-
Pages
-
Categories
-
Archives
- March 2024
- February 2024
- November 2023
- May 2023
- January 2023
- October 2022
- July 2022
- May 2022
- February 2022
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
2014 Purple Heart Wine Introduced
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