I have not been going to as many tastings at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY as previously, but yesterday, I noticed that Adirondack Winery was there, so I had to make the trip down and see my friend Lisa, who I knew would be pouring. It was a warm walk, but I needed the exercise. I may have mentioned how grateful I am to be able to walk again. I bet you thought I was going to whine about the heat (you know who you are).
She’s awesome!
Even though I am quite familiar with the product, I was happy to sample again. There were also a couple of new wines to try! I started with the Cabernet Sauvignon, one of my favorite flavors. This one rated my ultimate accolade of “yummy.” As regular readers know, I am not a sophisticated oenophile (I pronounce it “oh-nee-oh-file”). I found the Pinot Gris a little sweet for my tastes, but then I tend to like my liquor bone dry.
Pina Colada was a new one for me (the Pina should have a tilda over the n, but I do not know how to do that on my Chromebook, or anywhere else for that matter) (as regular readers know, technology eludes me). It tastes just like a Pina Colada! It was amazing! Sweet or not, that is a great summer drink! I found the Strawberry very strawberry-y. Hey, my Chromebook is not underlining “strawberry-y.” I guess it agrees that should be a word!
As always I found the Lavender delightful, the wine and the story behind it. The owner of the winery invented it, because his wife so loved all things lavender. I told Lisa of a conversation I had with a charming 12-year-old girl once where we were talking about lavender and rolling the “r.” It sounds better when you say it than when you type it. The Blueberry was also yummy: fruity but not too sweet. I mentioned that 1,000 Islands Winery also makes a Blueberry wine. I will have to get a bottle of both sometime and have a taste-off. Perhaps sometime when I have another W(h)ine and Cheesey Party.
The last thing I tried was the Lavender Lemonade, two parts wine and one part lemonade. I decided I liked the straight wine better, but for a summer party this would be OK. I took a recipe for Serenity Lavender Lemonade, which is a little more complicated. I also took a flier about the winery in Lake George and the Queensbury Tasting Room. I would like to get a group together to visit one or both! With a designated driver, of course.
Valley Wine and Liquor is located at 326 South Caroline St., Herkimer, phone number 315-867-5800. They have tastings almost every weekend. You can follow them on Facebook or check out their website at shopvalleywine.com.
Mohawk Valley Girl 