Murphy Creek Winemakers

Murphy Creek Winery

ABOUT MURPHY CREEK

Murphy Creek Winery is a non-bonded, non-profit association of home winemakers dedicated to providing a facility, the equipment, and the expertise for producing wine and wine related products for the sole use of the members of the association within the laws and regulations pertaining to the production of alcoholic beverages for personal use. We also strive to provide a businesslike and social atmosphere to further each member's knowledge of wines and winemaking.

HISTORY

The Murphy Creek winemaking group began with the 1984 vintage. The entire group consisted of three members, two of which are still active participants in the winery. The first "vintage" was made in a cramped basement on the east side of Napa at Lou Daugherty's home. The winery name is derived from the creek flowing through Lou's property.

Over the years the group grew to up to 25 members. Recently the active membership has been somewhat less, averaging 10 members. Currently the active roster includes 7 owner members, 4 associate members, and a host of honorary members an other "friends" of the winery. Murphy Creek is seeking new active members to increase the workforce available and to dissipate the costs of operating the winery.

The membership of our group consists of owners, associate winemakers, and honorary members.

People interested in joining our group are offered an associate membership for one year by the Board of Directors. This membership may be extended for another year, or occasionally longer by a vote of the owners, at our annual business meeting. An associate member has essentially full use of the winery and the equipment limited only by the lack of a vote at the owners annual meeting, and that winemaking be done as part of a group or in association with an owner. This time period is considered an introductory interval in which the prospective member and the existing owners can evaluate each other. The associate member is encouraged to become an active participant in the winery operations and social events to ensure that should they join as full member/ owners they have had adequate introduction to the group.

THE DUES STRUCTURE AND BUDGET

In order to conduct the business of the winery a dues structure is set by the owners at the annual business meeting. This income is used for social events, winemaking supplies, equipment upgrades and purchases, and a minimal "rent" on the facility. The dues structure is set on an annual basis calculated on the previous years expenses and the projected goals for the upcoming year. The purchase of fruit for winemaking is an additional item, the cost of which is passed on to the members partaking in a specific wine. Additional costs for specialized chemicals, lab costs, and bottling costs are also passed on to the members and are not included in the dues structure.

Associate members are asked to pay a portion of these expenses with limited dues. Currently the associate member dues are $100.00 per year. The recent budget for winery operations recently has been around $4000.00 annually. This is divided equally among the owners. Specific expenditures are approved yearly at the business meeting and are subject to change.

WINEMAKING AND WINESHARES

Group wines produced are calculated in "shares", each share being generally 3 to 4 cases of wine, but sometimes less, depending on production and demand. In general a member can expect the additional cost per bottle of finished wine to be approximate $5.00 per bottle. The winery may hold back one or more shares for winery use at tastings, social events, competitions, and benefits.

Individuals making their own wines can structure their costs in any fashion but can expect a basic fee for chemicals, cooperage, etc.

The winery may request up to 10% of production for winery use as described above. Refer to the by-laws for specifics.

WINERY OPERATIONS

In order to facilitate decision making throughout the year the owners elect a Board of Directors each year who are empowered to make the decisions required for effective winemaking and social event planning. The Board may also accept new members, appoint special committees, assign winemakers, and purchase new equipment as needed and in general direct the business of the winery. They are also responsible for newsletters, organization of workparties, organizing social events, and fiscal reporting to the owners at the annual business meeting. Each board member serves for 3 years.

If you are interested in joining Murphy Creek, or obtaining further information, please contact one of the current board members listed below.

Clark Hemphill 707-252-1346

Dick Vanderkous 925-229-4600

Jim York 707-255-3619