wine event. You will be getting several email blasts about the event so round up your group and come to the party. On behalf of the board I want to thank all our members for their patience and attention and we look forward to seeing all of you Saturday May 1, behind Wine Thieves.
Regards,
David Hicks, President
