Per Vitem!  Ad Vitam!  (Through the vine!  Towards life!)

KNIGHTS  OF THE VINE  Nation's Capitol Chapter

To kick off the New Year, bring an old Cabernet Sauvignon, 1990 or before, and your favorite hors d'oeuvre to accompany cabs for a Friday evening wine and food experience.  Once again the conference room of TechLaw, Inc., located just off Route 50 west of the Highway 28 intersection, will be the site.  A microwave oven will be available if you need to heat you hors d'oeuvre.

The tasting/judging of the wines is highly informal and led by the ever-knowledgeable Dave Barber.  Appropriate cheeses, crackers and/or fruit will be provided and the cost shared.  Space is limited.  For reservations and directions please call Sandy Shutler at 540-687-5163 or email at Shutler4@Yahoo.com.

Everyone attending is expected to bring one bottle of Cabernet and a favorite hors d'oeuvre.  If you do not have or cannot find an old California Cab then bring one that is appropriately close.  No Walter, Port does not qualify!  Those who do not bring a wine and a dish will be asked to contribute to the event.
 

Many have commented that some red wines hint of chocolate.  Teaming with master chocolatier Howard Feld, Master Heralder Walter Rachele will put this claim to the test.  Gentle Lady MaryAnne and Knight Mike Wassenberg have volunteered their home for the experiment.  As Walter describes this event:

"Ahhh the research and tasting to which I will have to subject myself.  Finding the perfect matches of (RED) wines with various handcrafted chocolates and light fare.  (For those purists there will be something fortified and perhaps a cigar! Remember who is presenting this!)."  Walter has selected most of the wines, but promises to continue to pretaste up to the last moment.

Upon arrival, there will be Sparkling wine poured with light Hors d'oeuvres.  Then we will be seated to poured wines – four red and possibly a sparkling.  Chocolate delicacies (brownies, white chocolate cookies, double chocolate bars) will be on the table along with dark/milk/white chocolate bars.  Chocolatier Howard Feld will then present his handmade chocolate creations, paired to the flavors of the wines. The evening will conclude with a pair of Ports that will complement the occasion.  Mr. Feld will comment on his chocolates and Walter will comment on the wines chosen for the occasion and why they were chosen.

The cost is $50 pp for each member and first guest.  Additional guests will be $55 pp.
 

On March 9th, Master Knight George Foote will be giving one of his superb educational tastings at the Portofino Restaurant.  Those who have attended his tastings in the past will recognize that his educational tasting programs are among the best one can possible attend.  Details will be in the following newsletter.