Virginia Wine meets The Green Fairy

It was early December when I visited District Winery in Washington D.C. and posted an image from their tasting room. A comment had me a bit perplexed about a possible visit. Then I realized it was that time of year and Greg was coming home for the holidays.

He expressed interest in visiting the D.C. winery but I had other plans. To my “Rookie” mistake I had forgotten about the winter hours at most Virginia vineyards and had to make a late adjustment.

Linden Vineyards wasn’t open that Friday so I opted to take Greg to another vineyard not to far away, Arterra Wines.

Sandy and Jason are the owners and we were lucky enough to have Jason pour our wines. Here was the list and my notes along with Greg’s humorous feedback.

’16 Dry Riesling

Me: Herbaceous, light and bright with low acids. A touch of sweetness on the palette with a subtle dry finish.

Greg: D.U.I made easy (drink with great care).

’15 Chardonnay

Me: Soft golden colors, a touch of minerality on the front of the mouth with buttery textures to round out the finish.

Greg: Not Cali – But still has the fornication.

’15 Cabernet Franc

Me: Dark red fruit on the nose, black currants and stone fruits on the back of the palette with a touch of white pepper on the finish.

Greg: Relax campfire wine to talk to a bunch of woulda been coulda been.

’15 Petit Verdot

Me: My favorite varietal! Bright concentrated fruit with a hint of leather on the nose. Bold rich fruit flavors with a cigar smoke on the finish. This is the perfect deck/porch sitting wine.

Greg: Official seal of Virginia! Seriously run with this one! Thomas Dolby reading Edgar Allen Poe!

’14 Reserve

Me: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. An intense nose with dark fruit flavors. Gorgeous tannins with a bright finish. Another true deck/porch sipping wine.

Greg: The Harold Baines, Coco Crisp and Johnnie Damon All-Star Team wine.

’15 Tannat (bonus pour)

Me: Robust dark fruit essence on the nose. A well rounded mouth flavors of stone fruits – great balance. Bright acid with nice tannins on the finish. Beautiful wine!

Greg: Mystery Wine – Ask Coop! Joan Jett, Rage Against The Machine and Beatles Mash-up.

Blueberry Apple Wine

Me: This wine reminds me of the old field party days drinking fruit wines of my childhood. Bright berry and fruity flavors with a soft acidic finish. Refreshing flavors.

Greg: Not cobbler, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Apple Wine

Me: Refreshing fruit flavors from start to finish.

Greg: What really hit Sir Issac Newton on the head and made him giggle. Strong gravitational pull!

Overall wonderful wines and Greg truly enjoyed them.

Lunch at the Hunters Head Tavern followed. French Dip Sandwiches and craft beer were paired with the meals (Greg, Legends Brown Ale Me, Devils Backbone Black Lager). Then I mentioned that Absinthe was being made a few miles down the road and Greg was on board to visit with the Green Fairy.

Off to Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery we went.

To his surprise Virginia is making top notch Absinthe as well, or as he put it:

From the moment I entered this fine establishment I knew… I just knew… on the bar it was there. The fountain of the Green Fairy herself. My inner child of La Belle Époque knew I had a chance for a moment of real Steampunk Van Gogh in the Shenandoah Valley.

The slow drop of this magical fountain set the stage for the suspense and anticipation to build. Indeed… could this magic potion bring me somewhere near Aix-en-Provence?

With the first sip it was indeed the kiss of the Green Fairy… adding a new bit of surrealism to my expanding Absinthe Adventures.

Absinthe began as an all-purpose patent remedy created by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor living in Couvet, Switzerland… to this day I’m not sure what it really cures, but I can say this glass I found under this magic fountain made me quite happy to have the appropriate disease.

Thus far he has not been disappointed with any of the Virginia watering holes I have introduced to him.

His next visit I’ll try to get Greg to the Godfather of Virginia wine, Jim Law at
Linden Vineyards.

Until next time my friend…Cheers! Prost! Slainte! Cin Cin! And my favorite…Bottoms Up!

 

A Visit From Greg!

Last December, a familiar face appeared on Facebook. He hadn’t changed much since we last saw each other 30+ years ago. The only significant change was the town he was residing in…Vienna, Austria.

