amended by-laws. If you’d like to see a copy, please
contact Mike Clouser or Debbie Norum. Any changes
should be brought up at the next meeting.
Annual Wine Club Challenge: October 4 is the tentative
date for this year’s Challenge. Mike and Gail will
see if the Rothschild Pavillion would be a suitable
location. Mike will also check with other Wisconsin
wine club Chancellors and see if they want to
participate in the Challenge. It was also discussed if
we want to ‘host’ the event or encourage it to be
a ‘joint effort,’ which Mike will ask the other clubs
on this point.
Next Meeting: Will be March 18, 6:30 pm, at the Vine
& Dine, Cedar Creek, Rothschild.
SUMMER PICNIC—It’s unanimous—we want a picnic this
year! MARK YOUR CALENDAR! August 23 at Rock Island
Resort, Merrill. We’ve held it there in the past,
complete with the main meat provided and everyone
brings a dish to pass. More information will be coming
soon!!
BOARD MEETING - Officers and Members-at-large will
meet March 10, 6:00 pm, at the Lil' Ole Winemaker Shop,
Cedar Creek..
Meeting Calendar
Mar. 10—6 pm, Officers
Mar.18—6:30m pm, Club
Apr. 15—6:30 pm, Club
May 20—6:30 pm, Club
All meetings held at Winemaker Shop, Cedar Creek
Bill Giede won the wine bottle raffle and gets to
supply next month’s bottle.
Wine Judging for Dummies! Half of the Wine Club meeting
in May will be devoted to this topic. Make sure to come
and learn the techniques if you’d like to judge wine at
the Intra-Club Event in August.
Thanks to all who signed up to bring the monthly
meeting treats for the year. Debbie & Tore Norum -
you’re up next for March!
Remember to let us know if your home address or email
has changed. It will save us time and postage and
you’ll get the JFCM Newsletter on time!
We want to hear your comments, concerns, and
suggestions! Here’s how to contact us:
Club Chancellor:
Mike Closser, mikgb222@aol.com
Club Vice Chancellor:
Paul Martin, bmartin47@charter.net
Secretary:
Debbie Allen-Norum, dnorum311@yahoo.com
Treasurer:
Linda Wendorf, 241-9614
Intra-Club Wine Judging: Get those carboys going and
clean your bottles because on August 16, the judges
will score your wine and give you some helpful tips
to use on your next batch. We’ll need 6-9 judges, 3
wine stewards, and kitchen help. WE NEED YOU FOR THIS
EVENT! Contact a board member.
January, 2008
Backtracking....
Meeting: was held on January 15, 2008. Those present
were: Debra & Tore Norum, Randy Kuck, Lyle &
Joan Foth, Bill & Jackie Giede, Leon & Linda Hraby,
Mike & Gail Closser, Jack & Helen Zimmerman, Linda
& Rod Wendorf, Paul Martin, Lynn & Dick Gray.
Treasurer’s Report: $992.74 in the checkbook.
By-Laws Amended: The wording regarding the terms of
officers and the time frame as to when changes
are addressed and voted on was accepted and passed. A
final, dated version will be provided by Bill Giede
and can be reviewed at any monthly meeting.
Election of Officers: with no submissions beforehand,
the following persons stepped up at the meeting and
agreed to fill in for a one-year term – Mike Closser,
Chancellor; Paul Martin; Vice Chancellor; Debbie Norum,
Secretary; Linda Wendorf, Treasurer. WAY TO GO! We also
need to fill 2 Member-at-Large positions.
This person sits in at the Officer’s meetings (held
several times per year) and discusses how the Club is
progressing and improvements to be made. Let’s all pull
together and make this year a great one as members
of JFCM!
Wine of the Month: Mike brought a bottle of cherry
wine made at the Shoppe for all of us to taste-test
and learn some judging techniques. We will do this
every month. Bill Page agreed to bring a bottle to the
February meeting.
Mingleberry Report: Bill Giede has graciously accepted
the challenge at the Christmas Party. He believes
that he has enough to make a 10 gallon batch. Majority
of ingredients are: cranberries, grapes, plum and
blackberries.
Next Meeting: will be February 19, 6:30 pm, at the
Professional Building on Stewart Ave.
Thanks to all who signed up to bring the monthly
meeting treats for the year. Mike and Gail Closser -
you’re up next for February!
Remember to let us know if your home address or email
has changed. It will save us time and postage and
you’ll get the JFCM Newsletter on time!
