Spring Exploration

We are getting to that time of the year when we are close to giving up the soups and simmers for the season, spring break and the time change are around the corner and the gardening catalogs are showing up again!  The tasting rooms closed for the slow season are starting to open again and most will return to their regular hours in the next month or so.  Wineries have their new releases and the farmer's market fliers get us all ready to explore fresh flavors and new combinations.

So, get out there!  Whether it is exploring the new seasonal menus in restaurants, picking a new ingredient each week to experiment with or trying wines you wouldn't normal try, try it!  If you are a die hard red drinker - try an oaked white; only drink whites - try a fresh young red; don't drink dessert wines - try a port; not a fan of Vignoles - try a dry Vignoles, etc.   When you go exploring, choose a wine (or varietal) based on your mood that day - or explore blends.  Ask the server or the tasting room team to suggest recommendation for food and wine combinations - you may discover some fun and unusual pairings.  If you have an event coming up, take the menu or the recipes with you and get some ideas on wines that work well with your menu!

If you want time to explore and ask questions, pick a quiet time to visit the winery (when they first open or on a Sunday).  If you have more than 4 people or are taking snacks with you, call ahead so they can save some space for you and be more attentive to your needs.  And, use the pour bucket - if you are visiting several wineries in a short time frame or tasting a lot of wines to find the right ones, use the pour bucket to pour out samples you don't like or choose not to finish.  

Enjoy the exploration!  And if you find something you like, tell your friends!  Share the experience!  

Cheers!