TO JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO RWS, PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK AND COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION INFORMATION. DUES PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO BE ADDED OR RENEWED FOR MEMBERSHIP.
Membership Guidelines
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Dues for membership in The Richmond Wine Society are $25 annually (Feb. 1-Jan. 31) or half-year dues (Aug. 1-Dec. 31 are $15) for one person or for two people who join as one membership. The Dues amount is updated in December once announced event(s) are either completed or reach a Sold-Out status.
The Society follows a “break even” event pricing policy. Expenses considered in pricing include wine; food; accessories such as glassware, tablecloths, and napkins; location rental; and speaker. The Society obtains an ABC “banquet” license in its name if the site of the tasting or caterer does not have a license. Administrative expenses, such as printing and website maintenance, are funded from annual dues. Guests at all events are charged a small administrative fee, approximately half the amount of the annual dues, which can be applied to the cost of their annual dues if they become a member.
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Changes in Virginia law in 1995 reduced the level of alcohol in the blood for presumption of driving while intoxicated from 0.10% to 0.08%. Although there have been no known incidents or accidents related to Society wine tastings, the Board decided that steps should be taken to conduct tastings in a way that supports responsible attendees in their efforts to avoid excessive blood alcohol levels. These steps include: limiting wines to 16 ounces per person, served with food over a period of 2 to 3 hours, having designated pourers, and always having water available. In addition, transportation home will be arranged if needed. This policy is distributed to the membership each year as part of the membership directory and includes an emphasis on each individual’s responsibility for his or her own consumption.
Society event notices are circulated to the membership via email with the addresses hidden to protect privacy. If you would like to become a member of The Richmond Wine Society, please click on the link above.