Welcome to the Family Winemakers ofCalifornia’s Tasting in Del Mar!

It is my honor and pleasure to be elected the new Chair of Family Winemakers of California. I am sending this welcome to the upcoming Del Mar tasting and a short update on legal and regulatory issues as my first communication to our constituency.

This tasting marks the return of FWC to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and we’re pleased to be back enjoying this spectalar setting in San Diego. Our signature trade and consumer tasting has been held for 29 years, including numerous times in Del Mar, and it’s a “family tradition.” We believe that no matter how wines are marketed, the simple fact is that people have to taste the wine to appreciate it and then buy it. This tasting is a unique chance to discover wines from a diverse group of about 64 California wineries that are really focused on the California market and the wine lovers. Eight wineries will be pouring for the first time at our event.

FWC is the political and policy voice for small family-owned wineries. We have lobbied drink taxes, water issues, fees, warning labels, social media, labor issues and farming regulations recently at the State Capitol and regulatory agencies. Continuing Pierce’s Disease and Red Blotch research remain a top concern of our members. We also have spent time boosting wine education and sales in China through a grant program. Consumers enjoy greater choice in California wines across the U.S. because of our advocacy; just ask consumers in South Dakota, one of the newest open states.

Current issues facing our member wineries include new employer-employee classifications, managing the cost of health insurance, and as of July 1, 2021, required certification of all servers of alcohol in the state of California. ABC estimates they have to test and certify over 1,000,000 pourers and managers in the next 15 months! Important issues for which we need your input.

Artistry and passion are the hallmark of the wine of FWC wineries at these events and I’m sure you’ll taste it in your glass. Wonderful sponsors and vendors make this event a reality with their financial support and participation. We appreciate and thank them! Our heartiest thanks are to you, our customers.

Cheers, and enjoy the wines!

Ron FenolioChair, Family Winemakers of CaliforniaVeedercrest Wines

Inside the Activity Center

Where to begin? Because the wineries at this tasting come from many different winegrowing areas in California, and pour multiple varietals, we’ve chosen to organize them alphabetically starting with the letter A.

Frostwatch Vineyard & Winery Founded: 2004

Pouring:

Ph: 707-953-4686Email: ravenfarm@aol.comOwner: Diane KleineckeCs/yr: 600 Range: $24-45

Notes:

Appellation: Bennett Valley, Sonoma

Winemaker: Brett Raven

Web: www.Frostwatch.com

5560 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Chardonnay I Fume Blanc / Sauvignon Blanc I Merlot I Pinot Noir ISemillon I Sparkling Wine

Gonzague and Claire Lurton Vineyards Founded: 2012

Pouring:

Ph: 707-791-0943Email: pascal@acaibo.comOwner: Gonzague/Claire LurtonCs/yr: 3500 Range: $25-75

Notes:

Appellation: Sonoma County

Winemaker: Nicolas Vonderhaeyden

Web: www.acaibo.com

422 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Cabernet Franc I Cabernet Sauvignon I Fume Blanc / Sauvignon Blanc IMerlot I Rose

Greyscale Wines Founded: 2008

Pouring:Ph: 925-255-5187Email: winery@greyscalewines.com Owner: Jean & Larry RoweCs/yr: 500 Range: $27-75

Notes:

Appellation: Napa Valley, Rutherford

Winemaker: Kian Tavakoli

Web: www.greyscalewines.com

P.O. Box 6264, Napa, CA 94581

Cabernet Sauvignon I Fume Blanc / Sauvignon Blanc I Merlot

H•L•R Cellars Founded: 2010

Pouring:Ph: 707-942-1725Email: Steve@HLRCellars.comOwner: Steve HellerCs/yr: 800 Range: $39-55

Notes:

Appellation: Fountaingrove District

Winemaker: Steve Heller

Web: www.hlrcellars.com

5136 Sharp Road, Calistoga, CA 94515

Cabernet Sauvignon I Malbec I Merlot I Other Red Blend

NEW

Handley Cellars Founded: 1987

Pouring:Ph: 707-895-3876Email: info@handleycellars.comOwner: Lulu McClellanCs/yr: 10000 Range: $22-50

Notes:

Appellation: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris

Winemaker: Randy Schock

Web: www.handleycellars.com

3151 Hwy 128, Philo, CA 95466

Chardonnay I Pinot Gris I Pinot Noir I Sparkling Wine I Syrah/Shiraz I Zinfandel

Harbison Estate Wines Founded: 1998

Pouring:Ph: 707-945-0760Email: harbisonwines@gmail.comOwner: Joseph F. Harbison III & Patricia A. HarbisonCs/yr: 200 Range: $285

Notes:

Appellation: Oakville

Winemaker: Russell Bevan

Web: www.harbisonwines.com

7601 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558-9745

Cabernet Sauvignon

Board of Directors

2020 Officers

Ron Fenolio, Veedercrest Wines

Robert Sobon, Sobon Estate

Bruce Lundquist, Rb Wine Associates – Rack & Riddle

Justin Baldwin, Justin Vineyards & WineryBo Barrett, Chateau Montelena WineryJeffrey Blair, Blair WinesGreg Boeger, Boeger WineryMike Brown, Cantara CellarsSteven Brutocao, Brutocao Vineyards & CellarsPaul Bush, Madrona VineyardsSkip Coomber, Coomber Family WinesScot Covington, Trione VineyardsDebra Dommen, Treasury Wine EstatesRobert Fisher, Fisher VineyardsJim Gullett, Vino NocetoJoseph Harbison, Harbison Estate WinesScott Harvey, Scott Harvey WinesTom Hinde, Prospect BrandsChristina Lesch Falik – Gershon Bachus VintnersMichael Maher, Harlan Estate WinesJohn Monnich, Silkwood WinesDave Nagengast, Scheid VineyardsJon Phillips, Inspiration Vineyards & Winery Nils Venge, Saddleback CellarsCarolyn Wasem, Jackson Family Wines

Edgar “Pete” Downs, PresidentKathy Spallas, Vice President Administration

1001 K Street, 6th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814Phone (916) 498-7500, Fax (916) 498-7505info@familywinemakers.orgwww.familywinemakers.org

Chair

Vice Chair

Secretary/Treasurer

Directors

Staff

Family Winemakers of California

Family Winemakers. . .fighting for small, family-owned wineries

Family Winemakers ... Taste California!

Small, family-owned wine producers across the state are the foundation of Family Winemakers of California. Formed in 1990 to lobby for the rights of its members to freely produce, market and sell their products, we currently represent over 300 producers.

Direct-to-consumer sales blossomed after the

U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Granholm v. Heald. Now consumers in 46 states have a broader choice in wine. . .and it’s because FWC provided key funding and steered the litigation battle.

FWC has worked to keep taxes and fees on wine

from rising, created new wine sales opportunities like farmers markets and event permits, stopped vine-killing pests, pushed for smart water rules, fought misguided labeling, and lobbied to keep state alcohol law up-to-date on the use of technology.

Our legislative and regulatory work is augmented

by the tastings we organize for our members to help them succeed in a highly competitive marketplace.This is our 30th year hosting events in the state.

FWC's first tasting was held in 1991 in San Francisco and any of our members pour at our Bay Area tasting, as well as in Southern California. The wineries at these tastings are dedicated to producing the finest wines they can. You'll taste their passion captured in each bottle.