ARBOR SUMMER FALL 2022

Table of Contents

Chapters

Monterey 10

Lake Tahoe .......................................... 13

National Headquarters

4448 W. 12th Street, Houston, TX 77055-7204 Phone: 844.440.8463 • www.kov.org

North Carolina 26 Austin 33 Los Angeles ......................................... 38 San Francisco Bay Area ......................... 40 Houston 46

Feature Articles

It was ALMOST like an FICB Congress .............................. 4 by Claire Cuccio

FICB International Congress ~ REPORT ............................................ 9 by Pat Pingitore Members in the News ........................ 25 Wine Enthusiast and Napa Valley Entrepreneur: Supreme Knight Joanne Dickenson DePuy .................. 28 By Nan McCreary National News 43 How The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine is Changing Students’ Lives 44 By Dennis Reynolds, Ph.D. Annual Meeting

Directors

Robert C. “Buddy” Hagner, Jr., Chairman Claire Cuccio, Jerry Gatlin, Kenneth A. Haapala, Richard Kehoe, Ken Levy, Gordon MacKay, Pasquale “Pat” Pingitore, Tom Webb

Grand Officers Grand Council

Robert C. “Buddy” Hagner, Jr., Grand Commander Kenneth A. Haapala, Grand Vice Commander Jerry Gatlin, Grand Treasurer Tom Webb, Grand Administrative Officer

Robert C. “Buddy” Hagner, Jr., Grand Commander Kenneth A. Haapala, Grand Vice Commander Jerry Gatlin, Grand Treasurer Tom Webb, Grand Administrative Officer • webbtom@bellsouth.net Pasquale “Pat” Pingitore, International Emissary Janet Hamilton, Vice Commander Los Angeles Chapter

Trish Hagner, Executive Director ~

Provosts

Provost General, Northeastern United States Dave Barber dave.barber@earthlink.net

Provost General, Northwestern United States Peter Bosco bred1@att.net

Provost General, Southeastern United States Thomas Storey tbs@esmhe.net

Provost General, Southwestern United States Lois Van Vooren lois.vanvooren@gmail.com

Arbor Magazine

Dario & Debbie Lorenzana, Layout & Design Trish Hagner, Nan McCreary & Cathie S. Smith, Editorial Review Board

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: 4448 W. 12th Street, Houston, TX 77055-7204 Internet: http://www.kov.org. Unsolicited articles and pictures are welcome and will be considered for publication by the Editorial Review Board. Items, if mailed, cannot be returned. Comments and materials should be sent to kov-office@kov.org. Members of the Knights of the Vine receive a free subscription. Subscriptions by nonmembers are $20.00 per year. Copyright ©2022 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, Inc.

From

the Commander’s Desk

From the Commander’s Desk

The year is flying by! It started off well and then seemed to go into hyper speed … with no signs of slowing down. And that is GREAT NEWS! There is so much happening everywhere and it is remarkable how chapters continue to plan fun and educational events and how members are so fully engaged in them. From the Monterey Chapter’s Forager’s Festival to Chancellery’s Annual Crab Feed to a Derby Party celebrated in New Orleans by the Gulf Coast Chapter, to name a few, our KOV is going strong and growing with the addition of new members at our Assemblages in Tennessee, Gulf Coast, Chancellery, Austin and Houston and more coming up in the fall. If somehow you have not had the opportunity to participate, I hope you will! Check out the national calendar at www.KOV.org.

Our National Meeting of Delegates was hosted by the Lodi Chapter this year. Members and guests gathered from April 8 – 10 in Lodi before heading up to Ironstone Winery in Murphys, California. You will get a full recap of those events in the following pages. A special thank you to Master Commander Gordon and Annette MacKay for heading up planning for this annual event and to Supreme Knights John and Gail Kautz for their gracious hospitality at Ironstone Winery.

Speaking of our national meeting, I hope you’ll start making your plans now to join us for the 2023 National Meeting of Delegates (open to all members) in Austin, Texas March 30 -31. Details will be shared by email and posted on the website as soon as they are available, but the dates are set and you’re all invited!

On the international scene, a number of our members are traveling to Madeira Island for the FICB’s first Wine Discovery Tour and registration is still open for the 2023 FICB Congress in Portugal. They asked for a minimum of 200 registrations before June 1 to contract with hotels and venues and this was easily achieved. Clearly, there is a lot of excitement about this and I hope to see you there.

In this issue you will meet Supreme Knight Joanne Dickensen DePuy in a Q & A by Nan McCreary. At 95 and still going strong, this incredible woman has a fascinating history and you’ll learn of her role in getting the wines to Paris at the request of Steven Spurrier for the Paris Tasting of 1976.

It was ALMOST like an FICB Congress!

In late May 2022, a small band of 12 FICB diehards visited the Langhe province in Italy to attend a collection of events that were on our rescheduled and ultimately cancelled 2020 FICB Congress agenda. Coming together from Texas, Tennessee, California and Belgium our small group was treated to all the sights, sounds, food and wine of Torino, Canelli, Canale, Neive, Treiso, Barolo and Alba. We had been talking to our host Daniela, from Langhe Experience Tours, for three years and it was nice to finally be in Italy on the tour after leaving our deposits with the agency rather than taking the refund that was offered when the Congress was cancelled.

Some travelers had booked the extension and they were given the option to enjoy it before or after the main trip to accommodate other travel plans. Glenys and Jim Kay along with Richard Abelkis and Claire Cuccio opted to do the extension ahead of the main program while Tom and Beth Webb along with Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo scheduled their extension after the main program. The extension started in Torino where we stayed right across from the main train station. A local city walking tour

helped to orient us to the region and we enjoyed two dinners with a selection of wonderful cuisine and wine pairings as well. It was relaxing and prepared us for the decadence that was to come.

Enroute to Langhe, Glenys and Jim and Richard and Claire stopped at Azienda Agricola Ponchione in the hills of Roero where they were treated to a personal tasting by the owner, Maurizo Ponchione and his son, Andrea. We sampled Barbera, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Arneis and Chardonnay while overlooking their vineyards and eating home-cooked food prepared by Maurizo’s mother.

By Claire Cuccio

The four arrived in Alba and met up with the rest of the group that included Buddy and Trish Hagner, Tom and Beth Webb, Merrill and Paul Bonarrigo, Kathy Long and Susan Loberg. Everyone settled in to our modern hotel near the city center and, before long, we were meeting in the lobby to be guided to our welcome dinner at Enoclub, a noted Michelin restaurant, located on Piazza Michele Ferrero. Yes, in addition to wine, Alba is home to the founder of Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Chocolate and Richard Abelkis’s favorite, Nutella.

Each day began with a breakfast buffet at our hotel before boarding our comfortable bus and being greeted by our congenial guide, Beppe. Our first stop of day 2 was Contratto Vineyard in Cannelli. We were treated to a tour of his historic cellar built in 1872. With a depth of 32 meters, providing a constant temperature of 13˚ Celsius, the wine has the perfect humidity for fermentation in bottle. Contratto features sparkling wines and vermouths – a perfect aperitif for our event-packed day. Following was lunch at Enoteca di Canelli – Casa Crippa. This is a Michelin recognized restaurant occupying a late 19th century palazzo. We were served wonderful Piedmontese food in their historic wine cellar. Of note, the panna cotta with caramel ice cream and hazelnut powder was amazing. After dinner, we walked back to our hotel and it was incredible to see all the people including many families with small children out enjoying the piazza, coffee, wine, ice cream … each other! The smiles and laughter of this slower way of living was something to take note of and appreciate.

On the first day and every day that followed, we were amazed at the beauty all around us. Lush vineyards, hazelnut trees and birch trees made it obvious what was important in the region. The vineyards were often very steep and we could only imagine the difficulty the locals must face during harvest when this is all done by hand. A sense of history was around every turn! Castles and ancient villas were so numerous, we almost started to take them for granted as we traveled modern highways and narrow cobblestone streets, but no … that was just not possible.

On to Grinzane Cavour Castle , a UNESCO site dedicated to winemaking and it is also the home of the local Knights of the Truffles and Vino Society, similar to our KOV. We were treated to beautiful views and the historical tools of winemaking. We packed a lot of wining and dining into one day and closed with dinner at Le Scuderie Del Castello di Govone. This one is not in the Michelin Guide yet, but we wouldn’t be surprised for the chef to see a Michelin Star in his future

Al Fresco Lunch at Agriturismo La Morra Brandini

as he served an amazing meal that included a pre-dessert of orange ice cream with artichoke candy followed by the main dessert of chocolate and hazelnut tiramisu. It was a fabulous meal with porthole style windows where we could peer into the kitchen as our meal was prepared.

Day 3 started with a wine tasting at Malvirà. This is why we travel with the KOV! Roberto Damonte - the co-owner along with his brother, was amazing and a member of the Knights of the Truffles and Vino. He can trace his family in Roero back to the 14th century and winemaking back six generations. This was a special tasting! The whites were aged in Austrian oak and the reds in French oak; both mixed with their counterparts aged in stainless. We tasted three whites and then Roberto discussed a vertical tasting he did for guests in 2019 of about 10 vintages; the 2008 white wine was that group’s favorite. He showed us in the cellar how he can preserve whites that long; the secret is 13-14° Celsius, similar to what we heard about the temperature at Contratto. Buddy asked, ”What is the difference between the older and younger vintages?” Roberto said, “I will show you.” Then he selected a 2013 so we could taste for ourselves. It was amazing. He also chose a 2014 white wine without sulfites inspired by a friend in Japan. Roberto said this wine changes every year and if you save half a bottle to drink the day after you open it, it is even better. The group pondered how it is possible to save half a bottle for the next day! We moved onto the reds; 100% Nebbiolo from three different vintages (2017, 2009, 2006). We ended with a dessert wine with 10% sugar and 6.5% alcohol. Roberto read the crowd and made decisions on the fly on what he wanted to share from his cellar based on the questions asked. It truly was a terrific experience with one surprise after another!

Lunch was at Osteria Borgo Vecchio in Neive. They specialize in parallel vegetarian and meat menus, with all organic ingredients and pasta made in-house. We were served two kinds of veal – tartare (vitello tonnato) and cooked, a ravioli filled with vegetable, rabbit, chicken and veal and sampled a Barbaresco and a Barolo. We were treated to a traditional Piedmontese dessert, Bunet – which is similar to a crème caramel, but

with the addition of rum, cocoa and amaretti biscuits. It was luscious and another great restaurant choice by Daniela of Langhe Tours.

We then took an afternoon walk and were treated to a tasting and tour at Castello di Neive Winery. They had an entire room full of library wines. We blind tasted a Reisling, Albarossa, Nebbiolo, and Barbaresco. Albarossa was a new grape for many of us - the winemaker created a grape from Barbera and Nebbiolo. To top off the day, dinner was at Locanda in Cannubi, Barolo. This was another wonderful meal at an 18th century building with amazing views. The wines were Chardonnay and, of course, Barolo.

The last day was spent in Barolo. We started the day with a visit to the Museo del Vino. It is in a castle (of course!) and was more of a sensory experience than looking at old tools and everyone agreed that it is highly recommended if you come to Barolo. One of the exhibits was a bar with different religious leaders side by side behind the bar. It was meant to show that wine features prominently in most religions. There is also a Museo Dei Cavatappi (corkscrews) in town. We had lunch at

- an eco-hotel and winery that grows their own produce. We were hosted for lunch by winemaker Giovanna Farina (28), the winemaker for Stefano Farina, who showed us her cellar after we enjoyed her Arneis/Viognier and Nebbiolo with lunch. Then we headed back to Alba for a tour at the Pio Cesare Winery. The most interesting part of the tasting was a Barbaresco and Barolo aged exactly the same to compare the two grapes. We ended with a quick walking tour of Alba and headed back to the hotel for a breather before the last supper.

Our last night was fantastic! We said goodbye to our terrific guide and went to another Michelin star restaurant for dinner, La Ciau Del Tornavento. Like many of the others, the view was as beautiful as the food and certainly added to the overall experience. This one was set on a hill surrounded by vines where we could see all the places we visited that day. With perfect weather, the restaurant had the glass wall open and our banquet table was perfectly

set where we could enjoy the beauty of the restaurant and the weather. This meal was over the top and offered unique items that included some we’d never seen before like a cock’s comb. Interesting! Many courses came and a lot of trading was happening around the table. After the meal, we toured their extensive cellars which contained multiple rooms. From first growth Bordeauxs to rare wines to, of course, the finest wines from the region to include Tuscany, this wine collection was worth millions!

We returned to our hotel tired from a packed agenda over multiple days, happy for the time together and already looking forward to our next adventure! See you in Portugal!

Agriturismo La Morra Brandini

Our group in front of the Wine Museum

Le Scuderie Del Castello di Govone

There is not much new to report on the FICB front so I will summarize the details of upcoming events for your calendars.

The first ever Wine Discover Tour was held in Madeira Portugal September 22-26, 2022. Ten members of our Brotherhood were in attendance. As of this writing there were a couple of spots available among the 50 expected attendees. A number of KOV members are registered already.

The next FICB General Assembly is set for Saturday, February 4, 2023 in Paris. Don’t underestimate Paris in the winter months - no crowds and easy access to museums and monuments are a welcome benefit. It’s also a nice way to meet other FICB members and partake in a wonderful lunch at the Musée du Vin with a huge variety of surprise wines brought by the delegates. Other events are often scheduled around that weekend. It’s worth your attendance and all are welcome!

The next FICB International Congress is scheduled for Oporto, Portugal May 27-31, 2023 with an extension to the Lisbon area June 1-3, 2023. Registration has been brisk and will close soon so if you are interested, you are strongly encouraged to sign up today. You can find links to the program and registration at the bottom of our home page at www.KOV.org.

The Ladies of Pannonia have rescheduled the Wine Challenge and Tasting in Hungary for May 23-28, 2024. Save the dates on your calendars. Details will be published in the spring of 2023.

Speaking of international travel, the FICB has published a printable multilingual Lexicon of Wine terms in 5 languages (English, Italian, French, German and Spanish) that you might want to print and take with you as you visit international wine regions. Simply go

the website (www.winebrotherhoods.org), and click the “Lexicon 5 Languages” tab to access and print.

Soon to be published will be a guide to conducting Blind Tastings for all to use. Input is being sought by the committee which includes our own Master Knight Dave Barber of the Nation’s Capital Chapter.

Our Brotherhood has answered the call for FICB’s Diploma of Honor candidates. The San Francisco / Bay Area Chapter nominated, and the Grand Council has approved, Supreme Knight Joanne Dickenson DePuy for consideration this year and (long overdue), Warren Winiarski for consideration in 2023. (The FICB allows for one nominee per year per Brotherhood). Both of these icons of the Napa Valley have been or are featured in our Arbor Magazine.

It’s a privilege to represent you.

Per Vitem, Ad Vitam!!

FICB International Congress ~ REPORT Pat Pingitore

Hello fellow KOV members and world travelers !

Monterey Monterey

Pizza, Paella, Posters...

The Monterey Chapter of the Knights of the Vine celebrated several gatherings so far in 2022 with precautions against COVID that is seemingly always lurking as an uninvited guest.

Pizza it's personal – just ask Peter Tansall. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs where he liked the Windy City’s well-known deep-dish pizza but actually relished tavern style. When he and his wife Sheila moved to the Monterey Peninsula in the 90s they started making their own pizzas to search for something better than restaurant pies available at that time.

He hosted a dozen members of the Monterey Chapter around his backyard Forno Bravo wood fired oven to show off his personal favorites coupled with a robust selection of Italian wines. Peter, commenting on what separates a great pie from a good one shares that “Great pizza comes from passionate pizzalolo’s. It’s fun to try really different flavor combinations. I really think there is no such thing as a bad pizza but when you’re eating one that hits all your marks, you know and don’t forget it.”

Some of his secrets are to use Caputo double zero flour and often blend it with an all-purpose unbleached flour such as King Arthur. With little changes one can use the same flour to make deep dish, Detroit style, Sicilian or other types including tavern.

Peter believes in the “what’s pizza without wine?” rule. For the event he chose Sant’Orsola Prosecco Gold and Santa Margheriti Pinot Grigio to accompany the hors d’oeuvers. Then the group enjoyed Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico, Antinori Marchese Chianti Riserva, Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran, 2018 Nebbiolo Pierinvaletta Langhe, 2016 Barolo Giovanni Rosso and Serralunga D’Alba with the pizza.

TOP LEFT Peter Tansall showing off his pizza creation TOP RIGHT Chef Brandon Miller preparing his specialty on a Carmel Valley patio OPPOSITE PAGE TOP Two of host Tony Singer’s wine posters from his classic collection

and Plans

Paella Expansive views of Carmel Valley and beyond greeted 25 members for a Paella Party. Chef Brandon Miller is known throughout Northern California for not just the paella he skillfully prepares, but for how he cooks up a party. His website, paellallc.com, offers this verbal picture: “He’s outdoors, standing behind a washtub. Bubbling and steaming, the food before him – mussel shells popped open, little pink arches of shrimp, strips of red bell pepper and handfuls of peas – is intricately arranged and riotously colorful.”

The paella and show were as advertised, minus the mussels, and was complemented with a variety of Spanish wines. The venue for the party was Tony Singer’s hilltop home in Carmel Valley. On display were examples of Tony’s world-renowned classic poster collection including several devoted to grapes and wine. For over 30 years, Tony’s Vintage Auto Posters (www.VintageAutoPosters. com) has been supplying world-wide collectors with the most diverse and highest quality selection of authentic vintage automotive posters. Tony also owns several special cars and he plays a significant role in the famed Monterey Car Week every August.

How many Knights does it take to make a pizza? LtoR Rich Briscoe, Rick Kehoe and Peter Tansill

FNF Friday Night Flights is a popular Monterey Chapter event that has been limited due to health concerns. The chapter was able to start the summer months with an evening tasting at Dawn’s Dream’s tasting room in Carmel. Master Lady and Winery Owner Dawn Galante hosted a dozen fellow KOV members with a flight of her current releases including a perennial favorite Rosé to complement her stable of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

Fridays are notable and tasty at Dawn’s Dream because with the purchase of a bottle of wine the tasting room will arrange for the delivery of a pizza from Rich Pepe’s Little Napoli restaurant around the corner. Indoor and outdoor seating made everyone comfortable in this time of pandemic.

Dawn started producing award-winning wines in 2011 while maintaining a business model that allows for the opportunity to give back. Dawn’s passion for helping women and children equals her passion for making wine.

With the goal to produce approachable wines of exceptional quality and elegance Dawn is sourcing fruit from the finest vineyards in California.  With a focus on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé, the vineyards range from the coastal regions of Monterey County, to the warm, golden hills of Carmel Valley and Santa Lucia Highlands. Dawn’s Dream wines have been publicly awarded and widely recognized for their elegant, bright, and complex characteristics.

Plans The Monterey Chapter has planned a robust calendar for the rest of the year. The events include “Bubbles, Bangkok and Beyond” featuring four Asian cuisines and four sparkling wines, a food and wine pairing at a member’s Big Sur home, the annual Pier Party on Stillwater Cove in Pebble Beach and the Holiday Party in one of Monterey’s historic adobes.

And looking even farther ahead, our 2023 Assemblage will be held on February 25 at The Club at Pasadera; the site of our successful 2022 event! We invite all our friends across the country to come join us!

Do you need wine to create a great pizza experience or pizza to bring out a new character in these Italian varietals?

Lake Tahoe Region Chapter Report Lake Tahoe Region Chapter Report

January in Tahoe/Truckee is not without its challenges. The intrepid Cadre braved the elements for the annual planning brunch. With all the best intentions knowing full well that the uncertainties of weather, competing events, venue availabilities, and other vagaries of life often disrupt the best made plans we did in fact present a schedule of events for our membership to calendar. And once, again, with Chik and Polly with us, we arranged to involve both Chancellery and Tahoe jointly in most of our planning.

Man plans, God laughs.

SECHSELAUTEN or

The Six O’clock Ringing of the Bells

By Veronica Rollman Kaufman

It is Sunday, March 13. What better way to celebrate Daylight Savings Time! This assumes you do (and why not?!) so you might be interested to know that it coincides with a 16th century Swiss “Ringing of the Bells” tradition that goes back to a Swiss Spring festival when the city’s guild resolved that the working day should end one hour earlier—at six o’clock—during the summer months. Seemed reason enough to us to gather for a Swiss feast at Moody’s Restaurant in Truckee!

Commander Ernie Grossman, Vice Commander and Chargée d’Affaires Stephanie Harris and Master Lady Sudsy Sorbeck with Chef William Burns designed and beautifully provided a delicious Swiss dinner with perfect wine pairings for a group of about 35 happy Lake Tahoe KOV and a few Chancellery chapter members. Per Commander Ernie Grossman’s personal connection with the weather gods, conditions were ideal as well.

The first course was a traditional cheese fondue—to be shared by foursomes— with bread, sliced apples and apricots for scooping. A lovely 2020 Provins Chasselas L’Apage from Switzerland was perfect with this course. Next came individual plates of raclette with the traditional accompaniments of gherkins, pickled onions, roasted small potatoes, accompanied by salad lightly dressed with a French white vinaigrette. 2018 Spatburgunder Dautel Pinot Noir from Germany complemented this course. At this point, most of us expected that dessert would be next. But, no! An absolutely delicious main course of real veal schnitzel and béarnaise was the surprise, served with yummy “rosti”—potatoes and cheese sautéed and presented as spaetzle—plus broccolini. Sudsy paired this course with a perfect match: 2019 Bourgogne Pasetoutgrain (Gamay/ Pinot Noir) from France.

By this time, many of us were requesting “to go” boxes to enjoy the leftovers of this beautiful dinner once again. But, what’s a Swiss dinner without a chocolate dessert? Chef Burns prepared the ideal finish: Dark chocolate and hazelnut mousse cake with raspberry coulis. This yummy treat was paired with NV Orchard Cherry liquor from Austria.

Those of us who could still walk, did! And, whatever position you might take regarding Daylight Savings Time, celebrating it was certainly worth it.

L ’ Apres Midi in April

It was a lovely late April afternoon of wine and food pairings with a presentation and discussion led by Master Knight Bill Staehlin of the Lake Tahoe Chapter who is an amateur winemaker and wine tasting competition judge. Bill brought us wines from two extraordinary winemakers; both off the beaten path.

One was from New Clairvaux Vineyard in the North Central Valley close by the I-5 and the second was Acqiesce from Acampo in the Lodi region. A highlight was the offering of a side by side tasting of a 2020 Picpoul Blanc (California) and a 2020 Picpoul de Pinet (Pomer-

ol-high acid). What a treat. Both winemakers offered large discounts for which our members were grateful and took full advantage of buying an enormous quantity as a result. Thank you Gentle Lady Stephanie Bosco and Knight Peter Bosco for hosting our forty participants.

