Cheers to Spring!
Countdown to Spring Release!
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12th Gate 1869 Club
Membership Financially Supports Kappa Sigma
Since 1869, the bonds of our brotherhood have only grown stronger. Our alumni have the unique opportunity to help offset expenses of our undergraduate chapters and members by becoming a member of the 1869 Club. Brothers that join this club will receive two shipments of 3 or 6 bottles a year of handcrafted Napa Valley wines made exclusively for the members of Kappa Sigma.
Spring 2022 Wines
Introducing the Spring 2022 varietals and labels!
Founders Red – George Miles Arnold
The second of the Founders’ Series wines is named for “The Little Spaniard”, Brother George Miles Arnold. He, along with his lifelong friend and Brother George Wyatt Hollingsworth, are credited by Brother Stephen Alonzo Jackson with discovering and conveying the Bologna Tradition from Europe. Dr. Arnold, as he was later known, married after his graduation and practiced medicine in New York City for many years. His home continued to be a meeting place of Kappa Sigmas in the early days of the Fraternity. His son, Robert Miles Arnold, cemented his legacy and was an initiate of the Gamma-Zeta Chapter at New York University in 1908.
The 2019 Founders Red Wine is an artful red blend created by winemaker Todd Heth. This wine exhibits dark blackberry, bing cherry and plum notes perfectly into layers of coffee and tobacco. The finish is dry with long lasting berry fruit. Silky but firm tannins, this wine is enjoyable now but has the ability to age well in the cellar. The second bottling honors George Miles Arnold.
GWH
The riddle of “the mysterious Hollingsworth” has been researched and written by Kappa Sigma Historians since the early days of the Order. It is known that he was formally initiated in New York City by Founder George Miles Arnold in the winter of 1872. Inconclusive though most information is, Kappa Sigma Fraternity is able to relate that prior to his initiation Brother George Wyatt Hollingsworth, raised in Mobile, Alabama, was a neighbor and fellow student with Brother Arnold at Barton Academy. After his initiation Brother Hollingsworth was commissioned with the establishment of a Kappa Sigma Chapter in Mobile but died at a young age in New York City before accomplishing his goal.
Our GWH Chardonnay is a real gem. Hailing from the cool and foggy climate for the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, this beautiful medium-bodied wine was grown slowly to build intense flavors over time. This wine was aged in French oak and displays a beautiful balance of fruit, oak and liveliness on the palate and exhibits lush mango and toasted almond. Balanced fruit with tarte acidity makes this wine a classic example of Premium Russian River Chardonnay.
Finest Hour
The final event of every Grand Conclave is considered the “Finest Hour”, the banquet where members from around the world come together and celebrate our successes and Brotherhood of Kappa Sigma. Every member that has attended can retell stories of the camaraderie and fellowship of these events where good food and drink is had by all.
This premium sparkling wine – meticulously and artfully made in the traditional champagne method – rivals anything found from the best Champagne houses in Épernay and Reims. Blended superbly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this magnificent Napa Valley Brut exhibits rich fruit aromatics of strawberry and delicate white cherry that follows through to a creamy mid-palate accompanied with highlights of lime and wet minerality and a lingering vibrant finish.
Club Format and Cost
Support Kappa Sigma
When you join the 1869 Club, proceeds are supporting Kappa Sigma and our undergraduate brothers!
With every shipment, members of the 1869 Club provide support to Kappa Sigma Fraternity’s programs and initiatives: Champion Quest (Recruitment), Brothers in Action (Membership for Life) and A Greater Cause (Volunteerism). Your involvement will help develop our future leaders and build upon the continuing success of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, A Brotherhood Like No Other.
Apply to join the 1869 Club and support Kappa Sigma while enjoying world-class wines from Napa Valley.
Hear About 12th Gate
A fine wine collection to compliment a great Fraternity. Well aged and timeless.
Kappa Sigma Fraternity
We all have such fond memories of fellowship in Kappa Sigma. What a great way to make more of those memories. Cheers to a Brotherhood like no other!
Kappa Sigma Fraternity
“I am honored to make these wines for the Kappa Sigma brotherhood and cannot wait to share them with you.”
Fairwinds Estate Winery & 12th Gate Napa Valley
Experience the benefits and lifestyle!
Membership financially supports Kappa Sigma.
Club membership options to best fit your budget and lifestyle.
Two shipments of 3 or 6 bottles per year (minimum to retain club level seniority).
Wine received in a keepsake vintage Kappa Sigma fire-branded wooden crate.
Exclusive access to limited releases and library wines.
Exclusive access to member store to replenish your cellar and gift wines to friends & family.
Free wine tasting experiences at Fairwinds in Napa Valley.
Special access to Kappa Sigma only events and functions.
Your name honored on the 1869 Club Member Plaque at the winery.
Fairwinds Estate wines are offered at 10% off.