When he made the announcement he was coming state side, I made a point to meet with him. He was interested in reconnecting and told me to make the proper arrangements. I choose Glen Manor Vineyards for our meet and he truly enjoyed his first visit to a Virginia Winery.

A few weeks ago, he gave me the heads up that he would be visiting his mother over the Thanksgiving holiday. He told me to pick the venue and we could talk about the good ole days once again.

Greg was open to either beer or wine and I decided to show him the Vineyards of Frederick County.

We met in town and I proceeded to the Shenandoah valley’s northern most wineries. Our first stop was James Charles Winery. One of Virginia’s newer Vineyards, it is part of the Bogaty Family Wine Group which includes 2 other wineries Veramar Vineyard in Berryville & Bogati Winery in Round Hill.

Since opening last August, James Charles is making some noise with their red wines.

Greg and I did a tastings and decided to get a bottle of Petit Verdot. Rich Garnet in color, dark cherry and smoke on the nose. Complex red berry flavors with a dry spicy, chewy finish. This is your steak, burger wine even fish and chips would go well with this wine.

I believe Greg said: “This wine has the legs of a super model!” We will go with that!

The day was gorgeous and we decided to take advantage of the warm November weather and enjoy their patio. Our next stop will keep us indoors as the sun began to set but this vineyard has evening hours which is a great perk, Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery.

It was almost 4 years ago that I stumbled upon this vineyard as I was taking back roads home due to heavy traffic on I-81. Tish and I visit often, knowing Greg is partial to Merlot, he will not be disappointed in their Merlot Reserve.

Subtle earthy notes with a touch of leather on the bouquet. Soft, warm flavors of currants and black cherries. Nice concentration and fruit forward that transcends to supple dry/low spice flavors on the finish. This is a true pasta wine that could be enjoyed by itself or with an after dinner cigar.

Greg is very impressed with how enjoyable the wines are in Virginia. I told him that when he comes back for another visit, we will take in some other vineyards in the surrounding area. With more than 30 within a 25 mile radius, we have plenty to choose from. And so do you!

Get out and visit the areas wineries and show your support for Virginia’s wine industry.

Cheers!

House Party at Anna’s

Joey sent me a message recently to let me know about his plans for this years visit. The 18th seemed to be the day we would take over the Depot Lounge.

The ladies of ’83 had other plans.

Anna suggested we have a party at her place. Okay I’m cool with that but I had to work out some small details about the night. In the meantime, I set up an afternoon meet with Joey & Rich at Virginia’s best winery, Glen Manor Vineyards.

Sabra had sent me a text about attending the event. I informed her that my plans had changed and that I would be making an appearance. She asked about a few classmates that rarely show,so I made an effort to convince them to reconnect with their school family.

Carbaugh hasn’t been back to area to see us in several years. He is a busy man just like the rest but…the ladies love them some Carbaugh. I invited him to join Joey, Rich and the Fat Man at the vineyard but he opted out.

Joey & Rich met me at the vineyard and Kelly gave us the royal treatment. I hadn’t done an official tasting in a few years and this was good to do this. Some of the new information about their new site and what grapes are being planted for the future vintages.

I brought along some eats to enjoy with our wine. I choose a glass of the ’13 Vin Rouge and the boys selected glasses of the ’13 Sauvignon Blanc.

They enjoyed the wine as well as the surroundings. I informed them that if this gathering becomes a yearly event, we  can visit a new vineyard each year. If we do this, we should visit all by the year 2265.

I returned home and loaded a cooler and to get the dessert I was taking to the event. A chocolate tort with chocolate Grenache and Andes candy pieces on top.

As I made the turn into her driveway, I followed one car up the hill. It turned out to be Janet my next door neighbor from Toms Brook. That child hasn’t changed and the majority of the ladies of ’83 haven’t changed…WTF?

My days of being the little fella are well past as I have gained 100lbs since June 3, 1983. The ladies of ’83 have cheated Father Time. I have no hair but that’s because I choose to lather that thing up and shave the gray away.

This was a great gathered. And like I said, Carbaugh made an appearance. Then the surprise happened, Margo walked through the door, this was a shock and no one knew she was going to make the trip from Portland, Oregon. A pleasant surprise!

