Random Recollections 1978 -- 1998
Now that the 20 th anniversary
of the formation of Taupo Winetasters Club draws near, it seems
an appropriate time to review the many interesting and pleasurable
events which have taken place since the first meeting in 1978.
The idea of forming a club for
winetasters was the result of conversations held over the counter
of Scenic Cellars (there should be a plaque on the wall!) between
Shane Bycroft (the then manager) and Darrell Campbell, a businessman
in Taupo whose taste ran mainly to home-made fruit wines. However,
he was not averse to commercial vintners' products and agreed
to sound out any expression of interest from other wine drinkers.
There was an enthusiastic response. So Darrell Cambell was appointed
president, his wife Edna secretary and newsletter editor, Shane
Bycroft and Janet Bylea-Lane (from the weinkeller, then in Spa
Road) convenors. John Davies became treasurer and cellarmaster,
and from then on the club progressed steadily.
A pattern of monthly meetings
was established and membership was listed at 73. At first tastings
were of certain well-known wine-makers' products (e.g. Vidals,
McWilliams, Robard & Butler). Then, more adventurously, wine-makers
or their representatives were invited to be guest speakers. This
was a policy to be followed on a regular basis. Therefore it
was not only very enjoyable but also educational as the speakers,
in presenting different grape varieties, different years, and
certainly different experiences, problems, anxieties and thankfully
many successes, provided a most entertaining insight into this
very competitive and complex industry.
The next phase to be introduced
was going on wine-trails. The first ones, by bus were to Hawkes
Bay where visits were made to Te Mata, Vidals and Lombardi. Two
well-known wine-writers came to the club and conducted blind
tastings - Keith Stewart and Ian Clark, and it was especially
interesting to listen to their views and opinions on the industry
in general in those early days.
Another important comment appeared
in Edna Campbell's Newsletter of July 1979; the club had decided
to buy it's own glasses as complaints about plastic destroying
the bouquet had been frequent and loud. Exotic recipes (naturally
with wine content) also appeared, including one for mulled wine,
to be served in mugs, great stuff !
Around this time, four members from the
Waimarino Wine Club in Ohakune visited Taupo and from this meeting
evolved a friendly competitive club interchange. Taupo members
traveled to Ohakune for what was called "Mid-winter Madness".
The guest of the weekend was Peter Saunders, then editor of "N.Z.
Wineglass", and he introduced the fascinating Options Game,
now a regular feature of numerous meetings. Barbeques centering
around the options Game were held at the Spa Hotel rose garden,
but the initial venue at Ohakune was quite unique in that those
present had to be attired as "Asterix". Many weird
and wonderful disguises involving the use of large white sheets,
together with the strange-sounding names of participants, turned
the evening into quite a Bacchinalian revel. Waimarino members
were most hospitable and the food and wine memorable. Subsequently
Taupo reciprocated with summer barbeques of a more sedate but
nevertheless enthusiastic and enjoyable celebration of the Options
Game. For the most part this was organised by Ray Toms with willing
help from his wife Sue and their young children Jennifer and
Nicholas. The prized trophy for the winning team was "The
Slab", a large pine board suitably inscribed and donated
by Don and Benita Marshall. The two main protagonists were Waimarino
and Taupo but teams came for the fun of it from Tokoroa, Rotorua,
Turangi and Auckland. The practice still continues although venues
have changed over the years, but all still with the same competitive
spirit.
Annual general meetings became
quite a feature, the whole affair being more of an excuse for
a social occasion rather than a formality. It was decided that
the business side would take no more than eight minutes, the
rest of the proceedings being devoted to the serious matter of
consuming food and wine.
The Taupo Winetasters Club is
affiliated to the Federation of Wine and Food Societies of New
Zealand, whose editor Stanley L. Harris Q.S.M. publishes newsletters
of the utmost interest to serious wine-drinkers, with news from
clubs all around the country, sharing information and knowledge
on many aspects of food and wine and social activities. This
affiliation entitles members to participate in the annual wine-buy.
Ray Toms is Taupo's delegate and reports on meetings he attends.
Over the years there have been
many changes of committee members. Presidents, secretaries, treasurers,
newsletter editors and cellarmasters have all taken responsibility
for managing the club. However as this is meant to be a brief
history, it is not possible to mention them all by name. Some
are still members and are very much valued for their loyalty
and generous donation of their time and effort.
In October 1988 the tenth anniversary
was celebrated in fine style at "Downstairs" restaurant
in Acacia Bay (now "Hare & Trout"). Thirty-three
members and friends attended this function which was presided
over by Duncan Win. A birthday cake was baked by Glen Sando,
and the Federation newsletter reported: "Those lake-siders
certainly know how to live and their Anniversary Lunch was a
notable event. Apart from the interesting menu, no less than
19 wines were listed, including many of high repute from N.Z.,
France, Chile and Australia". As a foundation member Cassie
Blair was elected honorary life member which she still considers
a great privilege. Now that another ten years have passed, it
doesn't really seem all that long ago.
Sadly, both Darrell and Edna Campbell,
such staunch supporters in the early years have died, but their
initial input has left a legacy of information and whole-hearted
interest. Shane Bycroft now lives in Queensland with his wife
and family and is kept in touch through visits from Taupo friends.
Janet Lane lives in Wellington and John Davies has also moved
on. Peter Potter has been treasurer since 1986 and keeps a vigilant
eye on our finances. Scenic Cellars, the starting point of it
all, has always played a prominent role in association with the
club since its formation by Shane Bycroft, and since Peter Taylor
and his wife Colleen have owned and managed the business their
interest and support have been much appreciated.
Membership numbers have fluctuated
to some extent, due no doubt to the fact that many other groups
of different types have been formed in Taupo with a variety of
alternative interests, but to those who are members now there
is an almost inexhaustible "World of Wine" still to
be explored and enjoyed. Functions of many kinds are held in
the homes of very hospitable members, among whom Maureen and
Tom Sando have hosted numerous formal and informal events. Des
and Glenda Saywell's lovely garden at Kinloch too has been the
venue for summer barbeques which have now become a traditional
feature each year in January.
In October the 20th anniversary
celebrations are to be held, hosted by President Paul Sanderson
and Roselea, and the committee have been endeavoring to contact
past members in the hope they will be able to attend this event.
The original venues have been booked, and there will no doubt
be many reminiscences to be shared by past and present members.
A common bond will be the realisation that Taupo Winetaters'
Club has made a considerable contribution to the enjoyment and
appreciation of opportunities to sample and compare wines from
all around the world. The monthly meetings, costing usually the
price of one bottle, but covering the tasting of an average of
eight different wines, have enabled the participants to realise
the wonderful progress made by vintners in New Zealand over the
last twenty years. The next twenty should see some exciting developments
when hopefully the Taupo Club will still be "Going Strong".
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