Historic Train Ride

Toward the end of June, we had an adventure, taking a historic train ride to Virginia City by the V & T Railroad. Lunch was at the Bucket of Blood Saloon and catered by our local Chef Ron Allen who drove up to Virginia City, Nevada, with our picnic lunches in advance of our arrival. Travelers brought their own drinks for the ride. Once in Virginia City, our folks enjoyed the western charm at their own pace and soaked up all the sights. For the return home, each traveler was presented with a 375-liter bottle of their choice of Bellini Chianti, Line 39 Sauvignon Blanc, or Alamos Malbec adding to the festivities on the ride back. We had a wonderful afternoon and couldn’t be much happier until we actually arrived at the Station in Carson City and found that Stephanie Harris had a surprise dessert to cap the afternoon. Now, we were indeed, a very happy bunch!

Chancellery Chancellery

OH WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR CAN MAKE!

The Chancellery Chapter celebrated its Tenth Annual Crab Feed on March 6th at Baker Family Wines, in West Sacramento. There was some noticeable difference from last year as we were able to host more folks and hold our event inside this year.  Some important elements of our event that did not change were the wonderful group in attendance, the beautifully prepared crab, and yummy appetizers and sides to accompany the crab.   We were lucky to have Chuck Kelly and Dave Clesi at the crab boil pot again.  The shrimp, which they serve fresh out of the pot, is always a hot ticket item during our social hour.   Some of our members contributed additional appetizers.    We were happy to have a group from the Lake Tahoe chapter join us for the evening.

As a special treat, members of the group were treated to a pre-event tour of the University of California, Davis Teaching and Research Winery. Our Chapter, as well as the Monterey, Los Angeles, and Lake Tahoe Chapter steward a KOV scholarship for graduate students in the viticulture and enology program. We listened to Andrew Misialek present his findings on a study of Petite Sirah clones grown on the UC Davis campus. Andrew was the recipient of the 2021 scholarship. This project was originally started many years ago with a gift from Patty Bogle of Bogle Winery.

In May, we held a two-day Grand Assemblage. On Friday evening, we started the celebration at the home of Lee and John Ford. They hosted a wine and appetizer mixer around their lovely pool area in Auburn. Commander Chik was asked to speak to the group about the current state of the wine business in our area; most interesting to the participants was the impact of the fires of the last couple of years on the fruit and the product.

The Assemblage followed the next day, when our newest KOV member/partner, Kari Hazen, owner of Rancho Roble Vineyards, made available her beautiful winery and estate for us. Members installed that evening were: Kari Hazen, Francine Vorhees, and Jon Vorhees. We were fortunate to have with us our Grand Commander, Buddy Hagner and Executive Director Trish Hagner from KOV National in Houston and Commander Emeritus, Ken Levy and his wife Sandy from the Lodi Chapter. A highlight of the evening was when Kari’s grandson, who was watching the proceedings saw our swords and wine glasses and didn’t quite know what to make of it. Buddy quickly assessed the situation and made it special for the 3-year old boy. He asked for the Commander’s sword and installed the little one as a knave, only using the sword, but not the wine glass! Three additional new Chancellery members were not able to attend; we will catch up with them next spring when we will schedule our next Assemblage. After the ceremony, we had preferred seating at the first several flower-adorned tables, arrayed end to end down a path through the vines. Also present at the event were members of Rancho Roble’s wine club, who were thoroughly impressed with what they learned about KOV. The Rancho Roble setting was superb, and we stayed late to enjoy dessert and the live music performed lakeside. A beautiful evening, fairy lights and even a chandelier over the tables, made it magical.

We look forward to future Chancellery and other local chapter events planned for late summer and fall. It’s just another chance for our Northern California KOV members to meet and mingle.

Movin’ and Shakin’ on the gulf coast

By Suzy Moss

Mardi Gras is a time for celebration for the Gulf Coast area and the Gulf Coast Knights of the Vine never miss a chance for celebration and for drinking wine. This year the group met for a Mardi Gras Winedown Wednesday at Biloxi’s local wine bar BoHo Social House. BoHo touts itself as serving local, regional, and international wines for sipping and enjoying. They also serve specialty meats, cheeses, and tapas and the bar owners describe their charcuterie boards as Char Cutie presentations. The KOV group dressed in their Mardi Gras finery and since many of the members are members of Mardi Krewes and have been Kings, Dukes, Queens, and Maids, the Mardi Gras costumes are always very colorful and sparkly with purple, green, and

gold highlights that carry out the Mardi Gras themes of justice, faith, and power. Toasts of wine and specialty cocktails served by BoHo were plentiful throughout the evening and members repeatedly expressed their gratefulness for being fortunate enough to be able to eat, drink and be merry in an area that provides so many avenues for fun and excitement.

FINALLY! After delays and rescheduling and conflicts for every conceivable reason (and a few we could never have thought of!), we finally held our Assemblage on April 2 at the Golden Nugget Casino and Resort. The wait was worth it and the Gulf Coast Chapter knighted 16 new members which is a new record for the group.

Adrienne, Susan, Starr & Windy

Rosemary Roosa & Francisco Gonzales

Dr. Michael McKay, Sheryl Moran, Teresa Rankin, Randall Ladner

The new Knights and Gentle Ladies enjoyed specially prepared delights that included such delicacies as fennel pollen, black mission figs, asiago broccolini paired with boursin mash and sous vide beef short ribs. The dinner was finished with chocolate panna cotta with spiced pepita brittle. Each of the courses was paired with a complementary wine such as Roessier Black Pine Pinot Noir and other exceptional California wines. Everyone enjoyed the evening and each of the attendees left the event with a feeling of elation to know that our Brotherhood is growing with excitement for the future.

Our Gulf Coast Chapter has been on the move as always. In early May, the Kentucky Derby provided the backdrop for excitement in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Members dined at the Criollo Restaurant in the Hotel Montelone to get in the mood for the race. The Hotel Montelene is the home of the worldfamous Carousel bar which has been rotating for over 70 years. While waiting for our meal and the race to begin, the Knights and Gentle Ladies placed bets on the winning horse by participating in a cork pull. Ron Krentel won $400 after drawing cork number 21 which represented the #21 horse, Rich Strike, who, as fate would have it was a surprise winner after being allowed to run in the race when another horse was disqualified at the last minute! After a delicious lunch that was accompanied by some fine wines, we

wandered the streets and art galleries in the French Quarter and made our way to Patrick’s Bar Vin which continues to be a long standing favorite of the group. The ladies were dressed to the nine’s and the gentlemen were similarly adorned. And, of course, elaborate hats were worn by all which leads to our traditional hat contest while we enjoyed our $10 mint juleps which we are certain were even better than those $1,000 delights available at the Derby itself. At the end of a spectacular day, this happy crew returned home but not without great memories and a promise to return as soon as possible to the Big Easy!

Bill, Martin, Stan

Rickey & Lisa Authement

Leslie & Achim Suit

Chris & Wanda Rains

Nicole Bulick & Jean Marc Torre, Mark Sedgwick

Members gathered around the courtyard fountain at Patrick’s Bar Vin in New Orleans for the Kentucky Derby Pre-Party

Tennessee Tennessee

The Tennessee Chapter began 2022 with the annual Feast of St. Vincent Assemblage at Wyndyke Country Club. The mood was festive as Mardi Gras decorations were in full array in the ballroom of the club. We happily welcomed guests from the Houston and North Carolina chapters as well as our Grand Commander, Buddy Hagner, and his wife, Trish. We celebrated the end (we thought) of Covid with the largest attendance ever at our Assemblage.

The evening was extra special as Master Knight Mike Fink was elevated to Vice-Commander, Gentle Lady Mary Ann Wassenberg was elevated to the cadre as Master of Education, and two new members were inducted as Knights. Both gentlemen, Jim Lenschau and Ronnie Moffatt, were well-known to all as they and their wives have attended our events and aspired to be a part of this fun chapter!

Following the ceremony, members and guests enjoyed a fantastic array of appetizers and Sparkling Wine before taking their seats at beautifully decorated tables. At each setting, they found the place holder was the neck and shoulder of a wine bottle personalized with their name which they were invited to take home as a remembrance of the evening. These hand-crafted gifts were made by Mike and Judy Fink. We had the pleasure of welcoming Karen Massey of Delta Wholesale Liquors who introduced each wine as it was served with dinner. The first pairing with seared Asian tuna, with a 2016 Cote de Provence, Fleur de Mer Rosé. The salad course was accompanied by a 2019 Talbott Kali Chardonnay and the decadent lobster and crawfish bisque was paired with David Phinney’s Spanish Locations ES.

New Knights Jim Lenschau (L) and Ronnie Moffatt (R) with Master Commander, Bob Bennett

New Knights Jim Lenschau (L) and Ronnie Moffatt (R) with Master Commander, Bob Bennett

Mike Fink being elevated to Vice-Commander Mike Fink being elevated to Vice-Commander

Ronnie & Vicki Moffatt Ronnie & Vicki Moffatt

The main course, delicious rack of lamb, was accompanied by a 2018 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre. The grand finale, chocolate truffle torte, was served with a 2019 Right Hand Man Syrah. It was a delicious end to an exciting evening of elevations and inductions!

Kentucky Derby Day was a great opportunity for a Run for the Rosés party at the home of Master Commander Bob and Gentle Lady Gayle Bennett. Everyone was invited to show up in their best Derby attire and hats to celebrate the most important horse race of the year. We feasted on great food and wines as we placed $5 bets on multiple horses to win. The winner would split the pot with the chapter treasury. As the race began, screams were heard for our horses to run faster! There was dead silence as Rich Strike, a last-minute entry into the Derby, raced across the finish line. No bets had been placed on the 80 to 1 horse. The winner was the chapter treasury, which won all the money!

The intense summer heat took a break just for us on the breezy evening that we attended the Memphis Jazz Workshop Summer Concert at the Germantown Performing Arts Center’s “The Grove.” We brought wine and snacks to share as we listened to some of Memphis’ finest teen musicians, all in middle and high school. We were blown away by the talent—surely there is a future Ella Fitzgerald or Louis Armstrong in our city. Memphis’ music roots are certainly soul and R & B, but jazz is very much a part of our music culture. We look forward to another outdoor concert at “The Grove.”

By Beth Webb

Steve Owens and Dave Hallin

Sheila Bentley, Sandy Barrios, Judy Fink, Marilyn Schubert, and Vicki Moffatt

Enjoying an evening of great music at the Memphis Jazz Workshop Summer Concert Enjoying an of great music at the Memphis Jazz Workshop Summer Concert

Lodi Lodi

Putting on the BIG SHOW

A major focus of the Lodi Chapter in early 2022 was the planning and delivery of events for the Annual National Meeting in April. If you missed out on the events that was the National Meeting...you missed a heckuva party!

One might think that with being so engrossed with putting on the “big show”, the Lodi Chapter would not have time or energy to plan other activities. That was certainly not the case. Other than our usual January rest month, every other month saw a Chapter activity for members to attend.

February was a casual bring an appetizer and a bottle of wine to share AKA cellar reduction event at the home of Master Commander Emeritus Ken Levy and Gentle Lady Sandy Levy. The gaiety of the event was only slightly disturbed when Master Commander Gordon MacKay took advantage of the assembly to hold the Chapter Annual Meeting. The group, eager to get back to the eating, drinking and socializing, quickly approved the proposed candidates for the election to the Board/Cadre and a few other items. Then it was back to

the serious business – food and wine! It was a beautiful February evening and we enjoyed the lovely backyard at the Levy home well into the night.

