A group that takes enjoying its wine almost as seriously as making it, The Sonoma Home Winemakers, threw its annual awards banquet last week. Among the celebrants at Vintage House were, standing, with Rebeca and Tom Ramme, and Club President Chris Kukshtel and, sitting, Beatrize Posada, Scott Andrews and Darci Smith. Some 80 different wines were entered in the competition, including a few from outside Sonoma. (Any mention of Napa of was of course met with the obligatory round of polite booing.) The event was emceed by member and non-winner Philip Sales, who assured the crowd – many, many times – he was not bitter about being snubbed for an award. Sales also reminded the group that he was from England, “where there was no wine until global warming.” According to state law, home winemaker can make up to 200 gallons a year. “If it’s good, I give it away,” said Tom Ramme, a Best of Show winner. “If not, I have to drink it.” Tami and Steve Skolnik won the other Best of Show award. Double Gold winners included Debra and Kevin Moretton; Don McLain; Jeff Lopes; and Geoff Wharton.
