The Elixir of Life: Wine & the Knights Templar
“Wine brings to light the hidden secrets of the soul, gives being to our hopes, bids the coward flight, drives dull care away, and teaches new means for the accomplishment of our wishes." ― Horace, Roman lyric poet
In the dimly lit corridors of history, where the echoes of the Knights Templar still linger, a virtual sojourn awaits, where the elixir of life meets the vine's nectar. Join me on an enigmatic Zoom journey, where the secrets of the sacred order intertwine with the ancient art of winemaking. This ZOOM Xmas special in TWO PARTS, part 1 a lecture and journey of discovery for the senses, features a joint project of a wine with an esteemed colleague of mine, Andy Godts, the Grand Officer of Belgian Civilian Templar Order Tempeliers Orde OTAC vzw - Ordinem Templari Auxilia Civilae and founder of Dos Templarios Belgium, importer of fine wines, beers and spirits from the Templar lands of Tomar, Portugal but also the Czech Republic and France.
Part 2 is a live Zoom recorded today (to be uploaded) between Andy Godst from OTAC, Hernani Edgar Canavarro Magalhaes, an Oenologist from Herdade dos Templários, Tomar in Portugal on location, and of course moi, the troublemaker who decided to take over everyone’s Sunday today, all in the name of the Gods and their immortal elixir. In this Zoom, I interview them both and provide additional information on the Knights Templar and their connections with wine, but also on these beautiful Templar wines and my joint project with Andy that resurrected a true Templar artisan wine.
Step back in time with me and revisit history while we delve into some of the mystical connections between the Knights Templar and wine, unlocking the cryptic codes that have lain dormant for centuries. As we embark on this virtual quest, imagine a moment suspended in time when the Holy Grail, that elusive vessel of myth, intersects with the very essence of wine. A resurrection of an ancient vintage, whispered about in the Grail romances, will take center stage. Prepare to sip from the cup of history as we explore a sacred Templar elixir and decode the hidden messages within the bottle of the wine that I have resurrected for you all, revealing a vintage that transcends time itself. Discover our Sacred Templar Elixir, connected to Mary Magdalene and Jesus; this authentic historical relic and artisan wine has been lovingly made exactly as it was during the reign of the Knights Templar. Containing some of the herbs and ingredients the Knights Templar grew, this antique wine was known for its healing properties and as an aphrodisiac.
THE ELIXIR OF LIFE: WINE & THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
Part 2 here is a live Zoom recorded today between Andy Godst from OTAC, Hernani Edgar Canavarro Magalhaes, Oenologist from Herdade dos Templários, Tomar in Portugal on location, and, of course moi, the troublemaker who decided to take over everyone’s Sunday today, all in the name of the Gods and their immortal elixir. In this Zoom, I interview them both and provide additional information on the Knights Templar and their connections with wine, disputed by scholars, with most agreeing on Armenia being the cradle of wine where Noah cultivated the ground and planted the first vineyard in accordance with a Bible verse from the book of Genesis (9:20). Note however, that recent research from 2017 (and as mentioned in my Wine Lecture in Part 1 of this ZOOM Xmas Special) challenges this, shows that archaeologists have traced the world's first known wine creation back to the people of the South Caucasus in 6,000 BC while some archaeologists/historians suggest even earlier.
In addition, we discuss wine-growing/making techniques of the Knights Templar, some of their contributions, the beautiful Templar wines from Herdade Dos Templarios, and my joint project with Andy that resurrected a true Templar artisan wine, launching our own medieval spiced wine together carrying forth the true legacy of the Knights Templar. Once again, the Left-Hand Path (feminine) is discussed in relation to wine & the Knights Templar as well as earlier pagan religions of Portugal, the origins of the Kingdom of Portucale as a Templar nation and the first true modern nation of Europe and much more!
Thank you to Andy Godst and Bob Willems, OTAC/DOS TEMPLARIOS, Hernani Edgar Canavarro Magalhaes, Paula Costa, and everyone from Herdade Dos Templarios in Tomar, Portugal.
Notice: Wine in small quantities/moderation is beneficial to health for most people without underlying conditions, who are not pregnant or taking medication. Excessive consumption of wine is not beneficial and leads to health issues. Still, regardless, wine is not a substitute for any medications or a miracle cure/shortcut to good health when all other areas are not addressed. Always check with your general practitioner.