San Francisco

Revelry at Raymond Vineyards

San Francisco San Francisco

The last 6 months of 2021 were rather quiet for the SF/ Bay Area Chapter as Covid regulations and restrictions continued to mess with planning in California. Howev‑ er, we did manage to have a rocking good Assemblage at Raymond Vineyards in September!

Hosted by our Supreme Knight, Jean‑Charles Boisset, we gathered for an outdoor event that had to be moved in‑ doors because of the threat of the only rain in Napa since May! No problem for the staff and leadership of Donnell Shuster at Raymond who expertly pivoted and created a festive atmosphere in the beautiful Crystal Cellars.

Attended by nearly 50 Knights and Ladies, including 10 new recruits, (many nominated by Jean‑Charles himself), a depleted cadre gathered for our Enthrone‑ ment ceremony and celebratory dinner. In order to properly honor the inductees, we “drafted” Jean‑ Charles and robed him as an honorary cadre member so he could help officiate.

As the first of the three inductees were called to the po‑ dium, the proceedings were interrupted by Linda and Jill Pingitore dressed as medieval knights, demanding a change of the name of female members from Gentle Ladies to a stronger name befitting the current times. They backed up their protest with an historical review of strong Lady Knights and Commanders throughout history. As you may know, this IS CALIFORNIA, and more than a few previous and prospective female can‑ didates for membership have questioned the appropri‑ ateness of “Gentle Lady”. A motion was made to those present, and heartedly seconded, that such a change be recommended to the Grand Council for consideration.

TOP LEFT: 2021 chapter Inductees TOP CENTER: Honorary cadre member Jean-Charles with Kara Krsuhin, Melissa Lynch & Lisa Heisinger RIGHT: The Rebellion!

The commanders celebrating some new inductees in the Crystal Cellar

With that, the proceedings continued with the induction of three new “Lady Knights” (Kara Krushin of Maroon Wines, Lisa Heisinger and Melissa Lynch of the Boisset Collection). Next we inducted four new Knights (Bill Farmer of Raymond Vineyards, wine writer Paul Franson, Jacob Moynihan of Merchant 23, and Jeff Corcorran who is a wine lover and retired landscaper). We were pleased to add Renée Maroon of Maroon Wines as a Master Lady and Gene Daly, a local toast master and former head of the Sonoma Chapter of the “Chaine” as a Master Knight.

One of the highlights was the opportunity to induct a new Supreme Lady, Genevieve Janssens of Portfolio Wines who was formerly director of winemaking at Robert Mondavi Wines and to elevate long‑time Houston Chapter member and local friend Tom Eddy, to the much deserved rank of Supreme Knight.

The new inductees were toasted with bubbles in the Red Velvet Room of Raymond Vineyards accompanied by delectable passed hors d’oeuvres before we were invited to take our seats in the Crystal Cellars for a beautifully prepared meal by the Boisset Culinary team led by Chef Rafael Molina. The menu was paired with many great wines of Raymond and JCB labels.

During and after dinner, a good old rock’n roll J Silverheels band provided additional spirit and good times that had everyone dancing by the end of the evening.

Special thanks goes to Grand Commander Buddy Hagner and Master Lady Trish Hagner, who not only flew to Napa to attend, but participated in the preparation of many of the details of the event in the days prior. Their help was invaluable to the success of the Assemblage. And we were pleased to welcome Provost Gen‑

Grand Comm. Buddy with Jean-Charles Boisset

Supreme Lady Genvievre Jansenns and Supreme Knight Tom Eddy Introduced by Jean-Charles

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eral, Southwestern US, Lois Van Vooren, who attended and brought her sister and brother‑in‑law from Indiana.

Of course, it goes without saying that Jean‑Charles Boisset continues to be an avid supporter of KOV, not only providing spectacular venues for our celebrations, but recruiting members to our Chapter. He is proposing a 2‑3 year plan of Assemblages at his various properties ‑ the 2022 event perhaps on the property of his newly acquired historic Ink House in St Helena. Look for de‑ tails to come!

Kara Krushin & Renee Maroon with Pat Pingitore

Toasting new members Toasting new members in the Red velvet Room in the Red velvet Room

Supreme Knight Tom Eddy, his wife Kerry with Buddy & Trish Newly inducted Knights, Jacob Moynihan, Paul Franson, Bill Farmer & Jeff Corcorran undergoing the Test of the Wine!