Left to right: Pete Toppan, Charlene Cottingham, Kathy Perry, Mike Aramanda, Millie Aramanda, Cherie Snowden and Charlie Snowden
Marguerite
Kathy Perry and Bernadette Fideli
Al and Vivian Wright and Santa greet their guests.
Bernadette Fideli
“May the spirit of friendship fill your world this holiday season.” So read the opening line of the invitation the Wine Stewards received. Al and Vivian Wright treated the Wine Stewards to a glamorous evening of true Southern hospitality and a wish to embrace the upcoming holiday with joy and friendship. Upon arrival each Steward was handed a glass of sparkling wine and posed for photos next to a life-size Santa. Holiday carols and songs from the smooth piano playing of Marguerite filled the room, and the light from multiple Christmas trees illuminated the home. Holiday china graced the linen draped tables, and Santas and sleighs peeked from every corner. It is hard to imagine a more festive and joyous welcoming. The Wine Stewards feasted on a traditional Texas Christmas dinner prepared by Vivian using family recipes handed down through the years. Smoked turkey and glazed ham were accompanied with sides of jalapeno cornbread stuffing, corn casserole and green bean casserole. A variety of red and white wines was served for a tasting during the dinner along with a brief description of each. Of particular interest were the details of the sparkling wine. The entry wine was a Cremant de Loire wine. This is the regional appellation for sparkling wines from the heartland of France’s Loire Valley. The title was introduced in 1975 to provide France with a widely recognizable, high-quality Loire sparkling wine title and to provide a reliable alternative to the increasingly expensive wine of Champagne. Chenin Blanc is the principle ingredient, along with Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Scrumptious chocolate and nut-filled cookies were the highlights of the dessert table. With comfort and good cheer, the Wine Stewards departed to greet the holiday season in style.