Wine Trips: Explore the world without leaving home
If you are interested in visiting another country to explore their wines, but not able to actually travel there – try going to a wine store that does wine tastings! Our favorite is in Ashland, VA at the Caboose Market & Café. For several years, they have been hosting a “Summer Passport Series” where their Friday night wine tastings take you on a trip to a particular country or region. Such a fun experience to “travel” without leaving the country! This year we actually went to Portugal, Spain, and France (see other blog post write-ups), but we also got to take a virtual trip to Germany, Greece, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and relive our trips to Portugal and France – all within just a few miles from home!
Our tasting notes, impressions, and pairings:
Germany: you think beer or just sweet wines, but no! We discovered they are not just for Riesling!
Greece: great food - awesome festivals, but wine? meh, not so much. Minds can be changed - worth a try! Our favs were the Avantis Estate Viognier and Wine Art Estate Techni Alipias, which just earned 97 Points from Decanter.
Italy: known for great wine - we experienced some most excellent and interesting ones tonight. The Lazio sold out - super clean and crisp; and the Scopone was a fav for the smoky smoothness. Will have to go back for the Lazio. Thanks Gary for the great tasting coverage!!
Australia/New Zealand: Trip down under @caboosemarket Friday wine tasting! Australian and New Zealand wines were great along with our pimento cheese and bruschetta appetizers!
Portugal: a perfect summer Friday wine tasting “trip” to Portugal, so had to bring some home to enjoy! Always a fan of Vinho Verde, but the Grillos surprised us as a slightly chilled summer wine good by itself or a burger.
France: our “trip” to France @caboosemarket’s tasting was so awesome!! Loved the Cote de Rhone and Bordeaux. The Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc was soft and easy, not too citrus. 😋🍷- ready to plan another trip!
