Nanaimo Winemakers was formed in 1971. For its first couple of
decades membership was small enough to allow meetings to be held
in members’ homes but in the mid-90s membership began to climb
and today we have 60 people on the membership list.
Nanaimo Winemakers is a member of
the British Columbia Amateur Winemakers Association (BCAWA) to
which each of our members pays $5.00 annually as part of our
club dues. We have been very active in supporting BCAWA over the
years and in 1998, its President, our own Jack Ziebart was
succeeded by Leo Poirier - another longtime club member. Many of
our members have served as Directors on BCAWA and we select one
member each year
(normally the vice-President) to represent the club and
vote at BCAWA Council meetings
Meetings are started by a short
Business Meeting, and than followed an Educational program
during which methods of winemaking and related subjects are are
discussed.
The club owns an electric
stemmer-crusher, an inflatable bladder press, a small basket
press, a certified balance for weighing grapes, 21 plastic grape
tote boxes of 25 lb capacity and 200 totes of 50 lb. capacity
(purchased in 2001 for the benefit of all Vancouver Island
winemakers), and a 10 plate filter.
The
club members generally buy 12-15 Tonnes of high quality grapes
from the Okanagan, Washington and California. Members also
benefit by being able to purchase chemicals and barrels through
the club..
The club numbers among its
members several commercial grape growers. Winemaking expertise
among members ranges from novice to very knowledgeable. All
members are encouraged to view participation in the competitions
and special events as part of their commitment to the continuing
success of the club.