We want to hear your comments, concerns, and
suggestions! Here’s how to contact us:
Club Chancellor:
Mike Closser, mikgb222@aol.com
Club Vice Chancellor:
Paul Martin, bmartin47@charter.net
Secretary:
Debbie Allen-Norum, dnorum311@yahoo.com
Treasurer:
Linda Wendorf, 241-9614
There are a number of members who haven’t paid their
dues yet for 2008. You can send your check to our
treasurer, Linda, at 8405 Castleberry Cir, Schofield,
WI 54476, bring it to the next club meeting, or send
it to the Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe, 10101 Market St.
Rothschild, WI 54474. Dues are $15 per family. WE
APPRECIATE IT!
January, 2008
Happy New Year!
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting will be held on our regular monthly
meeting date of January 15th. There will be election
of officers and discussion of club activities and
rules. We’ll also pass around a sign-up sheet for
bringing treats, as well as a bottle of wine for
judging for each meeting.
Officer candidates are needed! If you are interested
in running for office or serving on the board, please
let Dick know by contacting him e-mail at
ricgry@charter.net or by phone 715-257-7002. In order
to keep the club running smoothly, we need people in
the following positions: chancellor, vice-chancellor,
secretary, treasurer and 2 members at large. Terms
are held for one year and the vice-chancellor will
become the chancellor automatically after their year
as vice-chancellor is served. Offices are limited to
two consecutive terms. One member at large term will
be for two years and this year, one member at large
term will be for one year. Please consider one of
these positions. I know, you probably hear from every
organization you’re involved in how important it is to
participate, but it is necessary to have good
leadership for the club to continue. Give it a try -
it’s a fun experience, you get to meet some great
people and one or two years pass by very quickly!
Backtracking
The Christmas Party was held on January 6th at the
Vine & Dine. Great food, wine and camaraderie!
Thanks to Dick & Lynn Gray for the planning, to Lyle
for the grand prize giveaway, Mike and Gail for
hosting, and all volunteers for their help with this
event. Bill Giede will be making the Mingleberry wine
this year. Carol Emon did a great job with last
years - thanks, Carol! Club awards went to Roger &
Louida Deffner for providing our monthly meeting
place and volunteering their catering and other
services when needed. The LOWS award went to Dick &
Lynn Gray for their club work this past year.
Dues are Due!
Thanks to everyone who has paid their yearly club dues
and a reminder for those of you who have not - please
send your $15 check payable to JFCM to: Lynn Gray;
616 Mueller Street; Athens, WI 54411. You may also
pay your dues to Lynn at the January 15th meeting.
Membership for 2008 will close January 15, 2008.
Monthly Meeting
Date: January 15, 2008
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Professional Center, Suite A Conference Room
(in lower level) 1803 Stewart Ave, Wausau
Topic: Annual Meeting
Treats: Tim & Linda Hintze
Club Calendar
Monthly Meetings: February 19
March 18
April 15
May 20
NOVEMBER, 2007.....Backtracking
Following are the October meeting minutes as submitted
by Dick Gray:
1. The challenge was discussed and it was decided,
because of the lack of participation by other clubs,
we will involve two members from each participating
club in a committee to plan and organize next year’s
event. Also the event will be held in late September
or early October. Roger Deffner volunteered to prepare
the meal and it will be up to the organizing committee
to find a location. The Rothschild pavilion was again
mentioned and Dick will check other locations.
2. The possibility of contacting local papers to
publish our meeting times and place, to encourage
growth in the club was discussed. Specifically the
Merrill paper, the Wausau paper and the Record Review
were discussed.
3. We need RSVP for the Christmas party BY
NOVEMBER 21st to Lynn Gray lynson@charter.net or
715-257-7002 so we can plan for and order the proper
amount of food. Each member should bring a dish and
the club will provide chicken.
4. If you are going to participate in the Mingleberry
wine this year bring an empty bottle and also a pound
of fruit (no citrus fruits).
5. We will again have a hat contest for the ladies and
a tie contest for the gents.
6. If you wish to participate in the gift exchange
please bring a gift, marked lady, for the ladies
exchange or man for the mens exchange.
7. A motion was passed to change the bylaws to change
the terms of office to one year and it will be
understood the vice-chancellor will become chancellor
after their term as vice chancellor. All officers will
be limited to two consecutive terms. The members at
large on the board will still be two-year terms but
this year only one member at large will be for a
one-year term the other will be for a two. We are
doing this to try and build some continuity and not
have a complete turnover every 2 years. Bill and
Jackie Giede are updating the bylaws and will bring
copies to the November meeting.
8. Al and Lois Haase are checking to come up with the
name for a needy family and we discussed giving the
charitable donation to Merrill Free Clinic in memory
of Chet Pluta if no other suggestions are brought
forth at the November meeting.
