2011 Taste of Italy - Mondiale Induction

Click here for photos of the event!

On a warm sunny Fall afternoon of October 2, 2011, Hillsborough Bailliage had a Mondiale Induction and Wine event at the Hillsborough home of long-time members Chuck & Gayle Syers. The Italian theme included Italian wines, Italian food and Italian music. Seventy- four LaChaine members and guests attended this popular occasion.

Folks gathered on the patio under the grape arbor for wine and hors d’oeuvres. Vermentino Bolgheri 2010 and Iron Horse sparkling water were poured. Kari Menconi Moore of Antinori Wines poured and answered questions. Antinori is one of the oldest Italian wine families whose domain stretches from vineyards of Tuscany and Umbria to their property in Napa Valley..

Bailli Lois Gogol welcomed everyone as people were seated at inviting tables on the Syers’ veranda for the Induction and dinner.

Four members were inducted into Mondiale: Fred Ferronato, Hal Schuette, Dan Torunian and Jon Price. Jon Price of Monterey was also inducted as the new Eschanson Provinciale PNW.

Performing the Induction was surprise guest Argentier National Harold S. Small, assisted by Bailli Provencial Michael Martello, V Eschanson Orley Hatfield and VC de Missions Charles Syers.

The Italian food was catered by AquaPazza, a family restaurant with roots in Naples, located in downtown San Mateo. Brothers Tuillio, Enzo and Valierio Rosano came to the United States with a dream of sharing their passion for the food of their region. AquaPazza means “crazy water”. Enzo Rosano directed his catering staff in providing a true Italian meal!

Besides Argentier National Harold S. Small and Bailli Provencial PNW Michael Martello, other special guests were Ian Cauble who was winner of the Young Sommelier competition in Athens, Greece and Reilly Meehan who won the Young Chef Competition in Istanbul, Turkey. These personable young men are really an asset to LaChaine and our country!

An added treat was wine-glass bespectacled Marilyn Wolper complete with dangling grapes singing a special “blessing of the grapes” song she composed for the occasion.

As dusk descended, smiling members began leaving this memorable happening.