Ray Coursen, winemaker and Purple Heart veteran

This week we traveled to Washington DC to attend the Purple Heart wine event. The event was sponsored by the Purple Heart organization, the Congressional Wine Caucus and the Military Veterans Caucus. Purple Heart Wines is a proprietary label. The presentation of the 2014 Purple Heart wine was very enjoyable with this special wine, food and gentle conversations. We found 2014 Purple Heart wine to be dry, smooth and delicious.

The back label of the 2014 Purple Heart wine notes, “The Purple Heart Medal – no honor better symbolizes the bravery, determination and selflessness of the military men and women serving our country.”

Rep. Mike Thompson signs Purple Heart magnum

Purple Heart wines was started in 2016 by C. Mondavi & Family. Peter Mondavi was also a veteran from WWII. The winery worked with two winemakers who were also veterans of the Vietnam War and Iraq. Ray Coursen noted that it was 47 years ago this week that he returned from Vietnam. The purpose of the Purple Heart wines is to help increase the fundraising and awareness of the Purple Heart organization.

On Wednesday, the occasion was held in the banquet room of the Rayburn Building close to our nation’s Capitol. Arriving early, we had the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the room which had numerous photos of Americana images

Veterans speak at Purple Heart Wine event

including a lighthouse, an aging barn, a farmhouse, and a small boat. Small bistro tables were draped with off-white tablecloths that wrapped around the tablecloths, giving off an elegance of sophistication. Each table was accented with purple and white flower bouquets.

We learned that one of the purposes behind the development of the Purple Heart wine was to help our veterans who have done so much for our country. The first Purple Heart wine was the 2013 Purple Heart which was produced with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This wine had 7,500 cases made. The wine retailed for $19.99 and since its release has sold out.

The 2014 Purple Heart Red Wine was produced with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot.

2014 Purple Heart Wine

Attending the Purple Heart wine event were Ray Coursen, winemaker and leaders of the Purple Heart Foundation. William Wroolie, is the Purple Heart Foundation, Chairman of the Board and Stephen Ruckman, CPA MBA is the Chief Executive Officer. Of course, Rep. Mike Thompson was in attendance for a brief time and introduction. All three have received the Purple Heart medal. Rep. Thompson also signed two magnum bottles of the 2014 Purple Heart wine. Unfortunately he needed to leave quickly for a vote on the House floor.

It is interesting to note that Rep. Thompson’s Congressional district includes the renowned wine region, Napa. He is also the force behind starting the Congressional Wine Caucus in 1999.

The Food

A delightful assortment of food trays accompanied the glasses of the 2014 Purple Heart wine. Guests were able to enjoy a variety of small food bites through the evening. The assortment included 3 types of cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, pickles, and olives. During the event additional food trays were passed with fried seafood balls, lamb chops, bacon wrapped and bacon-wrapped hors d’ oeuvres.

About the Purple Heart Foundation

Purple Heart Foundation is the fundraising part of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation (MOPH). “The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism, support necessary legislative initiatives, and most importantly, provide service to all veterans and their families.”

The National Headquarters for the MOPH is in Virginia. Hundred of chapters around the country are included as part of their efforts to support all veterans. The MOPH offers help to veterans through several programs including: The Service Program, The VAVS Program, The Americanism Program, The National Scholarship Program, The Purple Heart Trail Program and the ROTC/JROTC/Youth Programs.

Thank you to the brave veterans of the United States, to the Purple Heart organization that seeks to helps all veteran, to Ray Coursen (Purple Heart veteran and winemaker) and to the Peter Mondavi Sr. Family.

Cheers!
Kathy