Arbor Winter Spring 2018

IN THIS ISSUE: A CONVERSATION WITH SUPREME KNIGHT GORDON MURCHIE FICB INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ~ REPORT FINLAND, LAND OF THE THOUSAND LAKES & ENDLESS HOSPITALITY Winter/Spring 2018

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Table of Contents Chapters San Francisco .......................................4 Finland .................................................7 Chancellery ..........................................8 Houston ...............................................10 Gulf Coast.............................................14 Tennessee..............................................16 Austin...................................................18 Mississippi ............................................21 Monterey .............................................28 Lake Tahoe ...........................................30 Los Angeles ..........................................34 Lodi .....................................................36 Orange County ....................................39

Feature Articles A Conversation with Supreme Knight Gordon Murchie .................................22

by Nan McCreary

FICB International Congress ~ REPORT .............................................40

by Pat Pingitore

Finland Land of the Thousand Lakes & Endless Hospitality.........................42

by Buddy & Trish Hagner

In Every Issue Application...........................................17 Members In the News...........................45 Accessories ............................................46 Directory ..............................................47

National Headquarters

3343 Industrial Drive, Suite 2, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Phone: 707.579.3781 Fax: 707.579.3996 www.kov.org

Directors Robert C. “Buddy” Hagner, Jr., Chairman Donald D. Bade, Ken Hick, Kenneth A. Haapala, Norman Harris, Ken Levy, Terrance K. McCleerey, Pasquale “Pat” Pingitore, Tom Webb

Grand Officers Robert C. “Buddy” Hagner, Jr., Grand Commander Kenneth A. Haapala, Grand Vice Commander Donald D. Bade, Grand Treasurer Tom Webb, Grand Administrative Officer

Grand Council Robert C. “Buddy” Hagner, Jr., Grand Commander Kenneth A. Haapala, Grand Vice Commander Donald D. Bade, Grand Treasurer Tom Webb, Grand Administrative Officer Norman Harris, Master Commander Emeritus, Jackson Chapter Pasquale “Pat” Pingitore, International Emissary Terrance K. McCleerey, Grand Commander Emeritus

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Carol L. Bade, Executive Director

Provosts Provost General, Northeastern United States Dave Barber d a ve . b a r b e r @ e a r t hli n k. n e t

Provost General, Southeastern United States Thomas Storey t b s@ e sm he . n e t

Provost General, Northwestern United States Peter Bosco b re d1 @ a t t . n e t

Provost General, Southwestern United States Lois Van Vooren lo i s. va n vo o re n @ g mai l .c o m

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 for the National Headquarters: 3343 Industrial Dr., Suite 2, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, Phone: (707) 579-3781, Fax: (707) 579-3996, Internet: http://w w w.kov.org. Unsolicited articles and pictures are welcome and will be considered for publication by the Editorial Review B oa rd .

Items, if mailed, cannot be returned. Comments and materia ls should be sent to arbor@kov.org. Members of the K nights of the Vine receive a free subscription. Subscriptions by nonmembers are $20.00 per year. Copyright ©2018‑ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, Inc.

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The Arbor

From the

Commander’s Desk As we welcome 2018, we still reflect back on the triumphs and challenges of 2017.

We called the last issue of The Arbor, the “miracle issue” because it was almost ready for press when the fires broke out in Santa Rosa and threatened the national office and the home of Debbie and Dario Lorenzana, who always do such a great job laying out the pictures and articles. As they evacuated in the middle of the night just ahead of the flames, taking just a few items with them, they grabbed the computer with the work they had done on The Arbor. Not only are we happy to report that their home and the national office were spared, but also grateful that they were able to complete that last issue so that we could all share in each other’s news and reports.

As Commander of the Houston Chapter, I want to take a personal moment here to thank all those who were offering prayers and support to those of us here in Houston who were devastated by Hurricane Harvey. The recovery continues and we are settling into something we call the “new normal”. It will still be a while so please continue those prayers.

As I alluded to in the last Arbor, we visited our chapter in Finland last July (read about that more in this Arbor) and shortly thereafter traveled to Walla Walla, Washington to present the charter for our newest KOV chapter at its Inaugural Assemblage. We are very excited about this chapter and encourage all of you to go and experience the Washington wine country. In September, the Mississippi Chapter gathered to plan its future, which included a new commander. It is always my goal to be able to meet with chapter members and cadre to help when help is requested and I was very pleased to see such positive action by the Mississippi Chapter with a full calendar planned for the year and guests at the event which prompted a request that I share some of the history of our brotherhood. It was a refresher for members and an overview for those who were considering membership. Thanks for that opportunity to share!

In October, we traveled to Truckee, California for the Lake Tahoe Region Chapter’s Assemblage. It was especially good to be able to have Grand Administrative Officer / Commander Tom Webb and Vice Commander Bob Bennett, of the Tennessee Chapter, join us and be so graciously welcomed by Tahoe Commander Ernie Grossman and Master Lady Margaret Lewicki. Sharing good wine and food with great people is always a winning combination and this Assemblage was very well done.

In this issue, our Q & A is with Supreme Knight Gordon Murchie. What a life he has led and what an impact he has had! I know you’ll enjoy getting to know more about him in this intriguing article. I hope you’ll also take the time to read the articles covering all of the chapters’ activities. You’ll see amazing folks doing amazing things...and I hope you’ll be inspired to want to plan some of those activities in your chapter or go visit these other chapters and share in their activities. You are always welcome!

per vitem! ad vitam!

Robert C. “Buddy” Hagner, Jr., Grand Commander Winter/Spring 2018

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San Francisco

Summertime Shakespeare

It’s been a busy six months for the Bay Area/San Francisco Chapter indeed. In keeping with our plan to collaborate rather than compete with local wineries and organizations, we were able to take advantage of many great events.

In early August, members of the Tahoe & Chancellery Chapters joined us at Buena Vista Winery to see Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona performed by the Avalon Players of Sonoma Shakespeare.

When fine wine is paired with moonlight, friends, more fine wine, and A Comedy of Errors, the night is bound to be memorable! Did I mention fine wine?

A warm August evening found Knights and Gentle Ladies descending upon Sonoma’s beautiful Buena Vista Winery’s cobblestone courtyard where Shakespeare’s antics came alive under the stars. Before the festivities began, we were greeted with a glass of Buena Vista bubbly followed by an assortment of wonderful wines to enjoy. Guests were treated to a private tour of Buena Vista’s Historic Wine Museum; an event all its own! With glasses half full, our knowledgeable guide, Stephanie,

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Kicks off six months of events

led us through the cavernous old building which houses an astounding collection of artifacts and memorabilia brought to life by the imagination of owner, Supreme Knight Jean Charles Boisset.

As we finished the tour, a picnic-style spread from Atelier Fine Foods was served and the play commenced as we continued to sip, nosh and delight in the whimsical and wild theatrical production. To sum up the play in a taste du vin-sized sip, A Comedy of Errors is a “comedy of mistaken identity that culminates in a joyful reunion.”

For our large group, this was truly a joyful reunion of friends, wine, food and fun in a magical setting beneath the moonlight. And did I mention wine?!?

We warmly invite you to join in the merriment next fall when we meet at Buena Vista again. In fact, please join us for all our fun events happening throughout the year!

Later that month, after a Cadre meeting in their Board Room, the Napa Valley Country Club set the scene for our group of Knights and Gentle Ladies

The Arbor

Knights & Gentle Ladies at Buena Vista Shakespeare evening

who sipped and savored sumptuous wine and delectable bites at the Winemaker Dinner with Andy Phipps of Phipps Family Cellars.

In a collaborative effort, Andy consulted with NVCC Executive Chef Kellan Sanderlin on the menu selection. The pairings were spot-on and seamlessly complemented one another.

The menu included frisse & arugula salad paired with Phipps Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, heirloom tomato gazpacho & bay scallops served with California Wine Company Chardonnay, whole roasted porchetta joined by two Zinfandels of Phipps, sourced from Napa Valley Country Club Chef different vineyards, and fromage Kellan Sanderlin with blanc cheesecake paired with Phipps Linda Pingitore Family Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet.

I vote that we should follow every meeting of the Cadre with a delicious event such as this!

Then came the devastating Napa/ Sonoma firestorm. For two weeks, businesses and residents alike evacuated large swaths of territory, ate smoke and generally were on high alert for the next wind shift. Our beautiful valleys sustained heavy damage. Most tragically, 43 people lost their lives.

More than 8500 structures, of which 6500 were homes, were destroyed.

About 22 wineries suffered damage.

Six were completely destroyed including Signorello Vineyards on the Silverado Trail and Paradise Ridge in Santa Rosa, among other names you might recognize. Fortunately almost 80% of the harvest was completed by then but fermenting juice was affected or destroyed at some wineries including that of our own Master Knight Tom Eddy. The costliest result was the month-long loss of tourism during the peak Harvest Season. Some of the Sonoma Town Square merchants hung their heads decrying the loss of “their Christmas Season.”

For many of us affected by the October fires of Northern California, time is measured by “Before the Fires” and “After the Fires”. Thankfully, Mary Rocca of Rocca Family Vineyards managed to reschedule her winemaker

Winter/Spring 2018

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Chapter members & guests at Napa Valley Country Club harvest Reception

I must list the participating wineries in attendance, all of them gracious, and we thank you all for keeping our wine glasses filled: Phipps Family Cellars & California Wine Co., Laird Family Estate, Merisi Wines, Expression 38 & Prim Solum, Maroon Wines, Flora Springs, Rocca Family Vineyards, Vin Roc Wine Caves, Toivola Vineyards, Kelly Family Vineyards, David Clinton, Localism, Ramspur Winery, Joseph Phelps Winery, and Goosecross Cellars.

dinner attended by a number of us on October 27th; once again masterfully paired by Kellan Sanderlin.

This was quickly followed by the rescheduled and very popular Harvest Wine Reception, also at the Napa Valley Country Club which emerged unscathed despite being literally surrounded by fire three weeks before.

The wine-studded event is an annual affair and they throw a gala like no other. Fifteen local wineries presented a smorgasbord of varietals for a tasting paired with a spread of culinary delights to engage the taste buds in-between sips. And while wine was the highlight, of course, the conversations spanned from tasting notes to terroir, production to proprietorship, and yet often circled back to, “How is your family, your home and your vineyards?”

The distant smell of leftover smoke was ever present as we sat outside enjoying succulent prime rib, oysters on the half shell, and a number of other delicacies while sipping away the evening.

