Tag Archives: Valley Wine and Liquor

Saturday Fun in Herkimer

Posted on March 10, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

My husband, Steven, and I made a few stops this afternoon.  I brought along my Tablet and took pictures at each one, for a proper Scattered Saturday post.  Let’s see if I can actually make one.

I foolishly did not get the name of the fellow doing the pouring.

Our first stop was at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer for a tasting by Thousand Islands Winery. Alas,they were not pouring any of their dryer wines,but we enjoyed talking to the young man pouring.  From there we went to Hummel’s Office Plus for some paper for our printer.

Look at all that paper!

After that, we stopped at a new business in Herkimer, Wakefield Furniture. Full disclosure:  we do not need any furniture at the present time.  However, the next time we do, we will go to Wakefield. They are very nice, in addition to having a very attractive store showcasing some lovely items.

I LOVE a tall table!

One of the first things to catch my eye was a tall table with matching stools. However, there was another table which I wonder would not be even better for my house.

I don’t know if this picture properly captures this table’s beautiful top.

Leaving the furniture store, I had the silly idea we should do a little bar hopping, a pastime in which we rarely indulge these days.  Accordingly, we stopped at the Endzone Pub and Grub.

They carry a lot of beers at the End Zone.

Can you read “Herkimer” on the shirt?

We admired the ceilings at the End Zone.  Wakefield also had lovely ceilings, but I neglected to take a picture.

After the End Zone,we stopped at Pete’s Tavern, at which we tried our luck at a couple of scratch-off lottery tickets.

This was our nice bartender, Cecelia.

I won $10 on one, $2 of which I re-invested in another scratch-off.  That one was not a winner, but I got a $1 scratch-off that won me $2, so I was still $8 up.

The other pub in close proximity was Asteroga Ale House, so we stopped there as well.  We had a cup of clam chowder along with our wine. Very tasty.

I do not remember this lady’s name.

The we finally went home.  Full disclosure:  I am having another glass of wine as I type this. I hope it still makes a fun blog post. Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

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Off the Hook on Lame Post Friday

Posted on February 23, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I started to write a blog post while at work today. I had a good topic, about a theatre experience I am currently undergoing.  I guess that is now a Preview of Coming Attractions, because I never got beyond the first paragraph.  I wondered if it is because I am wired to have Lame Post Friday.  And here we are, back at my house, bra off, sweats on, glass of Chardonnay nearby, not my first glass, obviously (or perhaps not so obviously, but so it is), hoping to type in a few words to amuse or at least entertain.

The day at work passed with sometimes agonizing slowness.  I got some work done, but let us not dwell on that.  For one reason, this is not a work blog.  I sustained myself through the day with the knowledge that at some point I would get together with my friend, Kim.  She has been away, and I have missed her.

We did get together.  We tasted some wine at Valley Wine and Liquor (I must make a full post about that.  For one reason, I took a picture of the winemaker who was pouring the wines we tasted).  Then we went to Asteroga Ale House and Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restuarant.  We had a fun time at both places.  We made plans to meet again tomorrow.

Oh what a dull post this is!  Where are my random observations and half-baked philosophy that usually enliven my Friday Lame Posts?  I don’t know.  However, I am over 200 words, which I consider respectable.  Perhaps tomorrow I can tell you the story of the chocolate cake.  Or we’ll talk about wine.  In any case, it will be Scattered Saturday or some such by then.  I’m going to let myself off the hook for today.  Happy Friday, everyone!

 

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Scattering before the Storm

Posted on January 20, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

Scattered Saturday it is!  For one reason, I can type this in quickly (I hope) and get back to the relaxing portion of the day.  Just a note of background:  today is supposed to be a major winter storm.  The weather people have been talking about it for days now.  Right now is the part of the day we are supposed to be hunkered down, waiting till it is time to go out and do some major shoveling tomorrow.  I suppose I can make a blog post while I hunker, but I would rather be watching a movie or true crime television.  On with the blog post, so I can get back to it!

