Appreciating fine wine

When their local Wine Appreciation Club was closed earlier this year, four former members decided to establish a new one. 

And so the Phoenix Central Coast Wine Appreciation Club was born.

Rod Kinmond, with his thorough knowledge and unwavering enthusiasm for wines, was quickly appointed President of the fledgling organisation. 

He presents the wines he sources in a relaxed and comfortable way, with everyone learning something new each meeting.

A small array of different wines, accompanied by detailed notes, are presented for tasting by Kinmond, together with cheese, biscuits and a pinch of light-hearted banter.  

“Our membership is a mixed bag,” Secretary Robyn Northwood said.

“People who have been tasting wines forever and others who are just discovering how much fun, and how very interesting, they can be. 

“But be assured, there isn’t a stuffed shirt amongst them.  

“We are very happy with our club’s progress to date. 

“Quite a few of the former club members have now joined us; however we are aiming to at least double our present membership/attendance pool. 

“The number of attendees decides the tasting we run on the night so the more attendees we have, the higher the quality of wines we can offer.

“We don’t sell wines – we only taste them – but Rod can probably tell you where he sourced each one, so you can pick them up yourself later if you fancy a particular bottle.”

The club meets at Phillip House, Kariong, on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. 

Membership, until June 30, 2026, is available on line at a cost of $25.

Cost for non-members is $20 per meeting ($15 for members). 

For more information go to phoenixccwac.org, email phoenixwinecc@gmail.com or call 0410 446 485.