History – Sacramento Home Winemakers

The Sacramento Home Winemakers Club was formed in 1973, and is the oldest continuous home winemaking club West of the Rockies.

Meetings were originally held at members homes.  Eventually, due to increasing members, meeting space was secured at the Turn Verein meeting hall in midtown Sacramento where the Club’s monthly meetings continue to be held today.

The Sacramento Home Winemakers Club proudly managed the California State Fair Home Winemaking and Label competitions for over 25 years until 2004, and continues to assist the State Fair in these competitions.  Additionally, SHW staffs the home wine making booth at the fair.

The State Fair along with SHW’s own annual Jubilee wine competition are the two required contests for members to compete for the coveted Winemaker of the Year award.

Known for strong technical  and education-focused programs,  SHW currently has 170 household memberships with members residing as far north as Reno, Truckee, and Clear Lake, and south into Lodi/Galt.  Several members also reside in San Francisco / east bay areas.

SHW is an incorporated non-profit social club with a federal 501 (c) (7) designation.  A purely volunteer organization, the annually elected executive board, along with presidential -appointed positions, provide Club leadership.  The Board of Directors, comprised of four past and the current president guide with a historical perspective and also serve as the nomination committee.