9. Please send dues to Lynn Gray, 616 Mueller St.,
Athens, WI 54411 or give them to her at the November
meeting or Christmas party. Checks should be made out
to JFCM Wine club. They are due no later than
December 31st.
10. Jack Zimmerman won the raffle and will bring a
bottle for the November raffle.
11. We need nominations for officers by the November
meeting. We need active participation by our members
and people willing to serve for the club to remain
viable.
Date: November 20, 2007
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Professional Center, Suite A
Conference Room (in lower level)
1803 Stewart Ave, Wausau
Topic: Wine Appreciation
Treats: Randy & Kathy Kuck
Club Calendar 2007/2008
Monthly Meetings: December 1 - Christmas Party!
January 15
May, 2007
Backtracking
At the April meeting, we discussed the wine event.
There was talk about when it should be held next year
and some ideas to make it better. Dick will check the
calendar so we can set a date soon and let everyone
know so you can mark your calendar.
Road Trip! Mike has arranged a bus to Arlington Park
on July 28th. There are still seats left, but call
Gail or Mike now at 715-355-9700 to make your
reservation. The cost is $50 each and includes the
bus trip, entry fee, box seats, box lunch, and
champagne on the way down. The bus will leave from
Cedar Creek at around 5 a.m. and return late evening.
No wine judging took place – Gail and Mike brought chili, so we ate, drank and visited! Dick Gray will bring a bottle of wine to be judged in May.
Al Haese won the wine raffle and will bring a bottle
for the May meeting.
Remember, this is our last meeting before we break for
the summer, so please join us May 15th!
Monthly Meeting
Date: May 15, 2007
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Professional Center, Suite A Conference Room
(in lower level) 1803 Stewart Ave, Wausau
Topic: Wine Appreciation
Treats: Lyle & Joan Foth
Club Calendar 2007
Monthly Meetings: September 18
October 16
November 20
April, 2007
Road Trip! At the March 20th meeting, Mike said he
had arranged a bus to Arlington Park on July 28th.
There are a limited amount of seats and they’re going
fast. Call Gail or Mike now at 715-355-9700 to make
your reservation. The cost is $50 each and includes
the bus trip, entry fee, box seats, box lunch, and
champagne on the way down. The bus will leave from
Cedar Creek at around 5 a.m. and return late evening.
Thanks to Bill Page for bringing a bottle of wine to
be judged. Dick Gray will bring one for April. We can
put into practice what we learned at the Wine
Appreciation seminar!
Lyle Foth won the wine raffle and will bring a bottle
for the April meeting.
The Wine Event was held March 24, 2007, at the Labor
Temple in Wausau. Thanks to everyone who helped out
on that day. It was a lot of fun and JFCM won the trophy
back! Congratulations to Nick McGinn for winning best
of show! Brian Hoffman from Sun Prairie won the label
contest (same label that earned him an award in the
WineMaker magazine contest). A note from Dick along
with a picture of Nick and his award are attached.
At the April meeting we’ll be recapping the Wine Event
as well as getting ideas for next year, talking about
the Christmas Party date and location, and having a
question/answer session.
Remember, we only have two more meetings left before
we break for the summer, so come on out and join us on
April 17th and May 15th!
Monthly Meeting
Date: April 17, 2007
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Professional Center, Suite A Conference Room
(in lower level) 1803 Stewart Ave, Wausau
Topic: Event wrap-up, Wine Appreciation
Treats: Paul & Kris Martin
Club Calendar 2007
Monthly Meetings: May 15
September 18
October 16
November 20
FROM OUR PRESIDENT!!
Thank You for your help at the Wine challenge
I would like to extend my personal thanks to Rod &
Linda Wendorf, Leon & Linda Hraby, Bill & Kris Page,
Dave & Patti VanderGeest, Al & Lois Haese, Deb Norum,
Nick & Kris McGinn, Jim Emon, Kathy Rubino, Randy &
Kathy Kuck, Lyle & Joan Foth and Jim Yunek. A special
thanks to my wife Lynn for everything she did in
planning and organizing the event and to Tim & Linda
Hintze for all their help and providing lunch, also
to Mike & Gail Closser who without their help and
contributions the challenge would not be possible.
If I have missed anyone please forgive me. An event
like that is very time consuming and it would not be
possible without the support and help of many people.
A great many of you spent the entire day there and the
challenge went very smooth and I believe everyone had a
good time.
Congratulations and thank you to all of you who entered
wine, because of your efforts JFCM brought home the
trophy and it will be on display at the Lil' Ole
Winemaker Shoppe. For the second year in a row Nick
McGinn won best of show. This year was for his peach
and I understand he made 3 batches and used over 300#
of peaches for each batch. Way to go Nick.
