Wine Weekend

Blue Valley Vineyards
Deleplane, VA
August 25, 2019

Chris and I along with friends spent the weekend visiting wineries in Virginia, mostly in the Charlottesville area. It was a weekend that had been rescheduled twice, but it wound up being totally worth the effort to get together. 

Valley Road Vineyards
Afton, VA
August 24, 2019

Wine tasting is hard work! Truly. Sipping, tasting, and evaluating wines takes concentration and a clean palate. It is easy to get the wines confused and by the end of the day, all of the wines begin to taste the same if I am not careful to limit the amount of wine that I actually consume. 

We had the opportunity to talk to the owners of two of the wineries we visited. Owners have a passion for grapes and wine. They are the moving force behind their wines and one of the owners was also the winemaker and was engaging and provided some valuable insights on winemaking. I laughed at one piece of advice he offered. He said he often has retired people ask him about starting a winery and he tells them not too. It is a lot of work.

I remember that a wise man once told me that opening a winery is a good way to change a large fortune into a small one.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out On the Wine Trail

Big Cork Tasting Room
February 16, 2019

Yesterday was a day to get get back out onto the Wine Trail. Chris and I joined with friends and drove about an hour west of where we live to the wine region of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The specific places we went were very close to the Antietam battlefield. We have been to the battlefield on a couple of occasions, but yesterday was devoted to wine and wine tasting. 

James Britton on the Guitar
Big Cork Winery
February, 16, 2019

We visited Big Cork Winery. We enjoy visiting Big Cork and we had a wine shipment to pick up. As members of the wine club we get to visit and pick-up our periodic shipment then enjoy tasting the wines and, like yesterday, listen to some live music. James Britton was playing the guitar. We bought a bottle of wine to enjoy with the lunch we had packed. We enjoyed live music as we drank wine and ate lunch. What could be better?

From there, we visited two other wineries, both in Loudoun County, Virginia, that we had not yet visited. The first was Doukenie Winery. We had a very enjoyable visit there tasting some very nice wines. Scrolling through the list of the recent Virginia's Governor's Cup Gold Medal winners we found one of Doukenie's wines listed there which we were able to sample. The winery is situated on a beautiful lake and even though it was February, the scene was pleasant. I  enjoyed the conversation around the fire pit after the tasting. 

Doukenie Winery
February 16, 2019

The final winery of the day before returning home was Two Twisted Posts. Another very enjoyable stop where we enjoyed the tasting room and the pourer at least as much as the wines. And we enjoyed the wines, bringing a few home to add to our collection. As the sun began to set over the vineyards it was time to make our way back home. Fortunately the drive home was made short due to the conversation among the four of us in the vehicle. It is amazing how quickly time passes when we are engaged in discourse.

During the day, I was reminded that winemaking is an art form. The winemaker is presented with the raw materials--grapes, which are different each year because of the weather and the season. The challenge is to turn the raw material into great drinking wines. Yet, it is not a mechanical endeavor because the process requires talent and artistry to create the perfect drinking wine.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Ringing the Year out in Style

With the arrival of great weather yesterday, we took the opportunity to make one last trip out to visit some wineries.

The View from Big Cork Winery
December 29, 2018

It turned out to be a great way to spend the better part of the day and we also discovered another very enjoyable winery in the area. 

Chris and I took decided to drive about an hour away to visit some wineries. We love wine and enjoy going the wineries to taste the wines and talk to the wine makers about their work. Creating good wine is almost like an art form. Yesterday, we started by going to Big Cork Vineyard in Rohrersville, Maryland, to pick up the wines that had waiting there. The winery is is a beautiful part of Maryland. It is very rural, similar to where we grew up in Upstate New York. After retrieving the wine and sampling the current offerings we set off for a winery in the area that we had not yet visited. 