We told stories and my Lord they drank way too much Wild Turkey that night. For once, I was low key and very, very sober.

As the night grew to a close, we said our good-byes and headed home.
That night I realized something about my family.

Reunions…Good Times As Always!

1988 our 5 year reunion. We were still just babies!

Rich & Cheryl with Patterson in the background. Where is he?

The 10 year reunion…I remember it being an “S” storm. This was the part of my life when the Dr.’s had complete control of me, I was miserable beyond belief and I was married.

The hardcores were making the circle that I remembered at the field parities. A bottle of Boone’s Farm would be opened, take a swig and pass it around. I remember Stickles going around taking up a collection and going to purchase more wine. 36 empty bottles were left behind. The story goes that we as a class were barred for life at the Moose Lodge. Like I said, a “S” storm.

I only attended 1 of the next 3 and that was the 20th in 2003. Tish and I had just moved in together and she hadn’t been around too many of my classmates. But if you’re going to be with a Strasburg man, you need to meet his family from S.H.S.

The 30 year reunion, we are aging well just like fine wine!

Just 3 years ago we celebrated our 30th , Margo had organized a picnic for the town park all the way from Portland, Oregon. We attended and we left around 1 and took Horton and his better half to Glen Manor Vineyards to enjoy the warm July afternoon and wine. A group assembled at the Depot Lounge and more drinks flowed. During this time a talk of a field party were discussed and plans were made. In Sept. of that year, we had a good ole redneck field party.

Now that a good group of us are on the social media’s, we make plans to meet more often. The Depot Lounge seems to be a good meeting place but I’m always interested in other options if one is suggested.

A good many of my classmates are now facing an empty nest. Although in Brenda’s case, she’s dealing with grandkids because she started way too young. Damn Granny.

Then a familiar face appeared on Facebook, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The last time I saw Joey was at SVP where a good number of ’83 worked and some still do. I heard rumors about him moving but I exhausted them as that. When I visited the Southwest in ’84, I never thought about looking him up. Then again I was with my Grandparents and they were keeping a tight lease on their grandson. I recently found out that Joey hadn’t moved out that way during that time. So all is well.

A year ago, Joey had posted that he was going to be at a conference in DC for a week. I reached out to him and asked if he would be making a trip to the valley. To my surprise, he was going to come and visit with family and we decided to grab a cocktail at the Hotel.

Joey came to town and we showed him a large time. Hey enjoyed so much he came back for more this year!

My phone began blowing up from members of the family wanting to know if they could join us. I’m all about a party. I coordinated with Joey and he agreed to the small group. I put additional info out to those who turn their nose up to Facebook. They were informed and some showed. I believe we had close to 20 folks show and we had a large time.

Over the past year, we have gotten together 2 other times and I truly enjoy meeting up with these good friends. I’m confident that if I needed bail money, I have plenty of folks to contact. With that being said, I’m blogging from lock up in Woodstock, I went streaking down Main Street this morning and I need some one to pick me up and bring me a towel.

Hmm…that would be an interesting way to celebrate my 60th birthday.

Add.

To.

Bucket.

List!

The End – June 3, 1983

 

By the way I am dressed, there’s no wonder I was a walking wedgie!

I spent my last day of school mowing the yard and getting the car loaded for the evenings celebration. The graduation ceremony was held indoors because of the early Virginia summer, it was hot and humid. Having to wear a shirt and tie along with the ceremonial gown was making a brother sweat. As the time approached, we were lined up on both sides of the hallway, I glanced down to see all of my classmates have smiles on their faces and out of a doorway came a group in similar outfits but in black. It almost look like a covenant of witches walking down the hall. The first face I saw was Mr. Hodson our Principle.
My Cousin, feeling his oats addresses Mr. Hodson as “J.D.” and proceeded to call all the teachers by their first name but one…Coach Proctor. To this day I refer to him as Coach or Mr. Proctor.

 

We were in and out in about 2 hours. As we exited the gymnasium and I began to hear the sounds of girls sobbing. Little did I know one those sobbing just so happened to my Cousin. Tears flowed and hugs were everywhere. As we met up with our families, we handed them our diplomas caps & gowns. I went and changed cloths and was told that if I was going to consume to stay at the field. I informed them that I would see them at sun up.

