No matter what the field of endeavor, from oil painting to cooking to carpentry, it seems the professionals get all the glory. Amateurs—whose very title derives from the Latin amare, meaning “to love”—pursue their pastimes for the sheer pleasure of the doing.
Home winemakers, like most other amateur do-it-yourselfers, cherish their hobby. All year long, they engage in an age-old craft that involves farming, laboratory science, the intuitive arts, and perhaps best of all, regular bouts of careful sampling.
With the advent of People Helping People’s Hidden Gems of California, even local garagistas—non-professional vintners who often make their wine in garages—have a chance to shine in a public arena. Once a year, these home winemakers can gather with a select group of limited-production professionals for a friendly competition, invite a crowd of fellow wine lovers, and raise money for a good cause.
Launched four years ago, Hidden Gems of California celebrates home and boutique winemakers with a lively tasting and judged competition of their handcrafted wares. This year’s event, slated for June 11, promises to feature a fine variety of non-commercial vintages, and takes place, as always, at the beautiful Clover Creek Ranch and Vineyard, in Santa Ynez.
Providing amateur winemakers laboring in obscurity with a wonderful chance to show off their work, event organizers have issued a call for entries. Area vintners are encouraged to submit their best homemade and small production vintages to the Hidden Gems committee by May 14.
Santa Ynez Valley home winemaking enthusiasts Mike Gordon and Michael and Carolyn Balaban, together with Rochelle Phillips of Fontes & Phillips Wines, event co-chairs, encourage other winemaking hobbyists and professionals to join them.
Mike Gordon revealed that the professional judging is extremely helpful to him and to other winemakers because it offers an objective gauge of how well they are doing.
“It’s one thing for your family to love your wine,” Gordon said, “and it’s another matter entirely when professionals provide a positive response or criticism that allows us to improve.
“[We] are reaching out to other home winemakers and small-scale professional winemakers,” he added, “who may be interested in showing off their winemaking skills and helping a worthy charity.”
The net proceeds from Hidden Gems of California will benefit People Helping People, a nonprofit organization that assists disadvantaged families and individuals in the Santa Ynez Valley. The money raised will go specifically to fund children’s programs, which include services—such as medical and dental care, after-school teen programs, counseling, and family basic needs assistance for food, shelter, and utilities—directed at preparing at-risk children to succeed in school.
The event includes a lively tasting of liquid entries, live music by Greg Leroy, and a tempting array of wine-friendly appetizers to fuel the fun. At the conclusion of the event, the wines of participating winemakers, including competition winners, will be available at auction for a donation to People Helping People.
[image-2]
In addition to the competitors’ wares, auction lots feature assorted packages of local wines. Lifestyle items up for bid include exciting travel and food/wine packages, such as getaway stays in luxurious condos in Hawaii and Costa Rica.
“This event has proven to be a hidden gem in itself,” Gordon said. “It’s a delightful afternoon of sipping wine, accompanied by delicious appetizers and music. [It] takes place in a gorgeous setting beside a pond under the oaks where there is always a cooling breeze.
“The event showcases some terrific wines that are hard to find or cannot be found elsewhere,” he continued. “This event allows us to share ‘hidden gems’ with the public, conduct a good-hearted professionally judged competition, and raise some much-needed funds to help those less fortunate.”
At the 2010 Hidden Gems of California event, Carolyn Balaban’s 2007 Syrah won Best of Show, as well as a nod as the People’s Choice. Plam Vineyards took a top prize for its 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, while Mike Gordon’s 2007 Syrah blend; David Bradley’s Rose of Syrah; and Richard Shaikewitz’s 2007 Pinot Noir also garnered recognition.
Returning this year are home winemaker Balaban, as well as most of the previous winners, including Plam Vineyards and Fontes & Phillips in the Boutique Winery category. In addition, organizers expect a robust representation of new winemakers, both amateur and small-scale professional, to fire up the competition.
Last year’s event attracted 150 wine lovers and raised more than $25,000 for People Helping People. This year, 250 tickets will be made available, but since they tend to sell out quickly, wine lovers are advised to buy theirs without delay.
Home winemakers and small-lot producers may labor in lonely garages, but they readily admit an undying passion for their craft. At the upcoming Hidden Gems of California, they’ll finally get a chance to share their wares and bask in a little well-earned glory, all while helping to raise money for a worthy cause.
K. Reka Badger is roughly a diamond. Contact her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Apr 14-21, 2011.