Hiddencroft Vineyard Smoke House
December 29, 2018

The second winery we visited was Hiddencroft Vineyards in Lovettsville, Virginia.  The winery was housed in a late-1700's dairy farm which obviously had been updated. Many of the barns and buildings were original and very interesting. The wines were very nice as well. After sampling the wines, we bought a bottle and sat outside around the fire pit to enjoy some munchies and the wine. The day was surprisingly warm, still cold but warm enough to be comfortable near the raging fire. We met some other people and enjoyed the wine for about 45 minutes before deciding head back home.

The beautiful day turned into a spectacular day of wine and friends and discovery. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wine in the Finger Lakes

Sunrise October 4, 2018
Senaca Lake in Torrey, NY

Chris and I scooted off to the Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY for a quick get away and to sample some local wines during the early part of October. We had hoped to enjoy the colors of the autumn leaves, but the change had not yet begun. 

The Symbol of Heron Hill Winery

We were treated to some spectacular sunrises, some great white wines, all while enjoying a beautiful house on the shores of Senaca Lake in the town of Torrey, New York. 

The days went by quickly and during the time we were there we visited 13 wineries and sampled an untold number of wines. The white wines were, as expected, very nice and all had a fantastic price point. We were able to obtain a couple bottles of the New York Governor's Cup winning wine for $17.99 from Keuka Springs Vineyard. It was their 2017 Gewurtztraminer. 

While enjoying the wines was certainly a highlight of the visit, the stunning sunrises and and views over Senaca Lake were really the highlight of the trip. 

I enjoyed the sound of the gentle waves hitting the shore and Chris and I slept with the window open to let the sound of the waves provide a peaceful night's rest.

Radio Flyer took to the skies on a couple of occasions to document the sights we were seeing. 

It was a quick trip, but relaxing and enjoyable. 

I highly recommend a repeat visit, next year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

1964 the Tribute

Concert at Big Cork Vineyards
Rohrersville, MD
July 28, 2018

Chris and I had the opportunity to enjoy some authentic Beatle's music Saturday night at our favorite Maryland vineyard, Big Cork Vineyards as we attended a concert by 1964 the Tribute. 

It was a beautiful Maryland evening with moderate temperatures, low humidity, and almost no bugs. The wines were flowing freely and the venue was spectacular--especially the view of the mountains across the valley which made perfect backdrop for the concert.

It was a perfect blending for the evening. Wine, either, and music.

We had seen the band on two other occasions, a few years ago, but this performance on the lawn was definitely memorable. And enjoyable.

The concert was the reason we went "west" and spent the weekend in the area, but it was a lot of fun and was definitely worth the effort. 

The band sang most of the classic Beatles songs from their early years after landing in America. The show was full of humor and the performers aptly reproduced the spirit of a real Beatles show although, bring much younger during 1964, I never actually attended a Beatles concert in person.

We had fun and we would definitely do it again. Thank you Big Cork for staging the event!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Watching the Polo Match

The Stable and Pitch at King Family Vineyards
from Radio Flyer's Vantage Point
June 10, 2018

I had a new experience this weekend when I attended a polo match. The match was held at King Family Vineyard on Sunday afternoon. It was a sight to see. The ponies and the riders charging along the pitch hitting the ball. There is a whole language associated with polo.

It was fun to watch the ponies run and to see the teams score. I could tell that it takes a lot of skill.

I have to admit, it was breathtaking to see the ponies and riders charging directly at me. It made me wonder if they were really under control. While I do not fully understand the intricacies of the rules, it was a basic game of hit the ball through the goal--complicated by the fact that the players were riding ponies at full gallop!

I did learn that a chukka is a period in polo. Although the rules call for six chukkas in a match, I am pretty sure there were only four in the ones played on Sunday.

It was a fantastic day at the vineyard and we sampled some truly special wines while we were watching the ponies compete. 

Polo Ponies on the Pitch

We were lucky that we left during the second match and were on the road before the torrential rains set in late in the afternoon. Getting out of the vineyard in the narrow road was probably a nightmare.

Departing when we chose was a good call.