Hours after the event, my classmates were still hugging and tears still flowed. A few made plans to visit Ocean City, Md. the following week. I was scheduled to work at 8:00 Monday morning, so I maintained my composure and partied the night away.

A few of my classmates were only going to relax and enjoy their new freedom for just a short period. Uncle Sam called their number and they were heading off to basic training. Those who went to college, we would run into each other in town on the weekends and we would gather some where to talk.

Over time, some got married, some moved away, some stayed close, and some never left. But it so funny how we can go months even years and not see each other yet we live only 5 to 10 miles from each other. So much for the small town mentality.

When it was time for our 5 year reunion, I knew our class lacked funds to pull off renting a venue. Somehow, we were able to scrap enough together to rent the VFW in Strasburg and get crazy just like we did back in the day. The most important thing was…we still were a tight knit group and I can only hope in 25 years we are still that close.

Senior Trip

We lobbied for an overnight trip but the teachers thought that a day trip would be our best option. In reality, those poor teachers knew what kind of characters we were and the amount of trouble that would ensue. Kings Dominion promoted a Senior Day and that would be just fine. Schools from all over the DMV would take over the amusement park.
Now this wasn’t an “official” day but my class gave it an official title: Senior Skip Day.

I remember going to the school, parking my car and then waited for Horton to arrive. We hung out at a friends house and enjoyed some of the Sloe Gin he was known for serving when we got together. After a few drinks, we headed into town to see if anyone was going to need some assistance. What we found was complete debauchery. Some underclassmen decided to join a few of my classmates and party with them. I believe a teacher even visited and took some of the ladies back to school only to be shipped home to their partners.

There were a few who couldn’t function and I’m referring to my classmates. Cousin couldn’t even get on the bus. Another walked or stumbled to the back of the bus only to pass out once he sat down. The crew on my bus were feeling righteous and were rowdy the entire 4 hour trip to the park. G.R. was hilarious the entire trip down. He kept begging for Ellsworth to stop and let him use the bathroom. I believe he used an empty bottle to relieve himself and I even want to say that bottle got tossed out the window. Two of my classmates rekindled an on again/off again romance on that ride down and back.. I’ve always wondered…did they ever tell their boy friend and girl friend about their little rendezvous?

I remember lines were long for the roller coasters as well as any ride. A free concert by Molly Hatchet was taking place at 8p.m. A group of us stuck close and we saw some sights. The bathrooms were converted into areas to deal drugs. From pot to cocaine, I hadn’t seen any of that and I worked in a factory with folks who bragged about their drug use.

The coolest sight was watching these two guys shoot basketball and winning stuffed animals left and right. A tall lanky fella and one of the shortest guys I had ever seen. Both were sporting Dunbar High School varsity jackets. The were: Reggie Williams & Mugsy Bogues. I’m sure Reggie Lewis & David Wingate were close by. These guys were a part of the number 1 basketball team in America. It was awesome!

By this time, it was getting late most of my classmates were starting to wind down and it was time to head back to the valley. Our last field trip and it was most enjoyable. For some it was memorable to others it was just a bad hangover.

However, the days were counting down and our final day was closely approaching to an end. 

Grandfathered!

The Class of ’83 was a tight unit. We played together, laughed together but most importantly, we partied together. If someone didn’t have a party at their house, then it was in a field with a bonfire with the occasional dead animal in a pit. And when it was too cold for a field party, my post Cruising The Block, explains how we adapted to the winters in Strasburg, Va.
Keep in mind, we did a have a few that did not partake in the consumption of adult beverages. If they showed up at a party, they were always welcome and they had a good time. But you know, some of those who we thought didn’t drink – actually did. The majority of the guys in my class were rednecks/good ole boys but we had a few that were considered “nerds” or “brainiacs”. Those boys could throw back a drink or two with the best of them…I’ve seen them do it!

One of my oldest friends and classmates recently told me a story regarding his way of enjoying an adult beverage at the Depot Lounge located in the Hotel Strasburg as a senior.