We got up early today, having gone to bed early last night.  I felt rather ill-used to have a headache first thing in the morning.  I hadn’t even had a Friday night libation!  I wondered if too much sleep was to blame.  YES, I slept a lot on Friday.  I had a migraine, remember?  At least, regular readers will remember.  For sporadic tuners-in who missed yesterday’s lame post,  I had a migraine yesterday.  I sought exercise as a cure:  first I drank two large glasses of Gatorade, then I ran in place on the mini-tramp.  The headache wasn’t gone, but I could live with it.

After my usual call to Mom and Dad, I wrote a few post cards.  I was puttering around getting my act together when Steven went out to brush off the cars.  We feared the winter storm had started early, but it was merely a dusting overnight.  I got outside in time to help with the brushing, then I was off to Ilion.

My mission in Ilion was to get my work shoes for the year from Melfe’s.  I will no doubt write a blog post about that; I usually do.  My plan after that was to go to Moose River Coffee for a cup of the BEST coffee.  I could sit and write while I drank it.  Alas, they were not open.  A sign in the door said they were doing a tasting at Little Falls Food Co-op.  Well, I love Little Falls Food Co-op but was not into driving to Little Falls.

As I pulled into the parking lot for Ilion Wine and Spirits, I remembered Honey Brook Hobbies.  Maybe they had coffee!  Alas (again), they did not.  I bought a few cookies, though, because they looked really good (they were; I ate one right away).  Then I went to the liquor store and got a couple of bottles.

Back home I thought I was in for the day.  After all, it was already snowing.  However, my friend Kim needed to go to the liquor store and get something to see her through the storm.  Naturally I went with her to Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer.  After all, I still had my bra on (do NOT say TMI!) (you know who you are).  We tasted some wine and purchased some as well (oh, don’t shake your head or your finger at me!) (or even your booty, although that would be less of a problem) (it’s not like I’m going to drink it all TONIGHT!).

I cooked a pretty good dinner (not early enough to call it supper) while we looked at a Dateline I had DVR’d a while ago (judging from the taped commercials).  Now it is over so I must find something else to watch.  I see I am over 500 words, which I call more than respectable.  If you are in the path of the storm, I hope you are hunkered down.  For all others, Happy Saturday!

 

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I Should be Aged in Bourbon Barrels

Posted on January 13, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

It’s been a while since I did a post on a wine tasting, although I have been to a few. Today my husband, Steven, and I went to a nice one at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer.  I took notes, so I will try to write a few words.  Full disclosure:  one reason I am doing it is that Lana, the lady pouring, said she was going to check out my blog (it came up in a conversation).

Beringer Wines were featured in the tasting.  I have tasted them and liked them before.  Additionally, the Facebook event promised dry wines, my favorite!  The tasting started at noon, and we made it there by one.  Lana was pouring for a lady but she happily included us in what she was pouring, Bourbon Barrel Chardonnay.  I tend to like Chardonnays that are aged in stainless not oak (I don’t really have that much wine knowledge, but I retained that tidbit after I discovered that I liked some Chardonnays way more than others), but this Bourbon Barrel stuff is something different. I liked it.

We went on to a Bourbon Barrel Red Blend, which I liked but was not particularly struck by.  I liked the Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon better.  It was different from your usual Cab Sauv.  I say “Cab Sauv” not because I am trying to sound like a real oenophile (I pronounce it oh-nee-oh-file) but because I am too lazy to say all the syllables.  The Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was even nicer.  I did not make a note of what that was aged in.

My favorite of the day was The Waymaker, a red blend from Pasa Robles.  It contained Malbec, Syrah and Petit Syrah.  We bought a bottle of that and may even save it for a special occasion.  No promises, though.

