Annual Meeting

2022

Gail & John Kautz Gail & John Kautz

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

Master Commander Gordon MacKay with his lovely wife Annette

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

Jeff & Lisa Price in the caves at Ironstone 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 most important order of the night was the elevation of Master Lady Gail Kautz to the title of Supreme Lady. 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

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