Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast Chapter gathered together with Gentle Ladies and Knights and prospective members to celebrate HALLOWINE at The House of the Jackson Pearl in Ocean Springs, our artsy craftsy community on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Jackson Pearl is a newly renovated building that has been converted to a quaint and beautiful destination that takes you back in time to celebrate life and culture. The members and guests wore creative costumes that took away any controversy about wearing or not wearing a mask. Masks were ubiquitous. And they varied from beautiful creatures such as deer accompanied by a real deer hunter to scary woodland creatures and even scarier otherworldly haunts. Each of the members brought wine from across the globe to be shared with the group and KOV provided delicious delicacies that included a giant charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, sweets, and savory delights.

A fine time was had by all, but the evening could not have been complete without a good old‑fashioned costume contest. After a fine amount of jousting, the winners of the contest were the Joker and his consort, none other than Harley Quinn. They were awarded with a wine basket that will keep them warm and happy for many cold wintery nights to come!

The group gathered again for JINGLE AND MINGLE that was held at the Master Commander’s beautiful and newly decorated home overlooking the waters of the Gulf Coast. A large contingent of the Gulf Coast Chapter arrived at John and Adrienne Boothby’s home and found themselves welcomed by a larger than life wine celler—yes cellar—but above ground in this ocean front community. Members brought wines and hors d'oeuvre that were shared throughout the evening. The wines originated from vineyards around the world and no one left the evening without finding something that fit his or her fancy. A lot of tasting and sampling was enjoyed and small groups could be seen throughout the house swirling and sipping and savoring the excitement. One of the members declared that the event was not so much of a holiday party as it was like a family reunion since many had not seen each other in person for over a year. Merriment abounded and the group made plans for the upcoming Assemblage that has had to be cancelled several times due to staffing shortages in the area due to the ever looming Covid. But Covid is no match for wine and it’s miraculous ability to raise the human spirit well about any global pandemic.

And let it not be said that the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter is without its full complement of royalty. Mardi Gras was celebrated by the famous and infamous kings, queens, dukes, maids and just great folks who love to celebrate all of the revelry of Mardi Gras. WINEDOWN WEDNESDAY was the day of meeting for the Knights and Kings and all manner of important folks at the newly opened BoHo Biloxi Social House. Glasses were raised to another year of Mardi Gras and to a new year of fun and frolics with the Gulf Coast Brotherhood.