Summer Day Trip

Thanks to my friend Kathy for simply delightful summer day. She called this morning with her usual question of,

"Whatcha doin'?"

Followed by,

"Want to go on a summer excursion today?"

Our day included a quick stop by a clothing retailer for her to pick something up for an upcoming cruise followed by lunch with our kids. After a couple of slushies and tummies full of food at TGI Fridays the kids were well warmed up and sharing every joke and funny story they could remember. But Kathy's excursion of fun had just begun.

Next we drove out into the beautiful countryside to a Loudon County vineyard - Tarara. It seems Kathy thought us moms needed a little wine tasting in our summer schedule. I certainly wasn't going to argue with my hostess's idea of summer enjoyment. First we took the self guided tour of the wine processing cave. Then, while the kids occupied themselves with the vineyard's dog and playing all kinds of games kids make up while waiting for parents, we tasted the winery's offerings. We definitely got $5 worth of fun pretending to know exactly what we were looking, smelling, and tasting in the wines.

Our favorite was the 2003 Meritage – This Bordeaux inspired wine uses Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from our estate vineyards to produce a full-bodied lush blend with impressive density. Sixteen months in oak barrels help create an intense nose of plum, chocolate, black cherry and anise that lead to a very smooth, full-bodied wine with a long spicy finish. This wine will age nicely for 10-15 years. $34.99. A close second was their 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon at $17.99. We really liked the art work displayed in the tasting room and found out it was a famous graphic artist who has work in famous museums. I would have caught her name if I wasn't so busy trying to smell the hint of strawberry, grass clippings and dark chocolate in the wine.

Next we were off to the vineyard's blackberry fields. The vintnar's best piece of advice was that the highest blackberries on the vine are the sweetest. We continuously taste tested this theory and quickly realized that the best of this vineyard was in the blackberry field. I didn't have my camera with me, but trust me it was a beautiful afternoon. The boys had a blast chasing each other up and down the rows. Don't tell the winery owners, but I'm pretty sure there was some blackberry warfare between them also. All too quickly our cartons and tummies were full and we headed back to life in the suburbs.

Thanks Kathy for a delightful day!