March saw the return of our Lodi KOV Wine Club events with a visit to Van Ruiten Winery. An eager group of tasters worked their way through the VR lineup and learned about the history of the winery. John Giannini, longtime KOV member and retired Van Ruiten Winery winemaker, was on hand to answer any questions. The wines were lovely and the company superb. Our “wine club” events are intended to highlight the featured winery and the wineries generously offer special pricing and discounts to our members at those events. And our members appreciate and take full advantage of it!

April was the aforementioned Annual National Meeting weekend. Commencing with a Thursday buffet “meet and greet” at the home of Master Commander Gordon and Annette MacKay followed by hosted tastings at KOV member wineries during the day on Friday, the party moved up to Ironstone Winery. Thanks to Supreme Knight John Kautz and newly elevated Supreme Lady Gail Kautz for putting on a great weekend. At

, in addition to

Gail, the

inducted 14 new members and elevated long serving board member Steve Fetzer to Master Knight. We were wined and dined and generally given the VIP treatment for the entire weekend, including a great meal with a hundred of our closest friends in the Wine Caves following the Grand Assemblage. A special treat was the performance by newly inducted Knight Dennis McNeil at Sunday’s Champagne Brunch, where we were serenaded with a song that was, literally, fit for royalty. What a weekend!

May saw the return of a food and wine pairing event that we have coordinated in the past with the Lodi Amateur Vintner’s Association (LAVA). Ten LAVA members volunteered to provide their wines to be served with dishes prepared by ten KOV members. Sample wines were provided in advance so that the chefs could dream up an ideal food combination. Over 100 KOV and LAVA members attended the event and sampled their way through the huge variation of food and wine that was available. Very few made it to all the tables, and nobody left hungry. This was a great opportunity to partner with some serious amateur winemakers and sample the fruits of their labors. A special thanks goes to Knight and Gentle Lady Larry and Teri Lawrence of Viaggio Winery for

the renaissance themed Grand Assemblage

elevating

Chapter

ABOVE LEFT Buddy Elevating Gail Kautz CENTER Dennis McNeil signing the Grand Book RIGHT New Master Knight Steve Fetzer BELOW RIGHT Dinner in the Caves

providing the use of their beautiful grounds to hold this event.

And finally, in June we had our annual Backyard BBQ, hosted by Bob and Janet Smith. The weather was almost as perfect as the food. After indulging in an array of appetizers and wine options, Bob, Steve Fetzer, and their crew of grill experts prepared beef tenderloin topped with shrimp accompanied by outrageously good potatoes and assorted side dishes. The highlight of the event is always the raffle, where 6-packs of donated wines are scored by lucky participants, but in this case, there was first some official business to conduct. Robes were quickly donned, and the Master Commander and Cadre conducted a brief induction ceremony – to elevate Bob Smith to the much-deserved title of Master Knight. Congratulations Bob, and we look forward to next year!

In closing, the Lodi Chapter would like to thank the staff at the National Office for all of the help, guidance and counseling while preparing for the National Meeting weekend. And a special thanks to all of the members who traveled from across the country to attend the event – it was a pleasure to be able to host you and we hope you come back to visit us again.

FIRE PIT IN FEBRUARY Members enjoying the Cellar Reduction Event at the home of Master Commander Emeritus Ken Levy

Master Commander Gordon McKay Addressing group at Van Ruiten Winery

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

BRUCE MISAMORE

Houston member Bruce Misamore was the CFO for Yukos Oil Company, the largest oil company in Russia and 4th largest in the world at the time (2001-2005). If you want to understand the story behind the story of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, you might want to listen to “Putin’s Oil Heist”; a 6-part documentary podcast by Loren Steffy who interviews Bruce about Putin’s takeover of the company. While he retired from management at the end of 2005, Bruce’s retirement hobby has been seeking recompense from Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation for the theft of Russian’s largest oil company. Until 2015, Bruce led the legal efforts around the world for recovery which has resulted in over $80 billion in verdicts against Russia for the benefit of former YUKOS shareholders, despite nothing having been paid yet. Bruce still testifies against Russia in international court cases. You can find the podcast at stoneycreekpublishing. com/podcasts.

SUPREME LADY GAIL KAUTZ

Gail Kautz was elevated to Supreme Lady on April 9 at Ironstone Winery by order of the Grand Council of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine. This high honor was due to her long support of the Knights of the Vine as well as her many contributions to the world of wine.

Marion Jensen of the Lodi Chapter kindly shared the following: Among Gail’s many accolades, she was the first woman Chairperson of the Board to serve at the California State Fair, Cal-Expo, in Sacramento, which hosts the California Commercial Wine Competition and where Gail was awarded the Golden Bear Award for Dedication to Service. In 1993, Governor Wilson appointed Gail to serve on the Commission “Improving Life Through Service”, which administers the AmeriCorps program in California.

She was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the California State Parks and Recreation Board, where she served as Vice Chairman. In 2005 she helped re-write the State Recreation Plan. She was later reappointed by Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Brown. In 2005 she received the “Golden Poppy” Award from the California State Park Foundation, which honors a person that “makes a significant contribution and commitment to protecting, enhancing and/or advocating for California’s State Parks.” In 2011 she joined the Board of Directors of the California State Park Foundation which was engaged in raising funds to help keep California’s State Parks open.

Gail was the recipient of the Lodi 1998 Agricultural Person of the Year, inducted into the San Joaquin County Hall of Fame in 2012, and received the California Farm Bureau Bountiful Award in 2013.

Congratulations Gail!

SUPREME KNIGHTS

Don and Carol Bade, both of whom have recently retired from the National Office after many years of dedication and service to KOV, were recently nominated and unanimously approved by the Grand Council to be elevated to SUPREME KNIGHTS!

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

In the Spotlight at Fine Wines of North Carolina Gala

By Jeff Price, Master Commander

The North Carolina Chapter of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine continues to celebrate a return to post-pandemic normalcy. A few of our NC KOV members experienced the fantastic event at the 2022 KOV National Meeting and Assemblage.

As part of our expanded activities, members of the chapter attended the 2022 Fine Wines of North Carolina Awards Gala. The 2021 Gala had been canceled due to the pandemic so this was the first such in-person event in over two years. The Fine Wines of North Carolina moved the date of its 2022 event from its traditional date in February to April 29, and Knights and Gentle Ladies turned out in great numbers. And, as an official sponsor of this organization that educates and celebrates the North Carolina wine industry, our members and guests were more than ready for an opportunity to gather together in person! (www.ncfinewines.com)

Our chapter’s activities may have been slowed some by the pandemic, however, we had already shown a willingness, in fact, a need to have in person events. Having just recently celebrated our own Grand Assemblage (it was held in October, 2021) and to participate in some of our other traditional events (e.g., Raffaldini Winery’s Annual Assemblaggio and the Angus Barn Restaurant’s Annual Medieval Dinner, both events which were held in November), nearly a doz-

en members and guests attended this year’s Fine Wines of NC’s Awards Gala where our presence was singled out and the NC KOV was recognized for its commitment to, and support of, North Carolina’s wine industry.

The Gala was held at the Millennium Center in Winston Salem. The state’s wineries proudly showcase their wines at this event, either by having their wines selected to be paired with one of the food courses or by having their wines poured at the reception prior to the event. Of course, the judging competition that precedes the Gala dinner is among the most vigorous and most difficult judging competitions in the nation. Literally dozens of our state’s wineries submit hundreds of wines for the competition and judging.

Gala attendees were feted to a delicious five course meal and each course is paired with an extremely exceptional wine. During the dinner, the winners of the judging

Jeff, Lisa & Holly at NC Fine Wine

competition were announced, and the entire North Carolina showcase of wine was proclaimed at the end. In addition to the wines selected to be highlighted in the showcase, gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded.

The day after the gala dinner saw many of the NC KOV members visiting nearby wineries and sampling even

more of the state’s delicious liquid offerings. This is what KOV members do best!

The NC KOV Chapter salutes the following winners and extends its congratulations to each of these Showcase winners and medalists!

AWARD VINEYARD WINE WNIE

BEST IN SHOW Raffaldini Vineyards 2021 Vermentino Superiore

BEST WHITE Raffaldini Vineyards 2021 Vermentino Superiore

BEST RED Sanctuary Vineyards 2019 Double Barrel

BEST HYBRID Marked Tree Vineyard 2021 Chardonel

BEST SPARKLING Piccione Vineyards 2019 Vino Di Lusso

BEST ROSÉ Stony Knoll Vineyards 2021 Vintner’s Bliss Rosé

BEST DESSERT Windsor Run Cellars 2012 Midnight Run Grand

NC FINE WINES SHOWCASE Marked Tree Vineyard 2021 Gruner Veltliner

NC FINE WINES SHOWCASE Stone Ashe Vineyards 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

NC FINE WINES SHOWCASE Jones Von Drehle Vineyards 2015 Merlot

NC FINE WINES SHOWCASE Jones Von Drehle Vineyards 2017 Petit Verdot

NC FINE WINES SHOWCASE Dynamis Estate Wines 2019 The Mountain

NC FINE WINES SHOWCASE Stone Ashe Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

NC FINE WINES SHOWCASE Raffaldini Vineyards 2019 Sagrantino

Ron & Margy

Russell & Lisa

Wine Enthusiast and Napa Valley Entrepreneur

The Grand Council is proud to announce is proud to announce the elevation of Napa Valley entrepreneur and wine enthusiast Joanne Dickenson DePuy to Supreme Knight. DePuy is a lifelong Californian and a resident of Napa since 1951.

DePuy, now 95, has literally grown up with the Napa Valley wine industry. In 1973, she founded Wine Tours International as a bridge between Napa Valley and other wine regions in the world. That year, she created her first international tour to Argentina led by vintner Lee Stewart. Through her tours, she developed friendships with Napa Valley icons including André Tchelistcheff, Robert Mondavi and Warren Winiarski. When British wine merchant Steven Spurrier visited Napa Valley seeking wines for the famous Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, he reached out to DePuy for a tour. It was on this tour that Steven and his wife Bella were introduced to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Chateau Montelena, the big winners at the tasting.

As the date for the tasting approached, Spurrier discovered that his shipment of American wines might not clear customs, and he called upon DePuy again. Coincidentally, she was bringing a group of California winemakers (led by Tchelistcheff) on a wine tour of France, and Spurrier asked if the group could bring the bottles over on the plane. DePuy, who used TWA for her tours, negotiated with the airline to transport the wine as a personal allowance. It’s thanks to DePuy that the American wines made it to Paris.

Following what became known as the “The Judgement of Paris,” DePuy was able to witness first-hand the recognition and growth that Napa Valley enjoyed after the victory. In 1981, she founded the Napa Valley Wine Symposium, an annual event featuring tours, tastings, and lectures by prominent figures in the world of wine held at the Silverado Country Club and designed to promote wines of the area to the hospitality industry. The first chairman was Robert Mondavi who accepted the position at the invitation of DePuy. She served as the event's director from the ‘80s into the ‘90s. Her other contributions to the world of wine include serving on the Board of Directors for the Stags Leap Wine District from 1979-2001 and establishing a modest vineyard in Yountville with her late husband, Newell DePuy, Jr.

Joanne DePuy remains active in the Napa Valley community. She is closely involved with local healthcare organizations, including the creation of a lecture series on integrative health at Queen of the Valley Hospital and serving on the Board of Trustees of the Napa Valley Medical Center Research Foundation.

