Sunday, October 17, 2010

Welcome to Paradise


Question: What happens when you combine Tori Hornstein, Brian Spendley, A 75-degree day without a cloud in the sky, and a Chardonnay featuring a "long, smooth finish of warm butter and toast marshmallow" ??

Answer: PARADISE! Or maybe just Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, VA.

Brian had the great idea to purchase a deal from the website Living Social this summer. For just a few bucks, the deal invited a couple to a local winery to sample wine, tour the grounds, and picnic with free cheese and crackers anywhere we'd like.

The land was exquisite- rolling fields surrounded by forest, just hinting the colors of autumn. The wine cellar, where we did the sampling, was located in a log cabin built BEFORE the revolutionary war! The "American Girl" in me was ecstatic. The staff was friendly and explained about the winery's history, the types of grapes, and distilling techniques. Virginia is now #3 in the nation for producing fine wine, coming in behind CA and NY.

After trying all the wines, we picked a bottle to open and take on the grounds with our picnic, and I was so impressed with the flavor of the Chardonnay that I bought a bottle to bring home as well. The wine won the "Governors' Cup" in VA, competing against hundreds of white wines from all over the state. I don't know anything about fine wine, but this was delicious. And that's good enough for me!

I feel so lucky that I had such a great friend with whom to share such a perfect day. I really do understand why Fall is everyone's favorite season!

Peace and Love.



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