Membership of Derbyshire Dales Wine Society
Membership Summary
Key details and policies
Constitution - The Society operates in accordance with our Constitution, which governs all operations, activities, and decisions. It ensures transparency, fairness, and alignment with our overarching mission to foster appreciation for wines and community engagement. The Constitution outlines the responsibilities of members, the rules for meetings, and the general structure of leadership within the Society.
Key details and policies
Constitution - The Society operates in accordance with our Constitution, which governs all operations, activities, and decisions. It ensures transparency, fairness, and alignment with our overarching mission to foster appreciation for wines and community engagement. The Constitution outlines the responsibilities of members, the rules for meetings, and the general structure of leadership within the Society.
| constitution_terms_and_conditions_of_membership_as_amended_9_april___2021.doc |
Membership Eligibility
• Open to individuals aged 18 and above.
• Applicants must agree to pay the subscription fee and align with the Society's aims.
• A cap on membership is currently in effect, with a waiting list available.
Membership Fee for 2025/26
• Annual fee: £15 per person, payable in April.
• Pro-rata adjustments for those who join mid-year.
Meeting Costs for 2025/26
• Standard tasting fee: £15.00, includes a welcome drink and 5-6 wines for tasting.
• Special event pricing (e.g., Christmas Party): To be announced in advance.
• Charges are subject to review by the Committee.
Guests and Non-Members
• Members can bring up to 2 guests to meetings with prior arrangement (space permitting).
• Guests and prospective members may attend up to two meetings before deciding on membership.
• Non-members attending additional meetings pay a £5.00 supplement.
Attendance Notification
• Members must respond to the Secretary's monthly email to confirm attendance.
• This ensures adequate provision of food and wine at meetings.
Newcomers
• Newcomers are encouraged to contact the Society via the Contact page to check availability for meetings.
Attendance Notifications and Meeting Procedures
Guidelines for Members and Guests
Notification of Attendance - To ensure the Committee can provide sufficient food and wine for meetings, members are required to respond to the Secretary's monthly email. Members must reply to this email regardless of whether or not they will be attending the meeting. This practice helps the Committee plan effectively and ensures a seamless experience for all attendees.
Occasional ticket-only evenings will be indicated on the programme. These evenings have limited capacity, and members are encouraged to book early to secure their place. For ticket events, priority will be given to members of the Society.
Guest Reservations - Guest places must always be reserved in advance through the Secretary. This reservation process ensures appropriate planning for numbers and guarantees an enjoyable evening for all participants.
Cancellation Policy - As members will appreciate, last minute cancellation or ‘no-shows’ are costly to the Society (as wine orders are done in advance) and prevent others who may wish to attend from using the places booked and not taken. As a matter of courtesy to your fellow members we would appreciate notice of non-attendance at the earliest opportunity. Members may cancel their booking up to 48 hours prior to the booked session. A refund will be made in this instance.
To cancel or re-schedule please contact us at:
Des Graham, Secretary
07545 090096
[email protected]
Please see the Policy in full on the attached file below, the Policy is effective 12th November 2025
| ddws_cancellation_policy.pdf |
Clearing Up and Washing Up - While the Committee takes primary responsibility for planning and setting up meetings, all members are expected to contribute to clearing away after meetings. This includes hoovering, stacking chairs, and folding tables. Each month, volunteers will also be requested to assist with washing up. Members who are able are encouraged to take a turn as part of their shared responsibility.
Pouring Duties - "Pourers" are occasionally needed during meetings to serve wine. Volunteers for pouring are requested at each meeting. Pourers are instructed on how many measures must be served from each bottle, depending on the number of attendees and the available bottles. Members who are willing are encouraged to volunteer and contribute to the convivial spirit of the meetings.
The Importance and Availability of ISO Wine Tasting Glasses
Enhancing the Wine Tasting Experience - Wine tasting is a refined art that goes beyond merely sipping wine; it is an immersive experience that involves engaging the senses to explore the depth of flavours and aromas. The use of appropriate glassware is crucial to this process, as it significantly elevates the tasting experience. ISO wine tasting glasses, which are specifically designed for this purpose, allow tasters to appreciate the subtle nuances and complexities of wine by enhancing its aroma and flavour profile.
Member Guidelines - To ensure the best possible wine tasting experience, all members are requested to bring their own ISO wine tasting glasses to each meeting. These glasses are not only a practical tool but a vital part of the ritual of wine appreciation. Their standardized design, featuring a tapered bowl and precise dimensions, is ideal for swirling and assessing the aromatic qualities of wines.
Where to Obtain ISO Glasses - ISO wine tasting glasses are widely available, making it convenient for members and guests to acquire them. These glasses can be easily found at High Street retailers, which often cater to wine enthusiasts, as well as through online shops that specialize in wine accessories. Whether purchasing locally or online, the accessibility ensures that no one misses out on this essential aspect of wine tasting.
Borrowing Glasses from the Society - For members and guests who find themselves without ISO wine tasting glasses, the Society offers a limited supply of 21.5cl ISO tasting glasses. These may be borrowed for wine tasting events, subject to prior request. This service is designed to ensure that everyone can participate fully in the tasting sessions, appreciating the wines in the manner intended.
Replacement Glasses - Unfortunately accidents happen so the Society usually holds a small quantity of individual glasses that can be purchased @ £4.50 per individual glass by prior arrangement with our Treasurer .
Conclusion- The use of ISO wine tasting glasses is more than a recommendation; it is a commitment to the art of wine tasting and the pursuit of excellence in appreciating this age-old craft. By ensuring the availability and proper use of these glasses, the Society aims to uphold high standards and foster a deeper connection between its members and the wines they taste.
Link to Wine tasting glasses on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arcoroc-Viticole-Tasting-without-filling/dp/B001LQJ6HU/ref=pd_sim_d_sccl_1_1/262-4857461-0248066?pd_rd_w=yhVab&content-id=amzn1.sym.c7e2bad4-5f0a-4571-946c-cadf3ebf9cb4&pf_rd_p=c7e2bad4-5f0a-4571-946c-cadf3ebf9cb4&pf_rd_r=1NTAEX73WDWQ86895RCW&pd_rd_wg=kGuBZ&pd_rd_r=f56c2db4-e415-45ff-94d6-1e28ddb396ff&pd_rd_i=B001LQJ6HU&th=1
Wine Ordering Process - Members and guests may wish to purchase wines directly from the presenting supplier, especially those that are not readily available. While there is no obligation to place orders, those who choose to do so must normally pay in full at the time of ordering. Ordered wines will be delivered to a Committee member's home and can be collected either there or at the next meeting.
In some cases, subject to agreement with the presenter, it may be possible to pay by cheque upon collection from the Committee member's home. This flexibility ensures that wine ordering remains convenient for members and guests alike.
Conclusion - These procedures and guidelines are designed to enhance the smooth operation of the Society’s meetings. Members and guests are encouraged to actively participate and adhere to protocols to ensure every meeting is both enjoyable and efficiently managed. By working together, the Society fosters a welcoming and organised environment for all attendees.
Pouring Duties - "Pourers" are occasionally needed during meetings to serve wine. Volunteers for pouring are requested at each meeting. Pourers are instructed on how many measures must be served from each bottle, depending on the number of attendees and the available bottles. Members who are willing are encouraged to volunteer and contribute to the convivial spirit of the meetings.
The Importance and Availability of ISO Wine Tasting Glasses
Enhancing the Wine Tasting Experience - Wine tasting is a refined art that goes beyond merely sipping wine; it is an immersive experience that involves engaging the senses to explore the depth of flavours and aromas. The use of appropriate glassware is crucial to this process, as it significantly elevates the tasting experience. ISO wine tasting glasses, which are specifically designed for this purpose, allow tasters to appreciate the subtle nuances and complexities of wine by enhancing its aroma and flavour profile.
Member Guidelines - To ensure the best possible wine tasting experience, all members are requested to bring their own ISO wine tasting glasses to each meeting. These glasses are not only a practical tool but a vital part of the ritual of wine appreciation. Their standardized design, featuring a tapered bowl and precise dimensions, is ideal for swirling and assessing the aromatic qualities of wines.
Where to Obtain ISO Glasses - ISO wine tasting glasses are widely available, making it convenient for members and guests to acquire them. These glasses can be easily found at High Street retailers, which often cater to wine enthusiasts, as well as through online shops that specialize in wine accessories. Whether purchasing locally or online, the accessibility ensures that no one misses out on this essential aspect of wine tasting.
Borrowing Glasses from the Society - For members and guests who find themselves without ISO wine tasting glasses, the Society offers a limited supply of 21.5cl ISO tasting glasses. These may be borrowed for wine tasting events, subject to prior request. This service is designed to ensure that everyone can participate fully in the tasting sessions, appreciating the wines in the manner intended.
Replacement Glasses - Unfortunately accidents happen so the Society usually holds a small quantity of individual glasses that can be purchased @ £4.50 per individual glass by prior arrangement with our Treasurer .
Conclusion- The use of ISO wine tasting glasses is more than a recommendation; it is a commitment to the art of wine tasting and the pursuit of excellence in appreciating this age-old craft. By ensuring the availability and proper use of these glasses, the Society aims to uphold high standards and foster a deeper connection between its members and the wines they taste.
Link to Wine tasting glasses on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arcoroc-Viticole-Tasting-without-filling/dp/B001LQJ6HU/ref=pd_sim_d_sccl_1_1/262-4857461-0248066?pd_rd_w=yhVab&content-id=amzn1.sym.c7e2bad4-5f0a-4571-946c-cadf3ebf9cb4&pf_rd_p=c7e2bad4-5f0a-4571-946c-cadf3ebf9cb4&pf_rd_r=1NTAEX73WDWQ86895RCW&pd_rd_wg=kGuBZ&pd_rd_r=f56c2db4-e415-45ff-94d6-1e28ddb396ff&pd_rd_i=B001LQJ6HU&th=1
Wine Ordering Process - Members and guests may wish to purchase wines directly from the presenting supplier, especially those that are not readily available. While there is no obligation to place orders, those who choose to do so must normally pay in full at the time of ordering. Ordered wines will be delivered to a Committee member's home and can be collected either there or at the next meeting.
In some cases, subject to agreement with the presenter, it may be possible to pay by cheque upon collection from the Committee member's home. This flexibility ensures that wine ordering remains convenient for members and guests alike.
Conclusion - These procedures and guidelines are designed to enhance the smooth operation of the Society’s meetings. Members and guests are encouraged to actively participate and adhere to protocols to ensure every meeting is both enjoyable and efficiently managed. By working together, the Society fosters a welcoming and organised environment for all attendees.
Tasting Mats:
It is useful to bring a laminated tasting mat to meetings to keep track of which wine is in which glass! Here are a couple of suggestions ....lamination not included!