The major issue discussed during the national meeting was the stagnant revenues to national organization and the increasing expenses.  Dues and initiation fees have not changed since 1988.  Expenses to National have increased significantly.  The proposed suggestion was to increase membership fees or to substantially increase initiation fees. 

Concerned with affect on membership, I generally resist any increases in dues or initiation fees in any organization that has not reached a maximum cap on membership. For this reason, I tried to calculate a cost-benefit analysis of the advantages to our chapter belonging to the National organization as compared with our chapter not belonging.  The national organization provides us with major benefits that often are not recognized:

• National provides an umbrella insurance policy that underwrites many of our functions and without it some venues may become impossible.
• National gives us publicity through “The Arbor” that assists in recruiting new members and in selecting various possible venues.
• National provides Cruises to all who have similar interests.
• National, because it is a major, well recognized organization, gives us the ability to obtain favorable prices on many wines used during our events.
• National is a member of the International Federation of Wine Brotherhoods that gives many who so care the opportunity of enjoying trips to other nations meeting members of other organizations that also share similar views of wines.
• National gives one a sense of recognition far beyond being somewhat generally proficient in wines.

As I tried to balance the advantages stated above with the disadvantages of an increase in costs, the only conclusion I could form was what type of revenue increase to National is best for the Chapters.  So, I proposed we wait for another year prior to any changes to give time to discuss the issue among our members.  However, the Chapter Commanders and delegates approved an increase Initiation Dues to $225 effective January 1, 2006. 

Though I certainly had no such thoughts, today, when I returned from California, I opened an email that dispelled any possible thoughts of leaving National: 

We are former members of the KOV in Chicago and now have retired to central Oregon, a wine event wasteland.  Some wonderful wines but the only activities are primarily in Seattle with a few in Portland.  Slowly we are meeting people with similar interests, while we imbibe our cellar alone.  (from the Willamette Valley)

Several years ago, Washington State and Oregon as well as St. Louis left the KOV to form their own groups.  St. Louis failed and the above reflects Washington State and Oregon.  I have no interest in leading our Chapter into a wine event wasteland. 



The trip to Monterey is a palate opening experience.  Starting about 100 miles south of San Francisco, along the coast immediately south of Monterey, the Santa Lucia Mountains stretch about 100 miles south to San Luis Obispo.  These mountains provide the spectacular setting for the Coastal Highway including the area around Big Sur.  To the East they overlook the Salinas Valley that is called the Salad Bowl of the world.  The mouth of the Salinas Valley opens to Monterey Bay to the North, the bright sun during the day heats the plants and the valley but draws cool breezes from the ocean into the valley.  This atmospheric effect, coupled with deep fertile soils, is perfect for growing leafy greens – plenty of sun but limited heat. 

The Santa Lucia Mountains are now spectacular for another reason – wines.  To the South, around Paso Robles, vineyards are producing noted Zinfandels and the Rhone varietals.  For example, Turley is quite famous for its Zinfandel.  Wineries of note visited in the brief time I had included Justin with excellent Bordeaux blends as well as Rhone wines and Norman with a wide variety of excellent blends and value pricing. 

But, the northern part of the Santa Lucia Mountains surprised me.  Here is a new appellation designation:  “Santa Lucia Highlands”.  The wineries earned it.  These wineries, many quite small, are producing excellent Burgundy style reds (Pinot Noir) and whites (Chardonnay) and a few Rhone style wines such as Syrah.  Among those we tried, of particular note, are Morgan, Paraiso Springs, Pessagno Vineyards, Rohr, and Talbott.  Of the Pinots, each is distinctive and each is delicious.  Each is reminiscent of Burgundy where wineries close to one another produce remarkably different reds and all are wonderful. 

The day before, I first tasted Santa Lucia Highlands Pinots at David Bruce Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the North.  Long noted as a fine producer of Pinots, the winery has vineyards in selected locations including the Sonoma Coast, the Russian River Valley, Carneros, and the Santa Lucia Highlands.  All are stunning and all are different.  The Pinot from the Santa Lucia vineyard stood out – as did the wineries located there.

For the KOV cellar, I purchased and shipped several wines that I think are distinctive and a good value.  If they arrive in time, we may have one or two at the Assemblage.

The next time you visit the San Francisco Bay area to taste wines, you may wish to Strike South, not North.  But, please remember, the winery must have a permit to ship directly to Virginia.  Otherwise, you may be carrying a pallet on your plane.