NORTH BEACH SUN
At Elizabeth’s we don’t pronounce the “H” word (referring to the storms that breeze into the Outer Banks) unless it is in an historical sense for an “H” that has already occurred. In July 12 -14, 1996 we scheduled the “First Elizabeth’s Wine Festival”. We rented tents, brought in over 75 wines from around the world (mostly French for Bastille Day July 14) for an incredible tasting with Jazz music. The first “H” in July in a long time, Hurricane Bertha, with a subsequent mandatory evacuation ended the ” First Festival” and led to the decision not to have a second Festival. However, a tradition was born. After the evacuation was announced we drank Bollinger Grand Anne Champagne as we dismantled the festival and waited for the big blow. Champagne is a fragile drink. If it is chilled and power is lost a quick warming of the bottle can ruin an otherwise spectacular beverage. We considered it a duty to drink Champagne in case power was lost and the wine was warmed.