summer fall 2012

�Summer/Fall 2012

FICB in SERBIA How Can You Tell if a Grape is Popular?

Trends in the Wine Industry Today

Annual Meeting: Monterey

FICB in SERBIA How Can You Tell if a Grape is Popular?


Annual Meeting: Monterey

� The Arbor

Provost General, Northwestern United StatesMr. Peter Bosco

bred1@att .net

Provost General, Southwestern United States Commander Robert Hagner, Jr.

[email protected]

Supreme Knights

Bradley AldersonDavid G. ArmanascoPaul V. BonarrigoRobert L. BalzerJames “Bo” BarrettDavid BerkleyGeorge H. CarterMark ChandlerJames E. ColemanRichard A. CuneoFrederick DameDennis DevineLucian W. DresselGordon R. Dutt, Ph.D.Gary EberleDick ErathLester A. FlemingJoseph S. FranziaJeryl R. Fry, Jr.Jack GalanteMiljenko M. GrgichRobert P. HartzellGary B. HeckJohn H. KautzAram KinosianJohn K. LedbetterLloyd G. MageeOrville T. MagoonGeorge R. McEachern, Ph.D.John P. McClellandJ. Douglas MeadorR. Michael MondaviTimothy J. MondaviJustin Morris, Ph.D.Gordon W. MurchieCharles W. Nagel, Ph.D.John A. ParducciJohn A. PedroncelliStephen PessagnoRobert PellegriniRichard Peterson, Ph.D.Vincent E. PetrucciJefferson PeyserMathew J. PostGeorge RadanovichAlfred G. ScheidThomas B. SelfridgeAllen ShoupPeter F. SichelRaymond Skinner, Jr.Howard E. SomersRichard H. SommerMike ThompsonAlex TrebekPeter H. VenturaRichard P. Vine, Ph.D.Fay WheelerAl WiederkehrWarren P. WiniarskiJohn H. Wright

Supreme LadiesHeidi Peterson BarrettMerrill BonarrigoZelma R. LongMargrit Biever MondaviMichaela K. RodenoJean R. Wente

Terrance K. McCleerey, ChairmanDonald D. Bade, Michael D. Doukas, O. Neill Foster, Kenneth A. Haapala,

Robert C. Hagner, Jr., Pasquale “Pat” Pingitore, John Tudor, Tom Webb

Terrance K. McCleerey, Grand CommanderRobert Hagner, Jr., Grand Vice Commander

Donald D. Bade, Grand TreasurerJohn Tudor, Grand Administrative Officer

Terrance K. McCleerey, Grand CommanderRobert Hagner, Jr., Grand Vice Commander

Donald D. Bade, Grand TreasurerJohn Tudor, Grand Administrative Officer

Kenneth Haapala, Master Commander, Nation’s Capital ChapterNorman Harris, Master Commander, Mississippi Chapter

Pasquale “Pat” Pingitore, International EmissaryMichael D. Doukas, Grand Commander EmeritusL. William Hegland, Grand Commander Emeritus

Carol L. Bade, Executive Director~

Provosts

National Headquarters3343 Industrial Drive, Suite 2, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Phone: 707.579.3781 Fax: 707.579.3996www.kov.org

The Arbor is published twice yearly and is the official publication of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, a nonprofit, tax exempt fraternal organization. Mailing address for the National Headquarters: 3343 Industrial Dr., Suite 2, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, Phone: (707) 579-3781, Fax: (707) 579-3996, Internet: http://www.kov.org. Members of the Knights of the Vine receive a free subscription. Subscriptions by nonmembers are $20.00 per year. Layout and design by: Dario & Deborah Lorenzana, Santa Rosa, CA.

Copyright ©2012 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, Inc.

Directors

Grand Officers

Grand Council

Provost General, Northeastern United StatesCommander Kenneth Haapala

ken@haapala .com

Provost General, Southeastern United StatesMr. Thomas [email protected]

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From theCommander’s Desk From theCommander’s Desk

Chapters

Mississippi ................................................... 4

Houston ...................................................... 6 Tennessee .................................................... 9

Southern Arizona ........................................ 12

Austin ......................................................... 14

Lake Tahoe .................................................. 16 Finland ........................................................ 17

Lodi ............................................................ 20

Nation’s Capital .......................................... 22

Monterey .................................................... 26

Orange County .......................................... 29

Chancellery ................................................. 30

Los Angeles ................................................. 32

Feature ArticlesFICB in SERBIA .............................................. 10by Robert Hutton

How Can You Tell if a Grape is Popular? ......... 18by “Pooch” Pucilowski

Trends in the Wine Industry Today .................. 24by Nan McCreary

Annual Meeting: Monterey .............................. 34by Carol Bade

In Every IssueApplication ................................................. 37

Accessories .................................................. 38 Directory .................................................... 39

Table of Contents

Terrance K. McCleerey, Grand Commander

per vitem! ad vitam!

On November 3, 2012, at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, an era will come to an end. On that evening the Chancellery Chapter is saying “goodbye” to its longest serving Commander, Mi-chael Doukas. Mike, a friend to everyone, has been the Master Commander of the Chancellery Chapter for many, many years. He was appointed to that posi-tion by Norman Gates in May of 1983. I think it is fair to say that Mike and his beautiful wife, Judy, have been the heart and soul of the Chancellery Chapter as well as the International Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine. Mike was there at the creation of the our Brotherhood and when Norman Gates, founder of the Knights of the Vine, left the organization Michael Doukas was elected to be the Grand Commander. He served in that position for eleven years. William Hegland was the next Grand Commander, and then I followed in that position.

When Mike assumed responsibility as the Master Com-mander of the Chancellery Chapter some thirty years ago, he treated that responsibility as a sacred trust. He and Judy treated the Chancellery as family. He took great pride in creating and hosting wonderful events in both beautiful and very special venues. I don’t know how he did it, but I will never forget the Chancellery assemblage in the State Capitol in Sacramento. The induction ceremony was held in the Senate Chambers with a black-tie dinner following on the floor of the Rotunda. What an evening! And what a fabulous job Michael has done. Judy deserves a special thank you for putting up with Mike all those years while he served his other mistress—the Chancellery Chapter. So “thank you” to Mike and Judy, and to all the members of the Chancellery Chapter.

Cover Photo By: Carol Bade, taken while on her trip through the great state of Washington enjoying the golf and wines of the region.

� The Arbor

Miss

issip

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ississ

ippi

MORE MEMBERS & MEMORIESBy Sherry StoreyOn Saturday, March 17, 2012, twenty-four knights and Gentle Ladies

gathered in the Table 100 Convention Center in Flowood, Mississippi, for the Mississippi Chapter Grand asseMblaGe and en-throneMent dinner. During the time of gathering the Star Lane 2009, Sauvignon Blanc and Gloria Ferrier were served along with Beef Tenderloin kabobs, Vichyssoise shooters with brochette topped with caviar, and tuna tartar served in spoons.

During the assemblage ceremony Kenny Windham was elevated to Master Vice Commander and Robert Williamson was elevated to Mas-ter Counsellor. T. Jerry Ruffin and Al Parrish were initiated as Master Knight and Knight respectively by our Commander Norman Harris as-sisted by Master Secretary Susan Wingert, Master Scribe Sherry Storey, and Master Knight Dr. Curtis Whittington.

The Royal Feast and Wines of Honor followed the ceremony. As everyone was seated admiration went out for the tables were elegantly appointed with fresh white Tulips and surrounded by votive candles reflected in the appropriate glass ware. The first course Frog Leg Provencale matched with the 2008 Dierberg Pinot Noir perfectly. This 100% Pinot showed its “Santa

Al & Patty Parrish

�Summer/Fall 2012

Maria Spice.” Second course was a Spanish Saffron & Seafood Bisque accompanied by the 2008 Dierberg Chardonnay, a 100% Chardonnay on the palate is lush citrus. The next course-Pan Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras served with a Lime Sorbet - a combination first for this group - and accompanied by the 2008 Three Saints Cabernet Sauvignon brought on much lively conversa-tion. The 2008 Dierberg Syrah, 100% Syrah with its typical dark fruit character, was matched with Best of Wisconsin Milk Fed Veal, Pan fried Sweetbread, Ten-derloin, baby vegetable and porcini risotto, truffle foam. The dessert, an Apple Tart Tatin with Tahitian vanilla ice cream,was paired with the 2007 Dr. Zen Zen Icewine Pradikaswein, made from Weissburgunder and Silvaner grapes of Beerenauslese ripeness, harvested and pressed while frozen and truly unique. Commander Harris introduced Chef Mike Romhild and General Manager Paul Ruiter who received well deserved accolades for a most enjoyable Assemblage Dinner.

On a balmy night in June, close to forty Knights, Gentle Ladies and guests got together for a good ole country Bar-B-Que hosted By tom and connie Kossen in their Kosa Rosa Lake House built out on a lake with a spectacular view. Members and guests were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine served by Vice Commander Emeritus Nicky Drake. Several appetizers were offered by the hostess. Commander Harris welcomed everyone and had members introduce their guests. He requested Tom Storey describe some of the wines of note and make suggestions of those best paired with supper. Host Tom is known for his expertise in cooking ribs, pork shoulders, and brisket in his state of the art cooker just as Hostess Connie is known for her “sides” which included special beans and slaw with a hint of pineapple. Everyone brought a bottle or two of wine to share with the group. Some paired better with supper but rest assured all were enjoyed. Dessert was extra special prepared by Diane Drake (cookies) and Nicky’s daughter (miniature chocolate cupcakes and the lightest ever petit fores decorated with a bunch of grapes).

T. Jerry & Susan Ruffin

Our wonderful BBQ Hosts Connie & Tom KossonOur wonderful BBQ Hosts Connie & Tom Kossen

Pete & Ethel Alman

Gaither Rowe III, Miriam & Norman Harris and James Stuart

Sherry Storey, Judy McLain and Romona Green

General Manager Paul Ruiter and Chef Mike Romhild of Table 100

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Hou

ston

Hou

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Is it just me or does it seem that the days go by so much faster than they used to? Everyone stays so busy that it seems all the more important to make a point of getting together to share good company and make more “wine memories”!

In January, we gathered in the home of Knight Frank DiMaria for a tasting of wines from el dorado and the sierra foothills. About 50 members and guests enjoyed Perry Creek Wines and tasty foods from Ciro’s Italian Restaurant. The wines included: 2009 Chardonnay, 2008 Zinfandel “Zinman”, 2007 Zinfandel “Altitude 2401” Fair Play Farms, 2007 Syrah “Cobra”, 2009 Barbera “Amorata” Altitude 2401 and the “Sierra Foothills” N/V Port.

February rolled around very quickly and it was time for our Valentine’s day dinner. This year, thanks to Gentle Lady Gail Harrison, we had the opportunity to partner up with the WestLake Club for a very special 5

course meal paired with wines from South Africa and presented by Gentle Lady Linda Bragaw. Starting with a 2009 Fantail Chenin/Sauvignon Blanc which was paired with spicy sausage and avocado bellinis, we moved to the first seated course of 2008 Morgenhof Chenin Blanc with pulled pork served on a polenta cake with mango salsa. The third course was 2009 Post House Red Blend “Blueish Black” beautifully paired with a rich seafood bisque. Now we were getting serious … delectable short ribs and root vegetables were paired with 2008 Post House Red Blend “Missing Virgin” and the meal finished with a 2003 Morgenhof Vintage Cape (Port) and flourless dark chocolate tort drizzled with port ganache and raspberries. Now those are some memories!

In Houston, we have the largest rodeo in the country (no brag .. just fact!) and it raises millions for college scholarships for area youth. Many of our members are among the thousands of volunteers for the rodeo, which runs for part of February and nearly all of March, so we don’t plan a chapter event, but the rodeo has incorporated wine into the events from a Best Bites Competition with the Championships Wines and all those who entered the competition from around the world to seminars on pairing wines with carnival food. Yes! … wine will go with turkey legs and deep fried Oreos! (You’ll just have to trust me on this!)

With the rodeo in our rearview mirror, we moved on to a wine dinner at hollister grill with Dianna Varozza of Varozza Vineyards in St. Helena. The event was organized by Ginger Covington and the menu was created by Chuck Pritchett, owner of Hollister Grill. We feasted on roasted garlic baked brie with brioche, mini crab cakes with sundried tomato beurre blanc and bacon wrapped butternut squash bites while sipping Varozza’s “931” Estate Grown Red. Next came a soup and salad combo of roasted corn and crab chowder and caesar or apple arugula salad with the DeSante 2007 “Old Vines” Chardonnay .. a wine not by Varozza, but fruit from their vineyards. Guests then had a choice of delicious entrees served with the Varozza 2005 Petite Sirah. Although it was tough, most of us still had room for a delicious dessert of Porta la Crème and assorted homemade truffles with the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon.

By Trish Hagner

Wine Memories

Valentine Dinner from left, Luis & Carol Salinas and Mike Lawch

Valentine Dinner Raymond & Kimery McKaskle

From left, Brian & Deana McElroy with Travis & Christine Harrison at Hollister Grill

From left, Brian & Deana McElroy with Travis & Christine Harrison at Hollister Grill

On left, Dianna Varozzaof Varozza Vineyardswith Ginger Covingtonat Hollister Grill

�Summer/Fall 2012

our group and show their wines. Next was Kiamie cellars where we sampled everything from the bottle to the barrel! We appreciate the warm welcome we received everywhere we went! Continued NEXT PAGE>

ahhh...may! Our National organization was meeting in the Monterey / Carmel area so many in our chapter made the decision to join in the fun. Following great events there, we continued with our Houston group down to Paso Robles. First stop was a lunch on the patio at Eberle with Supreme Knight Gary Eberle at the grill. It was a very special treat and a beautiful day. In addition to our group from Houston, we were joined for this lunch event by Nation’s Capital Chapter Commander Ken Haapala and his Lady Christine and North Carolina Chapter Commander Ron Newcomb and his Lady Patrice. The Houston Chapter contingency was made up of Mark & Heidi Davis, Buddy & Trish Hagner, Mike & Amy Lawch, Richard Leofsky, David Miller, Jim & Nan McCreary, Bruce & Janet Misamore, Michelle Wise, Lois Van Vooren, John Simonetti and Lisa Christman.

Like lunch at Eberle wasn’t quite enough, we gathered again just a few hours later for dinner at artisan restaurant over more good food and wine as we watched the deer wander right down the main street in Paso. Now, that’s something we don’t see in Houston!

On Monday, we began with a tour and tasting at Barr estate winery with the owners and winemaker .. on their day off .. and boy, did we appreciate them for it! Then we were off to epoch winery and a picnic lunch from Farmstand 46. Again, we were honored that the winemaker took time to come in especially to greet

From left, Heidi Davis and Lois Van Vooren at Kiamie Winery

Houston Members atBarr estate WineryHouston Members atBarr estate Winery

From left, Heidi Davis and Lois Van Vooren at Kiamie Winery

� The ArborThe Arbor�

Meanwhile … back at the ranch, as we say in Hous-ton, it was really warming up and June brought us an interesting wine tasting opportunity. We honestly didn’t know quite what to expect when Gentle Lady Amy Lawch who is the Regional Representative in Texas for Bonhams Auctioneers said that her company and Doug Davidson, the Director of Wines for the West Coast wanted to do a tasting of some of their wines from an upcoming auction. But, of course, we said yes and we said so enthusiastically! And they did not disappoint! It’s quite a list, but it deserves to be documented so here goes … one Sparkling – 1993 J. Schram; eighteen reds – 1991 Silverado Ltd Res, 1994 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill, 1995 Lail J. Daniel Cuvee, 1996 Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace, 1997 Mayacamas, 1997 Jarvis Res., 1998 Nickel & Nickel Suscol Ranch Merlot, 1999 Fisher Wedding Cuvee, 2000 Araujo Eisele Vineyard, 2001 Twomey Merlot, 2002 Niebaum Coppola “Rubicon”, 2003 Paradigm Merlot, 2004 Anderson’s Conn Valley Res., 2004 Merry Edwards “Meredith Estate”, 2004 Copain “Cerise”, 2005 Patz & Hall “Hyde Vineyard”, 2005 Phifer Pavitt “Date Night”, 2005 Hall “Kathryn Hall” and four Char-donnays – 1991 Stony Hill, 2003 Mayacamas, 2004 Lewis Russian River and 2006 Chateau Montelena.

That is 23 outstanding wines! We were all counting our lucky stars that we were in the Knights of the Vine and that through those wonderful connections come rare opportunities!

Now those were some wines we’ll not likely ever have the chance to taste again... but, oh!... the Memories!!

As always, our invitation is sincere... so if you can, please come to Houston and join us at any of our events or, if just traveling through, let us know. We’ll make recommendations, if you need them, or hope to get a moment to share a fine wine, or two, with you! www.kovhouston.org.

From left, Rose Proler, Jack Cohen and Doug Davidsonke Lawch with the Bonhoms auctioneers wine line up

Just 23 wines to taste!

�Summer/Fall 2012Summer/Fall 2010

TennesseeTennessee

The Tennessee chapter welcomed spring-time to Memphis with a “Grill Night” at the home of Walter and Holly Elkins. The threatening rain held off and made for a wonderful evening to enjoy the lovely home and gardens. Members and guests gathered on the patio to enjoy appetizers, grilled hamburgers and all the necessary accompaniments.

The theme of the evening was “Screwtop” wines—members were asked to bring screw-top wines to share. A variety of wines from around the world was enjoyed, with the favorites being a Chamisal Chardonnay and a Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir. Our wine education discussion revealed that many in the wine trade use the term “screwcaps,” but, technically, the cap is a stelvin closure. Many upper echelon wineries are now using the stelvin closure for its consistency and uni-formity. Later, while touring wineries in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a group of our mem-bers visited Talbott Vineyards and learned that it was changing all of its wines to stelvin closures within the next two years.

Three weeks later, three couples from our chapter attended the KOV annual meeting in Monterey, California. From Carmel Val-ley to the Santa Lucia Highlands, the group visited many wineries and tasting rooms. The Monterey chapter has several members in the winery business and they all rolled out the red carpet! The discovery that the director of sales for Bernardus is a fellow Memphian opened the door to a great contact for future events. All came home with a much better sense of the breadth of our organization and an appre-ciation for the work of the national officers.

GRILLNIGHTBy Tom & BeTh WeBB

Bob Bennett, Robert Meyers, Tom Webb, Walter Elkins, Tucker Larkin

Left to Right: Debbie Meyers, Bob Bennett, Gayle Bennett, Holly Elkins,Tucker (seated) & Peggy Larkin

Left to Right: Bob Bennett, Peggy Larkin, Tucker Larkin, Beth Webb, Tom Webb, Gayle Bennett enjoying lunch at Bernardus

�0 The Arbor

I could tell this was going to be a good trip when I found my ride to Novi Sad waiting for me at the Tesla airport in Belgrade. While going through passport check and baggage pickup, I was wondering if I would have to find transportation myself. But as soon as I popped out into the public area, there was a gentleman with a placard (Robert Hutton). The only real drawback on the trip (except for those long, long hikes around town) was the food. It was very good, and there was a lot of it, so much that it was difficult to finish everything. I hope that our hosts didn’t think we left so much food because we didn’t like it; we simply couldn’t finish it all.

With my ride to Novi Sad secured, I was wondering what suprises we would be in for. The first one was the predominance of Roman letters on signs, along with the Cyrillic letters which I had expected to find.

day 1•31 may•parK hotel noVi sadArriving at the Park Hotel in Novi Sad, we had a short time to unpack and prepare for the first grand event. The program started with a grand procession of the delega-tions with robes, banners and placards identifying each delegation, followed by a banquet and an evening of en-tertainment with folk singing and folk dancing, and lots of wine. Another suprise was that the dining would start with an introduction of small glasses of strong drink, ei-ther rakija (a grape brandy) or slivovitz (a plum brandy). Entertainment was quite spectacular with groups of singers and dancers and musicians.

day 2•1 June Visits to Sremski Karlovici a historic town near Novi Sad located on the Danube River, with a visit to a museum of wine and a walk around town, and then back to Novi Sad for another procession with robes and banners to a ceremony at «Imenja Marijinog» Church and then a bus trip to lunch at Petrovaradin Fortress. We were accompanied by a gentleman in peas-ant garb and a huge mustache, named Nehad Ratkovic. Then by bus to a tasting of wines from various Eastern European countries followed by our banquet at Rastoran Ribaren at Ribarsko Ostrova, one of a collection of al-fresco restaurants located along the north bank of the Danube River.

day 3•2 June•to suBotica•palic laKe & horgos By bus to Subotica, in the far north of Vo-jvodina, to a reception at city hall with speeches, then to Dibonis Winery (a family winery featuring wines and spirits, especially Shiraz) for wine and lunch, followed by a visit to Palic Lake, a resort area which gave us a chance to relax. We had a pleasant time at the lakeside pavilion, but alas, no wine. Back to the buses and we were off to

SERBIA SRBIJA СРБИЈЕ

By Robert Hutton

��Summer/Fall 2012

Vinski Dvor, a winery almost on the Hungarian Border located in Horgos, for dinner and more wine. The area is called Hajdukovo for the hajduks who used to inhabit the region. They were a sort of Robin Hood group pro-tecting the locals against the Ottomans and Hapsburgs who preyed on them constantly.

day 4•3 June•on our way to Belgrade First stop was at Novo Hopovo monastery in the middle of Fruska Gora, which used to be an island in the middle of the Pannonian Sea, the bed of which now is the flat-lands of Hungary and Voijvodina. They had a very nice church service in progress when we were there. Next we went to the Mackov Vineyard for one of the highlights of our visit. We were to attend an ox roast held in the middle of the vineyard, which required a rather nasty bone rattling ride on farm carts to the place where we were to consume the oxen. It did give me a chance to support our lady Giselle from San Francisco so that neither she nor I would be bounced out of the cart. Photos show the oxen before we consumed them and the bare bones afterwards. Rather interesting, the name of the winery Mackov means Tomcat in Serbian and that was the label on their wines. Bouncing back to our busses, we proceeded to the Hotel Moskva (Moscow) in Belgrade. It was well named since the interior décor was very much like the design of the Moscow Metro stations in Russia. Soon after arrival we were on anoth-er hike to Velka Skadark a restaurant in the bohemian (read: hippie) quarter of Belgrade.

day 5•4 June First part was my Waterloo, a huge hike to the Rectorate of Belgrade University where the procession in full regalia outpaced me. When I arrived very much out of breath at the Rectorate, I found them upstairs being lectured in a rather hot room. I was down-stairs recuperating from that hike and then found we were expected to have another hike around Kalmedjan Park. I excused myself from that excursion found an in-viting park bench which allowed me to people watch for a while. Later I joined the group for the bus trip to the good ship Sirona for our lunchon cruise on a bit of the

Danube and Sava rivers. Our return trip to the hotel in-cluded a stop at St Sava Cathedral and then passing the ruins of the Defence Department, which are still there thanks to a NATO air raid and the unwillingness of the Belgrade authorities to do anything. Our final dinner was at the Aeroclub with various awards, certificates and gifts being presented. That marked the end of the conference for those of us who were not staying for the postconference trips.

day 7•5 June Overtime for the extra two days of the conference. Our bus trip was south to Shumadia, a wine region south of Belgrade. Our first stop was at Oplenac, the site of St. George church, started in 1919 by King Petar 1 Kara’georgevic and finished in 1930 by his suc-cesor King Alexadnr 1 Kara’georgevic. The interior is decorated by a mosaic with 40 million glass cubes. There also was the royal cellar where the various Karageorgevic kings lived while the church was being constructed and which now is a museum. Then we were taken by bus to a late lunch-early dinner at Etno, Village Brestovi Vizija at Restaurant Tarpos in the village of Arandielovac.

day 8•6 June•to Vrsac We were off on our bus again to Vojvodina to the City of Vrsac in the eastern-most portion of Vojvodina almost on the Romanian border, with a presentation at City Hall. I found much difficulty in taking photos since there were a number of video camaras at the front of the room. Then we went on to Virsaki Vinogradi, the largest winery in Serbia. Then we were taken to Palace Kapetanov, for a concert in the castle like structure out in the fields, then to a late lunch-early dinner in the building next door.

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Every year since 2000 when Karen and I became involved

with Knights of the Vine we have held our annual meeting

and chuck wagon barbeque at Poco Toro Ranch, located in

the San Rafael Valley, South of Patagonia, Arizona. Hosted

by Margie Buyer and her husband Charlie Davis, this active,

working ranch is located on 600 acres in a spectacular

meadow known for location shooting of many Hollywood

classics. Filled with breathtaking panoramas, this ranch is

unique and everyone who ever attended loved the stories

Charlie told by the fire after our meals.

Those stories are now wonderful memories as Margie lost her

beloved Charlie early in July due to declining health. Charlie

Davis, a real, authentic cowboy from Wyoming, was an expert in

Cowboy poetry, recounting tall tales from the old west! Charlie

used to say “recitin cowboy poetry is like a haircut. If it’s good,

you feel like a million bucks. If it’s bad, you wanna hide your

head under a hat”. Charlie was always great to the very end!

At every barbeque at Poco Toro, Charlie would gather us all

around the campfire after dinner and recite numerous tales,

some requested again and again each year due to Charlie’s

delivery. It was a joy to watch others as they responded to

Charlie’s expressions as he spoke.

Charlie was an expert marksman, survived a rattlesnake bite

a few years back but just enjoyed recounting his life on the

range after 80 plus years in the saddle. Bold cowboys with

character and integrity, like Charlie, are just hard to find!

Even learning about wine through each event we enjoyed at

the ranch, Charlie won one of our infamous wine quizzes a few

years back. Charlie was quite proud of that accomplishment

and we were, as well.

Recently, I compiled a bound book filled with photos of the

events Knights of the Vine held at Poco Toro Ranch over the

past 12 years and presented it to Charlie and Margie at our

event. The smiles and attention both gave to that effort are

and will continue to be priceless.

Though we have countless video and photos of Charlie, he

leaves an indelible place in our hearts as a generous, kind and

thoughtful man and husband to Margie, both always pleased

to see us and opening their ranch making us feel at home.

Those who knew Charlie are blessed with memories few ever

see in their lifetime. I speak for our chapter as we feel the loss

of a true legend and a genuine cowboy from the old west.

May he rest in peace.

The Passing of a True Cowboy Legend

Charlie Davis Our Host from Poco Toro Ranch

The Passing of a True Cowboy Legend

Charlie Davis Our Host from Poco Toro Ranch


Southern ArizonA

A Sizzling Saturday in TuCSonA Sizzling Saturday in TuCSonOn a warm summer evening, twenty prospective and thirsty wine aficionados assembled at the hilltop home of Commander Emeritus and Chapter Master Ambas-sador Mr. Eb Wilkinson on Saturday, June 30, 2012. The theme for this gathering was for members to bring a special bottle of wine to share! Many attendees used their exceptional wine selection skills to introduce us to boutique wines we had never had the pleasure to enjoy.

Luscious, bold reds from Italy, Portugal, Oregon and California graced our table with attendees selecting these fine wines from their favorite wine shop, of which Tucson has many. Remarkably abundant fla-vors from the Oregon Pinots pleased many palates. Quite refreshing was the research each guest placed on bringing something others may not have had to opportunity to taste and enjoy.

Our attendees we were introduced to crowd favorites such as Pacific Rim Wines, a distributor and importer of award winning boutique wineries focusing in small lots of handmade artisan style wines. Debbie Imus brought two bottles of Pacific Rim 2010 Columbia Valley Riesling bor-dering between dry and slightly sweet. This special treat yields flavors of peach, apricot, pear, a hint of mint, and a streak of wet stone. Colossal wine and a great value!

Thanks to the exquisite wine cellar at Knight Gary and Debbie Imus’ home, we are fortunate to have tasted some other Washington State wines including Adamant Cellars, Chateau Walla Walla, Fjellene Cellars, Garrison Creek Cellars, Kelso Wines, Le Chateau Winery, Mt. Baker Vineyards, Nicola’s Red Mark, Ridge Crest Win-ery, Russell Creek Winery, Tulpen Cellars and Wilridge Winery. Accordingly, Gary and Debbie are from the Seattle area and have the contacts to obtain these very outstanding and limited wines.

Other wines making an appearance at our event were Cuvaison Syrah, Tesoaria Syrah, Ghost Pines Cabernet, Zynthesis from Lodi, a 2008 Patrimonio, a 1994 Tav-

all articles By: steVe Kornman

ernelle, an Alexander Valley Handley Pinot, Campo Viejo Cava, Selby from Healdsburg, wines from Justin and many more. Our attendees selected a diverse collection of bold and daring tastes which made this evening a grand success.

Thanks to our Master Ambassador, Mr. Eb Wilkinson for inviting many prospective new members who proved they have the knowledge and determination to seek out unique wines for many to enjoy.

Gina & Darren McElroy

John Kovacik and Leslie Eldenburg

Host Eb Wilkinson and guest

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The Thirteenth Grand Assemblage was held on May 31, 2012, in which the Austin chapter inducted the newest Knights and Gentle Ladies in a remarkable celebration. The Knights and Gentle Ladies filled the San Jacinto Ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel to welcome the new members. Before the ceremony commenced, guests mingled and enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres with a crisp NV Montsarra Brut Cava.

After Provost General Emeritus, Denman Moody opened the ceremony, the Austin Cadre elevated For-rest Preece to Master Scribe and Jo Anne Christian to Master Ambassador.

The Austin Chapter honored Ellen King with the title of Master Lady in recognition of the substantial contribution she has made to the Austin community. She and her husband Alfred A. King were among the founding members of the Austin Chapter. They have been actively involved in many organizations includ-ing the International Wine and Food Society (IWFS) and the Tarry House wine selection committee, as well as many charitable groups including Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival and the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas. Ellen is an individual who appre-ciates wine and has been very involved in many aspects of the Austin wine community.

After the special elevations, the following new members were inducted into the brotherhood: Marc & Christy Collier, Robert & Laura Griffith, Tim & Maryleigh Neece, John & Lucy Needham, Michael & Cheryl Renna, Michael Russell, Marvin & Eva Womack.

The members commemorated the special event with extraordinary cuisine prepared by Four Seasons Execu-tive Chef Elmar Prambs accompanied by a variety of fine wines. The variety of fine wines included, 2009 DuMOL Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2002 La-boure-Roi Charmes-Chambertin, 2005 Realm Beckst-offer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon Napa and 2005 Lafaurie-Peyraguey Sauternes.

All in all, members of the Austin Chapter had a won-derful evening at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin. The Austin chapter will reconvene after a hiatus for their Summer Party in August.

13th GRAND ASSEMBLAGEAUSTIN CHAPTER

John Robinson, Sharon Schweitzer, Marijo & Denman MoodyEllen King receiving elevation to Master LadyLarry Peel enjoying the ceremony

BY MEGAN DUGAN

Summer/Fall 2011

On March 7, over 60 members of the Austin chapter gathered at the home of Jeanne & Rusty Parker. Party-goers spent the beautiful evening taking in the stunning views of the West Austin Hills and the Barton Creek Resort Golf Course.

Members enjoyed delicious, cuisine prepared by Execu-tive Chef Gilmore while his team at JacK allen’s Kitchen served guests while they sipped flights of several highly-rated wines: NV Lucien Albrecht Cre-mant d’Alsace Brut Rose, NV Avinyo Brut Reserva Cava, 2008 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley, 2009 Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay, 2009 Fall Creek Vineyards Tempranillo “Salt Lick Vineyards” Texas Hill Country, 2008 Wolf Family Vineyards Phaedrus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2008 Cherry Pie (Hundred Acre) Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir Napa Valley.

We also had some very generous members open their cellars and donate some wine to the event. Master Tast-er and the evening’s host Jim Stone shared his 2001 Conn Valley Eloge Pro-prietary Red Napa Valley, which was poured from a Double Salmanazar (18L). In addition, Steve Tipton shared his 2001 d’Arenberg Laughing Magpie McLaren Vale South Australia.

Spring party

LtoR: Amelia Bullock,Eddie Butler, Renee Butler

and Lynn Davis

Larry Peel, Jerry Gatlin, Rusty Parker

Jim Stone, J Buckner Hightower, Steve Tipton

By Megan Dugan

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Lake

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As is our custom our chapter meets annually to elect its Master Commander and be presented with the eco-nomic state of our club. No one volunteering and there being no nominations from the floor Ernie Grossman was once again elected (to his, and maybe only his, delight). Financially, Master Treasurer Hank Lewis reported that this Chapter is solvent with sufficient funds to once again make available a generous schol-arship donation to the UC Davis School of Viticulture.

The proceedings took place at the elegant hill top aerie of Knight Larry and Gentle Lady Bea Axelrod. To hold the attention of the more than sixty of us our own Charge d’Affaires, Stepha-nie Andrysiak formulated red and white Sangrias, both quite refreshing in the Reno

summer sun. The fingerling appetizers she prepared were so scrumptious that we were unprepared for the elegant three course dinner that followed just up the road at the Montreux Country Club. Choosing between Maple Farm Duck Breast or Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, we paired these offerings with two notable and unique wines furnished by our Cellarmaster Ron Fenolio (and proprietor of Veedercrest Winery): 2007 Mancini Blanc

de Pinot Noir and its red counterpart, 2007 Mancini Pinot Noir, from the Pesaro coast (Adriatic Sea). Superb!

And for dessert we served the Rose Jolee from Del Rio Winery in the Rogue River Valley, southern Oregon, in anticipation of our Chapter trip to that area at the end of August.

TasTes of The seder feasT:

a PassoVer TradITIoNOne of the most extraordinary chefs in the Tahoe region is Ron Eber who operates the banquet kitchen at the granliBaKKen resort on the West Shore. Because Granlibakken is primarily a resort that accommodates group seminars and meetings it does not have a traditional style restaurant. So to experience this great chef one generally must be part of a group. He opened up his dining room for us and demonstrated his versatility as he prepared the Seder Feast. Following a description of the ritual of the Matzot, Bitter Herbs, Shank Bone, Roasted Egg, Charoset, Parsley, and Salt Water, Ron served the gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, and a main course of roasted chicken breast with an old world Yiddish style tsimis and macaroons with fresh strawberries for dessert.

While tradition dictates Manischewitz Concord Grape Wine, tradition can only be tolerated so far. So we brought in Kosher for Passover, Goose Bay South Island New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Gamla Winery, Galilee, Israel Pinot Noir. Both of these offerings are over the top; we can highly recommend them.

ANNUAL CHAPTER MEETING &ELEGANCE at MONTREUX

LtoR: Claire Christensen, Joan Kyberz, and Renate Moore discussing the successful annual meeting

The Passover Seder Plate with Kosher Wines served at Granlibakken

Articles & Photos by: Ernie Grossman & Margaret Lewicki


FinlandFinland

WEEkEnD In PuuMALAOn SAIMAA LAkE WEEkEnD In PuuMALAOn SAIMAA LAkE Puumala is municipality of 2400 inhabitants, located in Eastern part of Finland and well known Harbour of the Saimaa Lake. With excellent views from here sailors can enjoy their trip to Russia, for instance. Friday evening after the arrival of all Brotherhood members and guests we gathered in the lobby of the hotel which was completely dedicated to us. All hotel rooms were occupied by our gang. Familyhotel Kuit-tinen is an old dairy. We enjoyed a delicious welcome drink together with cold smoked salmon of Puumala Lohi Co and a wide range of wines. Finnish word Lohi means Salmon. Saturday morning the hotel owner served us a very rich buffet breakfast and then we walked to Harbour and stepped on board the m/s Kaunis Veera (BEAU-TIFUL VEERA). We admired Lake Saimaa’s beautiful scenery and after an hour or so we arrived at Temola Vineyard. There our host and hostess welcomed us with the sparkling white and the trombone version of song Nestori Miikkulainen, a Finnish traditional song about Mr Nestori, who even used to live close by. Holding of the three wine tasting: Santeri (white cur-rant wine), Liehtalan Jallu (red and black currant) and Niiniviini (sweet black currant), wines were clean and fresh berry wines, and also a very dry wine selection was

found. For lunch we enjoyed catch of the day (Vendace, local specialty) with mashed potatoes.

Afternoon we had an opportunity to visit Puumala Lohi Company owned by our member Timo Hagman and his wife. Timo told very interesting facts of salmon farming and processing. They have 3 hectares open lake space with nets where fish live in natural environment. We had a chance to feed 100,000 baby salmon. Timo also explained and showed fish handling and cold smoking facilities. Puumala Lohi Co is the only Finnish fish farm, which pools have a stream of water consequently, the quality of the fish is just in its superior class. Afterwards we enjoyed outdoor games, smoke sauna and swimming at Timo´s and Heidi´s Summer cottage which is located beautiful lakeside of Saimaa. During the activities Timo prepared hot smoked salmon salad and Tuija Isique demonstrated how to make original Brazilian caipirinha. Our dinner was served at the Harbour Restaurant of Puumala. Close to Midnight, we walked next to the bridge located in Puumala center and called Sky Bar above the Bridge. Private VIP event with Champagne Colin and genuine Finnish Carelia Caviar. This was the

first time we all tasted Finnish Sturgeon Caviar. The Carelian Caviar Company is now biggest producer of Sturgeon Caviar in Europe with their main market Russia.

Thanks to Timo and Heidi for an excel-lently planned and hosted weekend with all entertainment and refreshments.

Story by Timo Jokinen Photos by Olli Heikkila

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How Can You Tell if a Grape isPopular?

After being in the Wine Industry for 40 years, I’ve seen the ups and downs of many grape varieties and their popularity. Does anyone remember Chenin Blanc? More specifically Dry Chenin Blanc with about .8 to 1.0% residual sugar? That off-dry fruity fragrance and soft palate taste was a sure winner back in the day. You may not believe this, but Charles Krug Chenin Blanc was so popular that as a whole-saler salesman, I remember “negotiating” with a very popular Steak House Res-taurant who couldn’t get enough Chenin. I distinctly remember telling him, “if you buy 5 cases of Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon, I will sell you 25 cases of Chenin Blanc.” And he greedily went for it!

How about Rosé wines? Mateus and Lancer’s from Portugal were so popu-lar that just about every wholesaler in town (and in those days there had to be a dozen or more) sold these wines. Sure, there were ex-clusive agreements with many wineries, but not with these two beauties. These slightly spritzy, slightly sweet, oddly shaped bottles had to be on every wine list in town and every wholesaler “fought” to sell them. When was the last time you’ve seen, let alone tasted one of these million dollar wines?

In more recent times (actually, we may be right in the middle of this one), how about Syrah? It really started sailing in the late 90’s, lead by the Australian’s Shiraz. It was featured on restaurant wine lists by-the-glass and “on sale” in liquor and grocery store ads all over the country. Everyone seemed to be drinking and enjoy-ing this big, mouth filling wine. And just as quickly,

around 2006/2007, inter-est and tastes seemed to wane. I’m not saying Syr-ah/Shiraz doesn’t continue to sell, it’s sales are just a little softer than it was just a few, short years ago.

So being in the “business” this long, doing sales, mar-keting and wine education, I’m always on the lookout for what’s hot and what’s going to be popular? What are folks drinking and en-joying? I know in the last issue of this magazine I laid out the current hottest wines and varietals in town. These are proven “winners” that are already making a name for themselves (and will continue to grow for

many more years) — no, what I’m talking about is what is next. What will be the next popular wine? What will we be drinking in droves in 10-15 years? And what will people be talking about? I’m putting my money on Bar-bera. And let me tell you why.

What will we be

drinking in droves in

10-15 years?

I’m putting my

money on Barbera.


Pooch has been in the wine industry for

over 30 years and a member of KOV

for almost as long. He is available for

teaching beginning to advanced level

wine classes or tours to wine country for

your company or your next conference.

Call 916-961-6150 [email protected] www.UniversityofWine.com

The first place I look for trends are the wine entries for the California State Fair Wine Competition. This is one of the largest judgings of California only wines in the country. Nearly 3,000 California wines were judged this year alone. Because I am the Chief Judge for this compe-tition, I’ve been tracking the number of varietals entered every year since 1992. So I looked to see what are winer-ies entering. What grapes are they planting, buying and then making into wine?

Over the course of a couple years, trends in popularity, at least in the sense of wineries interest in making and selling certain varieties, emerge. In this instance, Barbera averaged 10 to 19 entries from 1992 to 2003 — 11 years of nearly static no growth. In 2004, entries jumped to 36, but never got any higher then 45 entries during the next 8 years — again, very stable, but no substantial growth. But all of a sudden, in 2011 entries jumped by 10 up to 54, then another jump of 10 in 2012. And I predict it will jump by at least 20 in 2013. More wineries are making more Barbera.

Next, and even more convincing to me about popularity was when I was approached in 2010 by Brian Miller and Deirdre Mueller who wanted to know if I would consult with them on a new wine tasting concept — a Barbera Festival. The husband/wife duo thought an outdoor tasting in Amador County would be a wonderful idea, as did I. But I’ve been running wine events for over 25 years and I tried to caution them on not getting too excited about how many people are likely to drive up to Amador County to taste wine (any wine, let alone some-thing like Barbera) on a hot summer afternoon. First year wine tasting events, I suggested, are lucky to break even — and I told them if they got 400 to 500 people that would be outstanding, secretly believing they would be lucky to get 200-300. I mean, come on, think about it, how much popularity could there be in an unknown red wine grape variety? So the Festival was set to be held in early June, 2011.

But alas, I had to eat my words and was damn surprised in early May, 2011, with about 3 weeks to go before the big tasting, this feisty couple called to tell me that they were almost sold out — as in 1,500 tickets sold out! Well, needless to say, after two years, and the 2012

Barbera Festival has now come and gone — the attendance figures hit 1,800 — which by the way, sold out 2 full months before the actual Festival date after only 30 days of sales. Did I mention, they had 90 wineries from all over California, and a few from Italy thanks to Darrell Corti, famous Wine Merchant in Sacramento, pouring only Barbera wines, on a hot summer Saturday afternoon in Amador County. This is what I call popular . . . .

Best way to attempt to get tickets for the 2013 Barbera Festival held by the way, in the middle of vineyards on the famous Coo-per Ranch in Amador County, is to go to their web page and join their mailing list: http://barberafestival.com http://facebook.com/barberafestival

By G.M. “Pooch” Pucilowski

�0 The Arbor

LODI sILent While America was busy planning glittery Oscar parties and dashing off to catch the nominated blockbuster flicks before the 2012 Academy Awards, Lodi’s movie-going Knights, Gentle Ladies and guests were feasting their eyes on the black and white Big Screen at Harmony Wynelands Estate, when the Lodi Chapter presented Open That Special Bottle and The Return of Silent Movies.

It’s doubtful the wines poured in Hollywood on that February evening were any better than the delicious wines brought by members who provided more than enough of the good life to accompany popcorn, pizza, and a double feature screening of the silent movie hits, One Week, starring Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy’s The Fixer Uppers.

“Let us take you back in time as you enjoy delicious wines and great movies!” announced the evening’s em-cee, Matias Bombal, whose vintage reflections and time-less vocals harkened guests back to a kinder era; certainly a time before Lodi soil contained the large number of grape varietals it grows today.

But on this star-lit evening, as the surrounding Zin-fandel vines slept, Bombal was joined by organist


LODI sILent Movie NiGHTDave Moreno, whose gifted fingers danced across the mighty Morton pipe organ in animated unison with the screen action. “What Dave and Matias do is something unusual, it’s not easy to do,” says Supreme Knight Bob Hartzell, who, along with wife and Master Lady Linda, own Harmony Wynelands Estate and Winery. “You don’t even realize the organ is going! Dave does a terrific job.”

Joined by Linda’s son, Shaun MacKay, who is the wine-maker, the family hosts many events at the winery, in-cluding a series of Silent Movie Nights which are open to the public. In addition to the tasty wines produced, the Morton pipe organ is the center of attention when Bob Hartzell plays a tune for visitors.

While guests enjoyed a variety of delicious pizzas and salad provided by The Dancing Fox Bakery, the corks began to fly as wines were poured and the swirling began (in the glass that is!). MacKay poured his robust new Zinfandel he affectionately named Pipe Dreams. Jerry

Fry poured and inspected his offering: a 1993 Sonoma County Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon. “The color’s held up well for being almost nineteen years old,” he noted, as John Kautz commented on its earthy flavor. In the meantime, as Linda Hartzell took a sip of Cliff Lede NV Cabernet, a big smile spread across her face.

While sipping on a delicious Zinfandel, newly inducted Gentle Lady Sandy Rasmussen (who also serves on the Chapter’s Board of Directors), was excited to see the sizeable turnout for the evening. “I’m helping plan events and learning about the industry,” she said. “I would encourage people to look into joining the KOV organization.”

As the curtain came down and the evening drew to a close, the credits began to roll, thanking Harmony Wynelands for providing their charming winery and to Master Commander John Tudor for organizing the successful event.

By Fran Benavidez

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Nat

ion’s

Cap

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Nat

ion’s

Cap

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On April 14, 2012 the Nation’s Capital Chapter of the Knights of the Vine held its annual Grand Assemblage at the City Club of Washington, the site of last year’s spe-cial Assemblage elevating two Congressmen to Supreme Knight and inducting a third Congressman as Master Knight. The Assemblage came off without a hitch in the newly renovated City Club where host Ian MacDonald has assembled an exceptional chef and serving staff.

Two Ladies-in-Waiting were inducted into our order: Sh-eryl Shreckengost and Karla Snellings. Sheryl is a member of numerous prestigious organizations in the City. Karla is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. With six members of the cadre guiding her, Karla skillfully performed the duties of symbolic peer.

Thirty-five members and guests enjoyed the broad ar-ray of hors d’ouevers and cheeses while sipping an un-usual sparkling Vouvray by Gilet and our standard A.R. Lenoble, Grand Cru, Millésime, Brut, 1990. The elegant 1990 is showing a bit of age, she is beyond 21, but it is her character that makes her so precious to some.

To begin the Enthronement Din-ner, Chef Steven Fender prepared an unusual Ceviché De Pescado and with it we had a challenging double pairing: a Horton Viognier from Orange County, VA, and a Domaine Doblìre white Burgundy. Here was a challenge to the members and guests – which went better with the Ceviché? Some preferred the lighter and cleaner white Burgundy; others the somewhat heavier and more complex Viognier.

With the salad we had a delightful rosé from south of France followed

by an intermezzo with sorbet. The intermezzo gave all the opportunity to talk with many others. That seems to be the thing we do best. Enjoy each other’s conversation and company, along with the wine.

Then things got tough, and the tough got going. Chef Fender prepared an excellent lamb loin sauced with Red Wine & Mushroom Demi and served with Blue Cheese Scalloped Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus. That was easy. The tough part was the double pairing of Pic & Chapoutier, Crozes-Hermitage, 2009 and Château Bourgneuf, Pomerol, 1985. The Crozes-Hermitage was a bit young and could use some age. The Pomerol was meeting the end of its plateau of maturity. As could be expected with an ’85, the Pomerol had some bottle varia-tion. All the bottles were good, most outstanding.

The R.L. Buller Tawny port was an excellent match with the Chocolate Marquise, Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake with Expresso Créme Anglaisé. But not as many bottles were con-sumed as expected – virtually all attending were demanding more Pomerol!! As if we could get it from the local store.

As we departed on this evening of merriment, one wondered how many attending realized that the Bourgneuf Pomerol was predominately Merlot (90%) with a little Cabernet Franc? Got you “Sideways!”

Grand Assemblage at the City Clubof Washington

Grand Assemblage at the City Clubof Washington

By Ken Haapala

Newly Inducted Gentle Ladies Sheryl Shreckengost and Karla Snellings with members of the Cadre


GRAB BAG

Knight Jim and Wanda Trefil opened their lovely home for a winter Grab Bag with an unusual theme: US Wines from Unexpected Places. Jim opened his cellar to include wines collected during visits to vineyards during his lecturing travels. Each attendee was requested to bring a wine from a state that is not generally recognized as a main wine producing area. Thus, wines from California, Oregon, Washington, New York, and Virginia did not qualify. But high quality wine from the Frogtown Vineyards of Georgia did.

The evening was pot luck: each guest was requested to bring a dish representing a region or city in the country. All were requested to use their imagination to represent a particular region. Jim and Wanda provided pierogi and Polish sausage to represent the Czech and Polish populations of Chicago and Cleveland

The variety of foods and wines were spectacular. Except for a wine from North Carolina and a New Mexico sparkling, there were no two alike. At last count, at least 18 states were represented and over 22 different wines were presented. The states represented ranged from Maine to Florida and westward beyond the Dakotas. Wines came from places unknown and unseen! Some were excellent, some good, some not so good. But you do not know until you sample.

This was an amazing evening that stretched late because it promoted lengthy conversation and enjoyment of food and wines for all. Jim and Wanda hit on a winner event that many chapters may do well to try to adaptively copy.

On March 12, Supreme Knight Gordon Murchie, Master Lady Anita Murchie, and Master Commander Kenneth Haapala joined approximately 90 members of the wine community to celebrate the life of Master Wine Maker Chris Breiner at Horton Vineyards Gordonsville, VA (near Charlottesville).

Chris was the general manager of Stone Mountain Vine-yards, near Charlottesville, owned by the Breiner family. His tireless promotion and seeking improvements to the Virginia wine industry is legendary. Ever eager to learn, Chris significantly improved his wines which became regular award winners and standouts in wine pairings at KOV dinners.

The importance of Chris to the Virginia wine industry was demonstrated at the closing of the Virginia Gen-eral Assembly this year, where the closing ceremony was named in his honor.

PEr VitEM! Ad VitAM! Chris Breiner“Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names.”

A Celebration of a LifeMaster Wine Maker

Chris Breiner

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nan mccreary What’s the new “hot wine,” and why?

James King Right now you’re seeing the largest growth in the sweet wine market, wines such as Mosco-to, Pinot Grigio, and Prosecco. It seems that people have thrown off the shackles and said, “You know what? I like sweet wines and I’m going to drink them! Who cares?” Just 3 or 4 years ago, if you ordered a sweet wine everyone would have mocked you. Now it seems to be perfectly okay. All of the wines that are surging have a certain amount of residual sugar. The question is, “Does that now get them onto the ladder of buying other va-rietals, or maybe even going up in price point?” If that happens, the whole wine trade benefits.

nm Who is drinking these sweet wines?

JK It’s mostly people who are new to wines. When many of us were introduced to wine, we drank White Zinfandel. Now it’s as if White Zinfandel has been reincarnated as Moscoto, Pinot Grigio or sweet reds. Also, some of the sweet wine drinkers come from cer-tain cultures that don’t care for dry wines, but want to drink wine because it’s socially acceptable. These sweet wines are often very smooth, which makes them more palatable than a dry Cabernet, for instance. This makes it easier for more people to move into wines, and, hopefully, gain exposure to other varietals.

nm There seems to be an increasing popularity among local wines, particularly in states like Texas, Michigan, and Virginia.

JK There is definitely a growing interest and there are some very good wines being produced. What I’ve seen happen in Texas is that the wineries seem to benefit more from selling directly to people on their mail-ing list. When that happens they don’t have to get involved with going through distributers. If you’re a small winery, you can move a lot of your product this way. So there are some very good wines produced in Texas which aren’t making it into the cities of Dallas and Houston. Those in the know are able to buy the wines, while most will never see them. It’s a Catch-22 for the wineries if their wines don’t get into restaurants or retail stores, the general public will never know that they are making some great wines. On the other hand, if the wineries sell to distributors, they have to reduce their prices so everyone can make a profit.

nm Why are we seeing more wine bottles with screw caps?

JK For wines that are not destined to age, which is the majority of wines, screw caps make perfect sense. Screw caps keep the wines fresh and reduce the incidence of cork taint, which affects anywhere from 5 to 8 bottles out of every 100. Most consumers can’t identify cork taint; they just think they don’t like that particular wine. Now that’s a lot of dissatisfied customers! It’s in the winery’s best interest to try to ensure that 100 bottles out of 100 are untainted.


By Nan McCreary

When I joined KOV in 2006, I was introduced to an exciting new world — a world of education, travel, and friendships. The more wine I tasted, the more I learned. And the more I learned, the more wines I tried. My newly-found passion for wine soared to a new level after I purchased a series of wine classes from The Texas Wine School at the Houston Chapter’s Assemblage and Silent Auction in October of 2012. The classes, generously donated by wine professional James King, included the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level I and II Awards in wine. I was so enthusiastic about these classes that I followed up with the Level III program, plus enrolled in other courses at the School, including a three-week series on Burgundy wines. As a writer, I am now focusing on wine for my professional endeavors, and naturally turn to James as my go-to expert when I have questions. For this article, James graciously shared his knowledge of where the wine industry is today and where it is going.


nm What about wines that are intended to age? Do corks really make a difference?

JK In the 1970’s, Chateau Margaux began aging wines bottled in screw caps alongside the same wines bottled with corks. After 30 years, they decided that there was no definitive answer on whether screw caps or corks were better. Of course, Chateau Margaux claims its wines will last for 60 years, so they’re not ready to say that one is superior to the other.

nm What other trends do you see happening in the wine industry?

JK Lots of the Old World is becoming “new” because today’s generation of winemakers is bringing new techniques and technologies to the vineyards. Many have studied or worked outside of their locality and returned home with more of a global perspective. We’ve seen it in France and Italy, and now we’re seeing it in Spain. Many regions that may have been dead in the water 15 years ago are now making consumer-friendly, good quality wines. In the New World, there have been some “discoveries,” such as Central Otago in New Zealand, which is showing potential of creat-ing what appear to be outstanding Pinot Noirs — the “Holy Grail” of wines. But the oldest vineyards are barely 20 years old so they aren’t quite ready to show the true expression of their grapes. A vineyard really needs 15 to 30 years to get really good characteristics.

nm What about wines with foods? I’m reading more and more about that.

JK Yes, there’s a huge emphasis on food-friendly wines. Unoaked Chardonnays, for example, are gaining in popularity because they pair with most foods better than the big, oaky buttery Chardonnays. Consumers are also realizing that the old “red with meat, white with fish” rules are no longer valid. We have a better understanding of the nuances of food and how it’s prepared, so we want wines that complement those nu-ances. Another thing — high-alcohol wines do not go well with foods. A lot of wine makers, particularly in Napa, are wondering if they’ve gone too far by produc-ing wines with 14.5 % to 15% of alcohol by volume, and are going back to 13.5% to 14% levels.

nm The WSET classes emphasize responsible drinking. Is that affecting the trend toward lower levels of alcohol?

JK Absolutely. We’re seeing an anti-drinking move-ment globally, particularly in countries like Australia, the UK, and France. People are becoming more aware of alcoholism and the effects of drinking while driving. Ten to 15 years ago, wine was in the preserve of the middle class, who served wine with dinner. Now wine is classified as “alcohol” along with spirits and beer and linked to irresponsible drinking. Producers are becom-ing aware that there’s a big difference between a Bur-gundy or a Bordeaux at 12 to 13% and a Napa Cab at 15%. If you want to compete on the world stage, your wine quality has to be world-quality. And with rules on consumption tightening all over the world, we’re going to see more wines with lower levels of alcohol.

nm James, I’ve taken up enough of your time. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with our readers.

JK You’re very welcome. I look forward to reading the article.

JAMES KInGis an affable Brit who makes learning not just fun, but exciting. James has been in the wine business since graduating from Edinburgh University in 1994. He spent seven years working in the industry in Australia, then moved to Los Angeles and set up a small wine importing business and private wine club. While in L.A., he started wine tasting events and wine education for private clients and corporations, and eventually began teaching the WSET program at a retail store in Los Angeles, the Wine House. With the success of the WSET program, he was asked to join the French Wine Society, and became one of the Society’s first French Wine Scholar Educators. To further his education, James traveled to France, where he studied and earned the Master Level Educator Accreditation for Rhone and Burgundy. In 2010, James moved to Houston and started the Texas Wine School. To learn more about James and the Texas Wine School, visitwww.thetexaswineschool.com

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Mon

tere

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On August 25th, 2012, the long-awaited day of the annual Monterey Chapter Knights of the Vine’s Paella Feast had arrived. The drive through the Salinas Valley’s panorama of verdant hills and valleys planted in veg-etables and vineyards brought us to the pessagno winery gate flanked by banks of brilliant petunias. The winery is located on the lower benches of the Santa Lucia foothills bordering the valley. To each side of the entry avenue carefully pruned vines revealed their purple-ripening clusters of fruit soon to be pressed into wine. The setting was ideal for an afternoon of tasting selected barrels of the 2011 chardonnays and pinot noirs tenderly coaxed from the grapes by our Supreme Knight and host, Stephen Pessagno.

As we gathered, Steve and staff already had the Paella pan sizzling with 30 pounds of saffron rice over an open fire in the courtyard. In true Spanish style, layers of chicken and linguica sausage plus 200 pounds of clams, mussels, prawns and calamari were added in precisely-timed order and, lastly, topped by colorful green peas and pimentos. Attendees were encouraged to participate with the chefs in preparing the dish. The 52 inch stainless steel, lidded pan, fabricated in Spain especially for this use, amply contained enough food to provide 140 expected attend-ees. Knights and Gentle Ladies sampled wines directly from the barrel and a jeroboam (104 oz.) of chardonnay paired with an array of tempting cheeses, breads and sausages while we waited for the paella to simmer into a succulent dish to be complimented by a salad of tossed greens and diced eggs. We especially savored the crisp nuggets of caramelized rice from the bottom of the pan. Our bounteous feast was enjoyed outdoors in the shade of a giant old walnut tree or in the tasting room where the barrels were close at hand. Our appetites sated, the celebration culminated in jubilant dance.

We owe much to the generous hospitality and excellent libations provided by our hard-working hosts at Pes-sagno Winery. They had once again treated us to a day inspired by Spanish culture and dedicated to the Knights of the Vine’s tradition of partaking in good wine, food and camaraderie. The accompanying photos underscore the enjoyment of the occasion.

By Virge perelli-minetti

SIXTHANNUALPAELLA FEAST


Elegance at the Edge perfectly describes the 2011 Grand Assemblage enjoyed by the Knights and Gentle Ladies of the Monterey Peninsula Chapter of Knights of the Vine. The event was held at the world rec-ognized and stunning highlands inn of carmel. For those who have yet to visit this site, the Inn is situated on a majestic, forested hillside overlooking the powerful and rugged Pacific coast line. The views in all directions from the hotel’s expansive windows are nothing short of breathtaking.

The gala evening was celebrated in the beautiful grand reception room decorated with exotic plants spilling over the tops of tall and graceful vases. The Executive Chef Matt Bolton delighted us all with a menu that reflected the bounty of the Monterey area. The dinner began with a Kampachi sashimi, California Osetra caviar and Japanese cucumber with a uni vinaigrette served with the Pierce Ranch Albarino 2009. Guests continued to enjoy the dry aged New York accompanied by the KOV Syrah. This course was followed by a collection of cheeses including Epoisses, Cam-bozola and Boucheron served on baby greens and enjoyed with a Hammond Vineyards Pinot Noir 2009. The menu was crowned with a warm Valrhona chocolate tart, raspberry coulis, a choco-late fuillatine and pistachio ice cream and complemented by the Pessagno Hames Valley Port 2002.

Dancing was the order of the night! Tables were vacated and the dance floor was full responding the wonderful music of Mike Marrota and his band. What better way to welcome our new members into this active group. Commander, Terry McCleerey, the Cadre and the membership are proud to warmly welcome our new members: Ralph Bailey, Colleen Manni, Sheila Martin, Susan Merrill, Jean Smith, Thomas Olivola and John Wilkinson

By Hallie McGonigal

Master of Flight

Continued NEXT PAGE>>

SIXTHANNUALPAELLA FEAST Elegance at the EdgeElegance at the Edge

Ken Bear, Master of Terroir, Ralph Bailey, New Member, Sandy Bear

Brian Grossi, Master of Alchemy, Didier Dutertre

Michele Alvarado, Steve Pessagno, Surpreme Knight, Sheila Martin

�� The Arbor

Sunday, July 15th, members of the Monterey Chapter attended a new event, a western affair hosted by member Susan Merrill, who really knows how to put on a party. The site was Susan’s home ranch in the hills east of Monterey, where she entertained some 80 members and guests to a very special BBQ of roasted pig and tri-tip, with all the traditional California country sides: beans, salad, whole garlic bread, plus duck sausage for an appetizer and strawberry shortcake for dessert (straw-berry fields surround her glorious ranch!). Great KOV wine topped off the feast. Susan was assisted by three chapter members: Jean Smith (shortcake), Jerry Novara (tri-tip and sausage) and Sam Alladeen (pig roaster), who prepared the entire meal. Of course, many other members helped. Grand Commander Terry McCleerey, helped run an Auction of three Magnums of “KOV Cu-vee” netting contributions of $700 for our Scholarship Fund. This party will certainly become one of the “must attend” events of the year!

YEE HAW!YEE

HAW!By Rich Hughett


Orange C

ountyO

range County

The KOV Gentile Ladies, Knights, and guests were off to taste a wide variety of wines of the Santa Barbara wine region. The weekend included warm hospitality, informative discussions, and of course great wines.

Friday, we received a gracious wel-come from Lori at the Andrew Mur-ray tasting room, and then by John, the tasting room manager for Rus-nack Vineyards. The atmosphere on the Rusnack patio provided us a wonderful, relaxing end of the week. Both Lori and John were very infor-mative about their perspective wines and their growing regions.

Saturday morning started with a walk around the delightful town of Solvang, enjoying a flavorful Scan-dinavian breakfast, or viewing the annual Datsun Roadster classic car show. From there we were off to Foxen Winery where Mo, our delightful hostess, poured a variety of wines in their new tasting room. Mo was one of those individuals who love their

job, and it showed!! She helped us continue with our education on the growing regions of Santa Barbara

County. For lunch, we had an en-chanting picnic at the Alma Rosa winery. We were able to pair two of Alma Rosa’s 2009 Pinot Noir’s with food from a Solvang deli.

Sunday morning we made the drive to the “Lompoc Wine Ghetto”. The ghetto is a two block area with about 17 small boutique tasting rooms or, in some cases, vat storage and bot-tling facilities. Because our wonder-ful weekend was drawing to an end, we limited our tasting to Ampelos Cellars and Longoria Wine Com-pany, which turned out to be excel-lent choices.

Our KOV group had a great week-end of food, wines and fellowship centered in the quant countryside of northern Santa Barbara County. We greatly appreciated our host wineries, their hospitality, and, of course, their fantastic wines.

SAnTA BARBARAWine CounTRy Weekend!

�0 The Arbor

Cha

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On Saturday, July 21st, Chancel-lery Chapter returned for a second visit to Viña Castellano Winery in Auburn, nestled in California’s foothills. We were warmly greeted by owner Carolyn Mendez and her daughter, Teena Wilkins. We all remembered what a great time we had five years ago and looked forward to a memorable afternoon beside the lake.

Upon arrival we were served Span-ish Cava with a Shrimp tapa. WOW. At 12:30 lunch was served beginning with six authentic and traditional tapas accompanied by three different styled Spanish wines. The wines were Tempra-nillo, Monastrell and Abuelita. The tapas included Mushroom Empañadas, Paella, Croquettes, Queso Pizza, Spanish meats and cheeses, and Albondigas. Tables were placed in the shady grass area adjacent to the large pond stocked with many fish. Later that after-noon we adjourned to the winery’s cave for a Syrah and chocolate dessert tasting. We broadened our culinary dining experiences and enjoyed a chance to taste original styled Spanish wines. A grand afternoon was enjoyed by our members at this picturesque win-ery, and many thanks go to Vice Commander Max Brenneman and his lovely wife Mary for arranging this outstanding event.

By Mike Doukas

Photos: Krystin Dozier

Left to Right: Dave & Krystin Dozier, and Stan & Suzanne Oppegard enjoying lunch with their table mates.

Bunny Day is happy to break bread with Peter Bosco served by Teena Wilkins, daughter of owner Carolyn Mendez

Krystin Dozier picking up a souvenir at Vina Castellano

Stan & Suzanne Oppegard Mike Doukas and Dave Dozier

Teena Wilkins with Max Brenneman

Viña CastellanoViña CastellanoOwner Carolyn Mendez being introduced by Max Brenneman

On February 25, 2012 over 40 members of the Chancellery Chapter of Sacramento got cracking at the annual Crab Feed at the beautiful home of Barbara Walker located on the Sacramento River. Once again, Chuck Kelley (the Crab Man) , served up crab that had been freshly caught that very morning. It was mouth watering delicious.

Our hostess, Barbara Walker, started off the feast with artesian cheeses, spiced cashews, olives and scrumptious extra large shrimp also caught that morning.

Our crab feed was accompanied by Caesar salad, french bread, lasagna, and yummy chocolate cookies and all complimented by wine from Bogle vineyards.

Throughout the evening we were serenaded by the delightful tunes of “Desert Dan”.

A great time was had by all and no one went home hungry.

By: Suzanne Oppegard

Crab Man Chuck Kelley and hostess Barbara Walker

�� The Arbor

Los A

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The Los Angeles Chapter had their 38th Assemblage 2012 again at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village, CA. Janet Hamilton, the Chapter’s Vice Com-mander and Event Chairman selected this venue because of their service and great gourmet food. As the guests ar-rived they were greeted with a glass of reception wine.

At the beginning of the ceremony Gentle Lady Cathie Smith was called forward and elevated to Master Histo-rian and joined the Cadre of the Chapter. The inductees for the evening were Curtis Alexander from Las Vegas, as the Principal candidate, and was made a Knight. Also, Dean Moyer, Allen Larson, Thomas Denton, Randy Witt, and Trevor Witt were Knights. To round out the evening, Susanne Bangert was knighted as a Gentle Lady. At the conclusion of the ceremony the guests then adjourned to their tables for the Champagne of Honor, Taittinger Cham-pagne and butler style passed hors d ‘oeuvres.

The first course was Maine Lobster Bisque with rock shrimp and parmesan straw and served with a 2008 Pouilly Fume, Les Chailloux, Domaine Jean-Claude Chatelain. The salad course was Baby Spinach and Mixed Greens with crispy artichokes, red onions, and tomato bruschetta. This was followed with a 2009 Chardonnay, Jocelyn-Lonen. The entrée was Asian Style Braised Boneless Short Ribs with steamed jasmine rice, Chinese long beans and spicy hoisin sauce. The wine was a 2007 Syrah, Victor Hugo. And the final dessert course was Lemon Pudding Cake with mixed berry salad. Del-hmain Grande Champagne Cognac, XO was served to finish off the evening! At the end of a wonderful evening, Commander Foster called out the Chef Hon Hudak to allow the

members to ask questions about the ingredients of the dishes and to present him with a scroll from the Los Angeles Chapter for his Outstanding Culinary Arts in the preparation of our Assemblage dinner.

Assemblage of Winter

Chairman of the Assemblage Janet Hamilton enjoying the evening with fellow members

Bottom roW: LtoR are Tom Denton, Suzanne Bangert, Dr. Dean Moyer,Allen Larson, Curtis Alexander, Randy Witt, Trevor Witt. UPPer roW: India Rance, Janet Hamilton, Lonee Urtuzuastegui, Neill Foster, Cathie Smith

By: Neill Foster


New Gentle Lady Suzanne Bangert signing the Golden Book with Master of Ceremonies Lonee Urtuzuastegui

New Gentle Lady Suzanne Bangert signing the Golden Book with Master of Ceremonies Lonee Urtuzuastegui

may eVent at eBerle Winery Our May Crab Fest event was held in Paso Robles, CA in the wonderful caves of the Eberle Winery. The Los Angeles Chapter was fortunate enough to join the Eberle Wine Fest Dinner featuring Cracked Crab from Pismo Beach , CA . Mike and Kathy of the Cracked Crab in Pismo Beach provided the very freshest crab you have ever eaten!

Our guests arrived at the winery to be greeted with a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres. There were relish trays with fresh cut vegetables and a dip, roasted red peppers heavenly oysters and baby lamb chops from the outside grill! We enjoyed all of this on a bluff overlooking the vineyards and watching the sunset.

Later we retired to our tables in the winery to enjoy a green salad, crab bisque, then donned plastic bibs, armed ourselves with a mallet and had a pile of fresh cut Snow and Dungeness crabs dumped in the middle of our table. We were also served sour dough bread, corn on the cob, boiled potatoes and sausages and then let you have at it!. And if that was not enough they ended with a divine key lime pie. And the best part of all this was we could wash all of this down with great Eberle wines!!

During the dinner Marcy Eberle had a secret contest going. She asked the servers to observe the guests to see who cleaned their plate of all their crab. At the end of the meal she took a poll of the waiters and Master Commander Foster won and received a bottle of Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon as his prize!

Who says he doesn’t like CRAB!

Charles Urtuzuastegui and Helga Neuss enjoying the reception

Master Commander Neill Foster presents a Scroll of Honor to the Hotel

Janet Hamilton placing Taste Vin on new Member Trevor WittJanet Hamilton placing Taste Vin on new Member Trevor Witt

The Witt Family celebrating at The Four SeasonsJohn Hamilton with new member Dr. Dean Moyer and his lovely wife

�� The Arbor

Tom Storey, Tom Kossen, Diane Drake, Connie Kossen, Nicky Drake and Sherry Storey

SeagullS,Seaweed...SeagullS,Seaweed...

A gentle breeze hinting of salt water and seaweed along with screeching seagulls circling overhead greeted our members as we “walked the plank” to the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club tucked into the Downtown Commercial Fishing Pier. There a Welcoming Reception awaited us with plentiful food, wine donated and poured by the Lodi Chapter and a big helping of camaraderie as we visited with our fellow knights and gentle ladies from across the country. Several Commanders issued special invitations to their chapter members to attend the annual meeting events with them this year, and we were delighted to have twenty members from Houston, eleven each from Mississippi and Lake Tahoe and six each from Lodi and Tennessee join us for our three-day affair. We also welcomed Cadre Officers Ken and Cheri Hick from t h e Oregon Wine Brotherhood who joined us for the weekend.

On Friday we were invited to “Rancho Galante” a 700 acre working cattle ranch nestled in the hills of the upper Carmel Valley which is also home to the Galante Winery and Estate Vineyards. Our hosts, Supreme Knight Jack Galante

Story & Photos by Carol Bade

Neill Foster, Ernie Grossman & Terry McCleerey

Judy & Ray Henry

Carol Bade, Sherry Storey, Diane Drake & Lucy Strickland and Miriam Harris (seated)

CHEERS...from Steve Pessagno!


& Wine!& Wine!

annual Meeting 2012 –Montereyannual Meeting 2012 –Monterey

and his wife, Gentle Lady Dawn Galante, who are members of the Houston Chapter, prepared a “Cowboy Barbecue Lunch” for us with assistance from Houston Commander Buddy Hagner who grilled the meat while looking very professional in his white chef ’s jacket. The rest of us relaxed and enjoyed touring the winery and felt quite privileged to be allowed into the Galante private wine cellar to view their outstanding collection of wines. Lunch was held under a big white tent accom-panied by some great wines whose labels sported names befitting the location such as Rancho Galante, Black-jack Pasture, Kick Ass Cabernet and Grand Champion. After a very pleasant afternoon we wended our way back down the twisting canyon roads of upper Carmel Val-ley to downtown Monterey and our headquarters -- the Abrego Hotel.

That Friday evening we drove out to world famous Pebble Beach for a special reception featuring local Santa Lucia Highlands and River Road wines. These ex-traordinary wines were poured by winemakers from the Monterey Chapter. Cadre Officer Brian Grossi opened his magnificent home to us, located on the Monterey Peninsula Country Club overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the famous 17 Mile Drive. We enjoyed outstanding, plentiful hors d’oeuvres prepared on site by A Movable

Morris & Lucy Strickland with Cheri & Ken Hick

The Houston Crew enjoying the evening in Monterey

Jack & Dawn Galante, Brian Grossi and Cheri & Ken Hick

Janet Hamilton, Zena Lamp and Neill Foster at the Galante Wine Cellars

Amy Lawch, Brian Grossi & Walter Lamp

The Arbor36

Feast Catering and marveled at the view of the crashing waves as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

Our national meeting was held Saturday morning at the Abrego Hotel. Grand Administrative Officer John Tudor noted that all active chapters were represented by delegates either in person or by proxy. Items discussed included such topics as finances and operating budgets, possible dues increases, web site upgrade, FICB, Arbor Magazine, and how to increase membership. Our of-ficers appreciated the input from our delegates on the various topics. Directors elected to new three year terms were Don Bade, John Tudor and Tom Webb. Following the meeting, the directors met and re-elected the current officers to serve for another year. Grand Commander Terry McCleerey also appointed Norman Harris to serve on the Grand Council.

We didn’t hold a formal luncheon after the meeting this year. Instead we left the afternoon free so members could explore the Monterey area on their own and visit such interesting sites as the Aquarium, Cannery Row and the quaint and charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea with its fantastic shops and huge white sand beach.

That evening we gathered at the “President’s House” at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to enjoy a special din-ner honoring our Delegates, Officers and Directors. Monterey Chapter Supreme Knight Steve Pessagno planned a wine pairing masterpiece for us featuring Santa Lucia Highlands wines which he discussed dur-ing dinner. We all enjoyed a balmy evening under the stars and agreed this was a fitting end to our Monterey annual meeting adventure.

annu

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annu

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at the Yacht Club Tasting

Morris Strickland, Jack Galante, Peter Bosco and Pat & Linda Pingitore at Galante Cellars

Diane & Nicky Drake, Debbie Fogarty and Janet Hamilton

Susan Wingert, Tom Storey, Diane Drake, Terry McCleerey, Linda Pingitore, Sherry Storey and Norm Harris (seated)

Dick & Dawn Martella, Terry McCleerey with Heather & Kit Wingert enjoying the President’s House Dinner

��Winter/Spring 2012

THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE VINEper v item ad v ita m!

�� The Arbor

lapel pin (Shown actual size)This cloisonné pin is a miniature of the Knights of the Vine emblem. It has a gold background with pale green and red. It comes with a military clutch fastener.order #LPP $7.00

maltese cross(Shown 50% of actual size)This striking badge of honor should be worn at any Black Tie formal event. Finish is enameled gold, white, red and green. Gentlemen’s version includes ribbon.order #MCR (with ribbon) $37.00order #MC (w/o ribbon) $25.00

medallion with wreathThis classic cloisonné medallion with wreath is gold, red and green. It is available for those members with a rank of “Master” Knight/Ladyand above. Gentleman’s version includes ribbon.order #MWR (with ribbon) $47.00order #MW (w/o ribbon) $35.00

order form

Name _________________________

Address _______________________

City ___________________________

State ______ Zip ________________

Telephone _____________________

KOV Chapter ___________________

KOV Rank ______________________

Please send me the following items: Qty. Item # Price Amount

Sub Total

Priority Shipping $5.95

Total $

Visa or MasterCard #

___________________________________

Exp:____________ 3 Digit Code ________

~OR~

Make check payable to:

Knights of the Vine3343 Industrial Drive, Suite 2Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2060Tel: (707) 579-3781

per vitem!

ad vitam!lapel rosette(Shown actual size)This tiny, discrete symbol of your membership in the Brotherhood is made in France from our red and green ribbon. It is perfect for both men and women. People will ask you about it.order #LPR $12.00

shield with motto(Shown actual size)This cloisonné Shield with Motto is green and red with gold lettering and comes with a military clutch fastener.order #SM $10.00

blazer crest emblem(Shown 50% of actual size)This handsome emblem is embroidered with threads of gold, green and red. It comes with your choice of a “clutchback” with 3 pins/clips for quick and easy mounting and removal, or a magnetic back that clips into a pocket for those who don’t want to stick a pin through their fabric.order #BPES (Sew on) $34.00 order #BPEP (Clutch Back) $36.00order #BPEM (Magnetic Back) $40.00

diSPlay your KnigHtHood witH Pride!

You may order these items on the KOV website store at

w w w . k o v . o r g

ficb medallion (not actual size)This handsome medallion is from our FICB head-quartersin Paris, France. We have a limited supply available for those members who have attended an FICB Wine Congress.

order #FICB $75.00


TEnnESSEETennessee Chapter

Commander Tom Webb 277 College Street Collierville, TN 38017 Phone: 901-853-7781 Fax: 901-854-0707 [email protected]

TEXASAustin Chapter

Commander Larry Peel P.O. Box 248 Austin, TX 78767 Phone: 512-327-3333 Fax: 512-327-3600

Houston Chapter Commander Robert Hagner, Jr. 4320 W. 12th Street Houston, TX 77055 Phone: 713-819-9463 Fax: 713-432-9464 [email protected]

WASHInGTon, D.C.Nation’s Capital Chapter

Commander Kenneth A. Haapala 9634 Boyett Court Fairfax, VA 22032 Phone: 703-978-6025 (day) 703-978-6230 (evening) Fax: 703-978-2258 [email protected]

International Chapters

FInLAnDFinland Chapter

Commander Roope Raisamo Turpiininkatu 2 B 32 FI-33100 Tampere Finland Phone: 358-50-570-2007 [email protected]

Active ChaptersARIZonASouthern Arizona Chapter

Commander Karen Kornman 9847 E. Cisco Court Tucson, AZ 85748 Phone/Fax: 520-296-5696 [email protected] www.kovtus.net

CALIFoRnIAChancellery Chapter

Commander Mike Doukas P.O. Box 163344 Sacramento, CA 95816 Phone: 916-929-3391 (evening) [email protected]

Lake Tahoe Region Chapter Commander Ernest D. Grossman P.O. Box 3817 Truckee, CA 96160 Phone: 530-550-0570 Fax: 530-550-0575 [email protected]

Lodi Chapter Commander John Tudor P.O. Box 567 Woodbridge, CA 95258-0567 Cell: 209-601-4393 [email protected]

Los Angeles Chapter Commander Neill Foster 1536 N. Orange Grove Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046 Phone: 323-876-5346 (evening) Fax: 323-876-8319 [email protected]

Monterey Peninsula Chapter Commander Terrance K. McCleerey 123 Capitol Street Suite C Salinas, CA 93901 Phone: 831-422-2702 (day) 831-625-3211 (evening) Fax: 831-422-1397 [email protected]

Orange County Chapter Commander Thomas E. McCrystal 27245 Regio Mission Viejo, CA 92692 Phone: 949-582-9253 Fax: 949-582-9036 [email protected]

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Commander Roland Medel P.O. Box 12486 Oakland, CA 94604-2486 Phone: 510-339-9880 Fax: 510-339-9881 [email protected]

GEoRGIALow Country Chapter

Commander Gerald Kramer 321 East Liberty Street Savannah, GA 31401 Office: 707.579.3781

MISSISSIPPIGulf Coast Chapter

Commander Morris G. Strickland 794 Destiny Plantation Biloxi, MS 93532 Phone: 228-872-6272 (day) 228-273-1517 (evening) Fax: 228-872-5939 [email protected]

Jackson Chapter Commander Norman Harris 106 Country Club Drive Madison, MS 39110 Phone: 601-898-2334 Fax: 601-898-9779

noRTH CARoLInANorth Carolina Chapter

Commander Ronald Newcomb 50 Canvasback Court Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-533-3300 Fax: 919-533-3300 [email protected]

the brotherhood of the knights of the vine®

National Headquarters3343 Industrial Drive, Suite 2Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2060Tel: (707) 579-3781

the brotherhood of the knights of the vine®

National Headquarters3343 Industrial Drive, Suite 2Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2060Tel: (707) 579-3781

Water separates the people of the world; wine unites them.

Water separates the people of the world; wine unites them.

per vitem! ad vitam!per vitem! ad vitam!Through the vine, toward life!Through the vine, toward life!

summer fall 2012

Documents

grand commander emerituscarol

grand commander emeritusl

grand commanderrobert

grand treasurerjohn

grand vice commanderdonald

master commander

santa rosa

netprovost general