With one toe still wedged in the doorway between 2012 and 2013,  I reluctantly find it is time to take down our beautiful Christmas tree  (after all it is Valentine’s Day)  and start a new year of wine blogging.  My own mini-vacation, a touch of procrastination, added to an already  busy early Spring real estate market; the days speed ahead and we approach March!  I find drinking  wine easy, hanging out at a winery listening to music with friends certainly no rough task,  but describing it in print  requires a little effort from the grey matter that is already tinted a touch  purple.

Reflections of Winter 2012

We wrapped up 2012 with a memorable tree trimming  Christmas Party at Ankida Ridge and a delightful note to end the year.  The famed Pinot Noir that the Vroomans are already known for was served along with their newest  label, Rockgarden Cellars.

Sourced from grapes grown in neighboring Virginia vineyards that  have made the journey up 1800 feet to become  “The Voyager Series,” and in keeping the French theme, we are calling this “green-style”  spritzy white wine “Voyage (voy-AJH) de Vert” and the red blend of Merlot,  Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc “Voyage de Rouge.”  We really enjoyed the Rouge as well as the family style sing along and many, glass in hand, headed further up the mountain via a tractor-pulled hayride. Here’s a little snippet of Christine Vrooman’s talented niece, Jessie Rogowski, leading the carols:

Keep your eyes on this boutique winery in the Amherst region of Virginia.  They have an active intimate wine club and visits to the winery are arranged by appointment or scheduled events, next one is St. Patrick’s Day 3/17.

Early 2013

For Valentine’s, our celebration was highlighted by opening a Port wine saved after a visit with friends to Cross Keys Vineyards. It lies a little south of Massanutten in the Shenandoah Valley in Mt. Crawford. Cross Keys commands a rather regal presence over the valley with its palatial architecture. A perfect locale for weddings and grand photo ops that would please any bride. Move over Kate Middleton

Cross Keys does an excellent job by teaming up with Massanutten Resort, the Shenadoah Park Hotels and local B&B’s to provide dining, tastings and special events for vacationers.  We stepped in midway through a tour and due to the number of visitors, extracted ourselves up to the tasting room and beat the crowd. Aren’t we the clever ones!  Typically, port style wines don’t intrigue me, but this 100% Touriga Nacional was so aromatic with dark cherry fragrance and a slight orange scent, I had to bring it home for my husband.  Aged for two years in French and American Oak, garnet red in color, with a smooth round velvet mouth feel, I felt it the perfect choice to set the mood for a romantic evening.

Cheers to a happy and prosperous, healthy New Year!