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

KNIGHTS  OF THE VINE  Nation's Capitol Chapter

To kick off the Thanksgiving Holidays, we will have grab bag at the home of Knight Russ and Nancy Davis at 3818 North Randolph Court in North Arlington.  The theme is mature Rieslings.  For those who have not experienced many of them, Rieslings can be excellent alternatives to the typical Thanksgiving wines, particularly if your turkey is one of those delicious ones stuffed with fresh oysters.

Rieslings come in a variety of styles from semi-sweet to very dry.  See what your cellar has or what you local wine shop recommends.  Everyone attending is expected to bring a bottle of Riesling, local, national or international.

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.  For reservations, please call Ken Haapala at (703) 978-6025 or email Ken@Haapala.com.  The Davis home is located one-half block east of the intersection of Old Glebe Road and Military Road in Chain Bridge Terrace.  For directions, please check the web site or ask Ken when you contact him - most internet maps give incorrect directions.  The last minute phone number is (703) 625-9875.
 
 

That's right!  Our Christmas Party is the day after the 69th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition.  What a reason to party!  Let me tell you about those hard, dry days long ago!!!  The groaning board of magnificent seafood, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables set by the Portofino is spectacular; the wines are excellent; and the price is the "Value of the Season."   Truly a season to be joyous!

There is no better way to enjoy the company of your old friends and meet your new friends, new and old, than enjoying this festive event.  The cost is $40.00 per person for a member and first guest, and $45.00 per person for additional guests.  (Casey, don't let me forget the Champagne Toast!)

Since this event is such a sensational value we ask that each participant offer an appropriately wrapped gift (approximately $15.00 in value) for a child (age and sex marked on the gift).  These gifts will be shared between the Christmas Fund of Christ Church in Alexandria and a Church in Anacostia.  Feel the spirit of the season!  Come and join us!  But don't forget your gift.  If you don't come, the Grinch will get you!

Please make your reservation before December 2nd, by sending a check to Kenneth Haapala, 9634 Boyett Court, Fairfax, VA 22032.

A short business meeting will be held at 6:45 p.m. to present the budget and vote on officers.  All are welcome but remember only members can vote.
 
 

Wine Gala:  The Heritage Hunt Chapter of the American Wine Society requested that I announced that KOV members are invited to their Holiday Wine Tasting on November 30th from 6 to 9 p.m.  The event will feature tasting five wines with heavy hors d'oeuvres.  The cost is $50 per person.  For more details, see their invitation. For a reservation, please call Clare Keating at (703) 743-5304 or email keatclare@aol.com.

2003 Events:  We are finishing the schedule for 2003 and should have it largely worked out by the Christmas Party.  As things now stand for the first three months, we plan the following: