An inordinate number of classic Volvos graced the parking lot in front of the San Diego Auto Museum (SDAM) during the SDVSA general meeting on February 13. The head count of members attending was also impressive at 13. We had the pleasure of seeing Sandra DeMello, arriving in her '68 1800S, and Lara-Mia Phillips, in San Diego for a business conference, came straight from the airport to attend. Pretty impressive! Since only 8 members were present at the beginning of the meeting, we decided not to have Bob Skoog's 50/50 raffle drawing. Therefore, the pot remains at $58.50. Maybe YOU can win it, and more, if you come to the next meeting.

   Our club treasury is steadily dwindling, and the members discussed once again how to raise some replenishing dollars. Thoughts turned of course to the sale of T-shirt and window decals. The ever-exuberant Brian Fitzsimmons set out to work on finally getting window decals made with the SDVSA logo. He has experience in delivering T-shirts and other silk- screened items for his Navy unit. 

   If the weather held you back from attending the Temecula Valley Winery Tour on the 16th of February, you made a big mistake. Granted, it looked as if it might turn out to be a dreary day, driving up from San Diego to Temecula on a cloud shrouded I-15. Our meeting place, the Mobil station on 79, was still enveloped in clouds by the time the 11 Volvos departed at 10:15 for another excellent tour planned by Del Skoog. As promised, this tour was particularly interesting. We started out at the Santa Margarita winery, a small operation that was especially opened up for us by the owner. He produces less than 1,000 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon every year, and unfortunately, he was all sold out for this year. But he made a special pouring for us of a remaining bottle, as well as next year's edition, which will be bottled in November 2002. We all liked the wine so much; we are planning a return trip as a special event in November or December.

The next stop was the old Piconi winery, situated high on top of a hill. This winery has changed hands a number of times, with the current name being Miramonte. The new owners have completely redone the tasting room, and, together with the view from the hill, it is quite impressive. On their tasting list were one champagne, a number of whites, and three reds. We liked the Riesling and all three reds were above average. Our third stop was the brand new Churon Winery, a combination bed-and-breakfast and winery, in a European motif. After tasting the wine, a tour was provided for our members to inspect the guestrooms and other facilities. Although the grounds were not nearly finished, we had a very pleasant lunch on the patio, with a view gorgeous view of the Temecula Valley. A more detailed account by Dave Barton on this memorable tour can be found beginning on page 5. Thanks, Dave, for your story, and to Del for all your planning efforts!

   The SDVSA does not have an event scheduled for March, but we are hoping for all our members to support the Orange County VSA by attending the OCVSA's Fourth Birthday Party on Sunday, March 17. Last year, it was a huge success! The festivities start at Swedish Speed in Perris, CA., and end up at the very impressive March Air Force Base museum. Turn the page for all the exciting details!

   Mark Jankowski's famous East San Diego County Tour is coming up on Sunday, April 21. Don't miss this educational and exciting trip through the wild areas east of San Diego led by Mark, who is an expert at finding interesting and out of the way places.

   To make the 37th Fallbrook Classic Car Show on Sunday, May 26, even more appealing to SDVSA, OCVSA, and So. Cal. VSA members, Darwyn Lumley is working on accommodating our cars into an existing, or creating a new, class. More details of this show will be forthcoming in April's 1800 NEWS.