By Nan McCreary

Orange County Orange County Supreme Knight

Joanne Dickenson DePuy

The Arbor is honored to have had the opportunity to visit with this distinguished lady and congratulate her on her elevation to Supreme Knight.

The Arbor (TA): What sparked your interest in wine? Joanne DePuy (JD): We always had wine at the table for special occasions when I was growing up. When we moved to Napa (1951) I thought wine was a subject of interest to be investigated. We started a wine tasting group where we would go to each other’s homes and enjoy wines. It was the first tasting group that I had ever heard of. I remember that Jack and Mary Novak of Spottswoode Estate were in our group.

TA: This was in 1951, long before Napa became what it is today. What was it like then?

JD: Back then, few people knew that Napa even had grapes. As Napa began to grow, I wrote an article for an industry publication based on a common conversation that Napa was more important than Disneyland. Of course it wasn’t, but at the end of the article I said, “If you keep saying this, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy and it will eventually be that.” And here we are. It’s incredible. It’s totally unbelievable.

TA: When did you start Wine Tours International?

JD: I started it in 1973. I was divorced and had to find a way to support myself. In college (at the University of California at Berkley) I had majored in international relations, so I decided to start what I called a wine bridge from countries that grew wine to Napa and from

Napa to countries that grew wine. I talked to Louis Martini— he was head of the Napa Valley Vintners — and he suggested I visit with André Tchelistcheff (who is widely considered the most influential winemaker in Napa Valley history). I remember going to André’s house and sitting on a low couch, with him looking down at me from a high stool with his arms crossed. He said “Now, young lady, what do you have to tell me?” I talked and talked and talked — he never said a word — and finally I decided to just stop talking. After a minute or two of silence, he said “You have the nucleus of great promise and I will now answer your questions.” He then talked for about 30 minutes. He told me he wouldn’t lead my wine tours, but suggested I call Lee Stewart, who had just retired from Souverain, and was the most important winemaker in Napa Valley. I had three tours lined up, and Lee agreed to lead them all.

TA: André Tchelistcheff finally agreed to lead one of your tours. Tell us about that.

JD: The year was 1975 and our grocery carts literally bumped into each other at the store where we both shopped. I asked him when he’d be ready to lead a tour and he said, “I am ready.” I was so excited, I went home immediately having left the basket of groceries and called Louis Martini, and he said, “Sign us up.” This was to be a vintner’s tour only and was in great demand. Everybody loved André — he was very selfdeprecating and never tried to promote himself — so we filled up the tour easily, just by word of mouth.

TA: Back in those days, how did you find wineries to visit?

JD: We didn’t have computers then, so it was difficult getting in touch with people I had to deal with: wineries, hotels, and bus companies. I found some of my connections through “The World Atlas of Wine” by Hugh Johnson. I also had some good contacts, including Claude Rouas, a leading San Francisco restauranteur (who later founded the famed Auberge Du Soleil restaurant in Napa Valley). I remember that we were entertained royally by Domaine Chandon in Champagne. By the way, when Apple came out with computers in the early 1980s, I was the first person in Napa Valley to use one and I used it extensively in my searches!

TA: How did you become acquainted with Steven Spurrier, the British wine merchant who organized the Paris Tasting of 1976?

JD: He was such a wonderful person. Patricia Gallagher, who worked in the wine shop Steven founded in Paris, had heard about me through some Napa people who were studying in the city. She called me, then came to Napa to visit wineries. Later, Steven called and asked if I would take he and his wife Bella on a tour of Napa. I took them to Chateau Montelena and Stags Leap Wine Cellars, among other wineries, as these were places where I’d take my premiere guests.

TA: How did you actually get involved in the tasting itself?

JD: Steven called me from England and said he’d been unable to take the wine with him because he couldn’t get it through customs. He knew I was planning the vintner’s tour (led by Tchelistcheff) around the same time as the tasting and asked if I could help him get three cases of wine to Paris. I talked to my TWA friend and he was originally going to travel with us as far as Boston to be sure the wine was transported, but at the last minute he had a family situation that prevented him from going. He suggested I ask the vintners on the tour to help carry the wines, including Jim Barrett, Andy Beckstoffer and Louis Martini. I said, “No, I couldn’t ask one vintner to carry another vintner’s wine,” so TWA helped me arrange the transfer. I remember meeting Steven at Charles de Gaulle Airport and seeing one of our cases coming down the luggage rack with a big red stain on it. Actually, I could smell it before I saw it. Clearly, there had been some breakage. I was so disappointed, but Steven was very gracious and assured me all was well because he had brought two bottles of each wine. (Of the 36 bottles, only 1 was broken.)

TA: So you were in France when the tasting occurred?

JD: Yes, we traveled to Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne. This was the first-ever American vintner’s tour of France, so we were very popular. And, because everyone adored André, we were treated royally. The day before I left, we were having lunch with 30 or 40 winemakers at Château Lascombes (the famed winery in the Margaux appellation) when Jim Barrett was called to the telephone. Jim had five children, so I was naturally concerned that something had happened to one of them. When he returned to the table, he whispered that both Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars had won Steven’s tasting. I was flabbergasted! I whispered the news to André, and he said, “Don’t tell a soul, don’t say anything. We are guests of the French.” During lunch, our host Alexis Lichine — who knew nothing of this news — welcomed us and graciously complimented us on Napa Valley and California wines. I was sitting to his right, André was sitting on his left, and all we could do was just politely sit there. But once we got on the bus, after we turned the corner from the chateau, we all erupted. Everyone was so excited.

Miljenko “Mike” Grgich with Joanne Dickenson DePuy

TA: What are your thoughts on the Tasting and the impact it had on the world of wine?

JD: I think it was a confluence of energies that all came together. It was truly the perfect storm. We just all happened to be there at the right time. George Tabor was walking through Paris that day and attended the tasting because he had nothing else to do. If he hadn’t written the book, “Judgement of Paris,” it wouldn’t have been the same thing. It was like something that was meant to be. The impact on the wine industry has been amazing, not just in Napa but in other countries as well.

TA: Have you stayed in the wine industry since that event?

JD: I continued to lead wine tours until the late 90s. I also led private tennis tours around the world until 9/11. In 1979, the Stags Leap District asked me to serve on their Board, and I held that position for 12 years. Later I created the Napa Valley Wine Symposium at the Silverado Country Club where I was a member.

The new manager of SCC asked me to work for him to bring SCC into the wine scene. I agreed, but only if I would be allowed to create an international event featuring Napa Valley wines. He agreed and I was hired. I asked Louis Martini to be the chairman. He was unable to serve in that capacity but did agree to head up the Educational Sessions of the Symposium. I then asked Bob Mondavi to be the chairman and he accepted the role. The events were very successful, and very important to the wine industry. We got lots of press, and attracted people from all over, including the head of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Paul Kovi, who flew in from New York City to attend and Marvin Shanken of the Wine Spectator.

TA: Congratulations on becoming a Supreme Knight of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine. This is a great honor.

JD: Thank you. I was originally inducted in 1978 or 1979, and it’s great to be back. I believe that KOV is an organization that can help the wine industry in Napa Valley and elsewhere. I’ve always found wine to be something you study like any subject matter. I’ve always wondered why so many medical people are involved with wine, and I think it’s because wine is something you can study forever. You never know it all.

TA: Joanne, thank you for giving us your time. It has been great visiting with you.

JD: Thank you. I look forward to seeing you in Napa.

Post Holiday Party

February 24th was a cold and rainy night, but inside the historic Chateau Bellevue in downtown Austin, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Knights and Gentle Ladies, glad to be in the convivial company of their peers, sampled excellent wines from the chapter’s cellar and enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres. Soon the buffet dinner was served and guests sat down and enjoyed chicken parmesan, beef, plus side dishes.

Along with our delicious food offerings, we enjoyed Laherte Frères Blanc de Blanc Champagne, Frank Family Carneros Chardonnay 2019, Domaine Taupenot-Merme Nuits St. Georges Premier Cru Les Pruliers 2014, and Carlisle Winery Petite Sirah Sonoma County 2016.

It was a grand way to start the new year of celebrations, and conversations ran from politics to spring and summer travel plans to upcoming charity events. A highlight of the evening was the passing of two key leadership batons in the chapter. After a long and highly successful run as Master Commander, Jerry Gatlin announced that Knight Randy Groves will be elevated to the role of Master Commander at the upcoming Assemblage on May 12th. Also, Rose Betty Williams is stepping down as Maître de Partis and that role will be assumed by Randy’s wife, Gentle Lady Deborah Davis Groves. Both are seasoned business executives and they are sure to provide continuing top-notch leadership for the chapter.

Austin Austin

All Stories by Master Scribe Forrest Preece

All photos by Charles Quinn Photography

Susan Auler, Alan Williams, Mary Ann & Andrew Heller, Rose Betty Williams and Ed Auler

Dr. David Tobey, Rose Betty Williams, Susan Auler and Dr. Michelle Berger

Jo Carol Snowden and Allen Kemp

Leonard & Aileen Quam flank Sean & Pam Curry

Ron Mullen & Lynnda Carte Mullen

Gerald Stone and Steve Tipton

A hearty round of applause acknowledged this news and served to thank Gatlin and Williams for their excellent service that always went above and beyond. Both of the Groves took the podium to express how much they are looking forward to continuing the chapter’s good times and great parties. It was a grand night of happy feelings and hopes for a return to post-COVID normalcy on the social front in Austin. As guests bundled up to venture into the night, several shouts of “Per Vitem! Ad Vitam!” were heard.

Spring Party at Sculpture Garden

On Wednesday, April 6, the Austin chapter of Knights of the Vine held their spring party at the fabled Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. It was a grand night for a party—the Texas spring weather was perfect, and a gentle breeze made things feel especially pleasant. It was an appropriate setting for such a festive occasion – and it showed in the smiles and laughter of the guests. A group of ninety Knights, Gentle Ladies and guests were in attendance. For people who are starting to enjoy life outside of COVID “pods,” it was a wonderful place to be.

By the way, for those not familiar with the late Charles Umlauf, a noted professor at The University of Texas at Austin, he was a world-renowned sculptor, and he sometimes used a beautiful young student of his named Farrah Fawcett as a model for his creations. The Umlauf Garden is dotted with some of his finest works.

Jerry Gatlin, Linda Ball, Eddie Butler, Forrest Preece

Dr. Elwyn & Anna Marie Speir with Deborah Groves

Christy Heimsath

Harvey Kronberg and Rebecca Taylor

Travis Lightfoot and Gerald Stone continued

Conversations at the party turned to summer travel plans, politics, and wine collecting notes and ideas. The food was plentiful and tasty – including chicken, roast beef sliders with horseradish cream, and fruitfilled pastries -- and it was all a splendid accompaniment to the wines.

Master Commander Jerry Gatlin, presiding over his last party before turning over the leadership post to Master Vice Commander Randy Groves, made welcoming remarks and outlined the upcoming formal assemblage that is set for May. Newly named Maître de Partis Deborah Groves also talked about her plans for the year. She has succeeded long-time Maître De Partis Rose Betty Williams who provided exemplary service to the chapter for many years.

It was a fun night of wine, food and revelry in Austin, and happy guests went home with “Per Vitem! Ad Vitam!” on their lips.

