Spring 2022

Wrapping a Successful World Conference and Looking Ahead

I hope everyone who was able to attend our World Conference in San Diego, CA, had as great an experience as I had! We were fortunate that just prior to Conference, California lifted the mask requirements so we could happily see each other “in person.” I would like to thank our Wine Society Board of Managers and all who had a hand in making our numerous events a big success. Thanks, of course, goes to Sara Thom for all her efforts on our behalf throughout the Conference proceedings.

The San Diego Yacht Club turned out to be an excellent venue for our Annual Wine Society Dinner. Thanks to Brian Carlson CCM, CCE, and all his staff for making sure everything was just perfect for our 150 attendees. The food and service was indeed fabulous, and we know how much time and effort Brian and his staff put into the event. A huge amount of gratitude also goes to Lynne LaFond DeLuca, Executive Director of the Association of Club Catering & Event Professionals (ACCP), for all of her time and expertise in the décor, entertainment, linens, dishes, and flatware (to name just a few items) that she was able to procure for us in guaranteeing that the night would be a spectacle to remember. Thanks so much Brian and Lynne! The evening began with a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the boats in the bay, as 10 Vintners from Napa Valley Vintners Association were pouring their terrific wines, as well as their Premiere Napa Valley samples. Brandy Leonards from the Napa Vintners was responsible for making that opportunity happen. After the reception, we moved inside the Clubhouse to the sounds of the Beach Boys as our theme this year was California Dreamin.’ The Vintners who attended the dinner and provided their outstanding wines included Larry Maguire from Far Niente, Ken Freeman from Freeman Winery, Steve Reynolds from Reynolds Family, Tom Pillsbury from DuMOL, and Judd Wallenbrock from Charles Krug Winery. Joy Sterling who provided a terrific Sparkling Wine and Estate Pinot Noir, was unfortunately not able to attend the dinner.

Our Wine Society auctions were a big hit this year as well. Thanks go out to the CMAA Chapters and their members who donated wines this year, which included a large number of truly outstanding wines. Board Member Kelvin Mauldin, along with Sara Thom, headed up the efforts to provide all these great wines for our virtual silent auction along with live auctions at the Conference Center and at the Wine Society Dinner. Thank you to our wonderful auctioneers Art Barajas CCM, CCE, and Terry Anglin, CCM, CCE, who did a fabulous job at the live auctions.

I am incredibly grateful to serve our Wine Society this year as Host. After serving on the Board of Managers for several years, it is truly an honor to be in the Host Chair. Thanks to Karl Habib, CCM, for his outstanding service to the Wine Society as Host this past year. Karl has helped me in many ways including his help with the Wine Dinner in San Diego. Don’t worry, Karl, I will still be counting on you a bunch for your guidance and assistance.

This year the Board will continue to move forward on updating our Strategic Plan for the coming years. There are a substantial number of ways we as a Board can better serve our WS members to enhance the value of WS membership and will be providing updates on a regular basis. Stay tuned for more information soon.

At this time, I would like to welcome our newest members to the Board - Art Barajas, CCM, CCE, Glendora Country Club, Glendora, CA; Randall Bertao, CCM, Los Altos Golf & Country Club, Los Altos, CA, and Cheryl Wisch, Shelter Harbor Golf Club, Charlestown, RI. Leaving the Board this year are Paul Smith III, Matthew Kurtas, CCM, and David Voorhees, CCM, CCE. Thank you for your service and contributions to the Wine Society these past years.

Jack Grehan
2022 Host