As you can see by our menu, Chef Melissa Close has created an exciting menu for your dining pleasure.  Host Luca Pachina and Maitre D’ Alessandro Medici have been most gracious in planning this event.  Except for the “Formaggi”, we will supplement the fine array of Barboursville wines with another wine for each course that will be carefully selected to complement the course and the Barboursville wine but contrast sufficiently to emphasize different flavors in the course – point and counter-point!  This will bring another dimension to your dining pleasure. 

The evening will commence with the Aperitif in the tasting room at 6 p.m.  The formal dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Palladio Restaurant.  We believe this evening will be a splendid example of some of the finest wines and dining Virginia has to offer.

If you have not made your reservations, please do so by November 3rd by mailing a check made out to the KOV for $150 per person for each member and first guest and $165 per person for additional guests to:  Master Exchequer Joe Alt, 8201 Tis Well Drive, Alexandria, VA 22306.

(Many will be staying at the English Inn. For reservations, please call 800-786-5400.  We attempted to arrange for transportation between the hotel and the restaurant, but decided the costs were prohibitive.)


The Monticello Foundation stated that VIP tours are virtually impossible to arrange.  However, since it was our Supreme Knight who requested the tour, they subsequently stated that we could have a private tour prior to normal tour hours.  Our private tour of  Jefferson's home will start at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 9th and last about one hour.  Then, we will have a private tour of the gardens given by winemaker Gabiele Rausse, who is responsible for the gardens.  The tour will emphasize Jefferson and wine.  The cost will be $25 per person.  If you plan to attend the tour, please contact Joe Alt by November 3rd. You can reach him at joenpat@erols.com or 703-799-5988.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AND CHILDREN’S BENEFIT

That's right!  Seventy years ago, on December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment of the Constitution became effective.  This amendment repealed the 18th Amendment that instituted that dreaded curse upon the land – prohibition.  Also, this year, after 70 years the state legislature relaxed another set of restrictions dating from that time – direct shipping of wine.  If the holiday season is not reason enough, we have another reason to party!  Yes son and daughter, 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!) Please make your reservations before December 3rd by mailing a check made out to the KOV to:  Master Exchequer Joe Alt, 8201 Tis Well Drive, Alexandria, VA 22306.

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!

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.