Friday, Andy and I headed out to this brand new winery, Barrel Oak, that was celebrating it's grand opening this weekend. So much fun! I find vineyards to be some of the most beautiful spots on Earth. Something about the way the grape-vined trees go on for miles in front of you, perfectly straight, never once weaving out of their perfection. By the time the roads wind around to the actual tasting rooms, I have been transported to some beautiful European Villa and am romantically dreaming my cares away. Of course, once I get inside the tasting room, the delicious wines keep the cares even further at bay.
Barrel Oak did not disappoint on any level. The grounds are as beautiful as I had hoped and the tasting room is comfortable, ecclectic, and pleasing. Directly off the tasting room, they have a gorgeous patio that overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains. After our tastings, I couldn't pass up a glass of their Bowhaus White to sip whilst we sat on the patio and took in the view. The owners of Barrel Oak are dog-lovers (like us) and so everywhere you look, everything you drink, is dog-themed. Of course we were going to fall in love...who doesn't want dog-themed wine? "BOWhaus"!! Even the front door of the tasting room has a glass etching of a golden retriever! As we were doing our tasting, one of the family labs came in and said hello and were very pleased to find out that they welcome their patrons bringing their dogs with them to enjoy the grounds. Next time, we will definitely be bringing Emma along for the ride. They offer 2 dessert wines and we found our favorite is their Chocolate Lab. How cute is that? And as you'll see below, some of the labeling features dogs too.
We ended up buying 2 bottles of their Bowhaus Red to savor here at home. As I type this, Andy is downstairs putting the finishing touches on our specially planned meal with the wine as the star. I am very much looking forward to it.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Andy is headed back to work and I am looking forward to doing some baking. I will spend the day remembering the sacrifices of our soldiers, both past and present, and being thankful for each and every one of them. Of course, none more than my own father - a proud Vietnam Veteran.