And now I have experienced polo firsthand and I understand the attraction, of course, having a vineyard serving wine constantly while watching the match is not a bad thing either! The two go together very well: polo and wine.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friends and Wine

The View from a Knights Gambit Winery
June 9, 2018

Chris and I enjoyed a fantastic weekend in Charlottesville with friends. The views of the mountains reminded me of my boyhood home in the dairy country of upstate New York.

Vines at Pollak
June 9, 2018

Touring a couple different wineries and enjoying a polo match were the icing on the cake of spending time with friends reconnecting. 

Chris and I love to get out in the vineyards and see the grapes growing. There is something almost magical about how the small green grape clusters of June will become wine in a bottle within a few months or years, depending upon the variety and the fermentation process. It is, at its core, farming. The weather and the soil all contribute to place their unique stamp upon each vintage. 

Grape Clusters at Pollak
June 9, 2018

Wine begins in the soil with the vines, but the stars of the show are the clusters of grapes. The winemaker orchestrates the symphony and manages the outside influences to create their personal interpretation of a wine. I have been to vineyards where the winemaker's version of a particular grape and mine do not agree--and that is definitely OK. There are thousands of wines because it is an individual preference. There is a wine for everyone.

Touring wineries and sampling the fruit of the vine is always better with friends. I hope we get to head out again soon and discover many more new and favorite wineries.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cayuga Lake Wineries

Sheldrake Point Winery
May 18, 2018

During our short weekend visit to upstate New York, I of course had to visit a couple of my favorite wineries. Our house white wines are from Americana Winery and Sheldrake Point Winery. So I visited both yesterday in the rainy weather that followed me from Maryland.

Chris and I of course have our favorite wines from both, however I was disappointed to find that both were out of the wines that I was seeking.

At Americana our favorite table white is Apparition. It has been immensely popular and I was able to purchase the last four bottles. They are bottling more next week I was told. Yay. I added eight bottles of Riesling to round out the case.

The news was not so good at Sheldrake Point. Our favorite white table wine from there has been Luckystone White. I was informed that this wine is no longer produced and there were no more bottles to purchase. I tasted the Pinot Gris and decided that it was a very nice substitute. And so, I was able to obtain a case to refill the wine cellar.

The image is of Sheldrake Point. I was able to fly Radio Flyer during a break in the oppressive weather. I obtained some nice shots of the lake and the vineyards as well.

— Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

Evening at the Winery

Big Cork Ice Sculpture
February 17, 201 8

Last evening we braved the snow with Patrick and Tina and attend a a wine club event at Big Cork Vineyards. 

Snowstorm as We Arrive at Bog Cork

But wait, there was snow! Lots of snow along the way. The roads roads because progressively worse as we drove westward to Rohrsville for the event. A fast moving snow storm cruised through the area as were were making our way to the event. 

Of course, this was not just a one-stop afternoon. We visited Black Ankle Vineyard on our way and made a stop at Olde Mother Brewing in Frederick, MD.

We sampled a number of wines and beers during the day, but the wine club event at Big Cork was the highlight. 

Big Cork Wine Club events are special. There is food and last evening there was music. We had the chance to interact with the wine maker and enjoy some revelry during the dark days February. As an added benefit, we enjoyed some fruit of the vine!

It was a fun afternoon and the snow wasn't really all that bad. 

Mid-winter fun! It makes Spring seem a little bit closer.

Presidential Quote for the Day:

"Human kindness never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough." President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wine for the Holiday

One of the joys of the holidays for me is selecting the wines to accompany the meals.

I have already begun planning the wine courses for the Thanksgiving meal. I guess that is my part of the meal, planning the wine to accompany the meal while recognizing the varying tastes of the family. 

I just find it a lot of fun.

Apparently, I am not the only one who enjoys panning the wine and worrying about how it will compliment the meal and be received by the guests.

An article in the New York Times this morning gave me hope. The article, titled The Four Rules of Thanksgiving Wines, provides some excellent holiday wine serving ideas. 

I am going to provide the four rules below, but I recommend reading the article to fully understand them.

