It occurred to me the other day that I live in the middle of wine country and I have yet to visit any of the over 20 wineries that are located near my home. Some of the best wines in the world are produced at nearby estate wineries in idyllic settings with magnificent lake views.
I enjoy the occasional glass of wine with dinner, but I have a low tolerance for alcohol so little more than that and I'm sliding under the table. The Frenchman, on the other hand, doesn't drink at all - I know, what with his heritage, but there it is. Needless to say, a visit to a winery would not be something we would do together, so with The Frenchman away working, I thought now would be the perfect time for me to take myself on another solo adventure.
I selected the closest winery and struck out with my directions at the ready. Much to my delight, there were three wineries situated on the same route and all were well marked with directional signage that led me directly to their doors.
I have always had a not-so-secret love of wineries and have always envisioned my little country cottage perched on a hillside overlooking a vineyard. Alas, my new home is actually sitting flat footed amidst pea fields. *sigh*
Wineries have such an old-world charm and elegance about them that appeals to me. I once took a wine trip to Portugal and visited wineries that were centuries old, touring ancient, brick lined, underground tunnels known as caves where wine bottles are aged in perfect temperature and humidity levels. It was one of my favourite trips, a bad case of intestinal upset not withstanding.
In this fast paced, Twittering world, the level of commitment it requires to cultivate grapes and produce quality wines is admirable, to say the least.
Of the three wineries I visited, only one charged a fee of $5 for a tasting. The others offered visitors a complimentary sample of any four wines from their extensive collection of reds, whites, and roses. I had heard of only one of the three wineries and ended up buying a couple of bottles of a uniquely flavoured white wine made from vidal grapes from one of the lesser known establishments.
In a few months when the cold winter winds are blowing and I get homesick, as I know I will, I'll be able to treat myself to a taste of liquid sunshine.
I got a wee bit lost on my way back to the highway because, of course, they don't post signs leading you out, and it was a bit of a curvy, twisty route in.
Nevertheless, it was a beautifully day that was pleasantly relaxed, warm and sunny. All in all, a resounding success.
12 comments:
My favorite kind of day! We avoid visiting the big commercial places. I'm glad you found, and visited, some smaller ones.
So that's where you live. A friend of mine moved up there three years ago and never looked back.
Lovely photos. And you're right, wineries are a treat to visit even if you don't drink. Or at least I assume that's the case, because I do. Drink.
Annette: It's too bad that the bigger wineries seem to lose some of their personality when they, well, big.
Karin: It's where I live for another 39 days, but who's counting. It really is a beautiful part of the world. Too bad the employment is so scarce. Oh well, new adventures await.
I had to laugh because I've lived smack dab in the middle of "wine country" all my life, and I've never visited a winery! Can you imagine? Well, being married to an alcoholic (who can never drink) does stifle my ability to partake of the fruit on most occasions. I have however, ridden my horse through some of the finest Yamhill County vineyards since I was a little girl. Great places to ride! Maybe I'll have to go visit the neighbors with my girlfriend and have a ladies outing. Beautiful pictures!!
C-ingspots: It does make for a lovely outing and it's not something one would do every day. It's a good way to while away a couple of hours on a beautiful day in a magnificent setting.
Sounds like a lovely day. I would very much enjoy a day adventure like yours.
Christina: There is something overtly leisurely about moving from winery to winery, sampling wines and enjoying the warm summer breezes.
Sounds heavenly. I truly enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. My tastes are more discriminating now and I enjoy good wine even more. You will be able to travel back to visit, more fun now that you will know where to go.
sounds perfectly lovely; it would have been fun to accompany you and enjoy some good conversation and fellowship (although, i'm sure you enjoyed your time alone just fine!)
Sharon: My taste in wine has changed so much over the years. I used to enjoy rich, oaky reds, now my body won't tolerate them and I enjoy lighter, fruiter whites. I know others who have had similar experiences. It's interesting.
Jane: I do enjoy my time alone, but good company is hard to beat. Perhaps one day...
The perfect day, sunshine, wine, and great photos.
Sounds like you had a great time exploring.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Jen, it was a fun day. I never knew that whole area existed. So beautiful!
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