Dick Gray
Here is the list of the 2007 Wine Club Challenge
Winners held on March 24, 2007.
Congratulations to Everyone!!
And, this competition was not a blow out by any means -
AGAIN, a VERY, Very Close Horse Race!!!!
There was a total of 79 Ribbons given out to the
participants of the Wine Club Challenge. 19 of which
were First Place; 24 were Second Place and 36 were
Third Place....( AND - as like last year!!! 2/3 of the
wines entered received ribbons, wow!). 17 Ribbons went
to the Sun Prairie Club (5 first place, 4 second place
and 8 third place); 21 Ribbons went to the Marshfield
Club (4 first place, 6 second place and 11 third
place); 18 Ribbons to the Milwaukee Club (8 first
place, 5 second place and 5 third place); and 23
Ribbons went to the Merrill/Wausau Club (2 first
place, 9 second place and 12 third place).
AND, AGAIN (2 years in a row!) - Congratulations go
to Nick McGinn of the Jenny Falls CorkMasters for
his Best of Show Peach Wine! And Congratulations to
John Petzold for his Runner Up Best of Show Wild Grape!
Total points were as follows: JFCM (Merrill/Wausau)
- 41; WVA (Milwaukee) - 39; CWAWC (Marshfield) - 35
and PVWC (Sun Prairie) - 34.........And the Traveling
Trophy went to the Jenny Falls Cork Masters -
Congratulations to ALL!!!
Following is a list of the wines and their points:
David Tatar Pinot Grigio SP 3rd - 39
Len Montalbano Viognier Milw 1st - 50
Bob Bartelt Trio Blanca Marsh NP - 32
Norman Stilson Semillon Chardonnay SP 3rd - 39
Len Montalbano Pinot Grigio Milw NP - 29
Thomas Courtney Riesling Milw 1st - 48
Howard Hasselkus Cayuga Grape Milw NP - 29
Jim Remus Gooseberry Milw NP - 31
Lyle Foth Dandelion JFCM 2nd - 43
Tony Cappozzo Rhubarb SP NP - 32
John Belken Rhubarb SP DQ
Richard McKagan Currant Milw 1st - 52
Craig DeGrand Cherry Marsh NP - 31
John Belken BlackberryRaspberry SP 1st - 53
Lee Nafziger Strawberry Marsh 1st - 52
Jim Remus Raspberry Milw 3rd - 39
Craig DeGrand Blueberry Marsh 1st - 48
Jack Wallace Pinot Noir Marsh 2nd - 44
Don/Lee Henke Syrah Cranberries SP 1st - 50
Len Montalbano Zinfandel Milw 2nd - 45
Rod Wendorf Sangiovese JFCM 3rd - 38
Dale Gray Blueberry Marsh NP - 20
Dave/Mary Petrie Cabernet/French Oak SP 2nd - 44
Ray Glatch St. Croix Milw 3rd - 38
Mike Skalecke Merlot JFCM 3rd - 38
Bob Bartelt Nebbiolo d’ alba Marsh 1st - 50
David Tatar Merlot SP 1st - 53
Jeff StanislawskiPrimitivo Syrah Milw 1st - 49
Dick Gray Pinot Noir JFCM 2nd - 44
Randy Harrison Foch SP NP - 31
Thomas Courtney Syrah Grenache Milw NP - 30
Nick McGinn Cabernet Sauvignon JFCM 3rd - 36
Fred Geislee Merlot SP NP - 33
Tim Larsen Sangiovese Milw 2nd - 44
Rod Wendorf Cabernet Merlot JFCM 3rd - 38
Mary Uthemann Pinot NoirZinfandel Milw NP - 32
Nick McGinn Pinot Noir JFCM 3rd - 38
George ScovranskiZinfandel Milw NP - 33
Mike Skalecke Valpolicella JFCM 3rd - 37
Bill Schneider CabernetFranc MalbecMilw 2nd - 44
Rod Wendorf Valpolicella JFCM 3rd - 36
David Brandt Syrah Milw 2nd - 43
Don Betlej Vidal Blanc Milw 1st - 54
Howard Hasselkus TraminetteVidalBlancMilw 3rd - 36
Don Betlej Traminette Milw 3rd - 37
Roger Deffner French Colombard JFCM 2nd - 42
Robert Sielaff Elderberry Blossoms Milw NP - 37
