For 40 plus years, I have been going to my family's "beach house" in a little redneck, backwoods town on the Potomac River which I call my second home. For quite a few years, I have noticed a sign on 95 South for Hartwood Winery. It happens to be the same exit where I get off to head towards the beach house, except in the opposite direction. Quite recently, even two of my friends have mentioned going to this winery. So two Fridays ago, on my way down to the river, I decided to finally check it out!
I wasn't expecting much being in Stafford County and when we pulled up the gravel driveway, I was a little hesitant on what we were about to find. But I had my protector with me so Prowler wouldn't let any craziness ensue!
 |
| pretty grounds |
 |
| lovely barn in the distance |
 |
| A gorgeous butterfly posed for me. |
 |
| It was then that I knew all would be fine. One of my spirit people was with me. My protector. Thanks Steve! |
 |
| Gorgeous butterfly bush! |
 |
| Looked like we were going into someone's house.... I think we did..... |
 |
| pretty vines
To my surprise and delight, this was a lovely quaint farm winery owned by a very sweet couple. In fact, the gentleman is retired from Prince William County Schools and knows one of my mom's best friends (and a dear friend to me as well), Betty, really well!! Small world!
|
She was so gracious and sweet in letting Prowler come in with us and even told me to let go of him so he could "prowl" around. Well, wasn't he full of himself at that point! I was extremely proud of my boy and he made himself at home quite nicely after inspecting every inch to make sure it was safe for his momma and Aunt Maurine. While we did the tasting, he eventually laid down next to me at the tasting bar!! What a good boy!
I cannot begin to express what a sweet little place this is - from the beautiful gardens, to the soft spoken genuine Beverly, to the funny Jim and the downhome feel the entire time we were there. We were able to take our time, enjoy what we were tasting, hear stories and share stories.
What a gem we had found and a true testament to how looks really can be deceiving!
As we headed back to Route 17 for the next hour of our trip, I had to stop for a photo op.
The Little Red Barn!
The Little Red Barn!
I had no idea this "little red barn" was anything special. I just love barns.
As I walked up on it I saw a marker that said the following:
"This barn, was constructed by John Calvin Stewart on his farm, the former Hartwood Plantation of Robert C. Rodgers, II. The barn was located across Hartwood Road from its present location. It replaced an oder barn that burned. In 1993, the barn was threatened with destruction. In response to concerns in the community, Dr. H. Stewart Jones invited the community to move the Little Red Barn to her property. It remains there now as a community landmark and as a symbol of Dr. Jones' commitment to historic preservation. Placed by the Stewart Jones Charitable Trust."
This may not seem like a big deal to many and I am sure most people pass this barn and don't even give it a second glance. I, however, am so glad that I stopped. Not only was it a really cool structure but who knew it had some history to it! I found out that Dr. Jones passed away at the age of 94 on April 7, 2009 and not only was she dedicated to the education of young people at all levels throughout her life, but mention of saving the "Little Red Barn" was actually in her obituary. In 2001, the Stafford Historical Society named her as one of its Keepers of Knowledge due to her efforts and generosity in saving the "Little Red Barn" from destruction and serving as a commemoration of the agricultural heritage of the region.
I love small town stories!!
I also love barns that have stories!
At this point, Prowler thought I had lost my mind, I'm sure, running around with a big grin on my face taking pictures of a barn of all things! Let's go Momma!!
Next stop - Colonial Beach and front porch wine sippin'! Yee Haw!
I had already planned the wine theme for this particular weekend as Orin Swift wines and we started off with his white blend, Mannequin. Maurine had tried it on the tasting table previously and Dad and I shared a bottle two years ago but I knew he didn't really remember it and that she needed to have an entire glass to actually enjoy its perfection!
We've all heard, "Don't judge a book by its cover,"right?
Well, don't judge a wine by its label either!
Well, unless you love creepy labels and it's an Orin Swift wine - then you can judge because the creepier the label the more fantastic the wine!
I must admit that had I not known of Orin, nor tried this wine before, I would have thought it was ridiculous.
Again, looks can be deceiving!
2012 Mannequin
Orin Swift Cellars
Napa Valley, CA
There is a LOT going on in this white blend:
48% Chardonnay, 14% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Grenache Blanc, 12% Viognier, 8% Marsanne,
4% Roussanne, 2% Muscat
Aged in 40% new French oak, 40% neutral ok and 20% stainless steel for 14 months
I thought of explaining what we smelled and tasted and while we were pretty much on target (apricot, lemon, floral, peach), Orin's website description says it so eloquently:
"Gilded in bright yellow, an alluring perfume of candied lemon, Bosc pear, wild flower, and honeydew melon incentivize the palate. Upon entry, a deliciously rich and creamy texture balances out vivid tropical fruit notes, exotic spices, and fresh pineapple that slowly emerge in a captivating way. The finish has a lively tone of acidity, which serves as an ideal foil to the crème brulee, marshmallow, and hazelnut flavors that envelope the mouth."
Plus, when the Evil Red Genius exclaims, "I really like it" then you KNOW it's good!
Dad was also happy.......
The ironic thing is when something is that good you must savor it.
I learned the hard way a long time ago. Dad and Maurine, however, weren't so fortunate.
Their glasses are empty; the tiny wine girl's is not.
Never fear though! I have more wine.
It's no comparison to Mannequin, but it's good wine nonetheless.
2006
Chardonnay
Hartwood Winery
A dry white that spent eight months in French and American oak barrels with nutty scents of meadow and ripe peach, apple and butterscotch flavors.
This wine instantly reminded me of chicken and dumplings!
It also went well with a Vermont swiss cheese!
Even Mom, who doesn't drink wine, was happy at this point.
Why?
Cheese, of course!
Doesn't cheese make everyone happy?
Wine, cheese, family, friends and what else?
Luke Bryan music!
Even the neighbor across the street was singing and dancing with us
while he was washing his golf cart.
Prowler thinks we're all crazy, but I wouldn't dream of going anywhere this fun without my best boy!
Moral of the post: Looks can be deceiving!
From a somewhat shady entrance of a winery, to "just another barn" on the side of the road, to naked limbless mannequins on a wine bottle, to a Chardonnay made from grapes grown in Stafford to a scary-faced German Shepherd.....
Had I followed my first instincts on all of these and many other things
I would have missed out on a lot of pure simple happiness!
Had I followed my first instincts on all of these and many other things
I would have missed out on a lot of pure simple happiness!
"The least amount of judging we can do, the better off we are."
-Michael J. Fox
No comments:
Post a Comment