The Hidden Valley: November 2008

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

A Taste For Every Season

Inside Fireside Winery, an array of flavors
awaits any eager taster.

Check it out at: www.firesidewinery.com/

Wineries are sprouting up all over Iowa. Or so I heard through the grapevine.
"We're all like one big family," said Rona Wyant, owner of Fireside Winery, when speaking of the nearby wineries.
And that's just how you feel when you walk in.
Wyant, who runs the business with her husband in Marengo, Iowa, said the Midwest is finally catching onto the trend which begun along both coasts, and has since trickled into a new hobby for many.
Including myself.
With 13 choices to spark your taste, anyone could make a day of it.
On a side note, while driving to the winery I still laughed as I drove past the corn fields, just outside the nearby truck stops. An intriguing clash.
Although it was nearing dark when I approached, I could feel the warmth as I stepped inside.
In such a simple place, a rich deep atmosphere of a bold reds which could accompany that hearty holiday meal, or a fun flirty white to flow into an after party.
Each with their distinct flavor, they all deserve their own review. But for now, I can say you don't need to seek wide and far to find that delectable treasure.
I'll let out the secret: They're right in your back yard.
To name a favorite or two, as hard as it is to distinguish, especially after a few glasses in, the "Serenade," stuck out when its first sip brought a slight smile to my face.
Suggested to drink with a circle of friends, this slightly sweet, full-bodied red wine has a intriguing flavor with a crisp dry finish.
Switching sides, the "Storyteller," could speak for itself.
A white white, enriched with fruit flavors mixed with a lush sweetness would keep a group sipping bottles of this long into the night.
Bringing the outdoors inside, another quaint tasting room, which has the ability to host all sorts of parties offers much more than just a delicious drink.
Maybe I not ready to flee my newly found roots to Iowa just yet.
After all, I've gotta see what's next.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

How I Learned to Love Iowa

With a dozen types of wine to choose from,
Wallace Winery is flowing with a taste for
every pallet.

Check it out for yourself at: http://www.wallacewine.com/

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The First Trip

No, it's not the flowing hills of Florence, or even the luscious Napa Valley.
It's Iowa.
Most notably known as "corn country," a less known sweet crop has yielded a new cultural hot spot right in the Midwest.
Good to the last drop, Wallace Winery, just outside the quaint town of West Branch, Iowa sheds a familiar hometown feeling when you step into the adorable tasting room.
As an aroma of sweet wine seeps into the air, bottles of wine eagerly waiting to be uncorked sit against the wall.
A slight pop, and the fun begins.
The perfect compilation of sweet to dry white wines, including my favorite, "Vignoles," which quenched my taste buds with a burst of tropical fruits, hints of pineapple, and honey and lime lingering on.
A sweet sangria came next, which stirred up wonderful memories of a cafe I once spent an afternoon at in Barcelona, Spain.
The rest of the Red wines on the list provided deep rich flavors, giving me a warm rush, almost making me forget it was a cold November day.
To top of the tasting, a delectable "River City Port" dessert wine, complimented with dark chocolate provided as described,
"a rich and fruity finish."
As it tempts the taste buds for more, it fits its reputation perfectly.
While the sun was setting, I looked outside to the vines which grow those simply delicious grapes, and am once again surprised that I'm still in Iowa.
But amidst the chilly winds, and the slight smell of hog farms in the nearby area, this little treasure hidden in the most unexpected place made for an adventure that will garner many more visits from this newcomer to the wine industry.