Greetings to all!

On May 6, fourteen members of the West Kentucky Winegrowers Association left Paducah for a tour of Kentucky and Tennessee wine country.  Our first stop was Bravard Vineyards and Winery, located near Hopkinsville, KY.  There, our hosts Jim and Jan Bravard, gave us a tour of his 4000 or so vines on a very pleasant morning.  We then toured his new and upcoming wine cellar and future tasting room, and then tasted his excellent wines.  They are members of our club, and we are very fortunate to have them and their expertise.  It is a ways over there, but I hope the club can continue to be involved in their vineyard and winery.  After saying goodbye to the Bravard's and their canine companions, we headed for Clarksville, TN, my hometown.  We had some lunch at Harbor Cafe Bar and Grill, and made our way to Beachaven Winery in plenty of time for our tour.  Upon arrival we were greeted by owners Ed and Louisa Cooke, and Ed took us on one of his famous tours of the winery.  It is truly a big operation.  Based on his questions, even Allen Dossey didn't know what all of the equipment was (I'm glad he asked!).  On answering a question about malolactic fermentation, I mentioned the word bacteria in a winery, and Ed immediately told me, "Do not mention the word bacteria in a winery!"  We had a great tour, and we had a great time at their winery - and I've got a case of wine to prove it!  Many thanks to our hosts Jim and Jan Bravard and Ed and Louisa Cooke, and we look forward to future trips.

Don't forget about our ANNUAL MEETING June 1 7:00 pm at the Pasta House Company Restaurant.  There, we will elect officers and hear a political update from the Kentucky Vineyard Society.  Jim White will be our featured speaker.

We have added two new members at least (Art and Keith Feather), so please continue to try to get the word out regarding our club.

Bradley T. Rankin, M.D.
President, WKWA