Virginia Wines Featured at Foreign Service Centennial Celebration

Muse Vineyards, a Shenandoah County Virginia winery founded by a former Foreign Service Officer, has been selected as the featured wine for the centennial celebration dinner of the nation’s professional diplomatic corps. The dinner, hosted by The American Foreign Service Association and the Director General of the Foreign Service, Marcia Bernicat, took place on May 21st, 2024, in the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room at the Department of State. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, William Burns were scheduled be in attendance and deliver remarks.

Sally Grooms Cowal, owner of Muse Vineyards and a former ambassador, expressed her delight: “We are honored to have our wines served at this significant event. Our Rhone-style white blend, Thalia, and our signature Bordeaux-style red blend, Clio, will be featured.”

Cowal attributes Muse Vineyards’ success, including winning the prestigious Virginia Governor’s Cup, to meticulous vineyard practices and a low-intervention winemaking philosophy. “Fine wine is made in the vineyard,” says Cowal, “We let our grapes, grown in the unique microclimate of the Shenandoah Valley, truly shine.”

Reflecting on the role of wine in diplomacy, Cowal stated, “Wine has long been a tool of statecraft, fostering open conversations that lead to understanding. Thomas Jefferson, America’s first Secretary of State who planted European grapevines at his Monticello estate, would be proud to see Virginia wines featured at such a distinguished event.”

About Muse Vineyards: Muse Vineyards is a Shenandoah County, Virginia winery founded by former Ambassador Sally Cowal and her husband Robert Muse. Their commitment to quality and respect for terroir has led to numerous national and international awards.