So, you want to start a winery? Perhaps you've been making wine at home for some time and have access to some top-notch grapes, or you're an investor who dreams of running the next wine mega-brand. Sounds fairly straightforward, right?
Well, your entry in the minefield known as the commercial wine business has just begun. Consider all the issues related to real estate, water use management, the latest legislation that could affect your land-use permits, plus being on top of all the copyright and branding that'll help prevent the buzz-kill of a "cease and desist" letter.
A series of upcoming seminars aims to help winery and vineyard owners wade through these challenges. Held in conjunction with Sacramento's Abbott & Kindermann law firm and UC Davis Extension, the seminar known as Motherlode Wineries & Vineyards will take place in two key areas of the region's wine country.
The first seminar will be next Wednesday at Oak Ridge Winery, 6100 E. Victor Road, Lodi, and the next will be in the Sierra foothills Nov. 17 at the Amador County Fairgrounds, 18621 Sherwood St., Plymouth. Both sessions run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The cost is $35 a session, and that includes lunch and a wine reception. Attendees are also asked to bring a bottle of wine to share. The registration deadline for next Wednesday's session is Friday, and Nov. 14 for the Nov. 17 seminar. For other information: (916) 456-9595 or jbudowich@aklandlaw.com
The toast of Rocklin
And now, let's get down to a little wine tasting. That can be had on Saturday in Rocklin at Toast of the Town. The event features wine tasting from 4 to 6 p.m. along with an art show and silent auction.
Dinner runs from 6 to 8 p.m., and the bulk of the cooking will be done by Rocklin's elected officials, including members of the City Council and the police and fire chiefs.
Proceeds will benefit the city of Rocklin's Xtreem teen program, which targets middle school students and aims to "keep them out of trouble," said event organizer Bill McEnroe.
Toast of the Town, meanwhile, features some 30 wineries, including local favorites and producers all the way from Calaveras County. Tickets cost $50, and this event typically sells out. For other information: (916) 625-5200.
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Call The Bee's Chris Macias, (916) 321-1253.
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