When an amateur winemaker shares well-made wine with friends and neighbours, the fermenting fever begins to spread. Soon a small group is meeting on an informal basis to share recipes, to discuss common problems and to sample successes.
Local clubs divide their energies among tasting, education, and social activities.
Each club finds the balance that suits the interests of its members. Tastings often include commercial wines to use as benchmarks. Information about winemaking and wine appreciation is provided by the more experienced club members, or by invited guests. Social outings often include visits to commercial wineries and breweries. One of the best benefits of club membership is the improved winemaking that comes from comparing ideas and techniques with others, a process that often carries on into competition for awards of excellence.