Wine enthusiasts from across the state will gather at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville for the annual Grand Assemblage. This black tie event is the formal enthronement ceremony for new members on Sunday, October 28.
Members and guests will witness the induction of new Knights and Gentle Ladies followed by a sumptuous dinner with wine selections designed to complement each course.
The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine is a non-profit fraternal organization dedicated to wine professionals and wine enthusiasts. In the tradition of wine brotherhoods around the world, they seek to promote the American wine industry and educate their members to the benefits and enjoyment of wine.
The members proclaim the virtue of wine in modern society by “demonstrating the courtesies of the table, educating themselves and the public at large that wine is a healthy and hygienic beverage, and bringing honor and distinction to those individuals who support the vines and the wines of North Carolina and America.”
The North Carolina chapter currently has about 30 active members. Among the membership are Master Knight and Governor Mike Easley and Gentle Lady and First Lady Mary Easley.
The Master Commander of the North Carolina chapter is David Fussell. Fussell, the co-founder of Duplin Winery, has dedicated his life to the establishment of muscadine vineyards and wines. His winery has grown to become the largest muscadine winery in the world. In 1997, Fussell founded Resveratrol, Inc; a nutraceutical company that manufactures NutraGrapeTM antioxidant supplements, and The VineTM facial cream and body lotion made from muscadine grape seeds.
In a special ceremony, the sword of leadership will be passed to Ronald Newcomb, who will become the new Master Commander for the North Carolina chapter. Newcomb lives in Pittsboro, NC and has assisted Fussell with the development of the nutraceutical products.
Titles are given to members. Upon enthronement in the order, members become knights and gentle ladies. Those who have made significant contributions to the wine and the vines may be elevated to the title of Master Knight and Master Lady.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine can contact the chapter by going online at: http://www.kov.org/
