In order to be placed on our e-mail list and to be invited to our wine tasting events, you must review and understand the following things and state your agreement to them in your request to join the Bunch. revised November 09, 2006, Reservation and cancellation policy revised December 2007.
1. WHO WE ARE. We are an adult group of wine lovers who get together usually monthly in Johnson City or the vicinity. We are not open to the public and attendance is by invitation to those on our e-mail list and their guests. The common bond for this group is a love of wine and the enjoyment of sharing this with other like-minded people. No one under 21 shall participate in our events under any condition.
2. SPONSORSHIP: We are not sponsored or supported by anyone. Our wines are purchased from area retailers for each tasting and taxes are paid. We deal with various stores in the area. We are not sponsored by any of them. We are a voluntary group of friends who do this on a non-profit basis for education and enjoyment only. There is no profit motive whatsoever. So do not think we are getting paid to do this.
3. DONATIONS: We do not advertise, nor do we sell tickets to our events, attendance is by invitation and donations are accepted from all who attend to cover the cost of the wines we purchase for tasting and other incidental costs such as glassware, food-serving items, printing, consumables, facility rental, and other items. The minimum donation amount is stated in the notice for each event. The usual donation amount is $20 per person. Occasional special events where facility rental or food is involved may require a higher amount. We have no ability to accept credit cards.
4. MEMBERSHIP: As the group is presently constituted, we are not a “club” in the strict sense of the word. We use the term “member” loosely. You make no formal application other than your request to be placed on our e-mail list, you pay no dues, and we have no elected officers. We welcome any adult who has an interest in wine; however, the group Leader has the authority to grant or withhold placement on our e-mail list or to remove anyone from the list at his discretion. Occasionally the list is reviewed and persons not participating for a period of six months are deleted from the list. You will be notified when such a review is taking place and prior to such deletion. If you are no longer interested in the activities of the group, please send an email to the Listmaster requesting deletion from the list. We do not wish to carry names on our e-mail list of persons who have no interest in participating in the activities of the group.
5. LEADERSHIP OF THE GROUP: The group is run at the present time by a staff of 5 - 8 volunteers. That number changes from time to time. The leader of the group invites individuals to serve voluntarily and leads the organization by unanimous consent of the staff group. The leader may replace, add, or remove staff members whenever necessary for the efficient operation of the group.
6. NON WINE DRINKERS: A very few of our attendees for various reasons may bring beer if they desire not to consume wine. Occasionally someone may bring a special bottle of wine to share. This is acceptable, however we do not allow consumption of Liquor or other high alcohol drinks. Please do not bring these to the events. Those who do not consume the wine presented at the tasting are asked to share in the general expenses of the event by making a donation, the amount will be determined based on the type of event and circumstances.
7. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Participants are expected to act responsibly, maturely, and with courtesy to all others in attendance. Each person is responsible for limiting consumption of alcohol to a level that is safe for them. Every attendee is required to read and sign a waiver of responsibility before being admitted to the tastings.
8. DRUGS AND SMOKING: The use of narcotics or drugs of any kind at our functions is strictly prohibited and enforced. We are also a non-smoking group. Smoking and enjoyment of wine do not go together and would be offensive to other participants. Any person desiring to smoke must leave the area of the tasting to do so.
9. HOW WE COMMUNICATE: All communication is by way of e-mail. If you do not read your e-mail then you will not know what is going on. If you have a Spam blocker, Firewall, etc. you may not receive our mailings. We have no provision for any other form of communication. If you change email address, etc. it is your responsibility to provide the new address to the Listmaster. We usually do not have a phone number for you, so if your mail bounces, you will be deleted from the list.
10. RESERVATION PROCEDURE: We take the reservation process very seriously. To attend our events, you must request a reservation by promptly sending an e-mail to the address supplied in the Notice of the event. If you make a reservation, you are expected to attend the event. We do allow cancellations and sometimes due to circumstances beyond your control it is impossible to make it to the event, however just not showing up will result in receiving a bill for the amount of your reservation. (See Paragraph 12 below) Occasionally an event may be limited to a maximum number of attendees; therefore it is important that you promptly respond to e-mail notices. You will receive an e-mail confirming your reservation.
11. GUEST POLICY: Your wine loving guests are most welcome. If you wish to bring guests, you supply their names at the time of making the reservation. You are responsible for those guests in terms of honoring the reservation you make for them and that they understand the basic policies of the group.
12. CANCELLATION POLICY: If you find it will not be possible for you or your guest to attend, you may cancel the reservation no later than three days before the event. If you do not cancel or if you attempt to do so after the three-day period and you do not show up for the tasting, you will be expected to pay the full donation amount stated for the tasting. If payment of that donation has not been received prior to the next tasting, you will be deleted from the e-mail list. Re-instatement to the list will be at the discretion of the leader after past due amounts are received.
13. FOOD TABLE: Our attendees are encouraged to bring a “community dish” to share with the group. If you are attending for the first time, please do not feel obligated to bring something to share. Not everyone brings a dish, nor do those who do so bring something every time. This is purely voluntary but encouraged unless otherwise instructed in the announcement for the event.
14. PROGRAMS AND THEMES: We usually have no formal program; however, we do have a theme for each event and provide a tasting guide sheet telling you about the wines featured at that event. We focus on “dinner wines”. We do not feature “sweet” wines except on rare occasions. If you have a question about the wines or suggestions regarding future themes, etc. please let us know. Occasionally we may hold a “small group tasting” limited to no more than 12 attendees. These are for educational purposes and sometimes to select wines for upcoming events. If you wish to be placed on the invitation list for such tastings, please let us know.
15. DRESS CODE: I am frequently asked by new members: “What is the dress code?” The simple answer is not always easy. However “business casual” for most affairs is always OK. Casual means different things to different people. Ragged jeans and a sloppy shirt hanging out are not “casual” it is sloppy. Rarely we ask for dress up, (Christmas Party, Halloween costumes, etc.) but you will be told when that is the case.
We have attempted to answer most of the questions you may have. If you ever have a question, comment, or suggestion, please feel free to e-mail the leader of the group.
If you have just requested that we add your name to the e-mail list and to join the Bunch, you must do the following: Send an e-mail to let me know you have read and agree with the above “rules” and that you wish to join our group. You will not be added to the list until I hear from you. (Our e-mail address is on the opening page of the website) I will be waiting to hear from you and to welcome you to the Bunch.
Dick Church, Leader and Listmaster
Tri-Wine Bunch