Dave and I try to meet up when we can. Thanks to him, I was able to remember something about the Lounge. Back in the day, there was a juke box in the bar and it was loaded with Beatles & Rolling Stones tunes. But I don’t remember drinking in there. He talked about drinking and enjoying Gaymers Pub Cider, oh the things you learn after all these years.

Some of you are probably wondering how we were able to purchase beverages. Sure some used fake ID’s or got creative. One classmate had an older brother who looked his twin with the exception of glasses. He took his brothers old ID and an old pair of his glasses and he became his older brother. Or we just visited The Star Market, enough said.

The state began to mandate the laws for purchasing alcohol. At 18 we could sit in a bar and consume beer but couldn’t purchase from grocery stores. Liquor was 21 so the state made the necessary changes and beer fell into that category too. Once the law took affect, we were grandfathered in and the legal age for me to drink was 18. Of course this new rule didn’t deter my family in the least, we were a resourceful bunch.

West Virginia laws were 18 for everything and the state line was only 12 miles from Strasburg. There were many trips made to WV to get what was needed. Chewy’s van could drive itself across the mountain to get Jack Daniels or whatever our palate was craving. If I haven’t mentioned Chewy before, he was our class’ “Jeff Spicoli”. If you have never seen Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Netfix it this weekend.

Then of course there was our varsity club trip. Since I was the basketball announcer – they allowed me to go on these outings. This one was by far the sweetest of trips.

Oakley, one of my true country boy classmates and a down to earth soul. How he was able to pull this off what he did that day, I have no idea. We traveled to Landover Md. to the Capital Centre to see the Georgetown Hoyas play the Villanova Wildcats. This was the Ewing years and they were just a year away from the title. But then again, Villanova won the title two years later…beat the same Hoya team.

The coaches and teachers were on the opposite side of the stadium leaving us kids on our own, not a good move. Oakley made many trips to the beer vendor that day. I’m surprised they didn’t cut him off but he probably visited different vendors. My classmates…crafty & smart.

Once Spring arrived in the Shenandoah Valley in ’83 we became restless and anxious…the end was near.

Prom came and went and fun was had by all.

Our senior trip…oh the memories. Of course, there were a few who don’t remember the outing.

The Class with Class

I grew up in a small town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. In my neighborhood there were kids at every house within a miles radius. We played until it got dark and when Momma hollered our names, we made sure we were home in the proper amount of time.

We all went to Toms Brook Elementary or as the locals call it “T.B.U.” [Toms Brook University], From 1st to 7th grade we graced the halls of that school. The funny thing is, the road I lived on was the counties imaginary line for where we were to attend high school. Those who lived on the north side of 655, like me, went to Strasburg High School in Strasburg. The south side, went to Central High School in Woodstock. Of course some choose to go to where they wanted. So it wasn’t set in stone.

Once we “graduated” from Middle School, my class was split down the middle. Half went to Central the other went to Strasburg.

One of the few things I remember from school (brain surgery has erased a lot of my childhood) was the first day of high school. My frail frame, all 4’ 11” and 80lbs walked down the hallway to my locker. Upper class men lined the row of lockers and I thought; “This isn’t so bad.”

I spoke too soon! 

Books knocked out of my hands and two goons on each side hoisted me on top of the lockers. I tried to get down but they advised me to stay put. Welcome to high school.

We’re gonna fast forward to my Senior year. I was still the skinny kid but I had grown to almost 6’ tall. I had a job with a local printer and was fortunate to be able to drive to and from school. No more buses.

As Seniors we were as cocky as the last class. But we were a unique bunch. Even though we had the obvious cliques, we all got along and if something or someone messed with us we United and our rednecks would show.

We have heard stories of how the educators at our school couldn’t wait until we graduated. How can a group of 18-year-olds be that bad?

There are many stories, here are a few…

Wine + Reunion Week = Debauchery!

Earlier in the week was busy. I was able to secure some complimentary tastings from a few vineyards for the Decade & a half reunion for this coming Saturday evening. My travels for the week were going to be limited.
I knew Saturday was going to be bat crap crazy so I decided to visit the few vineyards on the north end of Orange county.

I waited until 10a.m. to head down to my first stop of the day. My schedule was going to be tight as I had planned on going to the homecoming game and then drinks with classmates at the Old Mill Grill.

