I looked outside what I saw was such an amount of that white stuff not seen since before Christmas. The month of February until now had only given us a tad over 2 inches. The month usually brings over 8 and last year over 28 inches!
I had plans to visit Capital City Harley-Davidson and then onto Sauk City Harley-Davidson for their annual Mardis Gras celebration. Would the 7+ inches of snow halt the journey? Hell no! If you don't know me by now, I will drive from Watertown to Sister Bay in Door County just for lunch! Ask CDogg, he'll tell you. After the driveway was plowed out, the wheels of the AWD Mountaineer started
turning and headed to Madison.
After the two stops (Capital City and Sauk City Harley-Davidson) "C" and I decided to treat our lovely wives (who didn't make the trip because they heard on the news, if you don't need to travel today, stay home) to some fruit of the nectar, or Wisconsin grown wine. Yeap, that's right just east of Sauk City is a Winery that has been producing award winning wines for 37 years. Wollersheim Winery is a must stop should you find yourself near the
Wisconsin River searching for the king of the skies, the Bald Eagle.
As we entered the grounds of the winery, we saw many vehicles that also made the drive on a snowy day. We made our way up the brick covered walkway to what was once the main entrance. "C" told me that last year the winery finished their huge addition. As you walk around towards the back of the long standing building, you will find the new addition opened in 2008. The new blends in with the old to create an architectural delight.
Once inside we made way to the tasting table. "C" had been telling me about the Port Wine in that it is extremely smooth and has just a hint of Brandy in it. After taste testing the Dry Riesling, Prairie Fume, Prairie Blush, Blushing Rose and Eagle White it was time to let the taste buds savor the Port 2007. This sweet red port wine made from Foch grapes and fortified with brandy to 20% alcohol for a smooth sipping wine, then aged in American oak for 13 months was excellent! It is truly a sipping wine, after dinner. At $20 per bottle, drink it slow, enjoy ever sip.
After the samples and wonderful company of our wine hostess, we decided to purchase a few bottles for our honey's back home. Later in the evening Cathy and I enjoyed a bottle of Eagle White 2008. This is an estate-grown white in a semi-dry style.
If you like wine, an old building and grounds that reminisce of Italy's wine country, Wollersheim Winery is a must on your "bucket list".
1 comment:
Sounds like you had a good stop at Wollersheim Winery. Nice report!
I do some work for the winery and thought you might like to know that the old cave you see up on the hillside is kind of the "birthplace of the California yep! CA!) wine industry - in a way". Yuo may have heard at the winery that it was started back in the 1850s by a Hungarian Count, Agoston Haraszthy wh got tired of having his vines frozen out. He moved to San Diego (where he became the first sherif of San Diego County) and later was elected to the legislature. He found land in the area and discovered his grapes would grow well there. His winery waws the first successful commercial operation in CA and he's known as the "Father of the California Wine Industry".
By the way - if you like that 207 Port (I do!) try the Twaney Port too. Aged in casks and another tasty treat!
Cheers and enjoy your rides.
Gary Knowles
www.WondersOfWisconsin.com
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