Homemade Wine Making

What’s Going on?

To increase and expand our cultural programs, we are starting a wine making initiative this fall. The intent is to make, mature and store the wine at the hall. The membership (Limited to the first 30 members) will have an opportunity to participate in the process under the guidance of experienced winemakers and without incurring the equipment costs.

What is the Timeline?

Registration available at: https://www.cblodge27.org/events

Program Overview + Grape Crushing

Sunday, October 1st, 2023 @ 3:30pm – 5pm

Pressing

Saturday, October 15th, 2023 @ 12pm – 6pm *meal potentially planned

Racking Process

Dec. 10th, 2023; Feb. 4th, 2024; Mar. 24th, 2024; Apr. 28th, 2024

Bottling

Sunday, May 26th, 2024 @ 12pm – 5pm *meal potentially planned

What do we need?

The Villa received a grant from the Turano Foundation to purchase wine-making equipment for the 2023 season. We are in need of additional supplies to help offset the remaining  costs of getting started, please check your basements, attics and garages for any equipment left over from your ancestors. A short list is below:

· Demijohns (15 gallon) – We are in need of 2 (or more) of them - without the spigot is our preference

· Carboys (3, 5, 6 or 7 Gallon) – We are in need of 5 (or more) of them

· Bottles (750ml, 1L, gallon) –   As many as we can get

· Floor corker

· Assorted Funnels and hoses

· Wine Air locks (Bubblers)

· Testing equipment

· Corks

Any other donations would be appreciated.

Who is invited?

30 members are invited on a first-come, first-serve basis to be a part of this process that will extend from September 2023 to June 2024. You will get to experience wine-making from the crush through the pressing, racking and finally the bottling. Each member is allowed to bring a family member, with an emphasis on children or grandchildren to get the younger generation involved.

When does it start?

Registration is open now and we will formally kickoff on Oct. 1st with an overview of the program, and the experience as well as the Grape Crushing @ 3:30pm.

What does it cost?

No cost to participate in the program, a nominal fee will be charged for the events where food and beverages are provided.

What happens with the Wine?

Each participating member will be gifted one bottle of wine at the end of the program, and we will have the balance of wine available for sale at $10 per bottle or to be used throughout the year at club events.