Let us enjoy a day in May at a newer winery in Loudon County, VA.  Located amidst the beginning hills of the Piedmont, west of Leesburg, near the village of Hillsboro; a spring drive to Breaux Vineyards is worth it in itself.  There we will enjoy a special tour and tasting of a number of the delightful white and red wines of Breaux.  Among the more lesser known styles featured by Breaux are Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, and Lafayette.  

Patty Callahan is arranging a casual tour and picnic.  Patty will be providing a platter of cheeses, bread, salami and fruits.  Bring whatever you prefer for the picnic.  The cost is $5.00 per person plus the shared cost of the food platter if you so partake.  We will jointly purchase the wines at the winery.  

Directions:  From Leesburg, take Route 7 West approximately 4 miles to Route 9 West. Go 8 miles to Hillsboro, then 2 miles to Route 671. Bear right onto Route 671 (Harpers Ferry Road) and continue 1 mile to Breaux Vineyards (on the right). For a map, please visit the Breaux web site (link above).

So we may have a count of those attending, please contact Joe Alt at joenpat@erols.com or call 703-799-5988.  This is a casual event, but Knights and Gentle Ladies are requested to wear their tastevins.
 

VIRGINIA WINE AND FOOD DAY

Capital Hill, Washington, DC
June 17th  (proposed)

The two California Congressmen, Mike Thompson and George Radanovich, who co-chair the Congressional Wine Caucus, and who are members of the KOV, requested that Supreme Knight Gordon Murchie organize a Virginia Wine Day on Capital Hill.  The purpose will be to educate congressional representatives and their staffs on the importance of wines and viniculture in Virginia and in the nation.  

Gordon requested that Master Charge ďAffairs Carl Brandhorst, who is the regional head for the American Wine Society, and I join him to meet with the key members of the staffs of the two Congressmen to outline an appropriate program.  That accomplished we are moving to the next phase of planning.  

As the President of the Vinifera Wine Growers Association and the Executive Director of the Virginia Wineries Association, Gordon is lining up a broad base of support.  Already the staffs of Senator Warner, Senator Allen, Representative Goodlatte (Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee) and Governor Warner have reported the support of their principals.

As envisioned, this will be a full day event of briefings, visits to congressional offices, and similar, starting with breakfast and ending with an evening reception.  This will be an excellent opportunity to showcase Virginia Wines.  If the event is successful, the Congressional Wine Caucus plans to use it as a prototype for similar events featuring the wines of other major wine producting states.

It speaks highly of our Supreme Knight and Virginia wines that these California Congressmen should ask Gordon to organize the first such event.  I’ll keep everyone informed as this proceeds to fruition.

 

THE GRAND ASSEMBLAGE:  INDUCTION AND ENTHRONEMENT DINNER (RECAP)

The Metropolitan Club  •  1700 H Street, NW, Washington, DC
March 14th  •   6:30 p.m.

The classic Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington provided a splendid venue for our annual Assemblage and Enthronement Dinner.  Executive Chef Thomas Hayes demonstrated great imagination and understanding of the ranges of the palate.  The pairings of the food and the wine created exciting combinations of point and counter-point.  The entire evening, from the reception to the petit fours was superb reflection of the adroit management of Master Knight Chip Brennan. 

Knight Peter M. Swindells performed his duties as symbolic knight with zest and gusto.  Peter is a travel consultant in Fredericksburg.  Jo Chesworth, an AWS Certified Wine Judge living near Penn State University was inducted as Gentle Lady.  Her husband, Tom Chesworth, a professional engineer and also an AWS Certified Wine Judge was inducted as Knight. 

Beverly Livingston, wife of Master Knight Jim Livingston, and General Manager of Hartwoood Winery was inducted as Gentle Lady.  Alvin McNeal, an urban planner and developer for Metro, who lives in the District, was inducted as Knight.  Perhaps Alvin will be the first to establish a new vineyard in the city.  Stephen Sherry, a computer specialist living in McLean was inducted as Knight.  Jonathan Wyner, a reality specialist for Metro, living in Crystal City was inducted as Knight.

After the ceremonies we enjoyed a wide variety of six Champagnes along with past hors d’oeuvres and a caviar bar in the large red lounge.  Afterwards, we enjoyed the marvelous creation of Chef Hayes to the music of the Mike Maher Trio.

Weak words do not portray, the fabulous interplay of food and wines we had that day, but the menu is listed below! 

Pecusoris
Roasted Roulade of Veal Loin stuffed with Wild Mushrooms
Spinach Spätzel and Grain Mustard and Madeira Sauce
Beaune, 1er Cru, Reversees, Domaine Carre – Courbin, 1996
Phantom Hill, Pinot Noir, Revelation Cuvee, Oregon, 1998
 
Moretum
Bleu ďAuvergne, Brillat Savarin and Epoisse de Bourgogne
Sliced Baguette and Baby Arugula
Chateau Calon – Segur, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe, 1996
Seavey, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1994 

Bellaria
Mango Crème Franche Bavarian
Lemon Curd Ice Cream, Strawberry Vanilla Syrup
Coteaus, du Layon St. Lambert, Clos des Bonnes Blanches, 1996
Domaine Jo Pithon, Val de Loire 

Postia
Chef's Delights
Expresso
Porto