Brian Hoffman White Clover Honey SP 3rd - 39
Shirley Lemke Apple Marsh 2nd - 43
Michael Maass Apple SP 3rd - 36
Randy Kuck Apple JFCM NP - 27
John Petzold Apple SP NP - 27
Craig DeGrand Peach Marsh 3rd - 39
Casper Altmann Pear Marsh 3rd - 37
Rod Kazmerzak Rhubarb SP NP - 33
Howard Oertel Rhubarb SP NP - 29
Casper Altmann Golden Raspberry Marsh 2nd - 42
Dave Petrie Blueberry w/Raisins SP NP - 24
Patti VandergeestPlum JFCM 3rd - 39
Donald Binder Strawberry Marsh 3rd - 38
Mark Koski Strawberry Marsh 3rd - 37
Lynn Gray Strawberry JFCM NP - 31
David Brandt Montmorency Cherry Milw 2nd - 42
Howard Hasselkus Cherry With Brandy Milw NP - 28
Jack Wallace Cherry Marsh 2nd - 44
Craig DeGrand Cranberry Marsh 2nd - 44
Howard Hasselkus B/RRaspberryw/BrandyMilw 3rd - 37
Howard Hasselkus RedRaspberryw/BrandyMilw 1st - 49
Dick Gray Raspberry JFCM 2nd - 42
Howard Hasselkus Blackberry w/Brandy Milw NP - 33
Mark Koski Chokecherry Marsh 1st - 49
Roger Deffner Chokecherry JFCM NP - 33
Ernie Marti ChokecherryRCurrant Marsh NP - 31
Dale Gray Yellow Plum Marsh 3rd - 38
Robert Sielafe Elderberry Milw NP - 23
Randy Kuck Elderberry JFCM 3rd - 37
Barbara Binder Elderberry Marsh 3rd - 37
Mike McGilvra Foch SP 3rd - 36
Roger Deffner Pinot Noir JFCM NP - 30
Rich Trotta Concord W BlackberrySP NP - 30
Donald Binder Concord Marsh 3rd - 39
Patti VandergeestConcord JFCM NP - 29
Craig DeGrand Concord Marsh NP - 33
Lyle Foth Concord with Oak JFCM NP - 29
Jerrold Robaidek LaCrescent Grapes SP 3rd - 36
Linda Hraby Green Apple RieslingMarsh 3rd - 37
Linda Hintze Muller Thurgau JFCM 2nd - 43
Jeff Boyd Riesling Ice Wine JFCM 2nd - 44
Raymond Barkes Apple Marsh NP - 24
Rich Trotta Apple SP 2nd - 43
Bill Page Apple JFCM NP - 33
Mike Skalecke Cran/GrAppleRieslingJFCM 3rd - 37
Leon Hraby Raspberry Rhubarb Marsh 3rd - 39
Raymond Barkes Rhubarb Marsh 2nd - 43
Jerry Wonty Yellow Plum Milw NP - 28
Rich Trotta Plum SP 2nd - 43
Leon Hraby Purple Plum Marsh 3rd - 37
Al Haese Peach JFCM 2nd - 43
Nick McGinn Peach JFCM 1st - 53
Lyle Foth Cranberry JFCM 1st - 48
Al Krueger CranElder Rhubarb Milw 1st - 48
Rich Trotta BlackCranberry AppleSP 2nd - 45
Ronald Balfanz Strawberry SP 3rd - 38
Nick McGinn Strawberry JFCM 2nd - 44
Nick McGinn Cherry JFCM 3rd - 36
Shirley Lemke Blackberry Marsh 3rd - 38
Paul Nicholson Blackberry SP DQ
Casper Altmann Blackberry Marsh NP - 28
Casper Altmann Elderberry Marsh NP - 33
Randy Harrison Foch Rhubarb SP NP - 31
Jerry Wonty Wild Grape Milw 1st - 49
John Petzold Wild Grape SP 1st - 53
Ronald Baltoinz Wild Grape SP NP - 32
Shirley Lemke Concord Marsh NP - 33
Randy Kuck Concord JFCM 2nd - 42
Randy Kuck Red Grape JFCM 3rd - 39
Don/Lee Henke Shiraz Cranberry SP NP - 33
John Petzold Merlot Bl Raspberry SP 3rd - 38
Al Krueger Grape Jam ElderberryMilw NP - 32
Paul Nicholson Port with Brandy SP 1st - 50
A DAY AT THE RACES!!
Jenny Falls Corkmasters is sponsoring a trip to
Arlington Park Race Track!
When: July 28th
Feature Face: Washington Park Handicap $300,000
Guaranteed (GII) - Three Year Olds and older 1 mile
& 3/16
Cost: $55.00 per person (Included Admission, Box Seat,
Lunch, Bus Fair and Champagne)
Bus leaves Cedar Creek Mall in Rothschild at 5:30 a.m.
Will make designated pre-arranged stops to pickup
those interested in joining us!! Bus will return
same day. Plan on a late evening.
HURRY AND SIGN UP!! ONLY 39 SEATS LEFT! FIRST COME,
FIRST SERVE!! OPEN TO CLUB MEMBERS AND GUESTS....
March, 2007
The Wine Event is scheduled for March 24, 2007, at the
Labor Temple in Wausau. Thanks to those of you who
have signed up to help that day. Dick will put
together a schedule for who will be working where and
at what time. If you haven’t already signed on to
help
and would like to, please call Dick Gray at
715-257-7002 or e-mail him at ricgry@charter.net. We
can always use more volunteers! The deadline for
contest entries is March 12th. Cost to enter is $3.50
per bottle of wine and $1.00 per label. We need
entries! Our best chance of winning this competition
is to fill the 30 bottle limit. For those of you
receiving this via e-mail, the forms and rules are
attached. If you receive the newsletter in the mail,
entry forms are attached but please see Gail at LOWS
or go to lilolewinemaker.com for a complete set of
rules. Award ribbons will be given for wine, as well
as the traveling trophy awarded to the club with the
highest points (let’s bring it back to JFCM!). The
label contest winner will get half the entry money
received.
In addition to the wine challenge and label design
contest, there will be two seminars in the afternoon
at a cost of $3 each or $5 for both. The first from
1-3 p.m. is Wine Appreciation with Dennis Kohl, Master
Connoisseur. The second from 3:15-4:15 p.m. is
Influence of Acid on Wine Balance by Mike Closser.
Lunch will be served at noon at a cost of $6 and dinner
at 6 p.m. at a cost of $12. There will also be
raffles, chocolate, sausage and cheese booths and
entertainment – should be fun! Hope you’ll join us on
March 24th!
The club voted to change the membership year to the
calendar year. All current memberships are good until
December 31, 2007. Elections will be held at the
Christmas Party this year.
Thanks to Randy Kuck for bringing a bottle of wine to
be judged. Bill Page will bring one for March. Once
again, this was a fun way to learn about wine!
Thanks to Dick and Lynn Gray for treats (again).
Linda Hraby won the wine raffle and will bring a
bottle for the March meeting.
Monthly Meeting
Date: March 20, 2007
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Professional Center, Suite A Conference Room
(in lower level)
1803 Stewart Ave, Wausau
Topic: Wine Challenge & Wine Appreciation
Treats: Mike & Gail Closser
Club Calendar 2007
Wine Event Entry Deadline: March 12
Wine Challenge: March 24
Monthly Meetings: April 17
May 15
September 18
October 16
November 20
Monthly Meeting - February
Please note that we still need volunteers for the Wine
Challenge Event in March. If you can help, let us
know. Thanks! We're also looking for any good wines
and labels to be entered into the wine challenge so we
can bring the trophy back to JFCM! See the newsletter
for details.
Dick is looking for someone to provide treats for the
February meeting - if you can do it, please call or
e-mail Dick (ricgry@charter.net or 715-257-7002). Thanks!
The February meeting is February 20th at our new
location - see below for directions.
Date: February 20, 2007
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Professional Center
Conference Room (in lower level) - 1803 Stewart Ave
Topic: Wine Challenge & Wine Appreciation
Treats: ???
Club Calendar 2007
Monthly Meetings: March 20
April 17
May 15
September 18
October 16
November 20
Wine Challenge: March 24
Backtracking
In the search to find a new place for club meetings,
Roger Deffner has offered the use of the conference
room in his office building – the Professional Center.
From now on, all club meetings (except possibly the
Christmas Party) will be held the third Tuesday of the
month at this location. The directions are as follows:
From Highway 51, take exit #192 and go east (approx.
one block) to first light at 18th Ave. Go right on
18th (sign says west to Stewart Ave.). Go south a
short block and enter the parking lot. Day's Bowl-A-
Dome is on the left and the Professional Center (1803
Stewart Ave.) on the right – enter Suite A, go left,
down the stairs and right at the bottom to the
conference room. Remember, as previously voted, there will be no club meetings for June, July or August.
Regular monthly meetings will resume in September.
Please see Club Calendar for meeting schedule.
The Wine Event is scheduled for March 24, 2007, at
the Labor Temple in Wausau. Dick went over the entry
forms for both wine and labels. The deadline for entry
is March 12th. Cost to enter is $3.50 per bottle of
wine and $1.00 per label. Please see Gail at LOWS for
entry forms or go to lilolewinemaker.com. Award
ribbons will be given for wine, as well as the
traveling trophy awarded to the club with the highest
points (let’s bring it back to JFCM!). The label
contest winner will get half the entry money received.
