Orange County

2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WINE TASTING

Vice Commander Jon Greer and his lady Mary planned and hosted the 2nd Annual International Tasting event which was held at Off the Vine Storage facility in Laguna Hills, California. The Greer’s hired a caterer who provided fresh Mexican cuisine to accompany the tastings.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted and given detailed scoring sheets to use in this blind tasting to compare and rate each wine presented on a variety of

characteristics. The first tasting compared starter wines; an Ocho Bruma Chardonnay from Mexico and Meursault Burgundy Chardonnay from France. The second comparison was between a Mexican blend, El Caporal, against an Italian Nebbiolo. This third tasting compared another Mexican red, Melchum Merlot, against a French Bordeaux, Chateau Barde-Haut. The fourth and final tasting was a Mexican Vino Tinto D’Poncelis GSM versus a French Bosquet Des Papes Chateauneuf Du Pape.

During the point calculation the guests enjoyed a fresh Mexican dessert and coffee. And the winner was, The Mexican 2013 Vino Tinto D’Poncellis GSM (Syrah 60%, Grenache 20%, Mourvedre 20%) aged 24 months in French oak. continued >>>

Orange County Orange County

La Quinta, CA

On November 16 and 17 the Orange County Chapter again traveled to Palm Desert, California, specifically La Quinta, to enjoy a weekend of activities.

On Friday evening , all were welcomed at the estate of Knight Jeff Grether and his lady Sue. The evening commenced with many appetizers followed with a catered Mexican dinner. A huge variety of wines to share for the occasion were brought by our members. Members and guests enjoyed the evening around the pool area and relaxing in the Grether’s spacious home.

On Saturday, our chapter members journeyed to the estate of Jim and Gentle Lady Linda Loomis for another day of fun against the serene backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. The day started early for eight ambitious members as they played a round of golf while others went shopping or just relaxed around the pool and courtyard.

That evening we had appetizers and wine, while our own Master of the Cellar, Bill Losee and lovely wife Barbara, prepared dinner for 40 hungry members and guests.

After dinner our host, Jim Loomis, treated the group to the great sounds of Jimmy Street, a legend in the desert. Jimmy played his sax and other instruments with wide-ranging songs of past hits as well as singing with them. Many of us really got into the evening and danced the night away.

Holiday Party

Christmas is a time when most of us abandon our disciplined commitment to curb our drinking and eating those boring healthy things, (so we say), and briefly indulge ourselves in the culinary delights of the season. for all to see. Participants can then select an unknown bottle or steal the known bottle. We can steal a bottle from each other up to 3 times. On the third steal it is frozen and belongs to them, thus a little strategy is involved. Everyone goes home with the same number of bottles they brought.

This year was no different as we gathered at the beautiful home of Knight John and Dianne Artim to sample the many creations members brought to celebrate the season. We also brought a bounty of varied wines for all to enjoy.

From appetizers to main courses to desserts, we rejoiced at our good fortune and wisdom to be members of the illustrious Orange County Chapter.

The fun begins after dinner as members draw numbers to open unknown, decorated, concealed wine bottles. Participants select a bottle and then open the package and present the wine inside

On a sunny day overlooking the Pacific Ocean, we were honored to have Tanya McMahon, General Manager of Macchia Winery of Lodi make the long drive to Dana Point. She arrived to the beautiful home of Knight Ron and Gentle Lady Maureen Nath to allow our members to appreciate, learn, and enjoy these wonderful masterpieces. ing Macchia’s wonderful port. Tanya brought extra cases for our members to purchase as well giving members an opportunity to sign up for their wine club.

Tanya has visited our Chapter a number of times over the years and always brings a variety of wines for us to try. This year was no exception as we enjoyed approximately 10 varietals includ