Rule No. 1: You will be anxious before the holiday.

Rule No. 2: The holiday always goes beautifully.

Rule No. 3: If the food is good and the company convivial, you cannot go wrong with the wine. If the food is bad and the company annoying, wine can only help.

Rule No. 4: Choose wines that you like; everybody else will like them, too.


And there they are! I place a lot of importance on Rule 4 and Rule 3. Pick wines that you know and that you like! Don't experiment with untested wines for the meal unless you are willing to accept that it may not work out.

Enjoy the day and most of all, the wines.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - November 13, 2017

1. This is the in-between week. The week sandwiched between Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving!


2. Patrick took his drone with us to visit some wineries yesterday. He got some great shots at Big Cork Winery and was the center of attention as people took interest in his endeavor. 

3. It was a great three-day weekend, except for the cold. Now, it is back to our regularly scheduled workweek.

4. Do retirees actually care what day of the week it is?

5. If the Congressionally sponsored tax plans take away the tax advantages of home ownership, then who will own homes?

6. About taxes--why are they continuing to meddle with the existing and admittedly flawed system. Perhaps it is time to go to a flat tax system with few deductions and be done with it. 

7. I think people are finally becoming done with the antics of the NFL and the over-paid prima donna players. See the Headline below.

8. Winners and Losers: 
    Winners: Steelers. 
    Losers: Cowboys, Redskins, Penguins (2). 
    Did not play: Ravens.

Headlines

Trump Mocks Kim Jong Un: I Would Never Call Him ‘Short and Fat’ - The Washington Free Beacon

Senate Plan Could Increase Taxes on Some Middle-Class Workers - The New York Times

Hey NFL=> Bears Packers Game HALF EMPTY at Soldier Field — This Ain’t Good Folks! - Gateway Pundit

Surveillance Cameras Made by China Are Hanging All Over the U.S. - The Wall Street Journal

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"Each time our nation has called upon our citizens to serve, the best have come forward. Words cannot express our gratitude and admiration. But we can and should take the opportunity on this Veterans Day to remember their gift to us. When you see one of our young men and women in uniform on the street or someplace, how about a smiling 'hello' and, maybe, a 'thank you.'" Radio Address to the Nation on America's Veterans, November 5, 1983

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Autumn Vines

Vines at Magnus Ridge

We stopped at Magnus Ridge, an upstate New York winery. The vines were displaying their autumn colors. The vineyards are beautiful this time of year after the harvest and before the leaves are gone.

We did a tasting at Magnus Ridge and and found solid wines up and down the tasting list. Our favorite was the Reserve Riesling. A very nice wine with 0% residual sugar and nicely rounded flavors centering around pear.

Although the leaves have fallen from most of the trees, the vineyards are still exciting places to visit and enjoy the lingering autumn colors.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

A Day Exploring

Yesterday was devoted to wine and cider and friends.

The weather was classic August--clear skies, sun, but not blistering hot. Chris and I took to the road for a day trip to Charlottesville to look at a wine fridge that was advertised on Craigslist.

But the day turned into so much more. 

Bold Rock

We also planned lunch with friends, Mark and Peggy, visited Bold Rock Cidery for the first time and dropped by Keswick Vineyards to pick-up our wine club wines and visit with the winemaker. 

The motivating purpose for the trip was to consider purchasing a wine fridge in response to a Craigslist ad. The price was very enticing as was the size of the fridge. Due to potential structural problems, even after the seller offered to discount the fridge by more than 50 percent, we declined to purchase the item and continue looking. 

As the day progressed, I was amazed to learn that the Charlottesville region has been dry, rain wise, compared to Baltimore. The wine makers actually indicated that they could use some rain. Just a bit because the vines were beginning to shut down from the dryness.

Lunch was enjoyed at Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar in Charlottesville. It was very enjoyable to sit outside, enjoy lunch and catch up on life with Peggy and Mark. 

