Wine Weekend

Every year around the beginning of November, we have a tradition of heading to Charlottesville, VA, to commemorate my daughter's anniversary with "Wine Weekend." We all arrive at different times over the weekend, but the festivities normally begin on Friday afternoon with lunch somewhere, maybe a small wine tasting at a local vineyard, and then a fun dinner together before we head back for a good night's sleep so we can start another day of exploring on Saturday. We may go to some old favorites or maybe try a new winery. What matters most is the company, the laughter, and the heady feeling you get from sipping each brand of a vineyard specialty. The dessert wines are my favorite. The weather is usually crisp and wonderfully cool, and the mountains oblige by putting on a spectacular show of color. I can't really put down everything I feel about this special time. I just love it. I love the mountains. I love the people I go with.

My daughter and her sister-in-law (WW 2008)



The pond at Oakencroft
(photo by Kathryn)

Wine Weekend, the celebration of your love,

Reflects a time of happiness,

Bright and shining

As the sun on the mountains

And the gilded leaves of fall.

The twining vines,

No longer burdened by their fruit

Caper and dance in the wind.

The bounty has long been harvested and

Given up its spirit to honey-colored nectar

And crimson ambrosia.

We trek the mountain tops

Tasting and searching

for our treasures to take home.

Vintners speak of aroma, notes, and finish.

But we take in the beauty around us,

Delight in shared laughter

And somewhat irreverently swill

The wine in happy draughts.

This is our tradition,

Each year’s memories,

Our anniversary celebration of

Each passing year

At wine weekend.

GMB