Steve Tipton and Buckner Hightower Jan Burrow, Susan Auler, Kandace Eakin, Kelley Lightfoot

David Jabour and Ed Auler

Chris & Jamie Hightower with Jerry Gatlin

Rick Lotspeich

Grand Assemblage

at the Four Seasons Hotel

It was a night of special pleasure for the Knights and Gentle Ladies of the Austin Knights of the Vine chapter on May 12, when the Assemblage returned to the Four Seasons Hotel in the city’s downtown center. The COVID shutdown had put an overly long gap between formal dinners at this elegant venue with its superb kitchen -- and the laughter and cheer being shared among the guests underlined what a wonderful evening it was.

At the pre-dinner reception, guests noshed on passed hors d’oeuvres including fried avocado and pork belly bites, shrimp dumplings with brown butter sauce, and artichoke and boursin cheese stuffed mushroom caps. With Knight Elmar Prambs, executive chef at the Four Seasons, in charge of the menu selection and preparation, everyone knew that they were in for a night of stunning food -- and he did not disappoint.

After the guests took their assigned seats in the ballroom, the formal procession of the chapter’s Cadre began with outgoing Master

Jerry Gatlin leading the

Commander

Susan Auler, Kelley LIghtfoot, Cathy Collins and Ed Auler

Jim & Jo Green

Pam & Sean Curry with Hugh Collins

Newly appointed Master Commander Randy Groves addresses the Assemblage LEFT Outgoing Master Commander Jerry Gatlin and Grand Commander Buddy Hagner share a laugh.

Newly appointed Master Commander Randy Groves addresses the Assemblage LEFT Outgoing Master Commander Jerry Gatlin and Grand Commander Buddy Hagner share a laugh.

way. After the induction of nine new members to the chapter, Gatlin made his valedictory remarks, followed by the elevation of Master Vice Commander Randy Groves to Master Commander by Grand Commander Buddy Hagner. Groves thanked Commander Gatlin for his many years of remarkable and dedicated service then declared how honored he was to assume this role. Hagner then elevated Gatlin to Grand Treasurer for the national organization.

After the ceremonies, the Cadre filed out and the fourcourse dinner was served. First, a spring salad with burrata, snap peas, asparagus, and other green vegetables whetted appetites. Then came a second course of roasted Texas quail breast with sweet corn risotto and blackberry syrup. The third course was a duet of roasted beef tenderloin and venison schnitzel with lingonberry jus, German potato salad, and local wild mushrooms. A magnificent opera torte with hazelnut sponge cake, coffee buttercream, and dark chocolate ganache was the dessert. Conversations were lively and as the rounds of wine were poured, the erudition levels and sharing of groundbreaking information increased as the event progressed. Much of that discussion was based on an appreciation of the wines that were served throughout the evening. They included Henroit Champagne Blanc de Blanc N/V, Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2019, Archery Summit Pinot

A highlight of the evening occurred when Chef Prambs emerged from the kitchen to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the happy diners. The night was everything that the Knights and Gentle Ladies could have hoped for, and it was the harbinger of many more delightful events. As the saying goes, “Per Vitem! Ad Vitam!”

Noir Dundee Hills 2019, Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018, and Graham's 20 Year Tawny.

LEFT Newly inducted members Amy & Dallas

Seely RIGHT Jerry Gatlin thanking Executive Chef Elmar Prambs

THIS PHOTO Chris & Jamie Hightower BELOW Dr. Michelle Berger with Trish Hagner and Jan Burrow

Deb & Randy Groves with Clare Lotspeich

Los Angeles Los Angeles

Sunset on the Island Sunset on the Island

Westlake Village, California

The Los Angeles Chapter welcomed the beginning of summer on June 18, with an evening in Westlake Village at the newly-remodeled home of Commander Jim Hamilton. Guests, conversations and music flowed through the beautiful open rooms out onto the deck where guitarist David Patt played an eclectic range of music. About thirty members gathered to celebrate Jim’s lovely home and the beginning of summer.

Vice Commander Janet Hamilton selected LA’s oldest winery as vintners for the evening. San Antonio Winery is (still!) located in the heart of old Los Angeles. The neighborhood has changed—the Los Angeles River is paved, and the vineyards that surrounded the winery have been replaced by businesses and homes—but San Antonio Winery remains the oldest and largest producing winery in Los Angeles. A four-generation family winery, they boast over a century of making fine wines. The wines chosen for our evening were all young wines from the vineyards in Paso Robles, and they shone. Everyone commented on how beautifully they were paired with the menu from Gail Connell.

Our first course was pear, goat cheese, prosciutto and honey tart paired with a 2020 San Simeon Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles, which set the bar very high; only to be matched by the second course, butternut squash lasagna accompanied by a 2020 Maddalena Merlot Estate Reserve, Paso Robles. The menu continued its Italian theme with burrata with roasted tomato and balsamic glaze baguette. The 2020 Zinfandel, Paso Robles served with it was a perfect choice. Our main course, pork tenderloin with port cherry sauce and potatoes au gratin was sublimely paired with a 2020 Maddalena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve, Paso Robles. Guests had a difficult choice between desserts: lemon ice box cake or peach cobbler.

Patti Brundige toasting with friends

John Hamilton and Commander Jim Hamilton

by Cathie Sandstrom Smith

No one wanted to go home! Guests lingered, persuading David Patt to play for another hour. How that must have sounded floating out over the lake! It was the perfect evening for first-time guests. We’re hoping they’ll join for our next Assemblage.

Last, the LA chapter is not just lucky, but blessed to have Vice Commander Janet Hamilton at the helm of our events. You should come out to LA and visit us!

Sandy Witt and Matt Wong

Roberta Hagopian and Chris Moffatt

Mary Lotz and Guest Janet Tentler

David Patt set the ambience

Tina Cheng, Lucy Zheng, Vice Commander Janet Hamilton and Patti Brundige

San Francisco San Francisco

Gathering at the Pingitore Home

By Fran Benevidez

After nearly two years of reclusive hibernation and closet sipping brought on by the pandemic, thirsty members and guests of the San Francisco/Bay Area KOV Chapter were ebullient when called into action by Pat Pingitore, our fearless leader and Master Commander who, joined by his lovely Lady Linda, arranged a delicious in-person gathering in March at their beautiful new home in Napa.

For a few of us, the thought of mingling in real time with in-the-flesh wine lovers was almost too much to fathom. For a few of us (ok, me) there was some trepidation that all-but-lost social skills and two-yearold stale wine-speak would fall on deaf palates. Virtual tasting had become the norm and I had grown complacently comfortable sipping wine with my better half, Isaac, as we joined a host of two-inch squares of other heads online while washing a load of clothes off camera.

Son of a Bacchus, was I wrong!

From the moment we stepped into the Pingitore Family home, it was as if no time had passed; like we had just wined and dined together the week before! And Wine and Dine we did…A delicious array of hearty appetizers, crudites and pastries were provided by Marks The Spot Fine Food, a popular Napa Valley catering company.

Imagine, if you will, how many vessels of delicious wine have been stored at the Pingitore’s KOV wine cellar over the course of two years, just waiting for a select few to be given their freedom at a KOV event such as this! Let’s just say there was plenty to be enjoyed, including wines produced by KOV members!

As invited guests began to trickle in, there was quite a buzz surrounding a “Special Guest” who would be joining the gathering, and Pat certainly did a great job at keeping the Big Reveal under wraps! So much so that

their arrival went unnoticed as the Guest covertly arrived and seamlessly blended in with our cheery group before anyone knew who it was. Pat then gathered the group to introduce his “neighbor from literally next door”, Napa legend, Joanne Dickenson DePuy! Ms. DePuy’s actions irrevocably changed the trajectory of Napa Valley and California wine. Period.

Included in this issue of The Arbor is an in-depth article written by Nan McCreary who interviewed this phenomenal woman. I was lucky enough to steal a moment with Ms. DePuy to hear her enthralling story and connection to the 1976 Judgement of Paris. This is a story not to be missed!

The afternoon gathering was a huge success and it was beyond wonderful to rejoin with fellow friends while making new ones too, which is always a terrific benefit of KOV membership! In looking back, my all-butlost social skills and twoyear-old stale wine-speak did not fall on deaf palates. Bacchus made sure of that! He also taught me a spicy Zinfandel pairs pretty darned well with folding a load of towels.

You can thank me later.

Joanne Depuy flanked by husband Rue Ticker and Pat

Gordon White with some Lodi gems from the KOV Chapter cellar

Dick Bransford & Linda with her homemade Alfajores

Dick Bransford & Linda with her homemade Alfajores

By Pat Pingitore

NALLE WINERY EVENT

In late June, Vice Commander Dick Katz arranged for an “old fashioned at the Vineyard” tasting and lunch at Nalle Winery in Healdsburg in the historic Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County. Doug Nalle met Dick on the golf course and the “game” was on! Doug’s son Andrew is the current wine maker.

Nalle Winery sits on land the family has owned since 1917, overlooking the old vine Zinfandel block planted in 1927 by Andrew Nalle’s great-great grandparents, Fred and Ruby Henderlong, during prohibition. Occupying prime bench land, the old vines are dry-farmed and head trained, yielding intense fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and structured tannins. Soils here are welldrained, gravelly clay loam that help to impart layered notes of raspberry, strawberry, violet, and rhubarb. Like stepping back in time… elegant, old fashioned Zin flavors reflect the rich history of this land that has been cultivated for winemaking for over 90 years.

Since their debut vintage in 1984, Doug has gone his own way as a boutique winery making about 2,000 cases a year of mostly Zinfandel, but it hasn’t always been easy.

Doug, a spry 74 years old, still works the vineyards along Dry Creek Road that wife Lee’s great-grandparents, planted. The vines might have been ripped out long ago if not for Gallo, which used the grapes for Hearty Burgundy for years. You can say the same for many old Zinfandel vineyards throughout Northern Sonoma.

While the family makes other wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, Nalle is a house that Zin built. Weary of the extracted, ripe, monster Zinfandels of the 1970s, Doug and other winemakers in the 1980s dialed it back and produced claret-style reds with 13.5 percent alcohol instead of 15 or 16 percent. If there were ever such a thing as elegant Zins, these were they.

By the late 1990s, however, the popular style of Zin was shifting back to bold and ripe. “Many other winemakers led the way and, frankly, they made some impressive wines,” says Doug, but slowly the alcohol level edged up to nearly 17 percent and his enthusiasm dimmed. The Nalle Zins lost favor over time, and there were a few lean years in the early 2000s.

Jill Pingitore & Meg Scrofani enjoyung Nalle Winerey

A funny thing, though, as Doug puts it, “The worm has turned. Super-ripe wines are falling out of favor again.” Business is good for Nalle. If the 2019 Nalle Zinfandels are any indication, we can see why. We tasted them!!

As the 25 KOV members and guests gathered to sip the wines and partake of a catered lunch from KIN Smoke Barbeque, the quality of Nalle wines showed very well. From the Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir, the refreshing Old Vine Zin Rosé, the well-balanced Ranch Red Estate Blend (Cab/Zin) to the delectable 2019 Old Vine Zins, the pairings were perfect. Judging by the amount of sales made that day, everyone left very satisfied. No fear for those of you who couldn’t make it! We have purchased a variety case for you to taste at out holiday celebration later this year!

It was great to see members from the Chancellery Chapter in attendance including the Kayes (Jim & Glenys), the Siegals (Steve & Claudia) and the Deas (Steve & Jane). Hope to see many more of you at future SF/Bay Area Chapter events!

