I went wine tasting this weekend at a local vineyard, a scant 10 minutes away from my house in the beautiful New England countryside.

I tasted many wines, whites, reds, peach, cider. My favorite white was the Chardonnay which is barrel fermented and aged in French oak with fresh apple and ripe melon flavors. Mmmm. Then there was the barrel-aged red Cabernet Franc. I love a smooth cab. This one was full-bodied red with concentrated black currant; dried fig and spice. Very earthy and rich. Would go really well with a grilled London Broil or tenderloin, I think.

I was very fond of the semi-sweet red known as “picnic” wine, bursting with bright raspberry, blackberry, and plum fruit. The vineyard recommended drinking with picnic basket fried chicken, pulled pork, and a classic burger or a good dog. I also discovered when I got home that it goes rather well with my homemade foot cheese pizza too....

I didn’t think I was buzzed because I ate lunch right before the festival and snacked on bread, cheese, and fruit while there. I must have been a wee bit tipsy though, because I didn’t realize I drove home in 2nd gear until I pulled into my driveway. That, and I just had to spellcheck veneyard.