Notably, fires came dangerously close to the country club and there were those in attendance who had suffered loss of property.

However, everyone I spoke with was in high spirits and ready to talk about the good life! I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the friendship and camaraderie of fellow Knights of the Vine and the wine community we all love and support. We certainly are a resilient bunch.

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Finally, to end the year, many of us took advantage of our Knight Ned Trippe’s invitation to join him and many others at Luna Vineyards in a Holiday Napa Fire Relief effort on December 3, 2017.

Luna Vineyards held a Release party in a Holiday Celebration, with all proceeds going directly to the Napa Valley Foundation’s Fire Relief Fund.

Many of our members were present to aid in this worthy cause. Of course it didn’t hurt to have the newly released 2014 Howell Mountain Cabernets and Merlot to sip on as well as some of the best Sangiovese and Super Tuscan blends (Canto Super Tuscan) in the Valley all paired with estate chef Mercedes Stahlberger‘s seasonal winepaired bites, including truffle popcorn, goat cheese tart, curried lamb meatballs and dessert bar.

KOV SF/Bay Area Chapter was honored to be able to contribute $500 to this very worthy cause.

Ramzi Taqi, Giselle McKellar, Kathleen Hayes and Paul Maroon

The Arbor

Grand Assemblage Ceremony in Villa Kivi, Helsinki

The culinary team of Villa Kivi pleased our taste buds

Finland

The 2017 Grand Assemblage Ceremony by the KOV Finland Chapter was held in beautiful Villa Kivi by the exquisite Töölö Bay in Helsinki, the capital of Finland on a sunny Saturday in early Autum. The location could not have been better selected to host the ceremony on the same year Finland was celebrating its 100 years of independence. One of the early residents of the villa was K.J Ståhlberg, who later became the first president of the Republic of Finland in 1917. Villa Kivi has thereafter been a base for the most prestigious and celebrated writers and poets including Noble literature prize laureate F.E. Sillanpää.

By Arttu Kalli

All of our candidates passed their duties and the ceremony led by Master Commander Olli Heikkilä and Master Vice Commander Ilkka Eskola welcomed new knights and The symphony of the colors of sunset on Töölö Bay gentle ladies for our brotherhood.

The celebrations were followed by a delicious 4-course dinner accompanied by perfectly matching quality wines. The event was also greeted by a joyful music performance before the guests continued to a more relaxed after-party.

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Our host Don Sloat

Chancellery

Sloat Wine Dinner We are usually blessed with wonderful fall weather in Northern California and the evening of October 28th was no exception. Prospective members, Don and Diane Sloat opened up their lovely home and wine cellar for a fun evening of wine and Italian food catered

by Vaiano Trattoria .

We arrived in the beautiful Loomis, California neighborhood of Clos Du Lac, a planned community modeled to look like the south of France just before sunset.

The neighborhood contains vineyards and olive groves and we were just getting a glimpse of fall colors. The grapes in the neighborhood are not just for looking at; the community harvests them and makes wine from them. Don led a wine tasting of these wines in their well-appointed wine cellar.

It was a fun way to start the evening. He began by pouring a Petite Sirah and a Cabernet Franc. Our wines paired well with a beautiful antipasto tray containing Italian cheeses, meats and olives and a delightful croustade with mascarpone cheese, toasted walnuts and pancetta.

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The Arbor

We moved into the house for a sit-down family style dinner. Guests had been asked to bring a bottle of Italian wine to share. We had fun passing bottles from table to table to sample with the multi-course meal. We started the meal with a pear and Gorgonzola salad. The first course following that was linguine with scampi followed by a second course of chicken Madeira with mashed potatoes and baby carrots. We topped off the evening with mini cannoli and a lovely port-style wine that was also made with the Clos Du Lac grapes.

Deck the Halls with Chik & Polly The holidays are always a busy time so we decided to kick off the season early with a gathering at the home of Commander and Gentle Lady Chik and Polly Brenneman on December 3rd. It was an afternoon affair and oh, what a difference a day makes! If we had held the event the following day, the cold north wind would have had us hunkered down in the house, but Mother Nature was on our side. The sun was shining and the winds were calm allowing us to spread out to the back patio where we had our ‘wine table’ and a fire pit going.

As you might imagine, many of the guests gathered there. We had asked members to bring a bottle of wine to share and a few of our Gentle Ladies baked up some yummy desserts to go with the three homemade soups that Polly made; tomato, minestrone, and a chicken Posole. The house-smoked salmon was a hit also.

We are happy to report that three new members will be joining our chapter at its Spring Assemblage on April 7; Don Sloat and Chuck and Janic Batchelor. Two weeks following our Assemblage, our chapter will host the annual delegates meeting in Sacramento. Just as fall is beautiful in the Sacramento area, spring is equally so! We hope to see many of you here.

Winter/Spring 2018

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Houston

ANYTHING BUT NORMAL After a very busy first half of the year, the last six months of 2017 were not as planned. But before the devastation of Hurricane Harvey hit, the Houston Chapter was very pleased to travel to Bryan, Texas to help our friends Supreme Knight and Supreme Lady Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their Messina Hof Winery and to surprise the next generation, Paul Mitchell and Karen Bonarrigo who have taken on the reins of running the winery, with their enthronement into our Brotherhood at a Special Assemblage. Twenty-one members from Houston were present and enjoyed a great event and the element of surprise! We stayed overnight and made a road trip out of the weekend by also visiting Texas A & M University’s viticulture lab and our own KOV vineyard, where research is done and students learn. Our fundraising efforts have been directed toward this for many, many years and we were pleased to have Supreme Knight Dr. George Ray McEachern lead us as we toured these interesting locations.

In late August, Hurricane Harvey hit and, as the saying goes, the best laid plans ….. all put on hold. And while we held no events for a couple of months, our chapter came together in ways we might otherwise never have known. We truly found out what it means to be connected through our Brotherhood!

After struggling through, we all needed a return to some fun and what fun we had as we celebrated “Wine-tober Fest!” Knight and Gentle Lady Wolfgang and Leigh Ann Manz opened their home on October 28 to celebrate Wolfgang’s homeland, Germany! Leigh Ann presented a full menu of delicious German foods including three kinds of bratwurst with three kinds of mustard, sauerkraut, cucumber salad, German potato salad, pretzels and strawberry cake. Wines were Mayschoss-Altenahr 2014 Spätburgunder trocken, Hans Bausch 2012 Spätburgunder, trocken, Philipps-Eckstein Graacher Him-

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By Trish Hagner

melreich 2014 Riesling Kabinett, Nauerth-Gnägy 2015 Grauer Burgunder troken, and Staatliche Weinbaudomane Trier Treverer 2014 Riesling trocken …… and we had 23 members and guests present to enjoy what is sure to become a new tradition!

On December 8, sixty knights, gentle ladies and guests celebrated the holiday season at the home of Master Host Lee Slataper and his lady, Laura. In celebration of the fact that our Brotherhood opened its newest chapter in Washington State this summer and some of us were fortunate enough to be able to attend, we decided to celebrate the holiday with some great Washington State wines. Wines served that evening included Forgeron 2014 Chardonnay, Abeja 2014 Chardonnay, Mansion Creek 2014 Tempranillo, Otis Kenyon 2014 “Matchless” Red Blend, Gramercy Cellars 2014 Grenache, J. Bookwalter 2009 “Antithesis”, and Force Majeure 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Kolbe & Gwen Curtice, Jim Skelton, Jim Curtice

Ladies of the Knight

The Arbor

Jim McCreary, Arden Christensen,Tom Feeney

In early December, the Ladies of the Knight gathered for the second year in a row at the home of Laurie Phillips hosted by Nan McCreary and Trish Hagner. As always, we had a great turnout of about 50 ladies, each bringing tasty tidbits to share with the Holiday themed wines that were featured. The wines include Sparkling “Costero” Brut Nature (Chile), Apaltagua 2017 Carmenere Rosé (Chile), Three Otters 2014 Pinot Noir (Willamette), Calcu 2014 Cabernet Franc (Chile), Villa Trasque 2010 “Fanatico” Rsv Chianti Classico (Italy) and Uvaggio 2013 Moscato Dolce (Lodi).

As 2017 closed, we were looking forward to a bright future and the celebration of our chapter’s 40th Anniversary. We can’t wait to tell you all about that in the next issue of The Arbor.

Newly enthroned, Paul Mitchell and Karen Bonarrigo of Messina Hof Winery

Michelle Wise and Buddy Hagner

Winter/Spring 2018

Jim & Merrilyn Skelton

Linda Evans and Ginger Covington

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An Open Letter to Our KOV Friends In August 2017, the Houston area suffered a storm of almost biblical proportions!

Hurricane Harvey dumped 52” of rain (compared to 16” for Katrina) which was about 9 trillion gallons of rain. You might wonder how much that is. Well, it would fill the Great Salt Lake twice, fill the Empire State Building 33,906 times, cover New Orleans in 128 feet of water and equal 9 days of the flow of the Mississippi River! Evacuating over 6 million people was an impossible task. Meteorologists say they will be studying this storm for many, many years to try to understand exactly what happened.

We can tell you what happened in human terms. People lost lives, lost homes, lost lifelong treasures, but what we got is what we want to focus on. Here in Houston, we felt the love of neighbors, of friends, of strangers who just showed up and stayed offering help, food, shelter, dry clothes and most of all, encouragement that we could make it through when we didn’t think we could.

And you...our dear KOV friends, we heard from you.

We appreciated your calls, your prayers, your offers of assistance that came in so many forms. Those close enough to get to us helped pull wet sheetrock out of our homes and sort through things to see what, if anything, could be saved. And you stayed during the dark days that followed! Those further away contributed to a GoFundMe account that helped more than you may ever know! None of us lived in flood zones, but yet we flooded. None of us could have been prepared for this; yet with your help, we will come back stronger than before. A special thanks to Provost General, NW U.S. Peter Bosco for setting up the account and to all of you who contributed. Although the fund was a surprise to us, your generosity was not.

We can literally NEVER thank you enough. Even as we write this, our recovery continues and we look forward to returning to our homes and the life we knew before Harvey. Our doors and our hearts are open to you and we hope you will come see us when you can so we can personally thank you!