ABOVE Paul Villierme, Steve Siegal, Doug Nalle, Claudia Siegal, Anne Villierme & Linda Pingitore TOP RIGHT Golfing buddies, Dick Katz & Doug Nalle BOTTOM RIGHT Prospective new member Gary Ettinger with fiancee Ingrid on left, Lin Nalle & long time member Francisco Cabrito

National News

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS

Our 2023 National Meeting will be held for the first time in Austin, Texas. Members and delegates will begin to gather on Thursday, March 30. Plans are coming together and details will be emailed to members and posted on www.KOV.org as soon as they are final! Please

SAVE THE DATES and make sure we have your email address! You do NOT want to miss the fun and fellowship! Our friends in Austin will also provide suggestions for places to visit, stay and play while you are in the area.

SAVE THE DATE March 30 – 31, 2023

WE’LL SEE YOU IN AUSTIN!

MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS

At our recent Delegates’ Meeting, a delegate asked for a discussion about the titles used in our organization. Since our founding in 1964, those classes have been Knight and Gentle Lady, Master Knight and Master Lady, and Supreme Knight and Supreme Lady. A number of opinions were expressed and examples given of how other organizations use a single title to refer to their position. For example, regardless of sex, we commonly refer to doctors, pilots, soldiers, and their various levels of rank, as just that. It gave everyone a lot to think about and was tabled to be brought up before the Grand Council and, if recommended, for a vote by the Board of Directors.

The Grand Council did recommend and the Board of Directors did approve a change to update our classes of membership. Effective immediately, the classes of membership are KNIGHT , MASTER KNIGHT and SUPREME KNIGHT . Members who prefer to use Gentle Lady, Master Lady and Supreme Lady, as appropriate, are welcome to do so. Diplomas for new members will follow our new titles.

NEW DIRECTOR

The Grand Commander is pleased to report that Master Commander Gordon MacKay of the Lodi Chapter has been elected to fill the vacancy on the Board of Directors created with the resignation of Don Bade. Gordon’s term will expire at the Annual Meeting of Delegates in 2024.

JOIN TODAY

Membership to the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine is open to all! Join the men and women in your area to experience the full enjoyment of wine and community as we come together in celebration. To apply, please go to www.kov.org.You will find information and an application you can download or complete online. We look forward to welcoming you!

How The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine is

Changing Students’ Lives

By Dean Dennis Reynolds

More than 10 years ago Buddy Hagner, Grand Commander and Commander of the Houston Chapter of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, called the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership and left a voicemail. The message was simple: “The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine is interested in providing scholarships to support Hilton College students. If you are interested in taking our money, would someone please call me back?” He hung up the phone laughing, thinking this was, no doubt, an unusual voicemail for someone with no previous relationship with the University of Houston to leave.

Fast forward to 2022. Following the latest donation, the corpus of the KOV Endowment is almost $120,000! This equates to more than $4,000 in student scholarships annually— and in perpetuity! To add perspective, the KOV endowment has supported eight students since 2016. In return, these students volunteer at the Houston Assemblage and keep members up to date with speeches at the postAssemblage brunch. And

the message from every KOV scholarship recipient is the same—this changed my life.

So where are recent scholarship recipients today? The two students who received KOV scholarships in the most recent academic year are on target to graduate in December 2022; one is currently completing an internship as a food and beverage manager with a major events company. A 2019 graduate is an on-premise premier wine consultant for a local retailer; a 2016 graduate is a chain-sales merchandiser with the largest wine distributor in Houston. Their career starts are impressive!

In addition to the students already mentioned, our graduates realize incredible career objectives around the world in lodging, restaurants and bars, tourism, catering and events, onsite foodservice, casinos, spa and club management, hotel development, revenue management, hospitality consulting, food safety, conference services, hospitality technology, sports and entertainment, marketing, social

media, brewery management, winery management, and wine and spirits distribution—and so much more! Our specialized business-degree program in hospitality includes a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Global Hospitality Leadership, a Master of Science (MS) in Hospitality Management, a dual MS/ MBA, a BS/MS in 5, an MS in Global Hospitality Business (spanning three continents), an Executive Master of Hospitality Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Administration. With our bachelor’s degree, students can choose from tracks in Lodging Management, Foodservice Management, Wine and Beverage Studies, or Project Management and Analytics. Throughout our curricula, our focus is always on management. Our goal is simple—to prepare the global hospitality leaders of tomorrow.

This begs a question: Why did Buddy pick the University of Houston Hilton College? For years, the College has been ranked as one of the top hospitality programs in the world. It was founded in 1969 with a $1.5 million naming gift from hotel icon Conrad Hilton. Today, the College is home to close to 1,000 students representing more than 30 countries. At last count, 9,526 of our alumni occupied hospitality leadership positions in more than 50 countries. Moreover, our faculty includes some of the best researchers in the world and continues to set the standard for the future of hospitality research. And every member of our stellar faculty is an expert in the classroom.

A degree from the University of Houston is considered a great value, but higher education—while a smart investment—remains expensive. Fortunately, when the Houston Chapter established this endowment, they did not put “Houston” on the paperwork thereby leaving it open for other chapters across the country to feel welcome to fully support and contribute if they so choose. Thanks to The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, we can make our undergraduate degree even more affordable and ease the financial burden for students building their futures in our amazing industry.

Dennis Reynolds, Ph.D.

Dr. Dennis Reynolds is the proud Dean of the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership and Barron Hilton Distinguished Chair.

What a fabulous start to 2022! With so much travel having been delayed due to covid, it was with great anticipation that we planned a South American wine dinner for January 25 and welcomed Patricio Santos, the owner/winemaker of Ricardo Santos Winery in Argentina. Gathering at Saldivia’s South American Grill, 37 members and guests feasted on a family-style dinner and drank great wines. The meal started with delicious bread, homemade chimichurri and Tercos 2018 Torrontés which has a nose of apricots and honeysuckle. As Patricio explained, it is not widely known, but this refreshing white wine was the perfect beginning! An assortment of beef, spinach and cheese, and ham and cheese empanadas arrived along with a glass of Tercos 2018 Bonarda. Vibrant and full of fresh red fruits, this wine had a nice roundness to it. After a house salad,

HOPPIN'

we moved on to platters of mixed grilled beef, chicken, sausage and vegetables. Delicious! With each wine, our winemaker gave us winery history along with information about the wines and the process of producing those wines. As we learned, Patricio’s father, Ricardo Santos, was the first producer from South America to actually export Malbec to the United States in 1972 and is largely credited with its acceptance as a stand-alone varietal. With our main course, we started with the Ricardo Santos 2019 El Malbec before moving on the 2017 El Gran Malbec. Both were outstanding and having them side by side allowed for a fuller understanding of the wine and the winemaking process. The meal was almost complete when we were treated to an apple crepe with vanilla ice cream. Such a sweet ending to a delicious night!

Kay Dunn & Richard Leofsky

Julia Leeth & Wanda Schaffner

Patricio Santos at Saldivia’s Dinner

February found us at Warehouse 72 enjoying a fourcourse dinner paired with wines from Uruguay. It was an especially great evening as we welcomed back some members we hadn’t seen in a long time; Chuck and Jacque Bertrand and Charla Hale. The menu was presented and guests were able to choose the meal they wished to pair with their Castel Pujol Altos 2020 Chardonnay, Marichal 2019 Sauv Blanc "Premium Varietal", Marichal 2018 Tannat which was named to Wine & Spirits’ Top 100 Wines of 2020 List, (Canelones), Marichal 2018 Tannat "Resv Collection", and Vermut Flores n/v Red Vermouth (Canelones). Friendships were renewed and toasts all around insured a great night!

Thirsty Thursday is a casual event we started in early 2021 and on March 24 we were hosted by David and Tyri Centanni in their beautiful high-rise condo. A spectacular sunset added a special glow to an already super evening! Francisco Gomes traveled to Houston and poured five wines from Portugal that included Flor/ Nelas 2019 "Selecao" White (Dao), Torre de Coimbra 2019 White DOC (Bairrada), Hidrangeas 2018 Red "Reserva" (Douro), Palavrar 2016 Tinto Red (Douro),

HOUSTON

Mark Davis,Tyri Centani, Larry Keast

Dave & Jan Johnson, Lois Van Vooren

So Many Birthdays!

David Centanni

and Monte Damiao 2015 Tinto Red (Alentejano). Members and guests dined on tapas that included fried calamari, nuts, meats, cheeses, olives, fruit, spinach dip and crackers. For dessert, we celebrated with a beautiful and delicious birthday cake! We have Buddy Hagner, Julia Leeth, Mike Lawch, Dave Johnson, Deborah Thompson, Dave Johnson and Mark Davis to thank for all being born in March and in attendance!

Next up was our Assemblage Weekend...our annual celebration of new members! This year we featured the wines of Mounts Family Winery in Dry Creek Valley. David and Lana Mounts had planned to be with us for the weekend, but due to a family emergency were unable to travel to Houston. Friday, April 29 was the kickoff event with 50 members and guests at the home of Grand Commander and Master Lady Buddy and Trish Hagner. This al fresco buffet dinner of salad, parmesan crusted chicken, grilled pot roast, mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans and sweets started with an Italian sparkling wine before moving onto Mounts 2018 "Verah" Estate Picpoul Blanc, Mounts 2019 "Verah" Estate Clairette Blanche, Mounts 2019 Estate

Zinfandel, Mounts 2018 "Verah" Estate Rhone Style Red, Mounts 2016 Estate Cab Sauvignon, and Mounts 2016 Estate Malbec.

The gala event on Saturday was at the Royal Sonesta Hotel . Many of our members and guests make this a stay-cation taking advantage of the great rate and making sure to not miss a moment of the fun! Our Assemblage began with the Enthronement ceremony and welcomed new members Teresa and Paul McKinney, Sandra Crook, Julia Leeth, Karen Smith and Pamela Logsdon Immediately following, our reception allowed everyone time to peruse the many wonderful items available in the silent auction and to purchase raffle tickets and corks for the wine pull . This is our fundraising event each year so we can continue to contribute to the scholarship endowment we have established at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. To help us with those efforts, students from the college come and assist … and we not only appreciate their help, we enjoy getting to know them! We think they are somewhat surprised that “older” folks still know how to have fun!

Kolbe & Gwen Curtice

Steven & Kim Conner

Sandra & Bryan Crook, Pamela Logsdon Bartt Thompson & Lawrence Estes

Our “day after” brunch bunch! Our UH student helpers

Tom Feeney, Linda Evans, Julia Leeth, Bruce Misamore, Heidi Feeney Dean & Mrs. Reynolds with our Scholarship Recipients & Coordinator

SEATED Laurie & Wade Phillips, STANDING Janet Misamore & Nan McCreary

Carolyn Blanchard, Charla Hale, Chuck Bertrand,Teresa & Paul McKinney

We moved right into a fabulous dinner designed and prepared by Executive Chef Robert Graham. Each year he tastes through the wines we plan to serve and then designs a menu specifically for us; not some regular banquet meal! And, again, he did not disappoint! Our first course was grilled savoy cabbage with pickled apple, celery root and salsa macha with Mounts 2019 Verah White Blend. Next, hamachi with cauliflower crumble, pernod compressed fennel, toasted rye and star anise buerre blanc paired with Mounts 2019 Verah Clairette Blanche. And it just got better and better! Unbelievable honey lavender duck breast with parsnip and Szechuan pepper cherry reduction with Mounts 2017 Grenache and roasted Colorado lamb rack with artichoke, ratatouille, creamed spinach and tomato reduction paired perfectly with Mounts 2018 Malbec. Ending the meal with a chocolate pecan torte and mixed berry compote and Mounts 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel was superb! Meanwhile we were rocking out to our favorite band, Checkered Past, who has told us they look forward to our event as much as we do!

