The Wine Road - Summary
I never thought I would say this, but my tour of the Midwest and the prestigious Aspen Wine Classic that just ended here, have a lot in common.
There are a lot of people (certainly not all) that when they visit a winery, or attend a wine tasting, are out to get the most bang for their buck. They want to be sure to drink everything they can, and the alcohol becomes more important than any subtle flavors.
To these inebriated masses gifts, schlock and the occasional useful wine/kitchen related item are offered. Anyone that has ever shopped with a good buzz on knows how dangerous this can be.
And so it comes to pass that many can not remember the best wine they tasted, or the subtle difference from one vineyard to the next, but they proudly wear that apron, chop on that block or adorn their wine glasses with that item that will always remind them fondly of the winery or wine festival they attended.
I have a few of these items myself, before you think I am castigating others from afar.
So? What then does this have to do with my summary of the Midwest Wine Tour? Only that I am reminded that it is not always about the wine.
This missive is late, not only because I have been playing catch up since getting home, only to trip over the most important weekend of the year for me, but it is late because I have not been able to decide what to write.
I have been dwelling on the wine. I told myself, and even you, that the series was about wine touring, and not the wines themselves. And yet, I have been dwelling on the wines.
Only a few of the wines I tasted in the Midwest were memorable by my admittedly jaded standards, but almost all of the wineries were fun to visit. It is the visiting that I want to stress, the fun that comes from exploring, discovering, and then having a nice picnic. The fun that allows you to bring home a souvenir, be it a bottle or two of wine, or a nicknack that you just had to have.
I like fun, I advocate fun, I had fun. Why then does it always come down to the wines for me? Probably because I am a wine guy.
For those of you not as hung up on wine as I am, go forth and explore all the wineries in your area. Have fun. And for those of you who are as hung up as I am? Well, you go out and have fun being right, but try to enjoy the touring for touring's sake.
Looking back, I did.
There are a lot of people (certainly not all) that when they visit a winery, or attend a wine tasting, are out to get the most bang for their buck. They want to be sure to drink everything they can, and the alcohol becomes more important than any subtle flavors.
To these inebriated masses gifts, schlock and the occasional useful wine/kitchen related item are offered. Anyone that has ever shopped with a good buzz on knows how dangerous this can be.
And so it comes to pass that many can not remember the best wine they tasted, or the subtle difference from one vineyard to the next, but they proudly wear that apron, chop on that block or adorn their wine glasses with that item that will always remind them fondly of the winery or wine festival they attended.
I have a few of these items myself, before you think I am castigating others from afar.
So? What then does this have to do with my summary of the Midwest Wine Tour? Only that I am reminded that it is not always about the wine.
This missive is late, not only because I have been playing catch up since getting home, only to trip over the most important weekend of the year for me, but it is late because I have not been able to decide what to write.
I have been dwelling on the wine. I told myself, and even you, that the series was about wine touring, and not the wines themselves. And yet, I have been dwelling on the wines.
Only a few of the wines I tasted in the Midwest were memorable by my admittedly jaded standards, but almost all of the wineries were fun to visit. It is the visiting that I want to stress, the fun that comes from exploring, discovering, and then having a nice picnic. The fun that allows you to bring home a souvenir, be it a bottle or two of wine, or a nicknack that you just had to have.
I like fun, I advocate fun, I had fun. Why then does it always come down to the wines for me? Probably because I am a wine guy.
For those of you not as hung up on wine as I am, go forth and explore all the wineries in your area. Have fun. And for those of you who are as hung up as I am? Well, you go out and have fun being right, but try to enjoy the touring for touring's sake.
Looking back, I did.
posted by Wineguy at 10:57 AM
2 Comments:
Hey Steve,
Glad you had fun! Looking forward to reading about the wines in your newletter. How were the fruit wines? Which was your favorite? The only wine that is memorable to me was not a grape based wine it was weed based (dandelion). Very sweet. Apricot flavors if I remember well...it was a while ago :-)
Steve:
Nice wrap up of the trip. You made the point well that sometimes it is best to just let go of the details and enjoy the ride.
And to give yourself permission to buy a nicknack if you want =:)
Kim
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