WINOS

Bet you didn’t know that there are over 85 Wineries here in Lodi. We usually only spend one night here. Since we are here for two nights this time, the humans went on a search for some delicious wines. 

First stop was supposed to be Michael David Winery. When they drove by the tasting room there were so many cars that they decided to skip that one for the moment.  Kathy T. looked on Google and found one that looked interesting called Nostra Vita. Their specialty was sparkling wines! It was a beautiful outdoor setting under some large pepper trees. They each tasted a flight of six wines. The men tasted only reds while the Kathies tasted the sparkling flight. There were several wines that they liked so they purchased them. The favorite was a red sparkling wine. They are saving that one for Christmas!

Next, it was back to Michael David Winery to see if the crowd had thinned out. They ate lunch in the winery farm shop restaurant before going to the tasting room. Still way too many people there! Lots of brides-to-be and children running around. So, off they went to find the next winery.             

They picked another family winery, Van Ruiten, which also had an outdoor tasting area. The table was under some large vines with grapes hanging down. A very pretty setting. They were able to choose 5 wines each to taste from a very large tasting menu. Warren and Jim purchased a couple of bottles.

It was a fun afternoon and there was still time for a nap before dinner. Tonight, there were no cocktails, but a delicious surf and turf meal which everyone enjoyed. Kathe made smashed potatoes, Kathy T. made a spinach soufflé, Warren grilled colossal shrimp on the grill while Jim grilled steaks. Our last family meal of the season as tomorrow night they plan to eat dinner at Harris Ranch.