A word from the President

April 10th, 2007

Chers Chevaliers,

2006 was a year of somewhat mixed fortunes for Les Chevaliers, with some splendid events on the one hand, and some disappointing attendances on the other, necessitating one event to be cancelled. Highlights included the Red Burgundy Tasting with Albert Givton, the “SPEC wine” event with International Cellars at the Consul General’s residence, at which members were given the chance to purchase wines only available by special order and the Dinners at Saveur and the Fish House Restaurants.

It is unfortunate, however, that some events suffered from poor attendance and it seems that a number of factors may be at play here including:

Events are certainly pricier than they used to be, reflecting substantial increases in the prices that venues charge the club and far fewer opportunities to take advantage of diplomatic importation of wine, due to stricter rules and increased bureaucracy.
French producers make fewer visits to Vancouver than in years past and so there are fewer opportunities to hold tastings at which a proprietor is present.

Members should rest assured that your committee is working extremely hard to keep costs as low as possible and some events are run at a loss – such as the 1990 Bordeaux Tasting. Although some costs associated with an event (such as glass rental and the cost of food and wine itself) are variable, it is often the fixed costs (particularly venue hire) which dominate.  If the number of members participating at an event is low, those fixed costs can push up the price dramatically.  It is therefore in all our interests to encourage high turnouts!

On a positive note, it is good to report that the club’s cellar committee has been hard at work again throughout the year, obtaining top wines, for enjoyment at future events.

In the near future, the invitations will be going out for the Tutored Cognac Tasting at the Residence of the Consul Général of France on May23rd to be followed by the Wine & Food Pairings at Emelle’s Restaurant in June and the “Field Trip” to the Deep Cove Restaurant on Vancouver Island with it’s extensive cellar, in July.

 Please also mark on your calendars, September 12th, when we will be taking selected wines from the Cellar to give an overview of French wines to be enjoyed along with hors d’œuvres. In October we will be back at the Residence of the Consul once more for a SPEC wine “Stock Your Cellar” event and wind up the year with the 25th Anniversary Dinner in November.

The annual membership fee for this year remains at $50 and we ask members who have not yet re-newed, to please send their cheques in to the address below.

Please feel free to contact any member of the committee with any thoughts, suggestions or concerns to do with the club.  Many of you do already, and I can assure you that we are grateful for your correspondence and consider it seriously.