Lana noticed I was taking notes.  I said I always did.  Steven said it was because I have a blog (I told you in came up in a conversation).  Lana was pleased to hear this and said she had one too.  She made a note of mine.  I stupidly did not make a note of hers.  However, if she reads mine and hits “Like,”  I can easily find her.  Oh dear, now if she reads this she will feel obligated to hit “Like” even if she didn’t like it.  Oh well, maybe she will Like it.  I like to think I have a fairly likable blog.

Valley Wine and Liquor, located at 326 S. Caroline St. in Herkimer, NY, has tastings almost every weekend.  You can Like them on Facebook to keep informed.

 

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Post Before Dancing

Posted on December 16, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I pause in the midst of my adventures for a Scattered Saturday post.  I went for a run this morning, the first run since the Reindeer Run 5K last Saturday (don’t judge me).  It felt pretty good.  I was going to do a Saturday Running Commentary, but I had other things on my mind.  I wrote my post cards, called my Mom and Dad, and Steven got ready to get moving.

First we went to a big box store that needs no plug from Mohawk Valley Girl.  For one reason, it is the only place around here I can get my yarn. Then we went to Cash for Cans Redemption in Herkimer, where we cashed in some cans we have had for longer than we meant to.  With a little bit of cash in our pockets, we went to Ilion to Moose River Coffee for a little breakfast.  Yum!  It is the BEST coffee!

Then we came home and hung out till the afternoon, when we got together with our friend, Kim.  The first stop was Valley Wine and Liquor for a scotch and bourbon tasting.  Kim did not taste, but Steven and I did. We kind of liked a couple of them, but we bought a little wine instead.  For one reason, the Werewolf Chardonnay with glow in the dark label was on sale for $5.99.

Next we went to Ilion to another tasting at Beer Belly Bob’s.  Bob had told us about it when we were there for the tasting last night.  We tasted several beers and a couple of sodas. Fun and tasty!  Then we went to the Municipal Building to see if we could get one of the horse and carriage rides.  They were almost done giving them, and a number of kids were still waiting, so we tactfully retreated.  We walked to the Knights of Columbus, where I had heard there was a Chinese Auction.  The auction was over, but there were a few booths from the craft fair still operating.  We enjoyed looking over some of the goods.

Now we are home, but only for another hour or so.  Then we are headed to the Ilion Elks Lodge to hear The Posers, one of our favorite bands!  I hope to do a LOT of dancing!  I may be too tired to do even a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post tomorrow.

 

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Not a Substantial Scattered Saturday Post

Posted on December 9, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

OK, once again, it is time for a fast Scattered Saturday post, so I can get back to the sitting on my couch, crocheting and watching TV portion of the evening.  But I have had a WONDERFUL day!

I got up early (for others; for me it was kind of sleeping in) for the Reindeer Run 5K.  Alas, my dear husband, Steven, was not feeling well, so he went back to bed (at my urging) and I got ready and went.

The run was awesome, although it was quite cold.  A friend did show up to cheer me on at the end and take a picture, which he posted on Facebook, at my request.

I looked silly AND I jingled!

I went home after the run to see how Steven was doing.  He was feeling better enough that I went out again later with my friend Kim.  We went to a double tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer then to lunch at Lombardo’s in Ilion.  We had so much fun!

I could write entire blog posts about the run, the tastings, and the lunch.  Perhaps I will, although past posts may call that prediction into question.  I’m sorry.  When I wait till too late in the day, I am not inclined to make a substantial post.   Perhaps I should work on posting earlier in the day.  In the meantime, Happy Saturday, everyone!

 

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Shopping Small on Scattered Saturday

Posted on November 25, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I may have used this title before, but it is getting late on Saturday, and I have had a few drinks, so I must make my post as best as I can and hope it is OK.  I went running this morning and hoped to do a Running Commentary, but time got away from me.  For one reason, I went running late and still had to write my post cards.  And call my Mom and Dad (I have called home on Saturday mornings for many years).  And check Facebook (I am still Liking birthday wishes from Thursday).