The exciting weekend came to a close with our traditional Sunday brunch. Friends gather to get updates from Dean Dennis Reynolds and our scholarship recipients as well as wine industry updates from those present. Then it is time for goodbyes to our out of town guests and “see ya soon” to everyone else!

Just two weeks later, we were trying something new! Lee Slataper coordinated an event to ride around in an open-top school bus in downtown Houston with Mr. McKinney, a Houston historian and local television personality, to hear interesting facts about our city’s history. Many of us don’t get downtown very often ... and driving there on a Wednesday evening reminded us

why. Yep, it’s the traffic! Luckily there was much needed liquid refreshment waiting and afterward many gathered at area restaurants for dinner.

To close out the first half of the year, we decided to check everyone’s spontaneity factor. We were fortunate to have winemaker Alex Fullerton (Fullerton Wines / Willamette Valley, Oregon) arrive unexpectedly in Houston in mid June so we did a pop-up Wine-down Wednesday dinner on June 15 at the Vintage Select Wines warehouse. We are happy to report the spontaneity factor in Houston is high! Alex shared his Five Faces 2018 Chardonnay, Three Otters 2020 Viogier, Five Faces 2017 Pinot Noir, Arborbrook 2017 Pinot Noir, and “Momtazi” 2017 Pinor Noir. We had a full house and left with full tummies and lots of smiles...having enjoyed good food, good wine and great company. We can’t imagine that it can actually get much better than that!

Please save the date and make your plans to join us for our 2023 Assemblage Weekend, April 21 – 23. We’ll roll out the red carpet for you!

2022 Annual National Meeting Weekend

For four days in April, Knights and Gentle Ladies of the Knights of the Vine joined with new inductees and guests for a series of grand events, beginning in Lodi and then continuing in Gold Country at Ironstone Winery. For those who are not familiar, the Ironstone venue is a spectacular Winery, Museum and world class event center located in the Sierra foothills above Lodi just outside of the quaint little town of Murphys, California.

It all began on Thursday, April 7. To kick off the weekend, visitors from across the nation gathered at Wine Crest, the home of Master Commander Gordon MacKay and his lady, Annette, who hosted everyone under a beautiful sky. Chapter members had been planning and preparing a beautiful array of wine friendly foods while winery owners and winemakers had tables around the property to offer tastings. It was a fabulous event and great way to start the weekend. In advance of guests’ arrival, area winery information had been provided that included special offers. On Friday, many guests took advantage of those offers and visited and tasted as they made their way to the town of Murphys where the rest of the weekend’s schedule of events would be held. A welcome reception ended a whirlwind Friday and then

Saturday started early with the annual KOV Delegates meeting. Ironstone was the perfect host and guests not attending the meeting and others after the meeting, enjoyed touring the grounds with guides to learn of its history, explore its cave and admire its beautiful gardens and fascinating museum.

During the Delegates Meeting, the business of the national organization was taken care of. Of particular note, Grand Commander Buddy Hagner announced the resignations of Grand Treasurer Don Bade and Executive Director Carol Bade both of whom have served our Brotherhood for many years and have given so much. Another point of discussion among the delegates was the classes of membership. Some felt that the classes should be updated, and several examples were given where there was no distinction between the title for men and women. Those examples included doctors, pilots, even soldiers. The leadership appreciated the dis-

by Chris Niebur

KOV Lodi Chapter

Gail & John Kautz Gail & John Kautz

cussion and promised to take the matter before the Grand Council and the Board of Directors for further review. Following the Delegates meeting, the Board of Directors always meet. It was at that meeting that the resignations of Don and Carol Bade were accepted with regret and gratitude. With these positions open, the Board appointed Jerry Gatlin (Master Commander Emeritus, Austin) to fill the remainder of Don’s term which would expire in June 2022 and elected Jerry to the full term that followed. Trish Hagner was appointed to the position of Executive Director.

With the business of the weekend concluded, it was time for the gala event! The renaissance themed evening events were in the breezeway of the Ironstone wine caves and began with wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres while entertainment was provided by the Black Irish Band with many attendees garbed in full renaissance attire. The Grand Assemblage which followed combined the Induction of 14 new members into the Lodi Chapter with the elevation of honored members to special titles. Participating in the Grand Entry and the roll call were

most important

Following the Assemblage, a fantastic surf and turf dinner was served “family style” in the wine caves, accompanied by splendid Ironstone wines. The evening ended with dancing in the breezeway. The final event of the four-day extravaganza was a Sunday morning brunch at Ironstone including a performance by new Knight Dennis McNeil singing a selection he performed for the Queen of England, and a fascinating talk by Fred Holabird detailing the history and geology of the Foothills.

Special thanks are due to Master Commander Gordon MacKay and his wife Annette who took the point throughout, starting with the Thursday event at their house. And of course, our unending thanks go to Ironstone Winery founders John and Gail Kautz, whose generosity is beyond compare

Master Commander Chik Brenneman, Chancellery Chapter; Master Commander Ernie Grossman, Lake Tahoe Chapter; Grand Administrative Officer Tom Webb, Tennessee Chapter; Master Commander Jeff Price, North Carolina Chapter; Master Commander and International Emissary Pat Pingitore, San Francisco Chapter; and Master Commander Bob Bennett, Tennessee Chapter. All ceremonies were presided over by Grand Commander Buddy Hagner who also leads the Houston Chapter. While it is always a celebration to welcome new members, the final and

order of the night was the elevation of Master Lady Gail Kautz to the title of Supreme Lady.

Jeff & Lisa Price in the caves at Ironstone

Master Commander Gordon MacKay with his lovely wife Annette

Tom Webb,Trish & Buddy Hagner and Pat Pingitore hard at work for the Annual meeting

ABOVE LEFT The beautiful gardens of Ironstone Vineyards ABOVE RIGHT Kathleen Conn at Ironstone LEFT Toes were tapping to the tunes of the Black Irish Band BELOW Jeff Price at Ironstone

ficb medallion (not actual size)

This handsome medallion is from our FICB headquarters in Paris, France. We have a limited supply available for those members who have attended an FICB Wine Congress.

Order #FICB $75.00

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) $39.00

Order #MC (w/o ribbon) $25.00

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

shield with motto

This cloisonné Shield with Motto is green and red with gold lettering and comes with a military clutch fastener.

Order #SM $10.00

medallion with wreath

This classic cloisonné medallion with wreath is gold, red and green. It is available for those members with a rank of “Master” Knight/Lady and above. Gentleman’s version includes ribbon.

Order #MWR (with ribbon) $49.00

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 either a “clutch back” with 3 pins & clips or a magnetic bar for quick and easy mounting and removal.

Order #BPEP (Clutch Back) $36.00

Order #BPEM (Magnetic Bar) $36.00

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

Order #MW (w/o ribbon) $35.00

Active Chapters

ARIZONA

Arizona Chapter

Commander Emeritas John Kovacik (Interim) 3955 N. Tucson Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85716 Phone: 520-318-1789 jkovacik@cox.net

CALIFORNIA

Chancellery Chapter

Com. Charles “Chik” Brenneman 820 Fremont Way Sacramento, CA 95818

Phone: 916-441-3466 charlesbrenneman@gmail.com

Lake Tahoe Region Chapter

Commander Ernest D. Grossman P.O. Box 3817 Truckee, CA 96160 Phone: 530-550-0570 Fax: 530-550-0575 ernestgrossman@sbcglobal.net

Lodi Chapter

Commander Gordon MacKay P.O. Box 506 Lodi, CA 95241-0506 Phone: 209-663-9432 gmackay01@gmail.com

Los Angeles Chapter

Commander James Hamilton 755 Lakefield Road, Suite A Westlake Village, CA 91361 Phone: 805-496-1304 (day) Fax: 805-494-3976 jbhamilton@sbcglobal.net

Monterey Peninsula Chapter

Commander Richard Kehoe P. O. Box 221664

Carmel, CA 93922 Phone: 831-277-9868 831-625-3338 kehoedc@sbcglobal.net

Orange County Chapter

Commander Thomas E. McCrystal 24001 Muirlands # 76 Lake Forest, CA 92630

Phone: 949-500-2494 Fax: 949-582-9036 cpg@cox.net

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Commander Pat R. Pingitore 19 Aviara Court Napa, CA 94558 Phone: 707-965-2868 prpingitore@gmail.com

MISSISSIPPI

Gulf Coast Chapter

Commander John Boothby P.O. Box 7617 Gulfport, MS 39506 Phone 228-897-1995 228-897-1993 kovgulfcoast@gmail.com

Jackson Chapter

Contact National Office 4448 W. 12th Street Houston, TX 77055 844-440-8463

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina Chapter

Commander Jeff Price 9404 North Manor Dr Zebulon, NC 27597 Phone: 919-814-2453 919-696-6679 JeffreyHPrice0602@gmail.com

TENNESSEE Tennessee Chapter

Commander Bob Bennett 4562 Whisperwoods Drive Collierville, TN 38017

Phone: 901-861-4739 Cell: 954-557-7775 bobbennett13@gmail.com

TEXAS Austin Chapter

Commander Randy Groves 1036 Liberty Park Dr #16 Austin, TX 78746 Phone: 512-484-6803 randydgoves@aol.com

Houston Chapter

Commander Buddy Hagner 4448 W. 12th Street Houston, TX 77055 Phone: 713-819-9463 Fax: 713-432-9464 buddy@rchagner.com

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 ken@haapala.com

WASHINGTON STATE Washington State Chapter Contact National Office 4448 W. 12th Street Houston, TX 77055 844-440-8463

Supreme Knights

Bradley Alderson

David G. Armanasco

Ed Auler

Susan Auler

Carol L. Bade

Donald D. Bade

Ted Balestreri

Heidi Peterson Barrett

Warren W. Bogle, Jr

Merrill Bonarrigo

Paul V. Bonarrigo

James “Bo” Barrett

David Berkley

Jean-Charles Boisset

George H. Carter

Mark Chandler

James E. Coleman

Richard A. Cuneo

Frederick Dame Dennis Devine

Lucian W. Dressel

Gordon R. Dutt, Ph.D. Gary Eberle

Tom Eddy

Dick Erath

Joseph S. Franzia

Jeryl R. Fry, Jr. Jack Galante

Gina Gallo

Miljenko M. Grgich

Gary B. Heck

Genevieve Janssens

Timo Jokinen

Gail Kautz

John H. Kautz

Aram Kinosian

John K. Ledbetter

Zelma R. Long

Lloyd G. Magee

George R. McEachern, Ph.D. John P. McClelland J. Douglas Meador R. Michael Mondavi

Timothy J. Mondavi Justin Morris, Ph.D.

Robert Pellegrini

Richard Peterson, Ph.D. Mathew J. Post

G.M. “Pooch” Pucilowski

George Radanovich

Michaela K. Rodeno

Alfred G. Scheid

Scott Scheid

Thomas B. Selfridge

Allen Shoup

Raymond Skinner, Jr. Christopher D. Smith

Howard E. Somers

Richard H. Sommer

Mike Thompson

Peter H. Ventura

Richard P. Vine, Ph.D. Jean R. Wente

Fay Wheeler

Al Wiederkehr

Warren P. Winiarski John H. Wright

the brotherhood of the knights of the vine® National Headquarters

4448 W. 12th Street Houston, TX 77055-7204 Tel: 844.440.8463

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