50th Anniversary Celebration, October 9, 2021

Our 50th anniversary tasting and dinner was a celebration of the club and the special place it has in our hearts. Several former members returned to see what had become of the club and were delighted with the warmth of the people and the fun sharing memories.

Several people told stories, which accompanied toasts, of the club and the people in the early days. Dianne Lesky, who is the widow of our founder Larry Elsener, told of how Larry acquired his taste and knowledge of wine. Mac Carpenter, David Gibson and Rick Taylor had their own stories of the “old days” and how the club has progressed. Other former members included Joan Saywell and Bob Collins.

Inside the Felton’s home were three scrapbooks of old pictures, a video slide show of our club and members from the beginning to present, and a very large framed group photo of a very memorable repast at the French Club in San Francisco.

The tasting used a different format than our customary blind tasting. Instead of voting, Steve Smith talked about the characteristics of each wine at the original tasting and their current versions as we tasted them.

A tremendous thank-you goes out to all who made it possible. In the words of Diane Gandara:

“We didn’t get a chance to tell each of you personally before we left Saturday … thank you and what a great event it was. David and I talked on the way home about the wonderful time and we’re so glad we were able to come.  Thank you to each of you for all you did to put together such a special evening for the Cellar Society.

Feltons, your backyard was the quintessential Sunset magazine front cover setting, with Under the Tuscan Sun garden views plus vineyard ambiance not to be paled by the beautiful giant Mt. Diablo sunset in the distance. Thank you for opening up the perfect venue.

The programs [created by Lisa Long] –  Wow I remember putting them together for a Repast and know how much work goes into even a simple program, and this one was elegant and beautiful – complete with photographs and a gold seal no less!

Steve Smith you did a fantastic job with the wines and making the event reflect the history of the Cellar Society.  Larry and Jerry would be proud.

The signage, table arrangements, heat lamps, catered dinner, PA, all the details were so well thought out.  What a lot of work!

What fun the video is!  And a nice keepsake – probably especially so for us “old timers”, Steve Shank thank you for gathering all the photos and putting it together.  

Betty and David you are the groups anchor, over the years, this time included, you always pitch in and do so much to help the Cellar Society and make our events successful and memorable.  We are grateful to you all.