We stopped at Curtis winery first, still owned by the Firestone family and a smaller production than their ex winery next door. A couple of really nice wines, but I was aware I had spent a small fortune on wine 2 days prior and really needed to quash my enthusiasm a little and keep that wallet firmly closed. They gave us chocolates to taste with the wine which was a nice touch, and the caramel apple cinnamon truffle was Fab-u-lous!!! Trouble was it was $2 a pop...perhaps I can get someone I know to make them for me...The worst thing was a party of 11 who all knew each other and insisted on talking through all the wine explanations and the small tour of the winery - how rude!!!
Firestone for lunch, where I went to the other day. It was probably my least favourite in terms of wine, but it is a beautiful tasting room with a fab view of the snow capped mountains. Lunch was fine, but way too many dried cranberries and apricots in the salad for my liking!
Next off to Zaca Mesa. This winery was buzzing! It was packed and they were giving away lots of freebies - a chocolate fountain was in full force and we treated ourselves to a cream puff (which when drenched with chocolate becomes a profiterole I guess!) and a caramel and cashew nut cookie again drenched in chocolate. We also had 7 tastings here. So well on the way to getting a bit tiddly winky.
4th Winery was Tres Hermanes (three sisters). Their whites weren't my thing at all, but they had a very pleasant Shiraz on offer. I thought the price was for a 6 bottle case, but no it was 12 bottles. So I bought one! Woop Woop. I have less than 4 weeks to drink it, but sure I can find some homes for some of these bad boys with my LA chums.
It was a really lovely day, largely because of the company. An Irish couple from the Valley who have been over here for 30 years bought their son, his fiance and their daughter out for the day, and I hung out with them a fair bit. They were so much fun, and the dad was hoot. We were trying to teach one of the Huntington Beach girls the true meaning of English swear words, which involved John saying them a fair bit in all different contexts quite loudly in the tasting room! They were a super family - very welcoming and friendly, which to be honest has always been my experience with the Irish. I am very proud to have come from Irish stock! I also met a really nice couple from San Diego who were very sweet, and the guy in particular was very good tempered when he managed to spray brown vinegarette all over himself. He didn't even get cross when I cracked up laughing (reflex action...!).
I went to a local diner for dinner and got rewarded with a superb biscuit. For those not in the know, a biscuit over here is a savoury scone which is warm and you put butter on it, and dip it in your gravy ( I had turkey and mash) Oh my days!!! Best biscuit so far :-)
After dinner I was literally stuffed of wine and good things to eat and couldn't even stagger across the road to the local bar that is supposed to be pretty jumping on a Saturday night. Instead I dropped off watching Con Air and drinking a very nice bottle of Syrah...Soooooo rock and roll...
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