Lake Tahoe Branch History

The idea for the Lake Tahoe branch of the IW&FS originated in the Spring of 1996 when Ron and Barbara Lichter, Janet Pahl and Warren Kocmond recognized that the North Tahoe area needed and could support an organization for its residents who understand, appreciate and enjoy fine wine, gourmet food and fellowship.

Since Ron Lichter had been a long time member and past president of the Honolulu branch of IW&FS, the Board of Governors of the Americas was contacted by the Lichters to request permission to open a new branch.  Carol Diggs, Chairman of New Branches, enthusiastically welcomed our interest in organizing the first IW&FS branch in the state of Nevada.  By May 1996 we had received instructions for opening the branch and the contract required to become a provisional branch applicant .

On June 14, 1996, a Flag Day Bar-B-Q dinner was held in the home of the Lichters with about 20 prospective members to discuss the formation of the branch.  Receiving a positive response, the contract was signed and submitted to the BGA.  

On August 4, 1996, the founding group named the original officers:

The first official event, an Old Tahoe Summer Clam & Lobster Bake, was held on August 18, 1996, at the residence of Bruce and Nora James in the historic Howard Hughes' log cabin on Lake Tahoe at Crystal Bay. Thirty-three charter members were inducted, receiving medallions and membership certificates from visiting BGA board members, Caryl Saunders and Burnet "Tig" Wohlford:

The organization grew rapidly during 1997, increasing membership to 75. After successful completion of the required two-year provisional status, the official charter of the Lake Tahoe branch was awarded on October 3, 1998.

During 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 membership was in the low 90s.  By 2002 membership had increased to 98, and by 2003 we had 104 members. 

To ensure that the new branch prospered, the majority of the officers remained in position until the bi-annual election in June 2003.   In 1997 Jim Buckley succeeded Sally Meldahl as Treasurer, and in 1999 Jan Steinmann became Historian.  In 2002 Jack Hubbard assumed the position of Treasurer following Jim Buckley’s resignation.

At the annual meeting in June 2003 Caryl Saunders was elected President, Jack Hubbard was re-elected Treasurer, Mary Young was elected Cellarmaster, and the other officers were re-elected.  The Executive Committee members elected were: Carole & Bob Anderson, Mike Chamberlain, Jim Clark, Ron Lichter and Warren Kocmond.

In Spring 2004 Caryl Saunders resigned since she was moving to Las Vegas; and the Executive Committee named Mario Roberti, with previous experience as the president of the Honolulu branch of IW&FS, as President to fulfill Caryl Saunder’s term of office.

At the annual meeting Mario Roberti was elected President and the other officers and Executive Committee members were re-elected.

At the annual meeting in May 2005 members toured the new wine cellar storage facility in Reno.  Membership now totaled 112. 

By the annual meeting in 2006 the branch had 114 regular members (8 single & 53 joint memberships).

At the annual meeting in 2007 there were 117 regular members (7 single & 56 joint memberships).  The following officers were elected:  President, Mario Roberti; Vice President, Janet Pahl; Cellar Master, John Allen; Secretary & Branch Contact, Barbara Lichter; and Treasurer, Jack Hubbard.  The position of Historian remained open.  Executive Committee members elected were Ron Lichter, Warren Kocmond, Richard McConnell, Mike Chamberlain, Jim Clark and Diane Kinney.

By the annual meeting in 2008 the branch had 115 members (7 single & 54 joint memberships).   The position of Historian had been filled by Marilyn Berry, and Robert McCracken would become the Co-Treasurer to assist Jack Hubbard.  After serious consideration and upon the written advice of tax counsel, Ashley Quinn CPAs, the Executive Committee applied for incorporation as a non-profit 501 (c)(7) organization under Nevada law.  Our Charter was granted on August 21, 2008.  In October 2008 the first meeting of the Board of Directors adopted the previous approved By-Laws and changed the name of the governing board from Executive Committee to Board of Directors.  We filed an application for tax exempt recognition with the IRS, and in December we received notification that our application was approved.

The Lake Tahoe Branch is very active, holding eight to ten functions per year.  A variety of monthly events is planned, including luncheons, dinners at restaurants and in members’ homes, outdoor gourmet picnics, wine tastings and multiple day tours to wine areas.  Usually there are no events planned during January, February, October and November.

The first annual wine getaway was held in Napa Valley June 22 - 24, 1997.  Since then members have visited Dry Creek in Sonoma Valley, Monterey, Amador county in the foothills near Sutter Creek, San Luis Obispo/Arroyo Grande and Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  Smaller groups also traveled to France in 1998, to Tuscany in 2000 and to Chile in 2008.

The Lake Tahoe Branch maintains its own wine cellar to enable us to purchase wines when they are affordable, to age wines properly and to be able to serve fine wines at reasonable prices at our functions.  Currently, the branch’s wine inventory contains about 12-1500 bottles and is located in a large underground wine cellar in Reno. The wine cellar committee researches and purchases wines, as appropriate, with a three to five year projected cellar storage.  

A portion of the branch’s initiation fee and annual membership fee is used to build and maintain the wine cellar.  When wine from our cellar is used, the function fee includes an amount necessary to replenish the wine.  The wine cellar is owned by the branch.  If a member resigns, wine cellar fees are non-refundable.

Dues assessment is made annually and dues are payable December 1st each year to the local Branch and the Board of Governors of the Americas.  A portion of the national dues is forwarded to the International Wine and Food Society’s headquarters in London.  Dues are the same for married couples or singles, since single members have the privilege of bringing one guest to every affair at regular members’ prices.  Initiation fees include international, national and local dues plus a pro-rata share of the annual wine cellar valuation. Dues are subject to change.

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see also International History