There’s a burgeoning members-only social club in the St. George area that gathers monthly throughout most of the year to enjoy preferred wines, arts and more recently to raise funds for local arts. According to its media release this week, the St. George Wine Club has distributed nearly $10,000 in its first fiscal year as a nonprofit organization.
The funds were given to support local arts, performing artists, education programs and underserved members of the community throughout Washington County, club Co-Director Doug Hamilton said in the release, with proceeds from the monthly social gatherings.
Within a year, as those friends invited other friends, the original group grew to approximately 50 people meeting monthly at each other’s residences.The St. George Wine Club was founded in 2011 by Phil Loomis, a retired high-tech executive who relocated from Seattle to Southern Utah with his wife, Kit. Seeking to connect with friends who shared their passion for fine wines, the couple originally invited neighbors to visit their home and sample their favorite vintages.
Since those early days, the club has followed a similar tradition: Each month members bring a bottle of their preferred wine and an appetizer; and they make a small donation to cover the cost of plates, glasses and other expenses.
In August 2014, Loomis recruited St. George newcomers Doug and Marianne Hamilton – both Silicon Valley transplants – to take over management of the club. Given the growing ranks of retirees from other states who enjoy wine, the membership of the club has since seen rapid growth.
Today, nearly 1,000 Washington County residents hold membership in the St. George Wine Club, with an average of 150 attending the monthly members-only socials held at various public and private venues.  Article written by Hollie Reina - St. George Spectru
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to promote the responsible consumption of wine, provide educational information about the benefits of wine and further the understanding of the value of wine production and consumption in Southern Utah. The club is housed at the DiFiore Center for Arts and Education and the SGWC Foundation has been established to promote and benefit the public at large. The SGWC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and part of Artistic Resources for Teachers and Students, A.R.T.S., Inc. where all proceeds received are 100% tax deductible and after expenses are awarded onto local charities.
Just one more reason why you need to move to Southern Utah and one more reason to have me represent you in BUYIING a home. 
www.stgeorgewineclub.org