During the weekend of October 8th – 9th, 2005, thirty-three members of the North Texas Chapter of the Rotary Wine Appreciation Fellowship embarked on a wine appreciation weekend. The members traveled to Comanche, Texas to visit wineries, learn more about wine, fellowship, and a little Texas history along the way.

   The weekend started on Saturday afternoon with a brief tour of Comanche, Texas. Comanche is a historical city of Texas and home to Old Cora, the only existing log courthouse in Texas. After touring Old Cora, Rotarians visited the 15-room county museum full of interesting artifacts and memorabilia.

   After learning about some of the history of the area, the Rotarians were ready to learn about wine. They visited the Winery House of a fine new winery in Comanche, Brennan Vineyards. Dr. Pat Brennan spoke to the group about the history and creation of the vineyard before sampling some of the winery’s signature wines. Among the favorites was Brennan Vineyard’s Austin Street Sangiovese wine which is described as an “intriguing bouquet hinting of strawberries with a hint of smoke�?. Wine tasters enjoyed the charm of the historic McCrary House which serves as the Tasting Room and wine shop for the winery.

   The final event for the evening was the much anticipated wine dinner at the F3 Ranch in Newburg, which is the family farm and ranch of Gary Fickes, Rotarian of the Grapevine Rotary Club. The setting was incredible among the hills of Texas miles away from the lights and bustle of any city. Rotarians shared some of their favorite wines and conversation while appropriately pairing wines with selected cheeses and cracker breads. They watched on as their host, Gary Fickes and his son, Cory, prepared the dinner steaks on their outdoor campfire.

Before seating for dinner, each guest found his or her designated seat at their assigned table. The table assignments were created according to the type and quality of wine brought by each individual or couple. Guests at each table shared wine of similar quality with each other comparing each wine’s distinct characteristics. A wine listing of all wines present was given to each guest so they could personally rate and keep track of the newly appreciated wines. Throughout the evening Rotarians learned of selections that are well-rated wines of the highest quality and satisfaction, yet very affordable in price. The evening concluded with the continued sharing of wines, particularly port and dessert wines, while conversing around the campfire and admiring the night sky.

The next day, the group met at the home of Conrad and Betty Heede for juice and coffee. Conrad Heede is a Past District Governor and President of the Wine Appreciation Fellowship. Conrad and his wife gave tours of their newly restored 1939 home which previously belonged to Betty’s Aunt Maggie. Breakfast was enjoyed at a local diner which concluded the weekend for some. Others continued on to Bluff Dale Winery where they enjoyed the samplings of Bluff Dale’s wines and the views of the hills behind the vineyards. Theresa and David Hayes hosted the group on the patio of their Tasting Room. Among seven of the sampled wines, one of the favorites was Bluff Dale’s Paragon wine which is a dry, red wine. Relaxed and renewed, Rotarians headed home.

The feedback of those who attended is overwhelmingly positive and worthy of plans for the next Rotary Wine Appreciation Fellowship outing. The attendees received a deeper appreciation of recognizing and selecting good quality wines. They were inspired to continue to get involved in their own Wine Appreciation Fellowship in their club or in the district. For more information on the Rotary Wine Appreciation Fellowship, contact Conrad Heede at CCHeede@aol.com.