Page 24 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2017

COASTNOTES
KNIGHTS OF THE VINE ceremony ‘knighted’ new members.
Where wine lovers unite
story by Lynn Lofton photos by Michael Sunderman
There’s an organization on the Coast — the Knights of the Vine (KOV) — that’s made up of members who are interested in wine. The Gulf Coast Chapter is part of the International Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine which
seeks to promote the wine industry and educate members to the benefits and enjoyment of wine.
“We strive to promote American wines and wine producing regions; to introduce and recognize quality wines from around the world; and rekindle the respect of wine and wine culture,” Gulf Coast Chapter Grand Commander John Boothby said. “I feel KOV is for people who appreciate the things wine creates. The wine world is immense and I would like that to be an
opportunity and not so much a deterrent.
Belonging to a group such as KOV helps develop friendships with not
only people but wine itself. Tasting and buying wine does not have to be an exercise in snootiness, knowing who and what you like is easier when you enlist friends.”
The Gulf Coast Chapter received its charter in 2002 when Morris and Lucy Strickland gathered together people who appreciated wine and were interested in forming a chapter. Morris Strickland served as the chapter commander while also serving the national organization. “In 2016, I became the chapter’s commander and enjoy sharing information about the chapter within the community and inviting new members to join,” Boothby said.
Members are welcome to join throughout the year. Once each year,
new members are officially ‘knighted’ at an assemblage. At that event, the cadre of the chapter dons robes, hats and decorations. “The robes, hats and decorations we wear at our assemblage reflect the historical background of wine brotherhoods from the days of heraldry and lend
an air of pageantry and dignity to this occasion,” Boothby said. “It’s a serious organization with the aim of providing wine education and wine appreciation, but we do not take ourselves too seriously. Only with wine will that make sense.”
Membership currently stands at 43. Boothby can see it growing to 80 with people who become “easy friends having quality time where wine can be enjoyed and explored.”
24 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2017
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