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The snow’s intensity for the last three hours has increased. It is now sticking to trees, shrubs, wine bottles and wine glasses. Compare the two photos. The few pieces of grass are now covered and the bottom one inch of the label is covered. Luckily, here in Howard County the snow is not sticking to roads and driveways, however decks are covered. The noon forecast up the amounts expected to accumulate by its end tomorrow. We can now expect between 20 and 30 inches of snow.
It is hard to imagine that last winter I never used the shovel in central Maryland. There was a shoveable snow, but I had the pleasure to be in Temecula at the time eating outdoors every day. I’m making up for it this year. A 16″+ snow before Christmas. Some lighter snowfalls in January. Last Saturday, January 30th, about 6″ and then on Wednesday about 3″. Now they are calling for 18″ to 24″. I’ll post some photos of a wine bottle in the snow. It measures 14 1/2″ from the bottom to the top of the enclosure.
Last night we enjoyed a Merlot with a steak grilled with a Chicago marinade. The wine paired well with the steak. The steak seemed to bring out more nuances of the wine. This particular Merlot was the 2006 Reserve Merlot produced by The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey in Colorado.
The immediate nuances were very fruity with particular notes of dark fruit and cherry. There was also a bit of spiciness. The mouth feel was smooth and the wine finished with tannins.
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey is located in Cañon City, Colorado. Wine Trail Traveler visited the winery in 2008 and wrote a review about the experience. When visiting the winery also make plans to take a picturesque ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Wine Train and of course, take a camera!
Cheers! Kathy
While I’m not sure how the weather will be in Texas this weekend, it may be better than the major storm threatening the east coast of the US. With that in mind today’s blog is about a Texas wine trail event in the heart of Texas. This annual Way Out Wineries Mardi Gras Road Trip involves eight Texas wineries. Included in the event are Cajun-style food and wine pairings, beads and music. At every winery, participants will be able to draw a doubloon from the treasure bag. Doubloons can be redeemed toward merchandise at the Texas WOW wineries.
The Mardi Gras Road Trip takes place Friday thru Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Tickets: $20 plus tax
For more information about the Mardi Gras event, visit the website.
Anyone wishing to learn more about some of the participating wineries can read reviews on Wine Trail Traveler.
Cheers! Kathy
I recently enjoyed a Messina Hof late harvest wine. This is an easy wine to enjoy. The Messina Hof Angel Riesling Late Harvest 2007 was wonderful. While the wine was sweet, the wine was balanced with acid making it very enjoyable. The aroma was fragrant with nuances of flowers and fruit including pineapple, peach and pear. The mouth feel was very smooth. The colorful label of three cherubs adds a delightful ambiance to the bottle and will be one you may want to keep.
There are many occasions when this wine would be good to serve. If you are hosting a wedding reception or shower this may be one of the wines you wish to consider. Or if you are searching for a gift for a white wine lover this late harvest wine may be well appreciated.
Cheers! Kathy
It’s near the beginning of the year so take time to peruse your destination sites for 2010. New Zealand offers opportunities for wine enthusiasts. Consider visiting the Wairarapa website and use it to help plan your trip to New Zealand. I haven’t yet visited New Zealand but would like to visit there to discover their wine regions. If you take time to visit this particular New Zealand website you will discover a link on the sidebar to the Classic NZ Wine Trail. According to the website, “It’s also one of New Zealand’s top food and wine destinations offering some of the country’s premium wines and everything from country cooking to fine cuisine in the many cafes, vineyards and restaurants. The Wairarapa is a true escape – all within an hour’s drive of Wellington.”
The website also offers a regional map, weather and webcams, train timetables and town maps.
New Zealand is becoming well known for its wines and deserves wine lovers attention.
Cheers! Kathy
It may sound like a ridiculous question but the common denominator is water and that is causing a conflict in Napa Valley.
During the spring, when vineyards are susceptible to frost damage, growers may opt to spray the grapevines with water from the local rivers. Some believe that this threatens fish in the rivers especially the coho salmon. While coho salmon are prevalent in Alaska, these same fish are decreasing in Oregon and California. There is increasing concern on the part of the state and federal government.
In the article, “Grape Growing, Fish Protection Clash in California,” (Napa Valley Register) Jason Dearen writes, “Under the state’s proposed regulation, any pumping would be illegal unless approved by the State Water Board’s management program. State water regulators say using river water for frost protection is currently legal, but they are seeking a middle ground that will protect fish and grapes while ensuring some oversight.”
Is there another answer that would help both save both the fish and the vineyards? Would wind fans or smudge pots work to protect the grapevines? Vineyard managers are a creative group of people and may very well be able to find a cost efficient alternative for protecting their vineyards.
Cheers, Kathy
Several Canadian wineries are sponsoring the Eat, Drink & Give Event on February 9, 2010. The event is held at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto beginning at 6:30 pm. Other contributing organizations are international wineries and restaurants. Wines and foods are donated to this event.
The proceeds will benefit Doctors Without Borders and will be used for the needs of Haiti. According to a press release, “Eat, Drink and Give is a small group of food and wine lovers in Toronto brought together by their support for local products. They have taken the opportunity to combine their common passion with the idea of helping Haiti recover from the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.”
Tickets and more information are available at http://eatdrinkandgive.com/ . Let’s help by filling the Roy Thomson Hall on February 9. Also, if you have wines or food to donate contact the Eat, Drink & Give organization.
Some of the Niagara wineries involved in this event include wineries we have visited. Those we visited and wrote reviews about include Southbrook Vineyards, Château des Charmes, Vineland Estates Winery, and Cave Spring Cellars.
While in the area for this event, take the opportunity to enjoy a taste of a “true” Icewine for which Canada is renowned.
Cheers, Kathy
Yesterday we spent a couple of hours at Tin Lizzie Wineworks helping, winemaker, Dave Zuchero organizing and cleaning. Other than being a very cold day, as long as one stayed inside and moved, we were okay. The camaraderie that exists when working on a common goal is delightful. We asked questions and learned more from Dave as we wiped down winery equipment and washed floors. As darkness approached Dave commented that we should stop work. We then enjoyed a glass of wine that was very good.
While most people don’t see the every day hard gritty work that needs to be done at a winery, it needs to be done. Working under the guidance of a winemaker, adds so much to the winery experience. If you have the opportunity to help at a winery, don’t turn it down. You will discover camaraderie, friendship, learn, and understand more about wine than what you can read in a book.
Cheers! Kathy
5:15 pm Up a Couple More Inches
The snow continues and is now sticking to everything including people. Soon, I’ll have to start removing it so I can get to the wood pile that helps to keep the house around 70º. As daylight fades you notice an artscape that can only be painted by nature. The grapevines have a one-inch blanket on them for the night.