Bold Rock was the find of the day. Recommended by Patrick, it was no small jaunt from Charlottesville, but definitely worth the drive. The area was beautiful and along the way we discovered more wineries that we will be exploring in the future. I did not realize that hard cider could come in so many different varieties. I also did not realize that apples were as genetically diverse as they are. Apparently even more diverse than people.

Ending the day we stopped by Keswick Vineyards and renewed acquaintances there while sampling the current offering on the wine list. 

Once finished at Keswick, it was travel the almost three hours back to Elkridge after enjoying a great day out and about. 

The day passed so quickly. I wish we could have made it last a few hours longer.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy the Rains Came

Circular Stairway at
Creek's Edge Winery

Yesterday's rain completely changed my plans for the day. 

The day was scheduled to be devoted to baseball with the annual GORC parade in the morning and another game for the GORC 10U Intramural Dodgers in the afternoon. Both events were canceled due to the wet conditions. 

The cancellations meant that the day suddenly became a blank page waiting to be filled with unscheduled activities. The first was the obligatory springtime trip to the landfill and recycling center. There is always an accumulation of junk that needs to move along and Chris and I managed a truckload yesterday. We were on our way to the dump by 8:30 AM which was the time the parade was supposed to form.

On the way home, we stopped at Home Depot and did some shopping. Being Springtime, there is always yard work that needs to be done and in this case we bought some grass seed to fill in the holes in the yard. We also priced a new smoker as our old rusted one had just been delivered to the metal recycling area of the landfill. 

Now the afternoon, what to do for the afternoon on a rainy day. Visit wineries, of course, was the answer. We hit the road and headed west to visit Big Cork, where we had a wine club distribution to retrieve. We enjoyed a tasting at the winery and then decided to find a winery we had not previously visited. After some work on the cell phone, the decision was Creek's Edge Winery about 30 minutes from where we were, but somewhat on the way back home. 

I will be writing up a full review in my wine blog, but visiting Creek's Edge was a great choice for the afternoon and we spent a few hours watching the rain fall and sampling some very nice Virginia wines in a magnificent and relaxing atmosphere.

I'm happy the rains came. Chris and I enjoyed a great unplanned day!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Consensus Blending 2016

The 2016 Consensus Team
Chris, Peggy, Mark, Me, George, Sue

The team was formed for another run at winemaking glory. The annual event at Keswick Vineyards has been convening during weekends this March with the intent of blending the best wine from components.

This year the vintage was 2016 wines composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga, Chambourcin, and Merlot. 

We had a lot of fun and made a very drinkable wine. We did not win the competition, sadly, but like all sports there can be only one winner and everyone else become also rans.

But, what is important? We had fun, we made a good wine, and we learned more about how hard it is to make a wine that appeals to everyone.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

After the Valentine, Eat the Strawberries!

Valentine's Day Happy Hour

It was another year with a different twist for Valentine's Day. I had a racquetball match after work and didn't get home until later, but Chris took care of the preparations and we had a marvelous Happy Hour followed by a great surf (salmon) and turf (steak) dinner at home.

Chris and I have become fans of Valentine's Dinner at home. 

The Happy Hour was especially nice because of the fresh chocolate covered strawberries that I had delivered for Chris along with some roses. The strawberries were, and still are, fantastic.

The Happy Hour wine was an Americana Vineyards Riesling and the dinner wine was a 2006 Lindaflor Malbec from Argentina. While the wine notes indicate that the wine can be cellared for 20+ years, I think 11 was enough. It was the kind of wine that would make a dinner out in a restaurant cost as much as a car payment. 

It is fun to cook a special diner and then to enjoy it at home without the crush of trying to eat out with all of the other revelers. 

Truth-be-told, we actually enjoyed our Valentine's dinner out on Monday night in a nearly empty restaurant with friends. Call it the Valentine's Eve celebration!

I hope you enjoyed your own special Valentine's celebration wherever or whatever it was.

And we still have strawberries!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Friday

The first Friday of the new year is here. Just last week we were preparing to celebrate the arrival of the new year and I was enjoying a vacation day.

