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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260221T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260221T183000
DTSTAMP:20260416T150839
CREATED:20260114T235009Z
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SUMMARY:GWS Capital Chapter Membership Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Dear Members and Friends of the German Wine Society\,Prosit Neujahr! Online registration for the 2026 Capital Chapter Membership Meeting is now open! Please make reservations by Monday\, February 16\, 2026.  This year’s Membership Meeting will take place on Saturday\, February 21\, 2026\, starting at 4:00 pm EST\, and planned to last until about 6:30 pm.  As with our last Membership Meeting in February 2025\, the Membership Meeting this year will be held online\, using Zoom.  Though the pandemic is over\, flu and other viruses still abound during this winter\, and meeting virtually also avoids the risk of having to postpone for inclement weather\, while permitting our members in more distant locations to attend conveniently.  You will need to have access to Zoom to participate in the meeting\, either downloaded on your computer or otherwise available through your browser (please note\, however\, that there is an option for members to vote in the election by mail even if you do not have Zoom access).  Everyone who provides notification of their intent to come (by registering on the website\, by mail or by email to the Secretary) will receive a Zoom link from Board member Karen Stokes by email prior to the event\, which can be used to log in at the start time.  The meeting’s start time at 4:00 pm EST allows members to finish in time for dinner\, and also allows members who may be in Europe to participate.    Our agenda will begin with reports from the officers of the Chapter\, including discussion of our finances\, membership\, and cellar status\, followed by the Board election\, and then open discussion of other chapter business and questions\, and plans for the future.  What would you like to have the Society do – what are your expectations? The Board needs to know!  The business portion of the meeting will be followed by the fun part – a multiple-choice quiz on knowledge of German wines with the chance to win several wine prizes from our cellar (to be delivered at the next in-person events the winners attend\, or by arrangement with the Cellarmaster for pickup).   We anticipate awarding four wine prizes\, and here is the list of five wines from which the prize winners can choose\, in order of the highest scores achieved: 2023 Keller Vom muscheligen Kalk\, Pinot Blanc/Pinot Gris/Silvaner/Chardonnay blend\, Rheinhessen2023 Schäfer-Fröhlich Vulkangestein\, Riesling Trocken\, Nahe2020 Schloss Lieser Juffer Sonnenuhr\, Riesling Spätlese\, Mosel2022 Enderle & Moll\, Pinot Noir\, Baden2023 Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube\, Riesling Kabinett\, MoselOf course\, as this is an online event\, members will supply their own choice of wines\, cheeses and other foods\, and there will be an opportunity to discuss your wine choices with other participants\, as we did during the last Membership Meeting.  Members in good standing (current on dues) pay nothing for this event (but still need to register via our website or mail\, or by email to the Secretary\, so that we can have an accurate count of who is coming and can send the Zoom link to everyone); non-members (including those who have been registered as members before but are not current on dues) pay $15 each\, through website registration using PayPal or by check.    It is at this annual meeting we elect new officers and directors to the Chapter Board.   Only members in good standing\, with annual dues payments current\, are entitled to vote in the election or to attend this event free of charge; $35 annual dues payments per individual or couple may be made online through the website using PayPal or by check to ensure that you are current\, before the meeting.   A dues payment made prior to the meeting is sufficient to restore membership status and allow you to attend without charge and participate in the election.  Please contact the Secretary if you are not sure whether you are current. Members can vote in person at the meeting\, or by returning their written ballots (found at the end of the attached candidate statements) by February 16\, 2026. Candidate statements and the ballot form (for those who will not be voting in person at the election but would still like to submit a vote) are attached to this notice in a separate document\, in the version of the notice sent by e-mail.  Nominations of other candidates than those listed below and on the attached ballot have to be received by no later than Saturday\, February 7\, 2026\, under our By-Laws\, so as to allow revised ballots for the election to be prepared and distributed.  Most of the candidates running have already been serving in their positions\, but we have two new Director candidates\, one of whom has previously served on the Board.  The Chapter President is also running for Chapter Secretary\, in the absence of a separate candidate to fill the Secretary position; he was elected to serve in both capacities for the past five years.  As part of this meeting\, we will also recognize the service of Jim Palanchar\, who is stepping down from his position as Director after several years on the Board. The candidates running for positions on the Board this election are: Carl Willner – for Chapter President and Secretary (positions listed separately on ballot)Christian Schiller – for Chapter Vice PresidentKen Belsley – for Chapter TreasurerKaren Stokes – for Director\, also serving as CellarmasterKlaus Teuter – for Director\, also serving as WebmasterMaria So – for DirectorAnnette Schiller – for DirectorOur By-Laws do not permit nominations from the floor at the meeting for any position for which a candidate is already running\, but only in advance so that ballots for a disputed election can be prepared\, although floor nominations for uncontested positions are allowed.  For this election\, all Board positions have one candidate running.  You can give back to the Chapter by seeking to join the Board\, or by volunteering to plan or help with a monthly tasting.  Your active participation in planning and managing events helps the organization grow – and to do so in the direction you choose.  All correspondence in response to this email should be directed to our President and Secretary\, Carl Willner\, by email to carl.willner1@verizon.net or by mail at: Carl Willner1014 Reserve Champion DriveRockville\, MD 20850Our website address for online registration is at http://germanwinesocietydc.org .    If you are attending as a non-member and need to pay online\, please be sure to have a PayPal account in advance\, as we cannot accept payments by other forms of credit.  If you decide to register by mail\, please mail your registration (and check\, made out to the German Wine Society\, if registering as a non-member) to the Chapter Secretary\, Carl Willner\, whose address is listed above.All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. Fortunately\, one of the benefits of holding an online event is that most of you will be safely at home and not driving to the event\, but should you decide to visit a friend in order to participate from there\, please bear in mind the usual cautions about having a designated driver where available\, or mostly tasting rather than consuming alcohol when such drivers are not available.  Drinking in moderation will also help to avoid any mishaps using your computer!  Carl WillnerPresident and SecretaryGerman Wine Society Capital Chapter  ___________________________________________________________________________________Please clip and return this registration form if registering by mail\, to the Secretary at the address listed above.  Do not return the entire event notice.   If you are voting by mail rather than by participating in the online meeting\, please also clip the ballot form from the attached Candidate Statement and return that to the Secretary. Reservation Form for GERMAN WINE SOCIETY CAPITAL CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING\, SATURDAY\, FEBRUARY 21\, 2026 Name(s) _______________________________________________________________ Member or non-Member __________________________________________________ Payment submitted _______________________________________________________ E-mail contact ____________________________________________________________ Telephone contact _________________________________________________________\nRegister for this Event
URL:https://germanwinesocietydc.org/event/gws-capital-chapter-membership-meeting/
LOCATION:https://germanwinesocietydc.org/event/gws-capital-chapter-membership-meeting/
CATEGORIES:Business
ORGANIZER;CN="Carl Willner":MAILTO: carl.willner1@verizon.net
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260327T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260327T220000
DTSTAMP:20260416T150839
CREATED:20260309T041859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T041859Z
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SUMMARY:GWS New Vintage Tasting with Phil Bernstein
DESCRIPTION:Every year we host a tasting to try German wines from the new vintage\, with a focus on Riesling. Our host is Phil Bernstein\, General Manager of MacArthur Beverages\, one of the leading retailers of German Riesling in the country. Every year\, Phil brings some of the best wines of the vintage. The new vintage is 2024\, another in an increasing string of very good vintages\, though regrettably the first to be carrying the increase in wine tariffs.  Mosel Fine Wines says that “2024 is a must-go-to vintage for lovers of classic and ethereal Mosel lightness and elegance!” Vinous Media found that the German wines of 2024 are “sprightly\, sleek\, concentrated Rieslings with exquisite verve and full aromatic development.” Here is your chance to try the 2024s from some of the very best producers! DATE:  Friday\, March 27th\, 2026.  Doors open at 6:30 pm; tasting begins at 7:00 pm.   Registrations are due by Monday\, March 23\, 2026. VENUE:  King Farm Community Center\, 300 Saddle Ridge Circle\, Rockville\, MD 20850\, Please park in the lot behind the swimming pool adjacent to the community center\, and then come around to the front of the circle (not through the pool area) to enter the building. The Shady Grove Metro station on the Red Line is right across 355.  The Red Line King Farm shuttle bus runs from there on a route passing the Community Center until about 7:30 pm\, every 20 minutes\, though if returning by Metro you would need to arrange a ride to the station with another guest\, get a cab or walk (about 20 minutes to the station).THE WINES: (vintages are not listed for all wines from 2024) Welcome Wine – NV Loosen “Dr. L” Sparkling Riesling\, Mosel\,  or similar   Two Peter Lauer Trockens Peter Lauer Unterstenberg Riesling Fass 12\, Mosel (classified as Grosse Lage) Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Riesling Fass 9 Kern\, Mosel (classified as Ortswein) A Pair of GGs (the Grand Cru dry whites of Germany) Emrich-Schönleber Halenberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs\, Nahe Dönnhoff Hermannshöhle Riesling Grosses Gewächs\, Nahe   Falkenstein Kabinetts Duo (same producer\, vintage\, grape\, region and level\, different vineyards) Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Kabinett Alte Reben #8 Gisela\, Mosel Hofgut Falkenstein Öckfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett Alte Reben #22 Mia\, Mosel Willi Schaefer Kabinett Vineyards Comparison (same producer\, vintage\, grape\, region and level) Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett\, Mosel Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett\, Mosel   Delicious J.J. Prüm Spätlese (same producer\, region\, grape\, vintage and level\, different vineyards) J.J. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese\, Mosel J.J. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese\, Mosel   An Auslese Finale (providing it arrives in time) Merkelbach Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese “Urgluck” Riesling\, Mosel   A tasty buffet of cheeses\, bread\, crackers\, cold cuts\, grapes\, veggies and sweets will be provided to accompany the wines. COST: $83 for members\, $90 for non-members. If you have any questions about the event\, please email the organizer\, Dave Wendler: davewendler@yahoo.com .  If you have questions about registration or membership status\, please contact the President and Secretary of the GWS Capital Chapter\, Carl Willner\, at carl.willner1@verizon.net .   To register and pay by PayPal\, go to our chapter website: germanwinesocietydc.org.  If you do not already have an account on our website\, you will need to set one up.  We can only accept electronic payment by PayPal\, not credit cards or other electronic transfers.  If you are including others in your electronic registration\, please email the Secretary to let us know the names of your other guests for our registration list..  You can become a member or renew\, if your membership is not current\, together with your registration for this event by including an annual $35 dues payment (for an individual or a couple).   Please go to the Shop page of the website to find the payment buttons for this event and for dues. To register and pay by check\, detach and complete the form below\, indicating all names of persons who will be coming\, and mail it\, with your check made out to the ‘German Wine Society’\, to the Chapter President and Secretary\, Carl Willner: 1014 Reserve Champion Drive\, Rockville\, MD  20850.  All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication.   Members and guests should use public transportation to events\, rely on a designated driver\, or taste the wines rather than finish them. If you no longer wish to receive our announcements\, please reply to this email to the sender.    GERMAN WINE SOCIETY NEW VINTAGE TASTING – March 27\, 2026 Member(s) Name___________________________________________________ Non-Member(s) Name_______________________________________________ Amount Paid ______________________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________________________  Telephone_________________________________________________________ \n\nRegister for this Event
URL:https://germanwinesocietydc.org/event/gws-new-vintage-tasting-with-phil-bernstein-2/
LOCATION:300 Saddle Ridge Circle\, Rockville\, MD 20850\, 300 Saddle Ridge Circle\, Rockville\, MD\, 20850
CATEGORIES:Wine Tasting
ORGANIZER;CN="Dave Wendler":MAILTO:davewendler@yahoo.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T230000
DTSTAMP:20260416T150839
CREATED:20260410T042219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T042219Z
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SUMMARY:Comparative Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays Tasting: Germany and Burgundy
DESCRIPTION:Please plan to join the German Wine Society on Saturday\, May 2\, 2026 at 7:00 pm for a comparative presentation on Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in Germany and the Burgundy region of France\, and tasting of twelve wines to illustrate the varieties of wine made from these grapes in these countries\, by our own Annette Schiller.  Registrations for this event are due by Tuesday\, April 28\, 2026\, and the price is $55 for GWS members\, $62 for non-members.  Please be aware that\, due to limited supply of the wines and size of the venue\, we have a maximum cap of 40 for attendance at this event.  Reserve early to avoid disappointment! What comes to your mind when you hear: “Chardonnay” or “Pinot Noir”? Burgundy\, of course! That is rightly so. Burgundy is one of the world’s most revered wine regions and unique in focusing on two grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For more than 1000 years Burgundy vintners have understood that different soils and climates give different wines. They have honed their skills to produce wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that reflect the place they are coming from.  When you hear: “Germany” – you think Riesling. Riesling also is a terroir expressive grape variety and the Germans know about producing a wine that reflects its place. But Germany is not a mono-varietal wine region like Burgundy. There are many more grape varieties growing successfully here. For more than 1000 years Pinot Noir has been grown in Germany\, where it is called “Spätburgunder\,” directly translating as “late Burgundy.”  Pinot Noir is now the most widely planted red grape in Germany\, accounting for 11.8% of all plantings.  Chardonnay\, in contrast\, has only officially been allowed since 1991\, though there were earlier trial plantings\, and is still only about 2.2% of total cultivation\, while Riesling has remained the flagship grape.  Climate change presents new opportunities for German vintners. There is an evolution beyond traditional wine styles and grape varieties. At the same time\, Burgundy’s prices have soared and wine lovers often get priced out of their favorite wine. Germany offers a genuine alternative. At this tasting we will show you Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from both wine regions side by side. We start with a comparison of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Germany and Burgundy on the regional level. The next flight will be a step-up quality-wise: a comparison on the village level. As a highlight we have a comparison of 1er Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Burgundy and Erste Lage (Germany’s designation of 1er Cru) Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Germany.  We will taste 12 wines with many in the upper price bracket. Join us for this one-of-a-kind opportunity to have wines from top Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producers from two different but also in some aspects similar regions.  It will be fun to discuss the wines during the tasting and it will be very interesting to hear the verdict of the audience on the favorites. The planned wine list is depicted below: Part 1: PINOT NOIR / SPÄTBURGUNDER   Germany                                                                     Burgundy   FLIGHT A: REGIONAL LEVEL   2023 Weingut von Winning\, Pinot Noir Royal\,     2022 Albert Bichot\, Bourgogne          Pfalz         FLIGHT B: VILLAGE LEVEL   2018 Weingut Bercher\, Burkheimer\, Baden          2022 Domaine Raquillet\, Mercurey   FLIGHT C: 1er CRU / ERSTE LAGE LEVEL   2022 Kallstädter Steinacker\,                                   2022 Volnay Santenots\,           Weingut Rings\, Pfalz                                                Domaine Thierry Matrot     Part 2: CHARDONNAY   Germany                                                                     Burgundy   FLIGHT A: REGIONAL LEVEL   2021 Weingut Kühling-Gillot\, Réserve\,                  2022 Maison Vincent Girardin\,           Rheinhessen                                                               Cuvée St.-Vincent\, Bourgogne   FLIGHT B: VILLAGE LEVEL   2024 Weingut Jülg\, Schweigen\, Pfalz                     2023 Domaine Ferret\, Pouilly-Fuissé   FLIGHT C: 1er CRU / ERSTE LAGE LEVEL   2023 Bönningheimer Sonnenberg\,                          2023 Beaune – Grèves\, Le Clos Blanc          Weingut Dautel\, Württemberg                               Louis Jadot                                                               A tasty buffet of cheeses\, bread\, crackers\, charcuterie\, grapes and veggies will be provided to accompany the wines.  Our tasting will begin at 7 p.m on Saturday\, May 2\, 2026\, with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. to admit guests.  The location is the Van Ness Room that we have often used before for membership meetings and other events\, including many of Annette’s presentations to the GWS\, at 3001 Veazey Terrace NW\, Washington\, DC 20008.  Enter through the main lobby of the apartment building on the 5th floor\, and then go down to the 2nd floor by elevator and proceed down the hall to the clubroom.  While there is not off-street parking at this location\, on-street parking is available (bear in mind DC parking restrictions and meters)\, and there is easy access to Metro\, at the Van Ness Red Line station.   You can register and pay for this event in either of two ways.   First\, you can register on our chapter website\, https://germanwinesocietydc.org \, and make payment by PayPal.   You will need to create a GWS account for the website if you do not already have one\, and you will also need to have a PayPal account\, as we cannot accept payment by other forms of credit or online transfer.  If you are coming as a couple or other group\, you can either register and pay for each individual separately\, or do it as part of a single transaction and complete the payment on PayPal together.  If you do a single transaction\, please also email the Secretary of the GWS Capital Chapter at the address below to provide the names of each individual coming\, as the individual names will not all appear on the website form for multiple persons registering together. Second\, if you prefer to register by mail and pay by check for the event\, please clip off the registration form attached to this notice\, indicate the names of all who will be attending\, and mail a check made out to the German Wine Society in the proper amount along with the form to:  Carl Willner President and Secretary\, GWS Capital Chapter 1014 Reserve Champion Drive Rockville\, MD 20850 You can also reach the Secretary by e-mail at carl.willner1@verizon.net . Whether you are registering by mail or online\, please be sure to provide the names of all persons for whom you are registering\, and pay the appropriate price depending on whether each person is a GWS member (with annual dues paid)\, or a non-member.   You can also become a member or renew\, if your membership is not current\, together with your registration for this event by including an annual $35 dues payment (for an individual or a couple)\, through PayPal\, or by mail using a check\, in the same manner as registering for the event.   If you have been a member of the GWS Capital Chapter in the past but are not sure of your current membership status\, please email the Secretary at the above e-mail to confirm your status.       We do request that if you are experiencing symptoms of covid-19\, flu or other contagious illness\, or have tested positive for such an illness\, you stay home and recover\, and avoid putting other guests at risk.  Refunds can be provided in these circumstances if you notify us before the day of the event\, to allow us time to find another guest to take your place.  Otherwise\, refunds can only be made if you notify us before the deadline for registration. All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication.   Members and guests should use public transportation to events\, rely on a designated driver\, or taste the wines rather than finish them. If you have questions about this event\, you may contact the event organizer and presenter\, Annette Schiller\, at aschiller@ombiasypr.com \, or by phone at 703-459-7513.  Annette’s website is www.ombiasypr.com . For questions about registration and membership\, please contact Carl Willner\, Capital Chapter President and Secretary\, at  carl.willner1@verizon.net . If you no longer wish to receive our announcements\, please reply to this email to the sender.   To register by mail\, please fill out and cut the reservation form below with your check – do not mail the entire notice.     _______________________________________________________________________   REGISTRATION FORM FOR GERMAN WINE SOCIETY COMPARATIVE PINOT NOIRS AND CHARDONNAYS TASTING\, MAY 2\, 2026   $55.00 Members / $62.00 Non-Member Guests   Member(s) Names: _________________________________________________________________   Guest(s) Names: _________________________________________________________________   Total Enclosed: _________________________________________________________________   Daytime Phone Number: __________________________________________________________________   E-Mail: __________________________________________________________________ \nRegister for this Event
URL:https://germanwinesocietydc.org/event/comparative-pinot-noirs-and-chardonnays-tasting-germany-and-burgundy/
LOCATION:Van Ness Room\, 3001 Veazey Terrace NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
CATEGORIES:Wine Tasting
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END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T053000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T213000
DTSTAMP:20260416T150839
CREATED:20260416T173944Z
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SUMMARY:SPRING GALA CELEBRATION AT THE GERMAN EMBASSY
DESCRIPTION:ANNOUNCING SPRING GALA CELEBRATION AT THE GERMAN EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON\, D.C. ON MAY 29\, 2026!Jointly Hosted by the German Wine Society and the International Club of DC It is a pleasure to announce that we have once again been invited to hold a spring event  at the German Embassy!  The German Wine Society’s Capital Chapter  has held several asparagus-themed Spargelfest dinners at the Embassy\, but this’s year’s Spring Gala event will offer something more\, combining festive music with the pleasures of wine and food.  We are collaborating this year with the International Club of DC to host this event\, and so it is possible to register for the event through either organization at the same price.  And this year\, we are offering not only a dinner including white asparagus and with several German wines at the Embassy House\, but also a reception and concert in the Carl Schurz Hall of the main Embassy building before dinner\, with a selection of hors d’oeuvres and German sparkling\, white and red wines.  Guests will have the opportunity to attend just the reception\, or the reception and dinner.  For both the reception and dinner\, cuisine will be provided by the German Embassy’s chef\, Mikko Kosenen of Mikko Nordic Fine Foods.  Chef Mikko also operates a restaurant in Washington\, D.C.\, and was formerly executive chef for the Ambassador of Finland.  Please plan to join us to share our love of German wine paired with white asparagus and other dishes\, at the German Embassy where the German Wine Society began – and this year\, to enjoy beautiful music and song at the start of our unique event\, and to meet members of the International Club as well as those from our own Society! Please join our two groups at the German Embassy on the evening of Friday\, May 29\, 2026\, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.  Our event will begin with a reception\, introductory remarks\, concert and wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres at the Carl Schurz Hall of the main Embassy building from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  After this\, guests who have also opted to attend the dinner will ascend the stairs to the Embassy House (or use escorted access to the Embassy elevator for those needing assistance) for our buffet dinner and dessert from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.  Our dinner will feature not only white spargel and an array of other dishes\, but also seven fine white and red German wines\, including Silvaner\, known for its affinity with asparagus.  Overall\, seven of Germany’s thirteen wine regions will be represented in our reception and dinner\, including the Mosel\, Rheingau\, Nahe\, Rheinhessen\, Pfalz\, Ahr\, and Franken.   Registration for this event must be received by Friday\, May 22\, 2026.   We can accommodate a maximum of 120 guests for the reception in the Carl Schurz Hall\, but only 80 for the dinner at the smaller Embassy House.   When registering\, please decide whether you want to attend either the reception only\, or both the reception and dinner (the price of the dinner includes the reception\, and attending the dinner without the reception is not an option).   For the first two weeks after initial announcement of this event\, we are reserving half of the dinner places for those who register through the German Wine Society\, at the listed price.  After that time\, all of the places will be available for purchase by members of either group\, and prices will be subject to revision without prior notice.  The initial price to attend the Spring Gala for members of the German Wine Society is $95 for the reception alone\, or $195 for the reception and dinner; for non-members\, the initial price will be $105 for the reception alone\, or $205 for the reception and dinner.  Reserve early to avoid disappointment! We anticipate being joined by members of the German Embassy staff\, some of whom will provide introductory remarks at the reception.  Please take the opportunity to mingle with them and share your interests in German wines and Germany! Here’s what we have planned for our Spring Gala:   5:30 pm:  entry to Embassy compound passing through security (plan to enter no later than 6:30 pm); Reception and concert at the German Embassy.   Enter at the main Embassy gate on 4645 Reservoir Road\, NW\, Washington\, DC 20007\, and after passing through security\, proceed to the Carl Schurz Hall in the main Embassy building\, shown in the picture.         For security purposes\, the Embassy requires a list of all attendees in advance; no walk-ins are allowed.  Please remember to bring a valid picture ID.    There is no parking available on Embassy grounds\, but it should not be difficult at this time of day to find parking on the street nearby if you are driving.   Be alert\, however\, to DC parking restrictions.  The German Embassy is not near a Metro subway stop\, but it is also possible to arrive by Metro bus (D94) or by taxi/ride service.   Welcoming menu: hors d’ oeuvres + Sparkling wine served at main Embassy Pretzel bites with beer- cheese dipping sauce German bratwurst pig in blanket with mustard Asparagus-cheese quiche Herring on potato with mustard mayonnaise Duck confit arancinis with cherry sauce   These hors d’oeuvres will be accompanied by the following sparkling wine: Nv Dr. Loosen “Dr. L” Sparkling Riesling\, Mosel.  In Germany\, sparkling wine is known as “sekt\,” and the Loosen estate produces this distinctive dry sekt using the Charmat method\, with a specific grape and region rather than a generic blend.  Rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast. Introductory remarks will begin at 6:00 pm\, and the concert will run from about 6:20 pm until 7 pm.   The program for our Spring Gala Concert will be a joyous chamber music celebration featuring various German\, Austrian and Italian works\, performed by the trio Cantabile (violinist Christine Kharazian\, cellist Irina Ponomareva\, and pianist Nina Willner) and soprano Angela Mariano.  Biographies of the performers are listed at the end of this notice.  Music will range from the Baroque and other classical pieces\, including Bach\, Vivaldi\, Beethoven\, Handel\, Schumann\, and Mendelssohn\, to traditional German songs of the Mosel and Rhine on wine themes.  The program will include the famed 17th century German hymn Schönster Herr Jesu (as arranged by Dawson Hull)\, brought to America in the 19th century by German immigrants\, with its references to springtime. During and after the introductory remarks and concert\, the following red and white wines will be served as well:  2023 Spreitzer Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Kabinett\, Rheingau.  The Rheingau region has long been identified with high-quality Rieslings\, and this Kabinett\, at the lower end of the scale of sweet wines\, provides an off-dry or mildly sweet experience.  Rated 92 points by Wine Spectator and Antonio Galloni.  2023 Kühling Gillot Spätburgunder Trocken\, Rheinhessen.  The Spätburgunder grape is better known outside Germany as Pinot Noir\, and this is a fine example of a dry red from a leading estate.   90 points average critic reviews. Guests attending the dinner after the reception should proceed up the stairway alongside the main Embassy building depicted here to the Embassy House on the upper level\, between 7 pm and 7:30 pm after the concert.   For those who have difficulty ascending the stairs\, escorts from the Embassy staff can bring guests through the Embassy building and up an elevator.  Guests not attending the dinner\, but only the reception\, should exit from the Embassy by 8:00 pm\, but may remain after the concert until then to enjoy the white and red wines and hors d’oeuvres. 7:30pm – 9:30 pm   Buffet  Dinner with Served Wines: inside Embassy House cantina and possibly on patio also if weather permits Assortment of bread Green salad with lingonberry dressing German style potato salad Pasta Salmon salad Grilled white asparagus with hollandaise sauce Roasted spring vegetables Chicken Schnitzel with lemon and capers Black forest ham  Spaetzle with mushrooms\, ham          Sweets:  Apple strudel with vanilla sauce  Black forest cake  Rice porridge with red berry soup The dinner will be accompanied by the following wines: Served as starters: 2023 Hexamer Helmut Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg Rieslling Quarzit\, Nahe.   A fine example of a barely off-dry Riesling from the Nahe region west of the Rhine\, across from the Rheingau.  Critic James Suckling rated the previous vintage 92 points. 2022 Rebholz Weissburgunder Trocken\, Pfalz.  The Rebholz estate in the Pfalz region is one of Germany’s top producers of dry “Trocken” wines\, in this case made from the Weissburgunder grape better known outside Germany as Pinot Blanc.  Reviewed at 92 points by critic James Suckling.   Served with main buffet course: 2022 Meyer-Näkel Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Estate\, Ahr.  The small Ahr region near Bonn is more heavily focused on producing red wines\, especially Spätburgunder\, than any other wine region of Germany\, with distinctive slate tastes.   The Meyer-Näkel estate represents the 5th generation of winemakers.  Critics have reviewed at 91 points.  2024 Carl Loewen Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett\, Mosel. Grown from vines over 120 years old in Devonian slate soil\, and fermented in traditional wooden barrels (fuder).  Rated 94 points by critic James Suckling. 2023 Wirsching-Iphöfer Silvaner Trocken\, Franken.  A dry Silvaner white wine\, served in the fat “bocksbeutel” characteristic of the Franken region\, is the classic accompaniment to a spargel (asparagus) dinner.  Rated 90 points by Kristen Bieler\, Wine Spectator.   Served with dessert:   2023 Fritz Haag Braunberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese\, Mosel.   Spätlese wines are the next step up the sweetness scale in Germany from Kabinett\, the term translating as “late harvest.”  From the Sonnenuhr (“sundial”) vineyard.\, one of the iconic steep-sided vineyards lining the banks of the Mosel river.  Rated 92 points in Wine Enthusiast. 2023 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese\, Mosel.  The Mosel region\, source of both dessert wines for this event\, is one of Germany’s leading regions for the Riesling grape\, and exports far more wines to the United States than any other single German wine region.  From the Würzgarten (“spice garden”) vineyard in Ürzig.  Rated 94 points by Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl\, Vinous Media.   You can register and pay for this event in either of two ways\, if registering through the GWS.  Guests can also register independently through the International Club of DC\, which has issued its own announcement of the Spring Gala.    First\, you can register on our Washington\, D.C. chapter website\, https://germanwinesocietydc.org \, and make payment by PayPal.   You will need to create a GWS account for the website if you do not already have one\, and you will also need to have a PayPal account\, as we cannot accept payment by other forms of credit or electronic transfer.  If you are coming as a couple or other group\, you can either register and pay for each individual separately\, or do it as part of a single transaction and complete the payment on PayPal together.  If you do a single transaction\, please also email the Secretary of the GWS Capital Chapter at the address below to provide the names of each individual coming\,.  We will need a complete list of all attendee names in advance for Embassy security\, and the individual names will not all appear on the website form for multiple persons registering together.     Second\, if you prefer to register by mail and pay by check for the event\, please clip off the registration form attached to this notice\, indicate the names of all who will be attending\, and mail a check made out to the German Wine Society in the proper amount along with the form to:     Carl Willner President and Secretary\, GWS Capital Chapter 1014 Reserve Champion Drive Rockville\, MD 20850   You can also reach the Secretary by e-mail at carl.willner1@verizon.net .      Whether you are registering by mail or online\, please be sure to provide the names of all persons for whom you are registering\, and pay the appropriate price depending on whether each person is a member of the German Wine Society (either the Capital Chapter\, or one of the other active chapters in the U.S. or an at-large member with annual dues paid)\, or a non-member.   You can join the GWS Capital Chapter either by using the website and registering to pay annual dues of $35 through PayPal\, or by mail using a check\, in the same manner as registering for the event.   If you have been a member of the GWS Capital Chapter in the past but are not sure of your current membership status\, please email the chapter Secretary at the above e-mail to confirm your status.     For this event\, we are no longer requiring that guests take special health precautions.  We do request that if you contract covid-19 or another communicable illness\, or test positive for one\, you refrain from attending the event and protect the health of others.  We can refund payments for this reason if you notify us that you are not able to attend the event for this reason prior to the day of the event.  Otherwise\, refunds can only be given if requested before the registration deadline.   All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication.   Members and guests should use public transportation to events\, rely on a designated driver\, or taste the wines rather than finish them.   The event coordinator for the Spring Gala\, on behalf of the German Wine Society\, is Carl Willner\, Capital Chapter President and Secretary\, and National Vice President and Secretary.  Please send any questions to Carl at carl.willner1@verizon.net .   We look forward to seeing you for our Spring Gala!         If you no longer wish to receive notices for GWS events\, please respond to this email with a request to unsubscribe.  If registering by mail\, please fill out and cut the reservation form below with your check – do not mail the entire notice.    Asparagus Season (Spargelzeit) in Germany Spring in Washington announces itself with cherry blossoms\, migrating songbirds\, and tasty ramps at farmers’ markets.  In Germany\, nothing epitomizes Spring like the revered white stalks of Spargel (asparagus)!  The green variety is more popular in North America and tends to be available in supermarkets year-round.  Germans\, however\, prefer the white variety that is harvested from mid-April to near the end of June (St. John’s Day)\, and often is harder to find in the United States.  The Germans have given this harvest season its own name – Spargelzeit – and celebrate it with passion.    Rich in nutrients and very low in calories\, asparagus has become a culinary status symbol for many Germans.  To produce white asparagus\, soil is piled up into knee-high banks\, which give the fields their characteristic appearance.  White asparagus grows entirely surrounded by earth\, which protects the slender stalks from sunlight exposure and keeps them from turning green.  This also affects the subtle flavor of it.  The popular vegetable is cultivated in almost all federal states as well as in neighboring countries.  In fact\, Germans consume more white asparagus than their country produces\, so it is necessary to import it. Biographies of Musicians for Spring Gala                                     Concert violinist Christine Kharazian began her career in Armenia\, graduating from the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan\, and playing in the Armenian National Opera Symphony and performing with the Sharakan Ensemble of Ancient and Medieval Music. Now based in the Washington\, DC area\, she has appeared at the Kennedy Center\, Strathmore\, Blues Alley\, the United States Naval Observatory\, as well as events for the German Wine Society. Her collaborations span a wide range of classical and contemporary genres\, often blending music with theater and storytelling. In 2025\, Christine released new music\, including two original compositions: Valse Astolfi and Flamingo’s Dream. Soprano Angela Mariano\, of Sicilian descent\, is originally from New Orleans\, LA.  She is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Doctor of Musical Arts\, and has performed at various locations in the Washington\, D.C. area\, including with the Bel Cantanti Opera and at the Embassies of Germany\, Austria\, and Luxembourg.  Reviewers have praised her sweet\, mature and beautifully nuanced performances. Cellist Irina Ponomareva\, born in Russia\, is a graduate of the Rachmaninoff State Conservatory in Rostov-on-Don\, Russia\, and holds a postgraduate degree in chamber ensemble.  She is the recipient of First Prize awards in international chamber music competitions. For nearly a decade\, she played in the Orchestra of the Rostov State Musical Theatre.  She is active as both a performer and educator in the Washington\, DC area\, and has appeared in other events of the German Wine Society. Concert pianist Nina Willner was born in Ukraine\, and is a graduate and former member of the faculty of the Rachmaninoff State Conservatory in Rostov-on-Don\, Russia.  She performed with the Rostov Academic Symphony Orchestra and also worked with the musical theatre in Rostov-on-Don.  She is an accompanist in the dance department of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington\, D.C.\, and has worked with various performing groups at the Kennedy Center\, as well as performing at the Embassies of Germany and Luxembourg and at German Wine Society events.     REGISTRATION FORM FOR GERMAN WINE SOCIETY SPRING GALA EVENT ON MAY 29\, 2026 AT THE GERMAN EMBASSY   $195.00 Members / $205.00 Non-Member Guests for Dinner and Reception $95.00 for Members / $105 for Non-Member Guests for Reception Only   Member(s) Names: _________________________________________________________________   Guest(s) Names: _____________________________________________________________________   Total Enclosed with Events Attending: ____________________________________________       Daytime Phone Number: ____________________________________________________________   E-Mail:  _______________________________________________________________________________   \nRegister for this Event
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LOCATION:German Embassy\, 4645 Reservoir Road\, NW\, Washington\, 20007\, United States
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