The Results Are In! The "People's Choice Christmas Tree" is "Women Who Wine"!

December 15, 2013 - After two weeks of community voting in the People's Choice Christmas Tree Contest, the results were announced.  Of six entrants, the "Women Who Wine" tree was awarded the distinction of being the "People's Choice".   Connie Bandstra accepted the award on behalf of WWW.

The Women Who Wine Christmas Tree in the Madera Clubhouse

The iron tree was decorated with ornaments made from recycled wine corks & faux grapeleaves and lit with white mini lights.  The "tree skirt" was loose wine corks corraled with a WWW banner in red & white.  Wine & champagne glasses with red tinsel - and unique cheese spreaders - were also added for a touch of color and  'realism'   (Who has wine without food?)  Of the contest entrants, the WWW tree was located closest to the bar (which somehow seemed fitting).  

December 2013 - "Christmas Is Coming"

"Christmas is Coming" - December 10, 2013 - Some of the WWW gals gathered at Christy Caldwell's home to view her WOW "over-the-top" Christmas decorations - and to enjoy some gal time before the holidays.

 Victoriana

 Santa & Baby Bottle Collection

Christmas Dining at it's Finest!

Connie B played Mrs. Santa by providing the wines, with the rest of the WWW bringing scrumptious holiday snacks to share.  After a "loss of wine" accident, replacements were found and the gathering was on!   Christy's collections of hand painted gourds, antiques, Victoriana, and other Christmas ornaments had the gals oohing and aahing all afternoon.  Christy also surprised each WWW gal with a special treat - a gift of a handcrafted wine glass cozy/coaster. Wine on!

Daryl Laux, Ruth Naponick, Connie Bandstra, Cathy Hasson, Kelly Hines, Debbie Huber, Christy Caldwell

November 2013 "Deck The Halls"

"Deck the Halls"  November 21, 2013 - We held our first gathering at the home of Vicky Woods.

We started with Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2011 Chardonnay (Washington); La Finca Tempranillo 2012 (Argentina); and Black Opal Shiraz 2012 (Australia).  And we finished with Vicky's last bottle of "Women Who Wine" "Bella Vino Super Tuscan Blend 2008"  which was blended & bottled by Vicky's Women Who Wine gals of Washington state. 

We also noshed on a fabulous 5 cheese sampler plate, spiced nuts, imported olives, savory Stilton biscuits, red grapes, and chocolate dipped strawberries - all provided by Connie Bandstra.  Do we know our food or what?

Wine & Food - what else?

We conducted an interest survey (to guide the selection of future activities), and did a little organizational business - to wit:

*  WWW schedule (first Fridays of the month);
*  membership policy (by invitation only, full time QC residents);
*  guest policy (guests invited to some gatherings);
*  communications (private email, for now Vicky will handle, please don't forward to others)

We ended our initial gathering with all pitching in to decorate a "Women Who Wine" tree for entry in the 'Christmas at Quail Creek' "Peoples' Choice Christmas Tree" contest.  All 'ornaments' were made from recycled wine corks or faux grape leaves by Vicky W - the funky iron tree was lent by Connie B, the tree 'skirt' was a bunch of corks!

Women Who Wine "Peoples Choice Christmas Tree" entry

The Women Who Wine  

From left to right, Judy Hale, Daryl Laux, Debbie Huber, Christy Caldwell, Vicky Woods, Tari Wright, Connie Bandstra, Kelly Hines, & Susan Miller.