Our first stop was The Medicine Shoppe in Ilion, NY, to pick up a re-fill (more I cannot say, because, you know, HIPAA).  It is a shop local shop, because it is a locally owned franchise. Nice!  It was also handily located for a stop at Honey Brook Hobbies.  They were having a craft fair. Nice!  Additionally, we found out our dear friend Jerry is now employed there part time as a baker.  He is quite awesome in every respect. Yet another reason to like the nice people at Honey Brook!  In fact, when we paid for our purchases, we told the lady at the cash register that Jerry is one of our best friends.  She said theirs, too.  I said I guessed Jerry became best friends with almost everybody he meets.

After Honey Brook, we went two doors down to Ilion Wine and Spirits.  We got a couple of bottles to ensure our good cheer.  On the way home, we stopped at Mohawk Village Market, where we purchased sausage and chicken gizzards.  Yum!  I did not see any books to borrow from their Little Library but made a mental note to bring some books to donate. I know I have some.

After relaxing at home, we ventured out again with our friend Kim to a liquor tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY.   Amaretto, Vodka and Fireball Whiskey, yum!  After that we went to Asteroga Ale House for another drink and a little food.

I fear I am too tired after all these stops to include links to all these businesses, or even their addresses and hours.  Perhaps you could google any in which you are interested.  Or perhaps tomorrow I will remember to edit and add same. In the meantime, Happy Saturday, and I hope you found an opportunity to shop small.  It’s fun!

 

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The Sting of Lame Post Friday

Posted on November 3, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh dear, it is Lame Post Friday and I am, indeed, lame.  Earlier today I went to a Wine Tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor with my friend Kim. Then we went to Asteroga Ale House for “just one” (of course it was two). Now I am sitting at home on my couch while my husband Steven watches The Sting.  I have always loved that movie, although as years pass I am increasingly less enamored of con stories.  Well, that is a discussion for another blog post, when I have had fewer than three glasses of wine.

I wish I had found a better picture of Redford and Newman,

I thought at first this was a picture of a VHS of the movie. That would be appropriate since Steven and I are currently watching a video.  Yes, we still watch some movies on video.  It takes time to replace a movie collection such as ours with the next technology.

I spent a little time looking for better photos but could find nothing down-loadable.  No doubt there are more photos available, but we all know I am not internetally astute.

So what is a blogger to do on Lame Post Friday when one feels one MUST make a post but has only one apropos photo to share. Perhaps share one that is not so apropos?

He’s so fine.

Found another apropos photo!  The divine Paul Newman.  And that is a lovely place to stop for a Friday Lame Post.  I hope to see you all on Saturday.

 

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Cooking with Wine Tasting

Posted on October 13, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Friday Food does not have the same appeal as Saturday or Sunday Supper.  Yet, I feel I would like to make a cooking post today.  I had meant to do a Running Commentary, because I had an excellent run this morning (I posted a Facebook status of “THAT is how a run is SUPPOSED to feel!”), but, you know, things happen.

I was supposed to be away this weekend, but those plans were derailed by a stomach bug my husband, Steven, is currently suffering.  He has not wanted to eat much, so I thought a pot of homemade chicken soup would help.  Accordingly, I took some chicken out of the freezer. It was two thigh sections, which is a good dinner for two people when baked and served with a vegetable.  I have also found that it will also make a good pot of soup

I put the chicken on to boil about 3 p.m., when I was doing laundry and waiting till it was time for a wine tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY (where I live).  After it had boiled a while, I used a slotted spoon to scoop some of the brown crud off the top.  I don’t think the brown stuff seriously degrades the taste of the soup, but I skim off what I can.  I was waiting for my friend Kim to pick me up for the wine tasting.  Eventually I got tired of waiting and had a small glass of white wine we had on hand (don’t judge me; I wasn’t driving).  I also thought I should progress further on the soup so peeled and crushed some garlic.  I turned off the burner under the chicken; I figured it was cooked through, and I did not want it on when I left for the wine tasting.

It was after right after this that Kim texted me that she was ready to go to the wine tasting, so I did not bother setting the timer for 15 minutes (to let the garlic breathe, remember? I’ve talked about that before).  I figured we’d be gone at least that long.   And we were.  I came home with two boxes of wine, one red, one white.  Yum!  I may do a blog post about the tasting (I have been seriously remiss in not making more posts about the wine tastings I attend).  I poured myself a glass of red and continued to cook.

I pulled the pieces of chicken out of the broth and put in the garlic.  I sliced a yellow onion, put it in the broth and turned the burner back on.   I took the chicken off the bones and put it in the broth too.  After a while I will add some frozen vegetables.  Probably some spinach (Steven only likes it in soup, dip or sauce), maybe some broccoli or corn; I’ll see what’s in the freezer.  And I will cook some pasta, probably ditalini.  Yum!

For you wine snobs out there, I will no doubt switch to white with my chicken soup.  I do not want to injure anybody’s sensibilities unnecessarily.  Anyways, this is my Lame Post Friday post for the week.  I hope you are all having a good supper and enjoying the beverage of your choice.

 

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Tasting and Typing on Lame Post Friday

Posted on July 7, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was all set to make my Friday Lame Post when Steven said, “Write about our tastings!”  So I will.

Earlier today, I thought we were into the relaxing portion of the day (full disclosure: we have been pretty relaxed all week since I’ve been off work).  I knew there was a wine tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, but I don’t have to go to every possible wine tasting.  Then I saw on Facebook that Beer Belly Bob was having a beer tasting.  I don’t have to go to every possible beer tasting either, but all of a sudden, going to two tastings sounded like a fun thing to do!  I put my jewelry (and my bra) (please do NOT tell me TMI!) back on and off we went.

The wine tasting only featured two wines:  Harken Chardonnay and Exitus, a red blend.  The lady pouring (I stupidly did not ask her name) said the Chardonnay was buttery but not too oaky.  I’m not nuts about buttery Chardonnays, but I gave it a try.  I felt it was distinctive, not too buttery, but I wasn’t nuts about it.  The Exitus, though, was yummy.  It was Bourbon barrel aged so had a higher alcohol content, 16 percent.  Yikes!  Well, just a small taste was fine.  We purchased a bottle, which we will save for a special occasion.

On to Route 51 Beer Belly Bob’s Discount Beverage Center in Ilion!  I mention as an aside: this was our second trip to Ilion for booze.  Earlier we went to Ilion Wine and Spirits for a bottle of Barefoot Pinot Noir, one of my favorites.  One reason we like Ilion Wine and Spirits is that they are big supporters of Ilion Little Theatre.  All kinds of local shout-outs today!

Adirondack Brewery was offering samples today.  A few people were already enjoying tastes.  I right away grabbed a cracker and some Original Herkimer Cheese Spicy Tomato Chutter, which was on the bar.  I loves me some Original Herkimer Cheese!

Stacy (I remembered to ask her name) poured us some Hefeweizer.  She was very good at keeping track of who had tasted what, pouring for several people at once as she was.  We liked the Hefeweizer as well as the Bobcat Pilsner we tried next.  Those were our favorites, although we also tried and liked Bear Naked Amber, Tangerine Dream Dirty Pale Ale, Wildest Dreams, and Bear Wizz Root Beer.  I took detailed notes about each of these.  At least, I took notes.  But I guess it is still Lame Post Friday, because I’m not going to go on about them.

We purchased a mixed 12-pack, because that was the only way our two favorites were available.  I considered purchasing some of the root beer, because I thought it would make a great float with chocolate ice cream, but regular beer won.  I’ll keep the Bear Wizz in mind for future purchases.

We are now back home. I fixed a quick dinner, and we are definitely back to the relaxing portion of the evening.  Happy Friday, everyone.

 

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