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

KNIGHTS  OF THE VINE  Nation's Capitol Chapter

Winter winds have you cold?  Why don’t you turn up the heat with “Something Sweet”?

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 (and brave the cold).

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.  Since this event will feature exceptional wines, unusual ports, and exquisite chocolates, 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 wine jury is tasting, the chefs are experimenting, our prospective members are hoping, and our palates are salivating; are you ready for it?

Since the mid 19th Century, The Metropolitan Club of Washington has been one of the most distinctive private clubs in the Capital City.  It will provide an elegant, refined, and distinctive setting for our annual induction of new members.

No doubt Knight Chip Brennan, the General Manager of the Metropolitan Club, will insure the 2003 General Assemblage and Induction of New Members will be a night to remember.

Already we have an excellent list of prospective members who may join us.  Do you have any nominations?  If so, please submit their applications as soon as possible to Ken Haapala via Ken@Haapala.com or 9634 Boyett Court; Fairfax, VA 22032.  If you have questions, call (703) 978-6230 or email Ken@Haapala.com.

Invitations will be mailed shortly.
 

Mark you calendars!  For years many of us have wanted an event in Charlottesville but we were never able to pull it off — too many conflicts to get enough people to attend.  In 2003 the planets and the stars seem to be aligned.

A formal dinner celebrating the wines and harvest Thomas Jefferson envisioned, in Jefferson’s hometown, at what many consider to be one of the finest restaurants in Virginia, at one of the finest wineries in Virginia, on a Saturday UVa does not play, after the tourist season, on a late fall weekend that does not conflict with the annual AWS conference!  All this and a three-day weekend to boot so that those who wish to spend an extra day exploring the beauties of Charlottesville and the surrounding vineyards can.

The statistical probabilities of this alignment are miniscule!

We will explore obtaining group rates from one or two hotels in Charlottesville and attempt to arrange transportation from the hotels to and from the event.

No doubt this event will be special.
 

National sent out dues Notices this month.  Please pay your dues as soon as possible.  National rebates part of the dues paid by members of our chapter to our chapter.  The earlier the dues payment, the greater amount.
 
 

What made this event more special is that Supreme Knight Gordon Murchie donated over two cases of Virginia wines left over from wine judgings in the late 20th Century.  After sampling a case or so, none of the wines were bad.  Many had lost some of their fruit and charm, but, in general, they still had balance and characteristics of the grapes.

This speaks volumes for the quality of the Virginia climate and the skill of the growers and vintners.  It also bodes well, promising an even more exciting future.  For, as the wineries more fully understand the microclimates and soils, the wines will become even more complex and finer.

Thank you Master Elégance, Debra Arthur, for arranging the event, and thank you, Gordon, for the voyage of wines of Virginia.  What about the remaining bottles?  Next year!