Thanks to the many people who have already volunteered
to work the wine event. If you haven’t, please
consider donating some time. We could still use more
help because this is our biggest event of the year and
will take a lot of volunteers to pull off! Please sign
up at the February meeting, or contact Dick Gray at
715-257-7002 or via e-mail ricgry@charter.net. In
addition to the wine challenge, and label design
contest, there will be seminars, raffles and
entertainment – should be fun! There will also be two
booths with sausage, cheese and chocolate for sale.
Hope you’ll join us on March 24th!
Mike Closser suggested a trip to Arlington Park this
spring to watch the horse races instead of a winery
trip in February. The club response was positive so
Mike will check this out further.
Thanks to Paul Martin for bringing a bottle of wine to
be judged. Randy Kuck will bring one for February.
Members have really been enjoying this part of the
meeting. It’s a great hands-on way to get tips for
improving your wine!
Thanks to Dick and Lynn Gray for treats. We still need
a volunteer for treats for February. Please give Dick
a call if you can provide them. Thanks! Bill Page won
the wine raffle and will bring a bottle for the
February meeting.
>p>
2007 JFCM Inter-Club Wine Challenge
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2007
Where: Labor Temple (318 S. 3rd Ave/Wausau, WI 54401)
Schedule: Tickets for Lunch, Dinner & all events sold
at the door... Wine & Label Registration closing date
March 12, 2007
.....Labels to be mailed by
March 9, 2007.
Judging: 9:00 A.M. March 24,2007
50/50 and other raffles going on all day.
Lunch: 12:00 ---Cost $6.00
Seminars: Cost $3.00 for each or $5.00 for both
Wine appreciation presented by Dennis Kohl, Master
Connoisseur....1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and
Influence of acid on wine balance presented by Mike
Closser....3:15 pm to 4:15 pm
Dinner 6:00 pm - Cost $12.00
Presentation of awards and dance: Following Dinner
Awards:
Labels - Label design contest 50% of entry fees to the
winner.
Wine - Individual ribbons for all 1st(Blue), 2nd(Red),
3rd(White)
Individual for best of show & second best of show
Traveling trophy for club with most points
Rules-Label Design Contest
1. Labels must be mailed no later than March 9, 2007 to:
Kris Page (N4021 Highway S; Bryant, WI 54418)
2. NO limit on number of entries per individual.
3. Entry fee (to be mailed with entry) $1.00 per label.
4. Label size 4” X 6” or smaller
5. Use the label entry form, last page to submit your
label.
Rules-Wine Entries:
1. Open to club member amateurs only.
2. $3.50 per bottle entered to be paid when delivered
to Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe (10101 Market Street;
Suite D40; Rothschild, WI 54474; 715-355-9700).
3. Wines must be entered at the Lil’ Ole Winemaker
Shoppe no later than Monday, March 12, 2007.
4. Entry Label must be filled out completely and must
be attached to the entry (750 ml bottle) by rubber
band only, not glued or taped in any manner. If there
are any questions contact Mike Closser 715-355-9700.
5. Wines will be submitted in standard wine bottles
(750 ml) with labels removed (except for those stated
above). The following packaging requirements are
mandatory.
a. Straight corks on cork type bottles or a quality
new screw cap on threaded bottles.
b. Sparkling wines in champagne or cold duck bottles
with proper closure, suitably wired in place.
6. A total 30 entries per club will be judged.
7. Judging will begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, March 24,
2007. Judges will be required to give reasons for their
decisions by providing comments on the judging form.
8. First place winners will be judged to determine best
of class and best of show.
9. Judges may enter wine but if their wine is being
judged for best of show they cannot participate in best
of show judging.
10. The decision of the judges and superintendent will
be final.
11. Entries will become property of JFCM and will be
used at the awards dinner.
12. Awards will be given at the award banquet and any
unclaimed award will be available at the Lil’ Ole
Winemaker Shop. It is the responsibility of the entrant
to pick up their award.
13. Entrants may not in any way be affiliated with a
commercial winery. This contest is for amateur
winemakers only.
14. It is the entrants’ responsibility to enter his/her
wine in the proper class and have the label completely
and accurately filled out a misclassified wine will be
disqualified. Any questions should be discussed with
Mike Closser 715-355-9700 prior to March 12, 2007.
15. JFCM challenge officials reserve the right to
interpret the forgoing rules to arbitrarily settle
matters, disputes, questions or differences in regard
there to the interclub wine challenge.
Wine Entry
1. Entry information must specify the predominate type
of fruit, berry, grape, etc. and specify any other
ingredient or process which influences the flavor or
aroma. The predominate tasting fruit should be listed
first, i.e. Wild Grape + Concord where Wild Grape is
the predominate fruit and Concord is the predominate
fruit that influences flavor and/or aroma.
