WINE TASTING Once Again Draws Big Crowd

AMHS members enjoy sampling the wares of the Washington Winemakers at the November general meeting

On November 11, 2018, a beautiful fall day, 80 AMHS members and friends came together at Casa Italiana again to enjoy our annual wine tasting and luncheon. And once again, the event proved to be an outstanding success, with 10 winemakers participating. Much credit must go to Romeo Sabatini who always helps with this event, and especially to Jim Gearing, who organized the wine makers’ participation.

And a big thank you to Three Brothers Restaurant for catering a delicious lunch. Before the program got underway, we held a short business meeting to elect new board members. Congratulations to our new incoming board members Andrea Balzano, Alfred Del Grosso and Helina (Ellie) Zewdu Nega. And a big thank you to our outgoing board members Sarah Scott,

AMHS members David Ciummo, Mark Lino, Maria D'Andrea-Yothers, Cindy Savage, Albert Paolantonio, and Tom Savage

Jonathan Stern and Lourdes Tinajero. Once again this year, we had to forgo the usual porchetta made in past years by Joe Novello, our go-to guy for the porchetta, since there are still issues with using the Casa Italiana kitchen.

However, from the comments we received afterwards, the Three Brothers lunch was enjoyed by everyone, with a delicious menu consisting of orrechiete with broccoli rabe in garlic and olive oil, sausage and peppers, rice, salad, bread and dessert. There were many varieties of wines to taste this year, made by Osvaldo Barsi, Jim Gearing, John Paul Maye, Darrin P. Sobin, Jack Grimaldi, Wayne C. Witkowski, Stefano di Girolamo, Carlo Clinton, Mete Yimaz and Salvatore Giardina.

Before the wine tasting got underway, our AMHS wine expert Tom Savage of International Cellars, who is a wine importer very knowledgeable about the wines of Abruzzo and Molise, gave us a fascinating talk about wines in Italy. Tom specifically gave us details of how women are finally beginning to advance and play leading roles in the Italian wine industry and are mentoring other women. So for a couple hours, we enjoyed good food and wine, got some good information, and enjoyed socializing with our families and friends. What

AMHS members & guests talk to Washington Winemaker Jim Gearing about his wine offerings

better way is there to spend a beautiful fall afternoon? We would like to thank the many people who contributed to the success of this event, including all the wine makers and all those volunteers who pitched in to set up of the room and serve the food.

And last but not least, we would like to thank Total Wine who donated the raffle prize as arranged by board member Helen Free and all those who bought tickets for the raffle which brought in $380 for our AMHS programs. The raffle prize was a private wine tasting for up to 20 people. Congratulations to the winner, Barbara Friedman.

AMHS members Cindy Savage and Melis Mull with friend