After relying on a cell phone voice giving me wrong directions, I finally arrived at Honah Lee Vineyard.

Just outside of Gordonsville, is this quaint boutique vineyard and tasting room. I was surprised to see a limo parked out front. Either a Birthday party or Bachelorette party, the latter. It wasn’t even noon before I started tasting and these girls were drunker than 10 monkeys.

The owner an ex-law man, kind of shook his head at the way those crazy kids were acting.

As for the wine…

’13 Chardonnay, golden in color. The nose was dominated by a big stick of butter! Then came a surprise, crisp, tart citrus flavors on the palate. Succulent honeysuckle notes on the finish, make this a very nice Chard.

’13 de la Merce, a red blend of Merlot and Chambourcin. Fruity notes of cherries on the nose. A softened flavor of leather and tobacco coat the mouth. This medium bodied wine finished with black raspberries and soft tannins. This would be a great everyday red. Pasta, pizza and red meat plates would help this wine shine.

So now, I have to travel about 15-20 miles to the next stop. I have my trusty map ready since I will be traveling into the hills to reach Kilaurwen Winery.

Nice winding roads to reach this locations and there were a few cars visiting from out of state.

The owner/winemaker explained the name of the winery. It was named after his three daughters. That’s kind of sweet.

Situated against the mountain, I was hoping to taste something good.

’12 Riesling, apricots and pineapple on the nose. Bold citrus flavors of lemon on the palate. A clean finish with essences of melon. Oysters on the half shell or shrimp scampi would go well with this wine.

’12 Cabernet Franc, a medium bodied wine with a gorgeous ruby color. Earthy aromas on the nose. Cherry, currants and smoky flavors on the palate with bold spicy tannins on the finish. A true steak wine.

So my travels took me to 2 and that would bring my total to 137 for the year.

Once I returned home, I got a few texts telling me they wanted to start the party early. I arrived at the Old Mill around 6. I had set up one of those “Events” on Facebook and invited all of my classmates who grace the social media giant.

Then of course, I have those friends that are in my contact list who I send messages too when an event like this is planned. Texts were sent and it was going to be a wait and see who shows up.

Deb was the first one there and I told Abe, the owner of the Mill, to stock up on Corona’s because I have seen her drink bars out of the Mexican Cerveza. Our last outing, she shared a quote with me that I have say is one of the funniest sayings I have ever heard:

“Beer is Great, Sex is Free, We’re the Class of ’83!”

I Love This Class!

We had a good turn out. About 10 showed up, some I haven’t even seen in 30+ years. A lot of alcohol was poured…including shots which we did not need and stories were told. We got the party started early and rolled out at midnight.

On Saturday, I went and purchased wine at Glen Manor Vineyards so Tish and I enjoy good Vino. I knew they were pouring Boone’s Farm but I wasn’t that interested in going down memory lane. Memories of bad hangovers on that stuff still linger after all these years.

We arrived early like the promoters suggested, we didn’t expect to be standing in line freezing our butts off. Everyone and their sister was there. I saw friends I hadn’t seen since I was 13 years old.

Margo visiting from Portland, Oregon.

Good Ole T.B.U. representing with Dave, The Fat Man & Clark. Old friends indeed!

I knew my boy Dave was suppose to be there, but I never saw him until late and by then the alcohol had my head spinning. I saw my prom dates and homecoming date. Of course, there were the hard cores, those Class of ’83 members who rarely make an appearance. Todd & Chewy. This night could get RIGHTEOUS and there was talk about visiting the “West Virginia Ballet”.

Chewy is a trip!

Todd never changes…Dammit!

The only details I can share are…good times were had by all and some were feeling quite ill the following day. We’re not teenagers anymore and we can not party like Charlie Sheen. Although I try my best!

As for my wine tour, Next week Tish leaves for the beach and I will consume a lot of meat along with beverages.

Visits to Loudoun and back to the Culpepper area to finally check off some of those wineries.

I’ve decided to see how many I can actually visit. This trip is coming to an end quick.

I leave you with one last pick from the reunion. This group was just looking for trouble.

Mel, Me, Roger & Rich. We included Mel to keep us out of jail, I’m too pretty for prison.