2. Entrant is required to identify the use of
artificial sweeteners.
3. ENTRANT MUST STATE FINAL SPECIFIC GRAVITY. Wine in
wrong class because of incorrect specific gravity will
be disqualified.
4. Entries must specify “Dry”, “Table”, or “Sweet” as
appropriate. Many entries are misclassified in regards
to sugar content. Wines will be classified as dry,
table or sweet using the following criteria.
a. Dry wine Specific Gravity = 1.002 or less
b. Table wine Specific Gravity = 1.003 – 1.010
c. Sweet Wine Specific Gravity = 1.011 or more
Wine Judging Classes
DRY TABLE SWEET
1. White Grape 7. White Grape 13. White Grape
2. Red Grape 8. Red Grape 14. Red Grape
3. Berry/flower 9. Berry/flower 15. Berry/flower
(incl mead) (incl mead) (incl mead)
4. Fruit 10. Fruit 16. Fruit
(incl rhubarb........)
5. Vegetable 11.Vegetable 17.Vegetable
(tomato, pumpkin, potatoe, etc..........)
6. Other 12. Other 18.Other
High Alcohol content wines (Over 14%) must be labeled
as such or will be disqualified.
$3.50 Per bottle entered...Entry fees & entries must be
delivered by March 12, 2007 to:
Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe; 10101 Market Street; Suite
D40; Cedar Creek Mall; Rothschild, WI 54474;715-955-9700.
WINE ENTRY FORM
Year & Class ___________________________________
Specific Gravity _______________________________
Major Ingredient________________________________
Other Ingredients_______________________________
Club: (check one) JFCM___ MFL____SPR___ MILW____
Entrant Name____________________________________________
Address_________________________________________
City____________________________________________
Phone No._______________________________________
Use rubber band to attach to each bottle $3.50 per entry
LABEL FORM
Club: (check one) JFCM___ MFL____SPR___ MILW____
Entrant Name____________________________________________
Address_________________________________________
City____________________________________________
Phone No._______________________________________
$1.00 Per label entered; Labels & entry fees must
be mailed in plastic bags no later than March 9, 2007
to: Kris Page; N4021 Highway S; Bryant, WI 54418
JANUARY, 2007
The board met January 2nd to discuss the wine event
along with the ongoing concern of how to increase
club participation. Since there has been some
confusion as to where the meetings are each month, it
was decided to always have the meetings on the third
Tuesday of each month and always in the same location.
We will discuss this at the January 16th meeting and
welcome suggestions for a new location.
Backtracking
The Christmas Party held on December 2nd was a fun
time, well attended with great food! Thanks to Lyle
& Joan Foth for chairing the party committee and to all
the other volunteers for their work putting this event
together. The Mingleberry wine is being tended this
year by Jim & Carol Emon. Here’s their update: “Well,
the Mingleberry for 2007 is underway, we have 20# of
fruit: Blackberries, raspberries, wild grapes,
strawberries, cranberries & rhubarb (from least am'ts
to most) should be interesting......hope we can do it
justice!.......”
The club is tentatively planning a winery trip for
February, 2007. This will be discussed at the January
meeting.
The Wine Event is scheduled for March 24, 2007, at the
Labor Temple in Wausau. This is our biggest event of
the year and the topic of discussion at the January
meeting. We will need many volunteers to pull this
off, please volunteer as much time as you can. There
will be sign-up sheets at the January meeting, or you
can contact Dick Gray at 715-257-7002 or via e-mail
ricgry@charter.net if you are able to help out. In
addition to the wine challenge, there will be a label
design contest, seminars, raffles and entertainment.
Please plan to attend and get in on the fun of this
exciting event! Mark your calendars for March 24th!
There is a wine event tentatively planned to coincide
with the Harley MDA fund raiser on May 19th that we
may wish to participate in – details will follow closer
to that date.
Thanks to everyone who has paid their yearly club dues
and a reminder for those of you who have not – please
send your $15 check payable to JFCM to: Lynn Gray;
616 Mueller Street; Athens, WI 54411. Membership for
2007 will close January 31, 2007.
Monthly Meeting
Date: January 16, 2007
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Cedar Creek Mall, Wausau
Topic: Wine Challenge Event
Treats: Dick Gray
Club Calendar
Monthly Meetings: January 16
February 20
March 20
April 17
May 22
Wine Challenge: March 24
The club has a wine filter for rent to club members at
a cost of $5 plus filter pads at $2.95. It is located
at LOWS and can be rented by calling Gail.
