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

KNIGHTS  OF THE VINE  Nation's Capitol Chapter

This year we will enjoy the traditional spring polo matches in a new location:  the well-known Bleu Rock Inn and Vineyards.  The inn recently completed a new polo field.  We have been invited to help initiate the field. Polo and wine is a great way to enjoy the Piedmont in the beautiful spring.  It is a fun, informal evening and is one of the few events where we allow children. We ask that you provide appropriate beverages and snacks.

Our group has made this event into a super tailgate party. It's potluck so please bring a dish of food to share. We provide the wines: Oasis, of course.

There will be no admission or gate fees.  Since Washington, Virginia, is a further drive than the prior location, we scheduled the event on a Saturday evening.  Many may choose to spend a relaxing afternoon touring the countryside or sampling their favorite beverage.  If you plan to spend the night or desire a formal dinner, reservations are strongly recommended. For further information, see the Bleu Rock web link above.

The cost is $25 per person for each member and first guest plus $30 per person for additional guests.  There is no charge for the children.  Please call or email Sandy Shutler if you plan to attend:  (540) 687-5163 or Shutler4@yahoo.com.

Blue Rock Inn Directions from Washington, DC:

• Drive east on  I-66 towards Warrenton.
• Take the (2nd) Route 29 South exit in Gainesville.
• Proceed on Route 29 South into Warrenton.
• Just beyond Foster's Grill, turn right to Rt. 211 West.
• Drive for 25 miles towards Little Washington/Sperryville.
• The inn will be on your right across from Rappahanock High School.

Many members believe this is one of the most meaningful events they attend each year. Padre of the Vines Robert Skeris is magnificent in continuing the centuries-old tradition of blessing the vines and the harvest.  The procession is colorful and symbolic of those who came before us.  Listening to the schola, the choir, in the vineyards gives meaning to us all.

This year, Oasis Vineyards is handling the reservations.  Seating is limited, and this is our most popular event for the general public, so please reserve early by calling  (800) 304-7656. The general public cost is $85 per person. Mention that you are a member of the KOV to receive a discount.  For further information, see the Oasis web page via the link above.  If you plan to attend, please notify Sandy Shutler:  (540) 687-5163 or Shutler4@yahoo.com.
 
 

Traditionally held in the Blue Ridge, the Thomas Jefferson Harvest Dinner has been our hallmark for fabulous and eclectic dining.  Patty Callahan graciously offered her home for the event.  Karen Harper Fuog will be the chef.  In her first effort, not wishing to be too forward, Karen was very good.  A year later, more venturesome, Karen was superb.  Now, after a year break, Karen may be prepared to challenge even the most jaded of our palates. Is that possible?

No doubt, this event will be sold out! We cannot price it at this time, but we expect that it will approach $175 for members and first guests, and significantly higher for others.  Early reservations are being accepted.  Please contact Sandy Shutler: (540) 687-5163 or Shutler4@yahoo.com.  Members have priority!!!
 
 

The Phoenix Chapter graciously requested that Ken be its proxy in any votes.  The only vote of significance was that some delegates proposed the Grand Commander encourage all chapters to use only American wines for their Assemblage and other formal events.  Ken spoke against the proposal.  As he discussed with many of you, Ken believes that to improve the quality of all American wines, one must constantly compare the difference in styles and character of regions and which grapes are best suited to these regions; grasp the best the various regions have to offer; comprehend these to the international standards; and, above all, not become provincial in taste.  Examples of provincial in taste were the constant Gold Medal winning California Chardonnays that lost all the characteristics of the grape and the climate.  For many years Virginia Whites were closer to France than California.  The proposal failed.

The KOV organization is strong and solvent; however, some chapters are weak.  This is to be expected given the make up of location, chapter commanders, and cadre.  The strongest chapters are in California, New York City, and, perhaps, Houston.

According to National, our chapter's strengths are communication (e.g., newsletter) plus diversity and excellence of events.  Our weakness is recruitment!!  Not being a recruiter, Ken said he needs all the help he can get.

Dues Notice:  The second notice for dues is out, most responded to the first, but if you have not please do so.  If you are not a member, you will not be treated as a member in upcoming events.

Local News:  Patty Callahan, clever individual that she is, several months ago arranged an exclusive tour of Chrysalis Winery off Route 50 near Aldie, Virginia.  On our May 11th tour, we discovered that Chrysalis just won a gold “best of show” in San Diego for its Viognier.  Its Norton also won medals.  Jennifer McCloud, the vineyard owner, conducted the tour through her winery.  The following week, FOX news featured both the winery and our own Supreme Knight Gordon Murchie on news coverage of Virginia wineries, the quality of their wines, and Virginia wine industry issues.  Thank you, Jennifer, Patty, and Gordon.