Trish & Buddy Hagner Nan & Jim McCreary Alicia & Eric Jansen Mary Jane & Jack Roeder Linda & Tom Bragaw

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Flood waters at the home of Nan & Jim McCreary

IN HARVEY’S AFTERMATH Headline photo (Left) appeared in papers across the nation and was taken by our member who was flooded, Alicia Jansen

The Arbor

Winter/Spring 2018

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HALLOWINE”

FROM“

Gulf Coast

to Holiday Cheer

By Lynn Lofton

On most Wednesdays you can find Gulf Coast KOV members gathered somewhere along the coastline for “Winedown Wednesday”. This has become a favorite weekly tradition for all. No RSVPs are needed and there’s no pressure to plan ahead. It just takes a simple shout-out to a fellow member to get the ball rolling.

This Hump Day gathering brings cheer, smiles and laughter to what is often a hectic week. Cheers to “Winedown Wednesday”!

In addition to the traditional — and always festive — Christmas party, the Gulf Coast Chapter introduced a new fun event last October, a Halloween party and costume contest. The October celebration was held at Jazzeppi’s Restaurant in Biloxi with a full complement of ghosts, goblins, ghouls and assorted questionable characters.

Campaigning was heavy to win the coveted Best Costume Contest and take home the wine basket prize. A secret vote was taken and the winners were Vice Commander Rich Moss and Master Flag Bearer Suzy Moss, who were costumed as the Lord and Lady of Bacchus (or Bacchi).

Winners of the costume contest, Rich Moss, left, and Suzy Moss, right, pose with Miles Culbertson at the Hallowine party

These three kittens had a purring good time from left: Susan Norris, Carolyn Suarez and Sandra Jackson

“There was stiff competition — so much that we didn’t recognize some of you. We tried to keep this contest honest and in the true spirit of the KOV, but I’m not sure Rich didn’t use a little arm twisting,” Grand Commander John Boothby said in This scary bunch of ghouls were frightening! From left: Fernando Gonzales, announcing the winners.

Patricia Hancock, Mark Spain, Mary Spain and Rosemary Roosa

Wines served at HALLOWINE included Matua Sauvignon Blanc, Josh Cabernet, Sterling Vinters Collection Merlot, Wishing Tree Unoaked Chardonnay and J. Lohr Pinot Noir.

Light hor dourves were served by the Jazzeppi’s staff.

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The Arbor

The Christmas party was held at the home of Gentle Lady Barbara Allen. A highlight of the evening was the pouring and sharing by the hostess of a special wine, a magnum of Napa Valley 1991 Dominus. The group also enjoyed a variety of wines and appetizers brought by members.

Party hostess Barbara Allen shared this great bottle of wine with fellow Gulf Coast chapter members at the Christmas party

“It was a great way to end our chapter’s year as we look forward to more celebrations of wine and friendship next year,” Commander Boothby said. “Plans for 2018 will include an event the chapter has never had before — a crawfish boil — and more wine education.”

Michael Sunderman (seated), Joff Clarke (standing) are surrounded by fun loving women at the Gulf Coast chapter Christmas party Lance Miller, Rosemary Roosa, Adrienne & John Boothby enjoying some holiday cheer

Winter/Spring 2018

Don Halle, Lynn Lofton and Jim Hardaman enjoy wine at the Gulf Coast chapter Christmas party

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GOOD TIMES IN TENNESSEE

Tennessee

The Tennessee chapter met at the home of Master Commander Tom and Gentle Lady Beth Webb for an impromptu mid-summer Porch Party, a popular southern tradition. As the temperature (and humidity) climbed almost to the 100 mark, the Porch Party was moved inside to cooler temps. Members brought hors d’oeuvres and plenty of refreshing wines to battle the heat wave while catching up on summer activities and trips. We braved the heat just long enough to take a group photo on the porch!!

Cooler temperatures in the fall brought us all together again as we welcomed our newest chapter to the Brotherhood with a Celebrate Washington State themed dinner at the home of Vice-Commander Bob and Gayle Bennett. Members brought a wide variety of Washington wines and dined on delicious appetizers, including Cougar cheese from Washington State University, grilled Coho salmon (of course) and chicken, and cherries jubilee for dessert. Bob Bennett conducted a Washington wine trivia contest, which was a surprisingly close contest between the teams! From everyone in the Tennessee chapter, Welcome to Knights of the Vine, Washington!!!

We kicked off the holiday season with an Italian night at the Webb’s home and we welcomed special guests, Tom and Connie Kossen from the Mississippi chapter.

Members did a marvelous job researching Italian wines and preparing a wonderful feast. An antipasto platter, chicken cacciatore, chicken alfredo, spaghetti, eggplant rollatini, Italian spinach, Italian cream cake and tiramisu were complemented by bottles of Prosecco, Chianti, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Borolo and more! We ended the evening singing Christmas carols, accompanied by the talented Connie Kossen on the piano.

We should have been singing, “Too hot! Too hot!”

Debbie & Robert Meyers, Sandy & John Barrios,Tom & Alyce Price

Guy See,Tom Webb, John Barrios, Gary McCown

Walter Elkins, Sheila Bentley, Peggy Larkin, Judy Fink

Tennesse Chapter Christmas Party

Gayle Bennett, Beth Webb 16

The Arbor

The Brotherhood of the knights of the vine

Membership

application

Individual APPLICAtion: Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. / Dr. First _______________________________ Last _____________________________________ Phone ______________________________________ Email ________________________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Occupation ________________________________________ Spouse’s Name __________________________________ Of what professional, scientific, fraternal or social organization are you a member? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

special qualifications: List items of interest that reflect your support of the wines and vines of America (e.g. drink California wines) and any affiliations you may have with wine appreciation groups or gourmet societies in the world. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Applicant _______________________________________________________ Date _________________

Please include an initiation fee of $225, plus any local dues, if applicable.

Your initiation fee may be tax deductible if you are a member of the trade.

Does not include cost of Enthronement Dinner.

Make Check Payable to THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE VINE Return your application and check to KOV National Office at 3343 Industrial Dr., Suite 2, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

sponsoring knight or gentle lady:

First Name _______________________________________

Last ____________________________________________ Phone _________________________________ Email _____________________________________________________ Title in Order _____________________________________ Chapter _________________________________________ Recommendations of the Sponsoring Knight or Gentle Lady_____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Recommended Title in Order ________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Sponsoring Knight ________________________________________________ Date ________________ Winter/Spring 2018

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Kathleen Fish, Clare Lotspeich and Jo Carol Snowden

Austin

Fantastic Views, Wine & Food The Austin Chapter held a soirée at the home of Lily and Yigal Saad in northwest Austin on Wednesday, September 13th. Their magnificent hillside home with expansive balconies offered sweeping views of the hills surrounding Austin and the downtown skyline in the distance.

Master Commander Jerry Gatlin and the chapter’s first Gentle Lady Susan Gatlin did an excellent job of moving through the crowd and sparking conversation. After the guests had arrived, Gatlin ascended the curving stairs in the middle of the home to give a welcome and to announce the plans for the coming year. Master des Partis Rose Betty Williams designed a delicious array of culinary treats which were prepared by Kurant Events Catering. The wines represented some excellent examples of the vinicultural arts – from Champagne to Cabernet.

Knights and Gentle Ladies were overheard comparing their summer travels and plans for the upcoming social season in Austin. Given the timing of the party, many

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at Early Fall Party

stories and condolences about friends and family members who were affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston and the Texas coastal areas were shared. The national and Texas political scenes also made for some lively repartee.

Several prospective members of the chapter were welcomed and introduced around in the crowd.

As guests mingled and enjoyed the excellent wines and food, they were treated to the inspiring sight of the sunset over the hills to the west. It was a wonderful party and as the guests dispersed into the night, someone was heard to exclaim, “Per Vitem! Ad Vitam!”

By Forrest Preece, Master Scribe Photos by Charles Quinn Photography

The Arbor

WINES Ruppert-Leroy Fosse-Grely Pinot Noir Brut Champagne, WS 92pts 2016 Chateau Sainte Roseline Cru Classe Rose, CT 90pts 2013 Rochioli Russian River Valley Chardonnay, WS 93pts 2014 Passopisciaro Sicilia Passorosso,VM 97pts 2014 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, RP 97pts PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES Crispy Artichoke Fritters with Lemon-Black Pepper Aioli BBQ Ahi Tuna with Roasted Serrano Aioli and Micro Cilantro on Yucca Chips BUFFET Salad of Mixed Greens, Avocado, Orange Supremes, Shaved Radish, Spicy Toasted Pepitas, Julienne of Jicama with a Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette

TOP ROW Paul Leeke,Van Hoisington and Karen Leeke • Martha & Richard Coons with Master Commander Jerry Gatlin • Ed & Susan Auler TOP LEFT Lily and Yigal Saad, who hosted the party in their magnificent home.

MIDDLE LEFT Christy Heimsath, Al & Kay Stowell BOTTOM LEFT Andrew & Mary Ann Heller, Master Commander Jerry Gatlin, Jim & Claudia Humphrey and Rose Betty Williams

Smoked and Carved Beef Tenderloin – Horseradish Sauce, Watercress Sauce and Spiced Tomato Chutney Cedar Planked Smoked Salmon with Housemade Creme Fraiche, Champagne Tomato Chutney Grilled and Roasted Vegetables with Basil Vinaigrette – Eggplant, Red & Yellow Peppers, Carrots, Asparagus and Summer Squash, Portobello Mushrooms, Grilled and Glazed with a Vinaigrette of Basil, Dijon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

continued >>>

Macaroni and Many Cheeses – Asiago, Sharp Cheddar, Provolone and Goat Cheese with White Truffle Oil Shiner Bock Beer Bread with Grilled Scallions and Oven Dried Tomatoes DESSERT Assorted Petite Desserts

Winter/Spring 2018

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Jason Hochman, Kay Stowell, Michelle Berger, David Tobey, Jamie Hightower and Phillip LaJoie

AUSTIN CHAPTER CONT’D FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Ahoy, mateys! The Austin Chapter of Knights of the Vine had an enjoyable paddle wheeler boat cruise on the waters of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin on Thursday, Oct. 26th. The highly rated wine from the chapter’s private cellar was magnificent and partygoers noshed on delicious fajitas and all the trimmings from Pok-e-Jo’s Texas BBQ and Catering.

