Master Sommelier Sudsy Torbeck (Master Lady) created and then pre‑ sented a program of understanding sparklers from Champagne, Cava, Crémant, and then to a Napa versus an Anderson Valley in July.
Lake Tahoe Summary By Commander Ernie Grossman
Some use Covid as an excuse, others as an opportunity. We could have hidden away in our dens, isolated in front of the TVs, hibernating through this health crisis or, as we have done, created an atmosphere of relative safety and get on with our lives. We are social beings and need the intellectual stimulation of others in an intimate setting. Once the vaccines took hold by mid-year there was a new psychological freedom to reach out for that contact, even hugs for our long, missing friends. So, we acceded to that demand and provided an active social calendar for the balance of the year and we were well rewarded by the attendance and overwhelming appreciation of our membership.
August found us at the epitome of fine dining, Dragonfly, where Chef Billy McCullough plied his magic with an Asian infused Franco menu and classic wines that included Pouil‑ ly Fuisse, Rioja, Chianti Classico.
Our much anticipated Assemblage brought us together in October. The folks at The Lodge at Tahoe Donner know how to treat us right which is highlighted in the spectacular food, wine, music, and, of course, the people. November brought us a reprise of the Dragonfly Chef Billy McCullough evening. The demand for the first dinner was so great we had to provide an encore, but with a different menu. What remained the same was the magic, the same full house, and wine pairings that would knock your socks off. Thank you, Sudsy. And finally, our annual Holiday event where our mem‑ bers are never charged for attending. Ecumenical in
Briefly, in May we visited the Engine 8 winery in Sparks, with an outdoor and indoor open veranda. In June, the Toccata Symphony Or‑ chestra performed in the Gazebo on the front lawn at the home of Ernie and Margaret followed by a meet and greet with the musicians over a wine social. Chef Billy McCullough applying his magic
34
The Arbor
