2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley

Selma Gilday was born in Monroe, Michigan, in 1877 and maintained a lifelong residence there. The daughter of a judge and a Michigan graduate, Selma was supported to attend the University of Michigan despite criticism from local Catholic dignitaries that she would be better served at a Catholic institution. Called a trailblazer for this move, she continued her trailblazing ways with the earnest support of Omega Upsilon and then Theta Phi Alpha. During the fateful meeting on August 30, 1912, which created Theta Phi Alpha, Selma was tasked with developing the Articles of Association and obtaining a charter.

Following her 1902 graduation from the University of Michigan, she taught many languages, including German and Latin, for 46 years. She also started an alumnae club for the Toledo and Monroe communities. Selma passed away on June 10, 1958. Selma Gilday was seemingly a woman of few words, but her life’s work involved teaching many. In honor of her love of languages, we offer this: Socius fundator. Aeterbyn caput.Gratus pro donis tuis.Semper fidelis, semper durans Founding member. Eternal chapter. Grateful for your gifts. Ever Loyal, Ever Lasting.

We introduce you to Ms. Selma. Cab is king. And in a vintage like this, it shows, as our standard bearer is big, dark, structured and showy. With aromas of blackberry, kirsch and cedar, over a hint of pencil lead. Dense, dark, intense and with sweet fruits on the palate, it is a big wine that will benefit from decanting or giving it time to air as it reveals more layers and depth with each sip.

2020 Red Wine – Napa Valley

Before the famed porch at 811 East Huron, there was the gathering place provided by the Caughey sisters – Katrina and Dorothy – as the Founders sought to bring that prized vision of sisterhood to fruition. The community to come got its footing with Katrina and Dorothy as thoughtful stewards and hostesses, frequently welcoming the budding sorority into their home in Ann Arbor – a contribution called “gracious and enthusiastic” by Mildred. Katrina’s status as a Founder came much later when, in 1959, a review of a Founder’s diary and other source documents of the time bore the truth about the support and impact that Katrina and Dorothy, as well as collegians Eva and Otilia, had on bringing Theta Phi Alpha into being. Katrina created a scrapbook of her time at the University of Michigan, much of which detailed the fun and frivolity of what was to become Theta Phi Alpha. Katrina was a dedicated Fraternity member, quietly supportive until her passing in 1966, just shy of her 79th birthday.

We introduce you to Ms. Katrina. Our proprietary red blend always exhibits the craft of blending, where all the parts complement the round character of the final wine. Deep dark saturated color, with spicy plum and black cherry, tobacco, cinnamon, and floral and camphor hints on the nose while on the palate it is voluptuous, dark fruited, juicy, round and long lasting with currant, dark chocolate, roasted beets and a persistent finish in this full-bodied wine.

2021 Cuvée Blanc – Napa Valley

Justice to each fellow man rings out as the first line of Theta Phi Alpha’s Creed, written by Dorothy Stephans, Epsilon, which was published in the 1933 Songbook. One of Theta Phi Alpha’s core values, justice means weighing your words, decisions, and judgments in your life and in the Fraternity. Theta Phi Alphas are called upon to conduct ourselves thoughtfully and equitably, and in so doing, reflect the Fraternity’s high ideals.

We introduce you to Silver Scales. This is an alluring and complex white wine blend, with a sensuous offering of tropical fruits, white flowers and subtle spice. The nose is like a bouquet of flowers and jumps from the glass with ripe lemon, white peach and orange blossom followed by notes of toast and white pepper. On the tongue, lemon bursts forward with pineapple and other tropical fruit, with undertones of vanilla. The finish is bright and zingy and mellows with vanilla and subtle spices in its length.