BOAT CRUISE ON LADY BIRD LAKE The skyline of Austin was a dramatic backdrop for the evening

As the wine flowed, so did the conversations. With the dramatic skyline of downtown Austin floating past and the sun sinking behind the western hills, the philosophical meanderings of the guests increased by several levels of erudition. Among the topics of conversations were the ongoing social season, the prospects for Amazon Headquarters 2 being built in the Austin area, and the possibility of a major league soccer team that is proposed to land in the Capital City.

A special treat occurred when the party boat stopped near the Congress Avenue Bridge and thousands of Mexican Freetail Bats suddenly streamed out across the evening sky. The boat then meandered down the lake to the west so everyone on board could marvel at the stunning and ever-changing skyline of what is now the country’s 11th largest city. Some of the guests who live in downtown Austin were called upon to point out and name the newer buildings.

As the boat pulled into the dock, partygoers took their last sips of wine, said their goodbyes and exclaimed what a fun time they’d had.

Chris Hightower, Leonard Quam, Master Commander Jerry Gatlin, Aileen Quam, Jamie Hightower Forrest Preece, Linda Ball, Deborah and Randy Groves, Anna Marie Speir, Rick and Clare Lotspeich

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(seated) Master Commander Emeritus Larry Peel, (standing, left to right) Barbara Krings Hargraves, Peter Hargraves, Stephanie Brown, Paul Brown.

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Washington Wine Tasting at Kossarosa Lake House

By Connie Kossen

At this September tasting, the chapter celebrated the new Washington Chapter of KOV by drinking a variety of Washington State Wines. The tasting was at the Kossarosa Lake House, hosted by Commander-Elect Tom Kossen and his wife, Gentle Lady Connie Kossen. Different members of the Club provided food for the event with a menu coordinated by the hostess.

Tom Storey, Provost General, SE US, provided a map of the region, along with information about the Washington State growing areas.

A Sauvignon Blanc from the Horse Heaven Vineyards of Chateau Ste. Michelle accompanied a cheese platter, followed by North by Northwest Chardonnay enjoyed with a smoked salmon platter with all accompaniments.

A selection of red wines, including a Kestrel Sangiovese, a Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon and the FiveStar Cellars Merlot, were accompanied by beef tenderloin with fresh vegetables and accompanying sides.

Jim Stuart, Al Parrish, Nicky Drake and Gaither Rowe at the Lake House

be approved by the State. These wines included Bread and Butter Chardonnay, Babylonstoren Viognier, Carat Nova Pinot Noir, Grayson Cellars Zinfandel and Petite Etoile Cahors Malbec. Approximately thirty members and guests enjoyed a sampling of tasty foods and new wines as we gathered around the piano to sing Christmas carols. A great surprise was the arrival of Commander Emeritus Norman Harris. Norman has not been able to attend recent gatherings and he and Knight Jim Stuart have each recently celebrated their 90th birthdays. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all.

Betty Jackson,Ted Jackson and Susan Wingert

The chapter gathered at the home of Gentle Lady Julie Ratliff on December 9 to celebrate the Christmas Season with wonderful food and the enjoyment of wines recently introduced into the Mississippi market. Because of Mississippi state laws, any new wines or spirits must RIGHT Sandra McLaurin and Nancy Smith FAR RIGHT Ted Jackson, Nicky Drake and Curtis Whittington Winter/Spring 2018

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Mississippi

In a September, 2017 tasting, Vice-Commander Kenny Windham held a brief meeting and announced that Knight Tom Kossen has agreed to step into the role of the Master Commander at the 2018 Assemblage after it was announced that Nathan McHardy had stepped down from that position. Special guests, Grand Commander Buddy Hagner and Master Lady Trish Hagner, provided a history of the Knights of the Vine and helped those present to understand the many benefits of membership and our FICB affiliation. Buddy also explained the dues structure and told of other KOV Chapters in the U.S. Of special interest was a discussion of the 2018 Congress in Macedonia. Over thirty members and guests appreciated their attendance and the information provided.

A Conversation with Supreme Knight

Gordon Murchie

By Nan McCreary

Gordon Murchie, Supreme Knight of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, has a long and storied history with the wine industry. During his early days as a Foreign Service officer with the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) and, during his some 35 years with other significant assignments with the Agency for International Development (AID) and the State Department, he recognized that wine was an “international language,” and began a life-long study of wine and involvement with wine-related activities that continues to this day. While he was with the USIA — with assignments in the Philippines — he conducted U.S. Embassy wine tastings, educational talks and sales promotion events. After returning to the U.S., he became a leader and advocate for the growth and quality of wines, both in Virginia and nationally. He served on the board of the National Wine Coalition, the umbrella voice for the U.S. wine industry, and as its executive director from 1993 to 1996. As part of the U.S. People-to-People program, he led a delegation team of viticulturists, enologists and wine enthusiasts to the People’s Republic of China’s wine industry in April 1996, South Africa in 1997, and Australia in 1998. In his home state of Virginia, he has been referred to as “the voice for vinifera.”

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From 1989 to 2008, he served continuously as president of the Virginia-based Vinifera Wine Growers Association, which was one of the first wine trade associations on the east coast, and from 1999 to August 2005, he also served as executive director of the Virginia Wineries Association.

He was selected Virginia Wine Person of the Year 1998, and honored as the namesake and first recipient of the Virginia Wine Industry’s Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. He has directed the annual Virginia Wine Festival for over 20 years, and has served as the wine consultant to George Washington’s Mount Vernon for 22 years. For his dedication and years of service to the industry, in 2011 he was awarded the American Wine Society’s highest recognition, the Award of Merit. With that award, he joined the ranks of previous honorees including Konstantin Frank, New York State’s pioneer with vinifera varieties; Robert Mondavi; André Tchelistcheff; and Ann Noble, the inventor of the “Aroma Wheel” that describes wine’s aromas and tastes. Also, he has served as writer/editor of two wine industry publications, the former National Wine Coalition’s Wine Trends & Perspectives, and the Vinifera Wine Growers Association’s The Wine Exchange. Both have had national and international distribution. He was knighted as a Supreme Knight by the Nation’s Capital Chapter in 1998 at the famed Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C.

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THE ARBOR (TA): How did you first develop an interest in wine?

GORDON MURCHIE (GM): When I first went overseas in 1958 with the U.S. Information Agency, I knew nothing about wine. But in the Foreign Service, you become immediately aware of how wine is a part of international diplomacy. It is a subject of conversation that crosses political, religious, social and geographic borders.

This really hit me in the mid-80s, when a wine steward at a restaurant in communist-ruled Czechoslovakia asked me to do a tasting of his best-selling wines. I rated the wines — a dozen or so — in order from best to last, based on what I thought were of quality and commercial viability. When I finished late in the evening with only the wait staff watching, they let out a big cheer. I thought, “My gosh, what have I done now?” The steward explained that the wine I considered the poorest quality was made from a vineyard owned by the wife of a Political Commissar, and even the vineyard was not known for producing good wines, the restaurant had to put that wine at the top of their list as their best wine. What impressed me about this experience was how important wine is to people, and how politics influences how wine is treated in various countries.

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TA: As an American diplomat traveling the world for over 35 years, you must have had some wonderful experiences.

GM: One of the most memorable experiences was being in the Philippines in 1958 when there was a country-wide effort to increase the teaching of Tagalog as the national language. At the time, there were over 100 dialects being spoken in those islands, so most everyone in commerce and international activities also spoke English. The Supreme Court was still dealing in Spanish. We were there during an interesting time of change. The Philippines was still in a recovery mode from the devastation of World War II. Our assignment in Indonesia was also fascinating because there were so many truly different cultures, from Sumatra in the north to Bali in the south. To us, the most amazing area was Bali. Back then, Bali was not a major international tourist destination, and it was a real pleasure to see the Balinese perform ceremonies that they would have for themselves only.

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Congressional Knighting Ceremony May 4, 2011 (LtoR) Dave Barber, Ken Haapala, Rep. George Radanovich (Ret.), Terrance McCleerey, Gordon Murchie, Rep. Dan Lungram (R-CA-3rd), Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-1st) and Russ Davis

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TA: You were in Thailand, on the Laotian border, during the Vietnam War. What was that like?

GM: We arrived at the border along the Mekong River in northeast Thailand across from Laos January 1, 1961 and were there for four straight years. It was a period of history that hadn’t totally been written yet. In 1962, we had 3,000 combat marines sitting at our doorstep. The whole area, with an ex-Japanese airfield, had become a base of American air and ground operations. This was the “undeclared war in Laos,” and there was a lot of activity. For a while, we were the only official American representatives there. I would spend much of my time traveling through the villages in the area with a mobile unit showing films about America and promoting U.S.Thai development and security relations along with

“In the 1980s, when I was in Malta, I brought back a tin knight, not knowing at the time that it would become the mascot of the Nation’s Capital Chapter of KOV.”

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learning the local dialect and customs. When they sent me back down to Bangkok, I ended up at the embassy in the office of special assistant. From there, I was assigned as a counter-insurgency and psyops advisor to the Thai Government. I worked with a Thai general who was leading Thai operations for communist suppression. I think my wife is a better “soldier” than I am. We worked as a team and were never separated. We are really fortunate to have had that career together.

TA: When did you become involved in the Virginia wine industry?

GM: We came back to the U.S. in 1970 after 12 years in Indo-China. In 1976, we went to Latin America and returned in 1980. Before going to Costa Rica, I had already gotten heavily involved in the Virginia wine industry. When I returned in 1980, I launched full-time into the wine industry both at state and national levels and haven’t stopped since.

TA: Tell us about your work as a lobbyist for the wine industry.

GM: In 1993, I retired from the State Department and the next day I was working in another part of town as Executive Director of the National Wine Coalition. I had been a member of the Coalition for several years, as a result of promoting the Virginia wine industry. Back in those days, the Coalition was primarily backed by the California Wine Institute, and everyone in the industry who was promoting the future of American wine was a member. The Coalition opposed an increase in the federal excise tax (known as the “sin tax”) as a funding source for the administration. My office was adjacent to Bobby Koch, current President and CEO of the Wine Institute, so I had an opportunity to start meeting with the leadership and key players in the American wine industry.

The Coalition was quite a collection of the powerhouses in the wine business industry, and this really gave me a push forward. Later, I worked with Congressmen George Radanovich and then with Mike Thompson to create what is known today as the Congressional Wine Caucus (“to protect the interests of the vibrant wine industry from grape to glass”). During that time, I helped initiate an annual Wine Caucus awards reception for winning wines from competitions I helped to start in

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Gordon Murchie greeting Julia Child

Virginia. Now, the competition has been extended to the entire East Coast, and is sponsored by the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association (formerly the Virginia-based Vinifera Wine Growers Association). Winners of the competition are presented at a reception on Capitol Hill, with members of the Caucus in attendance.

TA: What is your primary focus in the wine industry today?

GM: I am very involved in the Mount Vernon Wine Festival series which I helped promote and which are held in the spring and the fall. I have always been interested in why wine has had such a significant status in the evolution of mankind, and particularly in modern-day Europe, so I began researching the American history of wine. I thought it would be interesting to have an event at either Monticello or Mount Vernon because both

Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were very interested in viticulture and winemaking. The people at Mount Vernon were very receptive to the idea, so in 1997, we started a spring festival to celebrate the history of wine in Virginia. In 2002, we added a fall festival.

The events are very successful and generate a great deal of capital to support the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of General Washington’s Mount Vernon. (Mount Vernon is solely funded by private sources, not federal or state funds.) The festival lasts for three nights, and it’s packaged with tours of the mansion and cellar, and George and Martha Washington make an appearance every evening. We cap attendance at 1500 people each night — 1500 people packed under one gigantic tent. As of this year, over 171,000 people have attended the wine festivals at Mount Vernon, a national wine educational program.

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Gordon Murchie with Margrit Mondavi

TA: How many wineries participate in this?

GM: The first year, we had 12 wineries. Because I was active in the industry I knew most of the wineries, so I asked if they were interested and they said “yes.” I set it up so it would be one of the state’s better festivals with advantages to wineries to promote their wines and minimize their investment, and it’s still that way. I have just finished pulling together the 20 wineries for this coming spring (May) and fall (October) festivals. Wineries are solely Virginia wineries because of the historical rationale — General Washington, the rise of the colonies and an event that celebrates the history of the wine activity in the Commonwealth of Virginia at Mount Vernon.

TA: What changes have you witnessed over your many years in the Virginia wine industry?

GM: When I came into the Virginia wine industry, there were six or eight wineries. Now there are some 280.

Virginia uses the term, “Virginia First in Wine,” and we were. In the 1600s and well into the 1800s, those who tried to plant vitis vinifera winegrape vineyards, all failed. The problem was mainly the volatile weather —

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intense heat and cold and hail. Unlike the west coast, the entire east coast had native grapes — Scuppernong, Catawba, Norton, Niagara — from which we quickly learned how to successfully make wine. But due to the absence of modern technology, we didn’t know how to successfully nurture the planted vitis vinifera winegrape vines. When phylloxera destroyed the vineyards in Europe, the Europeans took rootstock from the east coast and as far as Texas because native American vines were resistant to phylloxera. As a result of that experimentation, what evolved was a new series of healthier and disease resistant vitis vinifera wine grape plants. Because of the renewal of the wine industry in Europe, in particular in France, French hybrid vines were developed and successfully planted on the east coast of the U.S. in the 1950s. Vidal Blanc and Chambourcin, for example, are very successful and popular in Virginia. The history has been phenomenal for the evolution of the wine industry on the east coast. California is still the 800-pound gorilla, but the history is here. As we’ve learned how to better deal with Mother Nature, everybody has prospered.

Now we have some new grape varietals that have been developed through viticultural studies at Cornell and UC Davis. It is an open field for us.

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TA: How did you first become involved in KOV? GM: I joined the Nation’s Capital Chapter of the Knight of the Vine in 1991. In 1995, I had been asked to set up a national wine issues conference in Washington D.C. and, as I was searching for wine leadership to invite as guests or speakers, I met the KOV Grand Commander, Norman Gates. I also met Peter Sichel who created the Blue Nun wine brand and who is the oldest Supreme Knight on the east coast. I am the second-oldest. In 1998, I was elevated to Supreme Knight and my wife, Anita, was given the title of Master Lady. I wear my KOV Maltese Cross and the Tastevin whenever I attend events, and I always get a lot of questions about KOV and its history. In the 1980s, when I was in Malta, I brought back a tin knight, not knowing at the time that it would become the mascot of the Nation’s Capital Chapter of KOV.

TA: Thank you for your support of KOV, and for taking the time to speak with us. You are a wonderful representative for those of us who appreciate wine, and yes, speak an “international language” that we all share.

GM: Wine has been an amazing component of humanity and it’s been there from day one. You are helping educate a growing consumer public that wine adds something far greater in its history and relevance to society than just a straight shot of alcohol. Like KOV, I am a big promoter of international wine cooperation.

Thank you for what you do to help further promote the positive aspects of American and international wine culture.

Gordon & Anita Murchie with Peter Sichel

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MONTEREY PIER PARTY AT PEBBLE BEACH The pier at Stillwater Cove overlooks the beauty of Point Lobos and the majesty of the emerald greens of Pebble Beach Golf Course. This was the setting for the annual KOV Pier Party! We had wine which is always the top conversation starter to greet old friends and new on this picture-perfect, 78 degree October day.

Ninty-two KOV members and guests attended this event. To get the party started, Cadre members Jack Galante, Supreme Knight, Master of Entonneurs and Scott Schied, Master of Tasting, grilled sausage appetizers.

Chef Didier Dutetre, owner of Bistro Moulin, spoiled us by serving up his famous escargot with the help of his lovely assistant, Cadre member Hallie McGonagal, Master of Flight. Complementing the escargot was a chicken liver pate served with crostini and shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic and white wine.

Cadre member Chef Wendy Brodie, Master of Gastronome, brought her flare for gourmet bliss to the appetizer portion of our revelry by presenting us with an array of cheeses from all the finest places: Briallat Savarin, a French cow’s milk, triple cream; St. Agur Blue, a cow’s milk from the French village of Beauzac; a California favorite, Humboldt Fog goat cheese; an aged Manchego from Spain; and an aged Prima Donna, from Holland.

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MONTEREY SAYS GOODBYE TO SUMMER!

Hot off the grill, the main course included tri tip and salmon served with baked beans. Chef Brodie served her signature rouge salad where “everything is red and wine friendly.” The salad of radicchio, pears poached in a combination of red wine and port, red seedless grapes, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, fresh raspberries and edible orchid petals tossed in raspberry vinaigrette, was topped off with candied pecans and crumbled blue cheese. Needless to say, everything was divine.

Scotty Wright’s jazz melodies filled the air while everyone enjoyed a vast selection of wines as the party continued. While this writer was attached to the Dawn’s Dream Rosé, other great names were poured, including Scheid, Galante, Bernardus, Boekenoogen, and Cow Girl Winery.

Guest winemakers included Dan Karlsen, former winemaker at Talbot Winery and now the owner of Chock Rock, pouring an intense, yet balanced, mineral based Pinot Noir from the Arroyo Secco appellation. And Gianni Abate who, after many years of putting Morgan Winery on the map, has taken the helm as winemaker at Chalone Winery. Chalone is famous for having been selected over the French Burgundies in a blind tasting in the 1970’s. This feat put California on the map as a wine region to be respected as world class!

To finish off the summer, a busload of KOV members traveled up the Carmel Valley to the Galante Ranch. In addition to grapes, this working ranch grazes cattle and was a major player in the cut flower business. The winery has a bottling facility that gives origin to a number of local wineries’ offerings.

Even with all of this activity the ranch expresses a peaceful ambiance deep in the valley. Supreme Knight Jack Galante welcomed us with a series of five food stations each with a paired wine.The valley heat encourages red wines with a bold intensity and Jack fulfilled this flavor profile beautifully.

The day was complemented with live music and a livelier game of Blackjack.

Winners came home with a nice selection of wine for their cellars.

This spectacular fall event laid our chapter to rest for the busy holiday season. Come January we will once again raise our glasses to toast the splendor of food and wine on the Big Sur, Pacific Coast!

BY KRISTINE DEATON & RICHARD KEHOE

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OUR 2017

FOOT STOMPIN’

SUMMER SOIREE

Lake Tahoe

BY VERONICA ROLLMAN KAUFMAN

After a relentless winter in the Tahoe area that experienced snow beginning in October 2016 and not ending until the middle of June 2017, the Lake Tahoe Region Chapter was particularly delighted to enjoy our annual summer event on the lovely grounds of the home of Master Commander Ernie Grossman and his lovely Gentle Lady, Margaret Lewicki on Saturday, July 15 in Truckee, California.

Look closely at the photographs. Note, no turtlenecks!

No parkas! No fleece lined UGG boots. The Lake Tahoe gang, and guests from other KOV chapters from Northern California, are dressed in their best jeans, decorative western vests, Native American jewelry and fanciest cowboy boots and hats.

We were greeted by hors d’oeuvres prepared by one of the West’s foremost outdoor cooking specialists, Chef Ron Allen. These yummies were accompanied by a broad spectrum of wine tastings from the up and coming Texas wine region. A big thank you goes to the Houston Chapter for providing wines from Messina Hof Winery. Chef Ron then provided a most elegant barbeque buffet with a beautiful array of wines from the inventory of our own Master Knight Ron Fenolio and his Veedercrest Estates. These fine wines are featured at selected Trader Joe’s across the country.

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The live music of “Everyday Outlaw”, last year’s much enjoyed western musical group, accompanied Chef Allen’s barbecue spread with the Texas wine tasting.

All of us had the opportunity, then, to work off some of this sumptuous meal by line dancing called by Dr. Robin Reese. Apparently, wine has a truly beneficial effect on coordination (really?!) as we all did a commendable job following Dr. Reese’s instructions. Most importantly, we all had a wonderful time!

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Whispering Vine In the late summer our group met up for an intimate gathering at Whispering Vine, a wine tasting/retailer in Reno, Nevada. Our very own Charge D’Affaires Stephanie Harris, coordinated with their 4th Street location manager, Sandy Jager, to create an afternoon wine tasting and food pairing celebrating the ”Women of Viniculture”. The wineries/vintners served were Kristin Belair of Honig, Leigh Meyering of Ideology, Kimerlee Nicholls of Markham and Kathryn Walt Hall of Hall Winery. All of these women vintners have made their mark in the world of viniculture, not just in Napa, but around the globe. The afternoon proved to be enlightening and entertaining!

CENTRAL COAST ODYSSEY Once again our Chapter sponsored a unique tour of the Central Valley wine districts and we were joined by a number of folks from both the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and Chancellery Chapter. One of our guests, Dr. Sharon Parsons, is a wine aficionado and professional blog writer (spaswinefood.blogspot.com).

