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

KNIGHTS  OF THE VINE  Nation's Capitol Chapter

The week of snow got you down?  It’s not even winter yet!  Wait until the cold blasts of January come.  But, don’t fight it, enjoy it in rural, rustic, Reston, Virginia.  What?  Rural? Rustic?  The Town Center?  All those high tech high rises?  Ah, but tucked away in the city is a great park with a cabin that is perfect for a rustic retreat in the middle of our urban universe.  New York’s Central Park has the Tavern on the Green.  Reston’s park has something else.

Set in the woods, the rustic log cabin of the Fairfax Hunt Club is a great place to relax in front of roaring fires, enjoy good wines, food, and friends while listening to some of your favorite tunes on CD.  Haapala, do not bring your operas!

What about the Widows, Orphans, and Dogs?  The Widows and Orphans are fine wines left over from our formal dinners that are ready to drink, but we have only one or two bottles, not sufficient for another dinner. The Dogs are what you bring.  Each couple, or individual, is required to bring one:  that bottle of wine in the cellar you do not care to open because you may not like it; or that wine in the shop you have been hesitant to try.

Also, all are requested to bring a dish (heavy hors d’ovueres or something else) for everyone to enjoy.  A few CDs of favorite tunes would be great too.

We have the place, a great place, and some fine wines, you provide food, some wine, and above all, yourselves for all to enjoy.  Appropriate Country or Hunting attire is recommended.

The cost is  $30 per person.  Guests are invited at the same price (in reasonable quantity) – but remind them that they also must bring food and wine.

For reservations, please mail Ken Haapala at 9634 Boyett Court; Fairfax, VA 22032.  If you have questions, call (703) 978-6230 or email Ken@Haapala.com.

Directions From the Dulles Toll Road:

1. Take Hunter Mill Road (674) North to Baron Cameron (Route 606).
2. Go left (west) on Baron Cameron to the first left on Lake Fairfax Drive.
3. Drive about one-half mile, going almost to Lake Fairfax Park.
4. A rustic building is on the right (through a country fence).

1. Go west on Baron Cameron (Route 606) past Hunter Mill to a left on Lake Fairfax Drive.
2. Drive about one-half mile, going almost to Lake Fairfax Park.
3. A rustic building is on the right (through a country fence).

Knight Russ and Nancy Davis have opened their home for Something Sweet just for your sweetie.  Master Heralder, and port snifter, Walt Rachele is seeking to bring you the best of sweet sensations.  There will be Chocolate truffles with Champagne and Chocolate treats with Port.  Cigars on the patio are an option for those who care to indulge.

Rumor has it that some of the Vintage 2000 Port will be presented along with a surprise.

The wines and limited foods presented make this an after dinner event for those who indulge in after dinner activities.  The cost is $55 per person.  For reservations, please mail Ken Haapala at 9634 Boyett Court; Fairfax, VA 22032.  If you have questions, call (703) 978-6230 or email Ken@Haapala.com. Please reserve by February 5th.
 

The elegant, old line, Metropolitan Club in the heart of Washington will be the venue for our 2003 Annual Assemblage on Friday, March 14.  The Club will provide an elegant and distinctive setting to induct new members.  Do you have any nominations?  If so please inform us as quickly as possible for it takes about one month to receive the testivins and appropriate certificates.

No doubt Knight Chip Brennan, the General Manager of the Metropolitan Club, will insure this will be a night to remember.
 
 

National will send dues notices this month.  Please pay your dues as soon as possible.  The amount National rebates to our chapter depends upon the timing of the collection of the dues.