JOIN US FOR OUR ONLY 2025 WINE & WAR EVENT
This year marks the 160th anniversary of the American Civil War’s end. Once sites of chaos, battlefields scattered along the trails forged by war remain as silent witnesses to the stories of those who made great sacrifices. Some carried muskets. Some carried scalpels. Some carried their faith. All serving for the Union carried the weight of preserving the nation.
Set for April 10, 2025, we return to our dinner setting for a night of Southern flavors, mountain music, and stories centered on the quiet courage of those who sought to comfort and heal the wounded during war. Join us as Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient James “Doc” McCloughan reflects on his experiences as a medic and the parallels between the role of a medic in Vietnam and a chaplain on a Civil War battlefield in Tennessee.
Event Features
Medal of Honor Recipient James “Jim”/”Doc” McCloughan
Drafted into the United States Army in 1968, Jim served as a combat medic with the Americal Division where he rose to the rank of Specialist Five. In one battle alone, “Doc” McCloughan has been credited with moving into the “kill zone” on ten occasions, saving 10 American lives and one Vietnamese interpreter’s life. In 2017, Jim was awarded our nation’s highest military commendation—the Medal of Honor.
Performances by Adam Chaffins’ Bluegrass Band & Rick Rushing
Soulful. Poignant. Vulnerable yet powerful. When Appalachian country crooner Adam Chaffins sings, his voice reels you in and then collectively embraces his audience with ease. His sound is beguiling, reaching into the rich Kentucky corners of Chaffins’ expressive baritone, delivered with refinement and ease. His music defies boundaries—from his mountains back home to the paved canyons of the cities that are now home, the sound crosses genres; the lure crosses humanity.
Rick Rushing III comes from a musical heritage—most notably Blues/Jazz Legend Jimmy Rushing, vocalist and musician for Count Basie’s Big Band Orchestra. His musical talents will add a special sound from the deep South to the evening.
Cheese, Chocolate, & Wine Walk with Bleu Fox Cheese Shop & Lisa Hanger
We’re teaming up with Chattanooga’s Bleu Fox Cheese Shop to bring you an assortment of historic American cheeses and pair wine selections from one of the oldest wineries in the United States.
Lisa Hanger, Ph.D., DipWSET (Merit), will pair our chocolate selections from a Southern chocolatier. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology with a research focus on taste perception. After 4 years of intensive study, exams, and blind tastings through London-based Wine and Spirits Education Trust, she completed the Diploma of Wine with Merit (top 6% in the world) in 2021.
Event Selections
The Winery at Bull Run
The Winery at Bull Run is located adjacent to the charming Stone Bridge which crosses Bull Run stream at the eastern entrance of the Manassas National Battlefield Park in Manassas, Virginia. The original bridge was destroyed during the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) on July 21, 1861, the first major land battle of the American Civil War.
Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co.
Olive & Sinclair was Tennessee’s first bean-to-bar chocolate company. Slow-roasted and stone-ground, O&S was founded in 2007. O&S takes pride in their take on bean-to-bar chocolate known as Southern Artisan Chocolate™.
Bleu Fox Cheese Shop
Bleu Fox Cheese Shop is owned by a family that loves food, but more importantly, loves artisan cheeses. Our goal at Bleu Fox Cheese Shop is to share our passion, our knowledge, and our absolute love for artisan cheese and specialty foods with you!
Event Schedule
6–7pm | Cheese, Chocolate, & Wine Pairing Gallery Walk AND Cocktail Hour
7–9pm | Dinner & Program
Previous Wine & War events have sold out, and we anticipate the same for this one. Secure your seat early for this upcoming event.