She captured the essence of this trip and has given us permission to quote from her recent blog about this adventure entitled DISCOVERING SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTRY’S HIDDEN GEMS. Be sure to read the entire blog at https://spaswinefood.blogspot. com/2017/09/discovering-san-luis-obispo-wine.html “September is wine month in California making it a perfect time for wine country travels. Fortunately Spaswinefood was invited to join the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine on a weekend trip to California’s Central Coast. California’s Central Coast wine country is … where you will find four American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), namely Arroyo Grande, Edna Valley, Paso Robles and York Mountain.

It was indeed a most delightful time discovering some of San Luis Obispo County’s hidden gems.”

The Edna Valley AVA is located in the southwest corner of San Luis Obispo County. Edna Valley, south of the City of San Luis Obispo and north of Arroyo Grande, runs northwest to southeast for 10 miles. Pinot Noir, continued >>>

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LAKE TAHOR CHAPTER CONT’D FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

way to showcase the uniqueness within the Paso Robles AVA. We got a glimpse into the diversity of this wine region at our last two wine stops, Shale Oak Winery and Guyomar Wine Cellar.

Chardonnay, and Burgundy varietals thrive here. In addition Rhone varietals Syrah and Viognier also do well.

Chene Vineyards, with 6.1 acres under vine, is one the smallest Edna Valley vineyards. Their production is limited to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rosé of Pinot Noir. David and Lisa Platt, proprietors, use sustainable farming in the vineyard. Their organically farmed estate grapes are hand-picked. Winemaker David Platt uses minimum intervention in the wine making process.

El Lugar is family owned and operated by Coby Park-Garcia, winemaker, and his wife Katie Noonan.

They were there to greet us in their tasting room when we arrived at El Lugar for a wine tasting. El Lugar produces small lot vineyard designated Pinot Noir wines.

Our El Lugar wine tasting at the Petal Club began with a Pinot Blanc. We then tasted three Pinot Noir wines from different vineyards. One of these was an El Lugar Pinot Noir from Rincon Vineyard, Arroyo Grande.

Talley Vineyards was one the larger wine producers that we visited. Brian and Johnine Talley, proprietors, bring an amazing sense of place to their winery’s operations.

Talley Vineyards produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their six estate vineyards in Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande. Before doing a wine tasting we were taken on a tour of the winery. The harvest was in full swing at Talley Vineyards. It was emphasized during the tour that great care is taken in wine making at Talley Vineyards. They are a SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certified winery.

Paso Robles AVA was established in 1983. Since the wine region was established, it has grown significantly.

Paso Robles is a large and very diverse wine region, with over 200 wineries. This amazing diverse region has 11 sub-appellations. What these sub-appellations offer is a

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When we arrived at Shale Oak Winery we were greeted with a glass of Albariño. It was quite refreshing on a hot September day. While at Shale Oak we did a wine tasting over lunch. Besides tasting Albariño while at Shale Oaks, we also tasted their Grenache Blanc, Sui (a white wine blend), Rosé, Petite Syrah and Zinfandel wines. Shale Oak Winery is also SIP Certified winery and has two vineyards.

One at the winery and the other nearby in Pleasant Valley.

Both of the vineyards use sustainable practices.

Our last wine stop was at Guyomar Wine Cellar. This winery is located in the Templeton Gap on the west side of Paso Robles. Templeton Gap is one of Paso Robles sub-appellations. Here we were greeted by Ishka and Mareeni Stanislaus, the owners, and introduced to their wines. Guyomar Wine Cellars was another excellent introduction to wines from a small producer. Guyomar Wine Cellar produces amazing red wine blends. Ishka has now assumed the role of winemaker under the tutelage of the talented winemaker Steve Glossner. Ishka is also advised in the vineyard by Richard Sauret. Guyomar Wine Cellar is one of those special wine gems that you will find in San Luis Obispo wine country.

Naturally, good food always complements wine explorations. While in San Luis Obispo County we enjoyed fabulous dinners at Novo Restaurant, Thomas Hill Organic and a private home in Pismo Beach. After two awesome dinners at those local favorites, our last evening in San Luis Obispo was dinner at the lovely cliffside home of Adele McGee. I will simply say that dining ocean side is hard to beat!”

Autumn Assemblage The Autumn Assemblage was highlighted by a number of superlatives. The finest regional chef, Jacob Burton, with an extraordinary menu that paired so well with our cellared wines (such as 2011 Brunello di Montalcino and 2014 Chateau Rieussec 1er Grand Cru Sauternes); a guest list that included such dignitaries as Grand Commander (and Master Commander) Buddy and Trish Hagner, Houston Chapter, Master Commander

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Chik and Polly Brenneman, Chancellery Chapter, Master Commander Ken and Sandy Levy, Lodi Chapter, Master Commander (and Grand Administrative Officer) Tom Webb and Vice Commander Bob Bennett, Tennessee Chapter; the elevation to Master Knight and Master Lady Larry and Bea Axelrod for their meritorious service to KOV; and of our two inductees, Gentle Lady Linda Brown and Knight Christian Goodell.

Holiday Party Our annual Holiday Party has become an anticipated institution where members and guests flock to experience the culinary artistry of Maitress de la Cuisine, Master Lady Mai Nguyen and her freshly prepared potato latkes, blintzes, home-style ham, salads, and freshly baked desserts. Libations are freely poured and range from uniquely crafted Sangria to sparklers, and a complete array of reds, whites, and pinks.

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Los Angeles

John Hamilton with host Xavier Roy Duke of Bourbon

Known since 1967 for rare wines and hard-to-find liquors, Duke of Bourbon in Westlake Village also offers wine tasting seminars. The venue was suggested by one of our members, Gentle Lady and Executive Chef Claudine Marshall, who knows Xavier Roy, our host at Duke of Bourbon. French flew between them!

On October 21 about 30 of us gathered on the Duke of Bourbon’s patio to taste and compare eight wines from France and California. Since the event was a tasting/ pairing experience, we enjoyed a selection of charcuterie that included prosciutto, salamis, cheeses and artisanal breads. Xavier introduced each wine, telling us what grapes were used and where they were grown.

Our first wine was a Pins des Dunes 2015 from Bordeaux, a pale pink wine made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Following that was a Chateau la Verriere 2016, also a Bordeaux, made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. California’s Napa Sauvignon Blanc grapes took the stage next with an Emmolo 2015 Napa from winemaker Jenny Wagener.

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Our first red wine was a Pinot Noir, Bourgogne Charlopin 2013 from Burgundy. It was followed by a Sonoma Pinot Noir, Le Duc Noir 2016. France took the spotlight for the next wine, a Chateau Les Barraillots 2013 from Bordeaux. This wine was a blend of four grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Back to California, a Jolete 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma stole the spotlight.

Our last wine, the Grand Finale, was the most spectacular. Torrin The Banshee 2014 from Paso Robles in Central California is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre grapes. It was the perfect finish to a memorable experience.

Mike Marino

Janet Hamilton Ted Ludford and Karen Vales

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Fa-la-la-la-la,

Peninsula!

It’s the time of year for tradition, and the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills rates high on our list of holiday traditions. We opened the holiday season on December 1st with a champagne reception, sipping a deliciously chilled Veuve Clicquot accompanied by delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, then went in to a feast as only the Peninsula can offer. Our special guest was Sommelier Jordan Sweeney, who’s since joined our chapter. Jordan’s knowledge, and especially his enthusiasm, provided a lot of the sparkle of that evening.

Our first course was tortilla soup with avocado and cilantro mousse, served with Domaine de la Pauline, Eric Louis, Sancerre 2016. Our Sommelier described Sancerre as a magical region. Seared scallops with truffled grits and lobster broth followed, accompanied by Domaine Larue, Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Cru Sous le Puits, 2015. A beaming Jordan asked, “How GOOD is this??”

The entrée, grilled veal chop with sweet potato galette, candied pearl onions and rich morel sauce was served with Domaine Jean Deydier & Fils, Chateauneuf-duPape, 2012. Dessert was a light-as-air lime mousse with tequila gelee and orange meringue. It was served with Tresor de France Champagne Grand Cru from Admirable Family Vineyards. It was a lovely reminder of our time there in July.

Jim & Janet Hamilton with chef

John Hamilton and Lucy Zhen

Knight and Sommelier Jordan Sweeney

Master Knight Mike Marino and guest

Rita Korn and Neill Foster

And Santa had stopped by earlier…he left a table gift for each member. A set—wine opener and bottle stopper, both with Knights of the Vine logos. Those elves…they can do anything!

Tony Shipp and Charles Urtuzuastegu

Jane Windsor and Lonee Urtuzuastegui Summer/Fall 2016

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Lodi Introduces a New Wine Club!

By Master Commander, Ken Levy

Lodi

To promote and celebrate the wines and wineries of its local members, the Lodi Chapter now holds wine tastings on the second Tuesday of each month, from 5:30-7:00 pm. Members are encouraged to invite guests and bring along a plate of appetizers or desserts, enough for twelve people. Ten dollars is collected at the door, and is split with the hosting winery. The get-togethers are referred to as the “KOV Wine Club” because wine club pricing is extended to everyone who attends.

On Thursday, July 13, Knights, Gentle Ladies and guests turned out to celebrate at Durst Winery & Estate.

Upon entering, guests were treated to a glass of wine of their choice. Almost everyone brought a plate of appetizers or desserts to share, and the food was outstanding and plentiful. For the first thirty-five minutes, the nobility enjoyed the camaraderie, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, while sipping on the delectable wines.

Master Commander Ken Levy presented Cassandra with a KOV plaque

the Vine. Wine club pricing on all bottles, was extended to everyone. From the amount of wine sold, it appears everyone took advantage of that opportunity.

The evening was a big success, not only for KOV, but for Durst Winery & Estate. That is what we are hoping for – a big win for Knights of the Vine and a big win for our members in the wine business! Great wine…flavorful appetizers…delicious desserts…indepth presentations about wine…friendships made and deepened…wine being sold…that is a winning combination that members of Knights of the Vine-Lodi will be able to enjoy for years to come!

Knight and Master Lady Dan and Cassandra Durst were gracious hosts. They set up a table in the barrel room and proceeded to pour five different wines for the guests to enjoy. As we tasted the wines, we learned all about the beautiful estate. When the Dursts purchased the property, the main home was to be condemned.

Cassandra fell in love with the stately mansion and a multi-year labor of love went into its renovation.

Equaling the beauty of our surroundings was the wine. From the light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc to the structured, interesting and rich Charbono, the wines were wonderful! One of the most interesting tastings was a comparison of two Zinfandel wines harvested from the same field on the same day, but made in two different styles. One was completely dry and used very little lightly-toasted oak while the other had a small amount of residual sugar and used a heavier toasted-oak.

That comparison provided a wonderful example of how a skilled winemaker can make wine to appeal to two different types of palates!

As the evening concluded, Master Commander Ken Levy presented Cassandra with a plaque from Knights of

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A SENSORY JOURNEY The Lodi Chapter of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine enjoyed a Journey of the Senses - Riedel Wine Glass Seminar on Tuesday, July 25th at Van Ruiten Family Winery in Lodi. The barrel room provided the perfect setting for this fun and educational workshop which was led by Susan Durbrow, the California Wineries Manager for Crystal of America.

Upon entering the room, the guests found their way to place settings that included four glasses from the Riedel Veritas Collection. Each glass was specific to a varietal: chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and pinot noir. Master Commander Ken Levy and Master Knight Bill Rogan welcomed everyone in attendance. The journey began with the participants tasting water from each of the glasses. Since water is familiar and liked by everyone, the audience could focus on where and how each wine glassed delivered liquid to the tongue, without being distracted by the aroma and flavor of wine. Then, the fun began.

Susan Durbrow led the audience through a 90-minute sensory journey where we tasted and smelled four different wines served from each of the glasses provided.

As the wines were poured, the winemaker and new Knight John Giannini talked about the winemaking process and vintage of each wine. Before joining Van Ruiten Family Winery last year, John served as an oenology instructor at California State University, Fresno (a post he held for over 10 years) and was the winemaker for Fresno State Winery.

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If you have never had the privilege of participating in a Riedel Wine Glass seminar, you are missing out on a real treat. Do glasses make a difference? Absolutely!

For an at-home experiment, the next time you open a bottle of wine, start by tasting the wine from a plastic cup, coffee mug or water glass.

Then, pour the same wine into a wine glass and taste it. That alone should make you realize the shape and material of a wine glass can enhance the aromas and flavors of a wine.

The next time you taste a wine that you don’t like, don’t be so quick to blame the winemaker or ascribe it to a poor vintage. It could be that the wine will greatly improve with the right glass!

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LODI CHAPTER CONT’D FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Lodi Assemblage Over 70 people turned out as KOV-Lodi hosted its second “Less Grande Assemblage”, dropping the blacktie stipulation in favor of a less dressy affair. It was very well received and lots of fun! Held in the barrel room of the esteemed Van Ruiten Family Winery, the tables were topped with pumpkins filled with beautiful flowers in a colorful fall theme. A plated dinner of BBQ pork loin, green beans and couscous followed some delicious appetizers!

2017 was a year of tremendous growth for the Lodi Chapter. For the evening, eight of our new members were knighted into the Lodi Chapter with all the pomp and circumstance we could muster! Delicious wine flowed throughout the evening and the night wound down with some live music and dancing.

There were many people to thank for all their effort. A special shout-out goes to Knight and Gentle Lady Bill and Angie Rogan, along with Knight John Van Ruiten for being gracious hosts. The outstanding meal was prepared by Knight Steve Moore and his cooking team that included Knights Bob Smith and Steve Fetzer. Knight and Gentle Lady Greg and Annie Havens treated the crowd to some foot-stomping music, and Master Orator Pat Patrick served as a wonderful and witty Master of Ceremonies.

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Annual Rate the Reds!

On a glorious late evening overlooking Lake Mission Viejo, the Orange County Chapter held their Annual Rate the Reds Blind Tasting at the beautiful home of Sue and Knight Jeff Grether.

Members and guests were welcomed with a glass or two of a white wine along with variety of hor d’ouvers prepared Master of the Cellar Bill Losee and wife Barbara and Vice Commander Jon Greer and wife Mary,

This year we mixed it up a bittasting a number of Italian wines with one California ringer.

1 Macchia, 2013 Sangiovese, Lodi 2 Tentuta Di Renieri, 2012 Chainti Classico 3 Crognolo, Tenuata Sette Ponti, 2012 Chanti 4 Castello di Bibbone, 2012 Chanti Classico 5 Castello Paneretta, 2012 Chanti Classico Note surprising, we still need to grow in appreciation of different regions of the worlds wine appellations. SO SAD! SOMEONE’S GOT TO DO IT.

Pamela McGee Adams Jaunary 10, 1956 to September 23, 2017 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gentle lady Pamela McGee Adams, age 61. After fighting a valiant battle with brain cancer, Pam died peacefully, surrounded by close friends and family in her home in Mission Viejo, California,

Orange County

As in the past, the Orange County Chapter accepts very seriously its responsibility for the evaluation of wines which many in the region eagerly anticipate its pronouncements. All wines were hidden in brown bags and each numbered accordingly. Thus, no one knew the wine poured or pricing. Each guest was given a scoring sheet designed by the University of California at Davis.

Judging was based on clarity, finish, acidity, fruit, tannins, color and overall perceived quality.

Our Master of the Cellar Bill Losee guided us expertly in the grading of the wines.At the end of the tasting, the scoring sheets are tabulated and results shared as noted below in order of results:

Pam Adams was the Managing Director of Investments and Founder of The Adams Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. Pam was an incredible connector, philanthropist and a passionate supporter of many Orange County organizations and associations including: the UCI Center for Investment and Wealth Management Financial Literacy Program; a Founding Chair of UCI’s Dean’s Leadership Circle; Girls, Inc.; Orange County Big Brothers Big Sisters; Women’s Sage; Women Investing in Security and Education; NAWBO-OC; and ProVisors.

Pam was a valued member of the Orange County Chapter of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, contributing many hours of work as well has hosting numerous events for the chapter.

In Memoriam

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FICB International Congress ~ REPORT The International Events for the next 4 years have been mapped!!

At the Annual Meeting of the FICB in Paris which I attended, the Executive Committee received three new proposals to follow the Macedonian Congress in May/ June 2018 and chose La Confreria del Tartufo et dei Vini d’Alba to host the 2020 Congress in Piemonte, Italy and proposed that Portugal host 2022.

Our own KOV Finland was approved to host the first International Wine Challenge in June 2019.

All details are being finalized, of course, but here’s a brief outline of what is known.

Macedonia is proceeding with their Congress and Extension May 30-June 5th. Things have calmed down in Skopje, the capital and the OEVE (Ordo Equistris Vini Europae) is anxious to show their country to the world. Registration remains open with 90 participants confirmed from 8 countries (US has 60 between KOV and OWB) and a total of 120 are expected. Macedonia Travel (www.macedoniatravel. com) has been very useful in helping coordinate flights, shuttles and any other inquiries on behalf of the organizers. They can be reached directly at: info@ macedoniatravel.com.

June 6-9, 2019, KOV Finland has chosen the Resort & Spa of Hakko Manor, 30 minutes from Helsinki, as the site of the first ever International Wine Challenge. Supreme Knight and Master Commander Emeritus, Timo Jokinen outlined 2-3 days of lunches and dinners of unique Finnish cuisine paired with imported world wines which will be judged by an expert panel from within the FICB confreries and all attendees alike. More details will follow after the Macedonian Congress.

June 4-9, 2020, the Italian Confreria will host a Congress centered in Alba, a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, featuring, of course Barolo and Barbaresco wines made from Nebbiolo grapes. The sites for the visits, tastings and meals are spectacular and include famous castles and wineries. Unfortunately

Pat Pingitore ,Timo Jokinen with Asti’s Gran Maestra Bianca Vetrino Nicola, & Daniela Viberti

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for you truffle lovers, they are not in season during the Congress! The extension is planned for historic Turin, Italy’s first capital city and home to the world’s largest Egyptian museum outside of Cairo, as well as of course, the Cathedral and Shroud of Turin. A sommelier presentation of the other great Piemonte Wines will be featured as well as a visit to Martini House and Asti Spumante. A preliminary Power Point will be posted on the KOV or FICB websites soon.

June 21-28, 2022 will feature a “reprise” Congress in Oporto, Portugal, home of the great Port Houses of the world with an extension centered in Lisbon.

The first 3 days will include visits north to the region of Vinho Verde, a cruise up the Douro to the Regua, Barragem and Pinhao, while the extension will feature visits to Carcavelos and Alentejo to the south.

The Congress is scheduled to coincide with the feast of St John, a very important event in Oporto.

For anyone who was in Oporto in 1998 for their last Congress, you will remember one of the most spectacular fireworks display over the Douro and from the bridge that spans from Oporto to Gaia.

Similarly, a very preliminary outline will be posted to our website as soon as it is available.

The FICB is still looking for volunteer countries or regions to host Wine Discovery tours in the years between the Congresses. KOV Washington Master Commander Ken Hick is considering teaming up with Supreme Knight Allen Shoup for a potential event of 2-3 days in Washington & Oregon perhaps in Summer 2021.

Other highlights from the Paris meeting Alan Bryden has done a masterful job of renewing contacts with European brotherhoods, traveling all over Europe and as a result, the FICB has grown to 50 members from 18 countries with the recent additions of Brotherhoods in Hong Kong, Slovakia, Romania, Maldova, Serbia and the oldest Brotherhood in France, the Confrerie Sant Andiu Galinieiro de Béziers which has a very interesting and different history dating back to the 12th Century in the southwest of France.

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Alan Bryden & Ken & Cheri Hick at the FICB meeting

The finances of the FICB are stable and a small budget surplus is forecast in 2018 with it being a year receiving royalties from a Congress. Details are available upon request.

The General Assembly at the Musee du Vin saw 57 attendees welcome and approve of the news summarized above. The closing dinner had to be moved from a cruise on the Seine because of rising flood waters making it unnavigable, to Au Pied du Cochon, a venerable Paris establishment established in 1947!

Among the wines supplied by the attending Confreries was Washington State’s Long Shadows’ The Pedestal donated by Allen Shoup and made in collaboration with Michel Rolland both of whom happen to be recipients of the FICB’s Diploma of Honor, which made a fitting end to a successful meeting!

Next year’s meeting is scheduled for January 26, 2019 and remember, anyone who is a member in good standing of an FICB Brotherhood - (that means you KOV members!), may attend. Although usually cold and rainy in winter, Paris remains a most beautiful city and access to museums, restaurants and other sights, is very easy that time of year.

Pat Pingitore

~ International Emissary

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Finland

Land of the Thousand Lakes & Endless Hospitality

It was a whirlwind trip last July when Trish and I had the opportunity to visit our chapter in Finland. We knew a few of its members and before we left, we had a great many new friends!

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We already had an overseas trip planned and the calendar allowed us to extend our trip and include a few days in Finland. From the time our flight landed in Helsinki on Friday evening, July 14 until the time we departed on Monday, July 17, we were warmly welcomed and treated to wonderful hospitality! Pentti Salin was kind enough to pick us up about 11 p.m. and with their location so far north, it was still plenty light enough for us to get a sense of how beautiful Helsinki was on our way from the airport to our hotel. On Saturday morning, we were met at our hotel by Vice Commander Ilkka Iskola, Pirkka Peltoniemi, Sanna Rajaniemi and Commander Emeritus Roope Raisamo before walking over to the Ateneum, the Finnish National Museum of Art. After viewing the exhibits of Finnish art, we walked over to a beautiful cathedral square and hopped on the bus for a city tour. It was a perfect day and we were riding on top with headphones that gave us the tour in English so we could truly enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Helsinki.

The architecture was amazing. The history is rich and we were delighted to be able to share in it. After our bus tour, we walked through the open market. As the weather was perfect, the crowds had definitely come out. There were fruits, vegetables, flowers, arts, crafts and all kinds of interesting things.

We were treated to lunch at Kappeli which was opened in 1867 and is designed like a chapel. Pirkka and Sanna left us in good hands with Roope and Ilkka and we were joined at lunch by Patricia Kuukasjarvi and Sami Jokinen whom we knew from our time together at previous FICB events. As good as the food was, the conversation with friends was even better. As we walked through the park where the restaurant was situated, it brought a smile as we heard music drifting in the air along with the laughter of families enjoying themselves among the colorful flowers and landscaped gardens.

By Buddy & Trish Hagner

Houston Chapter

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After a bit of a rest back at the hotel, we joined a number of chapter members for dinner at Ravintola Nokka. The group included Roope, Sami, Patricia, Pirkka, Sanna and new friends Heikki and Marja Koski. The hospitality continued to be world-class and no one wanted the evening to end, in fact, some of us walked over afterwards for a bit more wine and conversation late into the evening at the home of Pirkka and Sanna! Such warm hospitality.

Sunday morning started the next part of the Finland adventure. Patricia and Sami drove us from Helsinki to Tampere; about two hours north. Waiting at our hotel was Commander Emeritus Roope Raisamo who had taken the train after dinner in Helsinki the night before.

We quickly checked in, dropped off luggage and took a nice walk through the city to a pavilion in Park Näsinpuisto; the site of the chapter’s annual picnic. What an absolute joy to get to meet so many of our KOV members there! And the food and wine … such a variety!

Reindeer, salmon, cheeses … we just wish we could remember all the wonderful offerings that were shared.

There was some KOV business to attend to before satisfying our desires to sample a bit of everything there! Prior to our arrival, Commander Olli Heikkilä reached out to say that he wanted to raise someone to the cadre and Don and Carol Bade, our National Treasurer and Executive Director, respectively, had the great idea of raising the chapter’s founder, Commander Emeritus Timo

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Jokinen, to supreme knight which required approval from the Grand Council and was not known to anyone in Finland in advance. After most guests had arrived, Commander Heikkilä got everyone’s attention. Using his sword, I was pleased to raise Arttu Kalli to the cadre.

(As a side note, Arttu has since become the Chapter’s Commander! Congratulations!) As folks started to think again of all the delicious offerings of the picnic, I asked for their indulgence for a moment longer and called Timo Jokinen forward. Becoming a Supreme Knight is an honor we hold for a select few and the Grand Council, in special session, agreed that Timo Jokinen was, indeed, most deserving of this distinction and it was great to be able to truly surprise him and to be able to do so in front of his chapter members.

As the day passed and the picnic came to a close, a group felt that the merriment just had to continue and we adjourned to a bistro for more conversation … and wine!

But, as they say, all good things must come to an end.

We returned to our hotel and prepared for our departure the next morning. Special thanks to Pentti Salin for once again being our special escort as we arrived and now, as we were departing. Thanks also to Roope Raisamo who helped coordinate times, travel, hotel suggestions and events. And thanks to our other hosts who made a special effort to show us Helsinki before we traveled to Tampere for the chapter event. Our trip was short and packed with memories that could last a lifetime; however, we hope to continue making memories with our Finnish friends either with a return to Finland or their visit to see us somewhere in the U.S. or at an FICB event somewhere special every two years. Kiitos! (Thank you!)

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS CHIK BRENNEMAN Charles “Chik” Brenneman, Master Commander of the Chancellery Chapter and the winemaker and facility manager for the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis, was honored among staff with the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Award of Distinction.

This award recognizes one staff member per year for extraordinary achievements within the college.

Chik oversees all winemaking operations and has been an invaluable partner with the faculty in creating UC Davis’ world-renowned research and teaching program and facilities. Chik’s position requires a unique blend of skills: helping in the management of the vineyards at UC Davis and the Oakville Research Station, scheduling grape harvest for teaching and research projects, overseeing the making of research wines, instructing students and industry professionals, producing special wines for industry short courses, maintaining two bottled wine collections, operating the winery’s analytical laboratory, and supervising a small army of students.

V&E faculty members Linda Bisson, David Block, Roger Boulton, Hildegarde Heymann and Andrew Waterhouse submitted the following comment:

“Chik has provided a level of enthusiastic participation and effective contributions far beyond that expected of his position as we planned, constructed, equipped, started and operated the new LEED Platinum Teaching and Research Winery and Jackson Sustainable Winery Building.”

MEMBERS IN

THE NEW Winter/Spring 2018

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DISPLAY YOUR KNIGHTHOOD WITH PRIDE! order form Name _________________________ Address _______________________ City ___________________________ State ______ Zip ________________ Telephone _____________________ 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

shield with motto

maltese cross

(Shown 50% of actual size) This striking badge of honor should be worn at any Black Tie formal event. Finish is enameled gold, white, red and green. Gentlemen’s version includes ribbon.

Order #MCR (with ribbon) $37.00 Order #MC (w/o ribbon) $25.00

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) $47.00 Order #MW (w/o ribbon) $35.00

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

Order #SM $10.00

KOV Chapter ___________________ KOV Rank ______________________ Please send me the following items: Qty.

Item #

Price

Sub Total

Priority Shipping $6.95

Total $

Amount

Visa or MasterCard # ___________________________________ Exp:____________ 3 Digit Code ________ ~OR~ 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

Make check payable to:

blazer crest emblem

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

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(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

Knights of the Vine 3343 Industrial Drive, Suite 2 Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2060 Tel: (707) 579-3781 per vitem!

ad vitam!

You may order these items on the KOV website store

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Active Chapters ARIZONA Arizona Chapter Commander John Kovacik 3955 No. 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 Kenneth Levy P.O. Box 506 Lodi, CA 95241-0506 Phone: 209-663-8834 levykenneth@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: 949-582-9253 Fax: 949-582-9036 cpg@cox.net

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Commander Pat R. Pingitore 1340 Crestmont Drive Angwin, CA 94508 Phone: 707-965-2868 prpingitore@gmail.com MISSISSIPPI Gulf Coast Chapter Commander John Boothby PO Box 7617 Gulfport, MS 39506 Phone 228-897-1995 or 228-897-1993 kovgulfcoast@gmail.com Jackson Chapter Commander Tom Kossen 6300 Hwy 22 Edwards, MS 39066 Phone: 601-852-5241 tom@kossarosa.com

NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina Chapter Contact National Office: 3343 Industrial Drive, Suite 2 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 kov-office@kov.org TENNESSEE Tennessee Chapter Commander Tom Webb 277 College Street Collierville, TN 38017 Phone: 901-853-7781 webbtom@bellsouth.net

TEXAS Austin Chapter Commander Jerry Gatlin 3801 N Capital of TX Hwy STE E-240 Austin, TX 78746-1482 Phone: 512 458-4714 office Fax: 512 458-1037 fax jerrygatlin@gmail.com Houston Chapter Commander Buddy Hagner, Jr. 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 Commander Ken Hick P. O. Box 16756 Portland, OR 97292 Phone: 503-680-4920 rnwi@comcast.net

International Chapters FINLAND Finland Chapter Commander Arttu Kalli arttu.kalli@gmail.com

Coming Soon!

South Korea Chapter

Join KOV on Facebook! or online @ www.kov.org The national Facebook page is a closed group and we invite you to join in at Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine.You’ll find similar names with many chapters having their own page as well.

Winter/Spring 2018

Supreme Knights Bradley Alderson David G. Armanasco Ed Auler Warren W. Bogle, Jr 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 Dick Erath Lester A. Fleming Joseph S. Franzia Jeryl R. Fry, Jr. Jack Galante Miljenko M. Grgich Robert P. Hartzell Gary B. Heck Timo Jokinen John H. Kautz Aram Kinosian John K. Ledbetter Lloyd G. Magee Orville T. Magoon George R. McEachern, Ph.D. John P. McClelland J. Douglas Meador R. Michael Mondavi Timothy J. Mondavi Justin Morris, Ph.D. Gordon W. Murchie Charles W. Nagel, Ph.D. John A. Parducci Larry Peel Robert Pellegrini Richard Peterson, Ph.D. Vincent E. Petrucci Jefferson Peyser Mathew J. Post G.M. “Pooch” Pucilowski George Radanovich Alfred G. Scheid Thomas B. Selfridge Allen Shoup Peter F. Sichel Raymond Skinner, Jr. Christopher D. Smith Howard E. Somers Richard H. Sommer Mike Thompson Alex Trebek Peter H. Ventura Richard P. Vine, Ph.D. Fay Wheeler Al Wiederkehr Warren P. Winiarski John H. Wright

Supreme Ladies Susan Auler Heidi Peterson Barrett Merrill Bonarrigo Gina Gallo Zelma R. Long Michaela K. Rodeno Jean R. Wente

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ÂŽ

the brotherhood of the knights of the vine

National Headquarters 3343 Industrial Drive, Suite 2 Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2060 Tel: (707) 579-3781

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

per vitem! ad vitam!

Through the vine, toward life!

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