Newsletter January 2026

President’s newsletter, AGM and Tasting January 2026

Dear members
I hope that your Christmas and New Year planning is now at a very advanced stage so that all you need to do now is sit back, enjoy your favourite glass of wine and relax. Wishful thinking? This is my last newsletter as your President, so I thought that I would give a brief summary of the review which I will present in more detail at January’s AGM. On becoming your President I made it clear that I would
carry out the role for two years and over that period we have seen our membership grow from about 100 to 150 with 21 pending members on the waiting list. We have increased our international diversity and have a thriving Facebook page with members up from 50 to over 350. We have a strong financial position. We have had record attendances at our diverse range of monthly tastings which have generally been kept to a maximum number of 72 attendees, only very rarely having to decline anyone’s wish to attend. This development has been achieved whilst maintaining our core purpose which is to meet monthly to taste, learn about and enjoy wines in a friendly sociable environment. The history of CBWS has been one of gradual development and change from its origin as a German speaking society. Helen, as your new Prospective President will receive my wholehearted support in her efforts to develop CBWS further whilst maintaining that core purpose. As two of the longer standing members, Sara and I will make every effort to welcome and integrate newer members to our Society. The last few weeks have been a busy time, with our final Committee meeting of the year, reviewing all of our regular reports and preparing for January’s AGM. We also held the annual President’s gala Tasting at A Bordo restaurant in Javea. This was a members and pending members only event in which fun competitions resulted in coveted prizes for some and all attendees took home a present from Sara and myself. A fuller report of the event can be found {HERE}. Our next Tasting will be at Les Rotes hotel in Denia on January 15. If you wish to stay overnight at the hotel, please mention CBWS to receive a preferential price. The Tasting will feature favourite wines of 2025 based on your scoring sheets submitted at each of the year’s Tastings.

Preceding the Tasting commencing at 18.30 prompt will be our Annual General Meeting, the notice and agenda for which can be found HERE. I strongly recommend that everyone who is able to attends the
AGM. It is your annual opportunity to hear about the Society’s progress, its financial position and to elect the committee to represent you in the coming year. There will also be a proposal which was unanimously
approved by your Committee to increase the maximum membership size and I would hope that you will show your support for your Committee. If you are unable to attend in person you can vote by proxy by simply emailing your Secretary, Paul Smithard (paulsmithard22@gmail.com) asking him to support or reject the individual proposals on your behalf. Only members who have paid their 2026 subscription are entitled to attend the AGM and the January Tasting. Your annual subscription of €30 per person is due to be paid by 31 December 2025. Anyone who has not paid by 31 January will automatically be removed from the membership list. So please renew your subscription now if you haven’t done so already. The January Tasting will immediately follow the AGM. A cash bar will be available from 18.00, with the welcome Cava served at 19.30. We will sit down to dinner at 20.00. The cost of the Tasting is €50 for members and €60 for guests. Your Committee has agreed the the standard charge for Tastings in 2026 will increase by €5. This could vary depending on individual event costings. This is the first increase for two years reflecting increased restaurant costs. Our menu is as follows;

ENTRADAS

Tablas de jamón ibérico y variedad de quesos curados

Crema de setas

Timbal de cordero con crema de almendra marcona y miel de romero

Principal A ELEGIR

Salmón al horno y verduritas baby

Carrillera guisada sobre parmentier y verduras de temporada

Postre

Postre de Les Rotes

Please book directly on CBWS WEBSITE or via the link below. Booking is now open and will close at midday on 9 January after which no more bookings can be made and there will be no refunds for
cancellations.

Our next three events will be;

On 19 February at Los Amigos in Javea, Tim and Sandy will be hosting a bodega presentation by the excellent Acustic wines from Montsant.

On 19 March our Tasting venue will be Javea Golf Club where we will
be exploring the Garnacha grape.

On 16 April at Denia Yacht Club, the event will feature favourite wines chosen by a selection of our members.

Finally, I would like to thank the Committee and members for your fantastic support over the last two years,

With Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all of our members.
Regards
Neville and Sara