Austin

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

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.

Leonard & Aileen Quam flank Sean & Pam Curry

Austin Austin

Ron Mullen & Lynnda Carte Mullen Gerald Stone and Steve Tipton

All Stories by Master Scribe Forrest Preece All photos by Charles Quinn Photography

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 Travis Lightfoot and Gerald Stone

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

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.

Rick Lotspeich David Jabour and Ed Auler

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

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 Commander Jerry Gatlin leading the

Susan Auler, Kelley LIghtfoot, Cathy Collins and Ed Auler

Jim & Jo Green

Pam & Sean Curry with Hugh Collins

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

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!”

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