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The Contra Costa Wine Group (CCWG) has been in existence for over 35 years. The group was started in 1972 by a Contra Costa County Librarian interested in learning more about the “art/science” of winemaking. Informal meetings were held monthly in his Pleasant Hill home, with attendance averaging 5-10 people having a similar interest in learning more about “winemaking” in preference to “wine tasting”. As the years passed, the club grew to the point where annual judgings were conducted to evaluate the quality of the amateur wines produced by the members. Professional judges commented that quality was improving markedly as the club members attended extension courses at the U.C. Davis Dept of Viticulture and Enology; analyzed the techniques that resulted in a mediocre – or – a superior wine; and sourced their fruit from the better vineyard owners. Now, we are a group of home winemakers that meets 11 times a year at various members homes. Members share winemaking tips and sample each other's home made wine at these meetings. We have educational speakers and regularly scheduled events, like our yearly competition. Many of our members win awards in wine competition that are held all over the world. We have even had member go on and establish successful commercial wineries, like Rosenblum Cellars,Deer Ridge Vineyards and Thomas Coyne Winery. One of our members, Joel Butler with St Michelle in Washington, is one of 10 Master Wine Tasters in the U.S. We also provide education to the public via several events throughout the year. In addition to the annual club judgings held each January, our members typically enter state, national, and international home wine competitions with exceptional results. Our members have submitted wines garnering Best of Show, Double Golds, and Golds in increasing numbers at these events. Currently we have about 75 members having diverse occupations, ages, and gender; but all have a basic interest in making – or learning to make - high quality wines. If you are interested in more information, please go to our Contact page and send us an email.
Contra Costa Wine Group ©
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