Today, I am back at work wading through the myriad of actions which populate my life. It is almost as if the holiday weekend never happened. Sadly. 

I am amazed how quickly the pace of life resumes.

Racking my First Batch of Wine

I am looking forward to the Springtime! In a short 74 days springtime will be here. Between now and then I expect at least one blizzard and a couple of major snow events. So far, however, the region has escaped the wrath of snow. Even last night's snow event petered out and because a dusting.

Yesterday, I was able to rack my first batch of wine. I had my first taste and I was pleasantly surprised. The wine had some nice tones and character. I hope it continues to develop as it still has a few weeks to develop. 

So the first Friday of 2017 will soon be in the books. It looks like it is going to be an interesting year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hobby Expansion

I don't usually write about the gifts I receive for Christmas, however, this year I am going to make an exception.

I received a new hobby as a Christmas gift this year. Actually, it is an extension of my current wine hobby--I am going to try my hand at winemaking!

I received winemaking equipment for Christmas.

I have been studying the art and craft of winemaking, but now I will have the opportunity to do it for myself. I know that it is more than a formula or a recipe to follow.

The interesting part is that we are reconfiguring our house to support this expansion of our wine hobby. Yesterday I moved beds and dressers around, including up and down stairs, to make room for the wine making area.

The scary part is that I will be making about 30 bottles of wine. That is two and a half cases! It is going be painful if the wine is terrible and has to be poured out. 

Well, it takes about two months and I haven't really started yet. But I am getting excited.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Around the Fire

It was an amazing evening.

Happy Hour with George and Sue
November 18, 2016

Happy hour around the fire table, outside during late November. It really doesn't get much better. 

The temperature topped out at 67 degrees yesterday, which is warm, and we were able to enjoy friends and a couple great wines together outside before coming inside for dinner.

That doesn't happen often during November, especially late November when parts of the country are being covered by a blizzard. 

It was very nice not to be wearing a coat and still be warm enough to enjoy the experience.

Did I mention that we also enjoyed some great wines from one of our favorite vineyards in Virginia? That would be Keswick? We enjoyed the 2009 Consensus and the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve. 

Great wines, great friends and a great time. What could be better?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 29, 2016

1. It is the last Monday of August 2018. The eighth month of the year will come to an end later this week leaving us at the mercy of September.

Sunrise at Renditions in Davidsonville, MD
August 28, 2016

2. Early morning golf, just at sunrise on Renditions in Davidsonville, MD. It was a beautiful morning and I do enjoy watching the world wake from the serenity of a golf course.

3. I just learned that although Maryland has a 6 percent sales tax rate, and a separate 9 percent tax on alcohol, it also has a variable tax on other items, like golf courses, up to 10 percent. Based upon cost of living computations, Maryland residents are the 7th most taxed in the country, ranking 44th out of 51. 

4. The Zika panic is spreading across the country after cases have been discovered in Florida. Could it come here? With the exception of Wyoming, it already is, although Florida is the only state, so far, where the virus is being caught from local mosquitoes. 

Little League World Series Winners
Maine-Endwell, NY

5. I love the Little League World Series. I enjoy watching the boys play baseball in its nearly pure form. And I enjoyed watching a team from near where I grew up win it all this year. Congrats to Maine-Endwell, NY. 

6. I remember reading an interesting assessment of the most dangerous, to humans, animal in the world. It was the mosquito.

7. After giving up 25 runs in their previous two games against the "team whose name shall not be spoken" from up north, the Orioles clawed out a stirring 5-0 victory yesterday. Sitting at 3 games out of first place in the division, and with the division leaders coming to town tonight--this series could be for the division lead!

Preparing to Blend a Bordeaux Style Wine
Pearmund Cellars, VA

8. If you want to have some fun, try this test from the Washington Post--try naming 10 national parks just by looking at their maps. I did OK (7 of 10). 

9. Had fun blending wine with friends this weekend at Pearmund Cellars. A different approach to blending great wine. We even got to bring some of our blend home. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD