SAVE THE DATE
2025 National Meeting
March 28 - 30
Winston Salem, North Carolina
SAVE THE DATE
2025 National Meeting
March 28 - 30
Winston Salem, North Carolina
History of the Order
The Order of the Knights of the Vine traces its existence to the ancient days in France when knighthood flourished, rules of honor prevailed, and chivalry was the order of the day. Until the 13th Century, poisoning was almost an occupational hazard of royalty and their guests. At this time, the first wine knighthoods were established by royal decree and were known as the "Conseil des Eshansons," a council of Master Cup-Bearers. These first wine knights grew the vines, made the wines, and tasted the wines, guaranteeing their purity for royalty. Out of this beginning evolved the etiquette of the table, the marriage of wine with food, and even to this day, the tasting of wine at the table before serving guests.
History of the Order
The Order of the Knights of the Vine traces its existence to the ancient days in France when knighthood flourished, rules of honor prevailed, and chivalry was the order of the day. Until the 13th Century, poisoning was almost an occupational hazard of royalty and their guests. At this time, the first wine knighthoods were established by royal decree and were known as the "Conseil des Eshansons," a council of Master Cup-Bearers. These first wine knights grew the vines, made the wines, and tasted the wines, guaranteeing their purity for royalty. Out of this beginning evolved the etiquette of the table, the marriage of wine with food, and even to this day, the tasting of wine at the table before serving guests.
The Origination of the Monterey Chapter of the Knights of the Vine
In 1976, Mr. Bill Cowan, former Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, California, invited Mr. Bob Little of Simpson's Restaurant, Carmel, Dr. John Nardone, Mr. Bart Bechtel and myself (David Armanasco) for luncheon at Simpson's to discuss the formation of the Fourth Chapter of the Knights of the Vine (KOV) in the United States of America. Bill Cowan was a convincing, energetic and enthusiastic gentleman who knew the interest of those involved with wine and food in the mid 70's could feel his vision for a local chapter of the KOV.
The Origination of the Monterey Chapter of the Knights of the Vine
In 1976, Mr. Bill Cowan, former Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, California, invited Mr. Bob Little of Simpson's Restaurant, Carmel, Dr. John Nardone, Mr. Bart Bechtel and myself (David Armanasco) for luncheon at Simpson's to discuss the formation of the Fourth Chapter of the Knights of the Vine (KOV) in the United States of America. Bill Cowan was a convincing, energetic and enthusiastic gentleman who knew the interest of those involved with wine and food in the mid 70's could feel his vision for a local chapter of the KOV.
Commander Richard Kehoe
+1 (831) 277-9868
+1 (831) 625-3338
P.O. Box 221664
Carmel, CA 93922