Cellarmasters was formed in 1981 as a local affiliate of the national 20/20 wine organization.
There were three founders: Ed Moody, known in Kansas City as Gomer of Gomer's Wine
Shops; A. G. Eddy, owner of Eddy's South and The Connoisseur's Table; and Chris Woelk, escapee from the corporate world, former vineyard owner, currently a berry
farmer.
Originally, members attended tastings after receiving personal invitations from the
founders. Meetings were held at Ed Moody's home. Later, they were moved to The Connoisseur's
Table.
Larry Houston was the first elected President, succeeded by John Wright from 1982-1984.
During the latter time period the members, approximately 20, decided to form an independent,
not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating its members about the wonderful world of wine. We were incorporated as Cellarmasters of Kansas City at that
time.
From 1984 onward, the club has been lead by a succession of officers. The goal has
been to bring new ideas and leadership to sustain vibrancy and excitement in the
experience of wine. That was exactly what the founders wanted. The tradition continues.
Past Presidents serve on the Board of Directors which, with the current officers, plans
all club activities.
In the history of Cellarmasters, A. G. Eddy deserves special recognition. He served
as Treasurer for over 8 years, shepherding the club through good and bad times.
Without his good services and dedication, the organization may not have survived.
Today, Cellarmasters of Kansas City has sufficient members, continuing and new, to
sustain this history. You will see from the schedule of events that we offer varied
and comprehensive opportunities to experience fine wines and wine with food.
It may not be as obvious that tastings and other events are planned, organized and
presented by members. Depending on the experience and interests of Past Presidents,
present officers, and members who are involved in the wine trade or restaurants,
we are able to keep members abreast of developments in the international wine market. We consistently
strive to offer access to the highest quality and most interesting wines.
As the club approaches its 24th anniversary, all of those in its leadership intend
to make the next 24 years more educational, more flavorful, more fun, and more spectacular
HISTORY
MEMBERS
ACTIVITIES
OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
There are approximately 120 dues paying members. Interest in fine wine is the common
bond. However, it is an extremely varied group. Some members have been active from
the start of the club over 20 years ago. Every year there are new members. Some members
are professionals in the wine trade or restaurant business. Most come from a range
of life experiences in which wine is not the central focus. Some members have extensive
experience in collecting and consuming fine wines. Some are just beginning to learn
about the world of wine and are still searching for their taste preferences and an
appropriate level of involvement. Although conversations at our tastings involve
discussion and analysis of the wines, we also enjoy and discuss other widely varied
topics. Above all, we want to share the experience of wine and its association with food in
a friendly, supportive environment.
HISTORY
MEMBERS
ACTIVITIES
OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tastings are held every other Monday throughout the year, skipping over holiday weekends.
Tastings are of many kinds: they may be: most recent vintage of a particular wine,
wines of a region, comparison tasting of wines of the same grape variety from different parts of the world, or different vintages of the same wine. Over 12 months, tastings
offer exposure to hundreds of wines of many kinds from all parts of the wine
world.
Some tastings pair wine with food such as Spanish wines with tapas, French wines with
bistro food, wines of Alsace with food of that region, dessert wines with desserts,
among others.
An annual Holiday Dinner in December offers a multicourse, elegant meal with exceptional
wines as a fitting close to our calendar year. Over the years we have also had a
Spring and/or a Fall picnic, a St. Patrick's Day party, a cassoulet competition,
and other similar social events focussed on food and wine combinations .
HISTORY
MEMBERS
ACTIVITIES
OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Dan Welling
Vice President: Susan Golob
Treasurer: Jami Goodwin
Secretary:
Reservations Line: Nancy Kain and Richard Teagarden
Web Master: Frank Wuest
Newsletter: Damon Mountford
HISTORY
MEMBERS
ACTIVITIES
OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors consists of Past Presidents: Paul Anctil, Rich Cronemeyer, Ellen D'Amato,
Harold Godwin, Dick Henry, Marc Joseph, Lou Junge, Damon Mountford, Dick Raynolds, Steve and Ann Ryan,
and Frank Wuest.
HISTORY
MEMBERS
ACTIVITIES
OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS