tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84079296754419636492024-02-01T22:44:25.927-08:00Our Grape AdventuresKatey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-24286552605192236722013-04-07T19:27:00.002-07:002013-04-07T19:27:51.759-07:00Hey friends! It's been too long! Well hey everyone! I know it has been <u style="font-weight: bold;">way</u> to long since we have posted anything. The past few months have involved buying a house, a new car, postponing our wedding, starting a business, getting a dog, and SO many other wonderful things. That hasn't left much time (or money) for adventuring. <br />
<br />
So!! Today we decided to take advantage of the BEAUTIFUL weather and go for a day trip. We geocached on the way to two wonderful wineries here in Central Illinois:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Long Creek Vineyard in Decatur, IL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.longcreekvineyards.com/">http://www.longcreekvineyards.com/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Willow Ridge Winery in Shelbyville, IL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.willowridgewinery.com/">http://www.willowridgewinery.com/</a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had a fantastic experience with the wine and the people at both locations! While we would love to talk more about them each now, we will have to save that for the next couple days. For now, check out their websites! <br />
<br />
More to come soon! <br />
Take Care,<br />
<br />
Katey and ChadKatey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-18938815424978986662012-07-13T09:34:00.001-07:002012-07-13T09:34:52.711-07:00It's Been A While... It feels like our grape escape to Indiana and Missouri was just last week when in all reality is was a couple months ago! Life has been so busy! Between going to a couple weddings, a baby shower, moving my sister, having her come visit... oh and not to mention starting my own business, there hasn't been much time for exploring. Hopefully, we will get a moment to get out and try some new places and meet some new faces SOON!<br />
<br />
While on our way to MO for a wedding I was in, Chad and I did have the opportunity to stop at one winery here in IL. It was pleasant stop, but very short. I want to say it was Clover Family Winery but I may be wrong. I can't find anything online nor can I find my information about the winery. I will have to update when I find more. <br />
<br />
For those people near Springfield, IL, an event called Uncorked will be happening tonight from 6-10 pm. 6 wineries as well as 1 brewery and 2 caterers will be featured. Admission is $10. For more information please visit:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wymg.com/pages/13593402.php">http://www.wymg.com/pages/13593402.php</a><br />
<br />
If our schedule is clear for tonight, picture from the event will be up tomorrow. <br />
<br />
Have fun and wine well!<br />
<br />Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-2346500362761856012012-05-27T16:39:00.002-07:002012-05-27T16:39:34.676-07:00Madison, Indiana<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Madison, Indiana<o:p></o:p></div>
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After drifting for several days, Chad and I were ready to
stay in one place for a couple days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Madison seemed to meet all of our needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This cozy little town on the Ohio river was just waiting to welcome us
with open arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we were at the
Thomas Family Winery, we met several wonderful people who all made
recommendations of where to stay, what to eat, and things to see and do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several people recommended we stay at the
Hillside Inn, a historic hotel overlooking the Ohio river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find a separate entry about that
(Here).<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the people we met in our first evening was the owner
of Mumbles Restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so
generous as to treat us to dinner at his restaurant on the riverfront.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are best known for their BBQ and after
tasting his new BBQ sauce I know why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The food was great and the service was friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mumbles may look a little neglected on the
outside, but don’t let that keep you from stopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Madison, “the prettiest small town in the Midwest”, has a
lot to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only are there many
historic sites to see, there is also a beautiful state park (Clifty Falls State
Park)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with several
waterfalls, many different shops and art galleries, and many music and art
festivals/events throughout the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The people are what make the town truly special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone we met went out of their way to make
us feel welcome, inviting us in, telling us about parts of the town, and just
spending time getting to know us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
scenery was only enhanced by all of the smiling faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are going to Madison, we would recommend going
between Wednesday and Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
shops and tourist sites are closed Sunday and Monday and some remain closed on
Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parks are still open early in the week and
many shops are open but to make the most of a few days, making it a long
weekend trip may be your best bet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some of the festivals and events coming up in the near
future include:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Old Court Days - May (fourth weekend) & September (last
full weekend)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Madison Regatta – July (first full weekend) <o:p></o:p></div>
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Many other events are also occurring in late summer and
early fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For more information please visit the Madison, Indiana
Website:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://visitmadison.org/">http://visitmadison.org/</a></span></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0Madison, IN, USA38.7358933 -85.379957738.6863498 -85.4589217 38.7854368 -85.3009937tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-3303100338408457732012-05-21T13:20:00.004-07:002012-05-21T13:20:36.178-07:00The Thomas Family WineryAfter several days of being on the road and traveling from one place to another, Chad and I were ready to settle into somewhere for a couple days. When we saw three wineries in historic Madison, IN, and saw that it was right on the water, Chad and I knew we had found the place we wanted to stay.<br />
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What we learned when we got there was that a large part of Madison shuts down on Mondays and part of the town stays shut down until Wednesday... well, since we were only going to be there Monday and Tuesday, that meant our options were a little more limited but also gave us a reason to return in the future. Of course this idea of being closed was quite popular and meant that two of the three wineries were also closed through our visit.<br />
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Lucky for us, The Thomas Family Winery was open and happy to have our business. Steve, a third-generation wine maker and owner of this establishment greeted Chad and I with a smile. He was wonderful, knowledgable, and willing to talk about his wines. Though this might sound silly, it was rare to find someone on our trip who really knew about the wine they were serving. You could tell that Steve and his wife Elizabeth really love the wine they make. Walking into the winery I felt comfortable and at home. The atmosphere was inviting. It looked like they had maintained a lot of the woodwork from the stable and worked with it to creating a homey place to sit and have a great glass of wine while getting to know the people at the table across from you! This also looks like a great venue to visit on the weekends to hear some traditional music playing!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Wine</span></div>
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When we visited the winery they only had 4 wines and one cider available but were getting to release 4 more very soon! All wines were either dry or semi-dry. Steve led us through every step of the way, crafting a story about each of the wines and setting up every tasting before a drop hit our lips.<br />
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<b>Gale's Hard Cider </b>- <i>Old timer apples fermented like an ale-- tangy, strong and dry - drink it like an ale!!!! Name for Gale Thomas! Wonderful with curries, spicy foods. </i> I could see this pairing with so many different meals. It is unique and wonderful. I was so happy to find a dry cider that wasn't too fruity. A lot of Cider's taste too carbonated or fruity. This had a fantastic balance that I adored.<br />
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<b>Sauvignon Blanc 2010</b> - <i>Outstanding nose of peaches, olives, figs, and currants, bursting palate of tree fruits, sweet pepper, pineapple, melon -long finish f minerals, citrus peel, herbs, spice -try with southwestern foods, grilled poultry and seafood.</i><br />
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<b>Rio Red 2010</b> - <i>Lots of cheery, black raspberry fruit with pepper, mint and briar in the nose; cedary berries, lots of briar, mint, pepper and a bit of smoke- young tannins will soften - loves pizza, pasta, and grilled chops. </i> This is a wine that pairs well with every day food. You don't have to make anything fancy to create a great pairing. This wine spent 5 months in oak barrels. You can certainly taste the cherry and black raspberry. We had to bring a bottle of this home!<br />
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We will most definitely go back to Thomas Family Winery whenever we visit Madison, IN. We loved everything about it and cannot wait to try their new wines!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For more information please visit their website:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.thomasfamilywinery.us/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.thomasfamilywinery.us</span></b></a></div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0208 E 2nd St, Madison, IN 47250, USA38.734753 -85.37837538.7332045 -85.3808425 38.736301499999996 -85.375907500000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-45947609336798376312012-05-20T18:18:00.002-07:002012-05-20T18:18:20.558-07:00Alto Vineyards heartland port<div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Drinking: Alto Vineyards Heartland Port </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">American Sweet Fortified Wine</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">18% by vol. </span></div>
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One of the Heartland series from Alto Vineyards and Winery. We love all of the Heartland wines and have bought at least two bottles of each by now. The wine is deep red, almost a little brown in color. The nose is spicy, oaky, with a bit of cloves and an orange bitter smell, too. There is a sweetness to its scent. Starts off very heavy, sending a bit of heat on the tongue and down the throat. Notes of chocolate and vanilla follow with a hint of chocolate covered cherry. Somewhat acidic as it hits the back of the tongue, making your mouth water. Adding dark chocolate to the tasting of this wine brings out both the sweet and the tart tastes in this. Forget the desert, it's all in the wine!<br />
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</div>chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06882105698737534573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-56749954445826127422012-05-18T13:34:00.000-07:002012-05-18T13:45:46.047-07:00Canoe Kentucky - Frankfort, KYUpon waking up, both Chad and I were yearning for an outdoor adventure, specifically water related. We have been kayaking together a couple times now and love it! It is a blast to get out on the water and just relax! So Chad found us a place to rent kayaks and do a 6 mile river trail, Canoe Kentucky in Frankfort, KY. <br />
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The rates were fair, the water quick enough that you could minimally paddle and finish in a couple hours, and the small rapids were easy enough for beginners to combat. We called ahead to make sure we could get on the water. If you plan to kayak through a company such as this, there are usually scheduled times for people to be there so they can depart as groups. It took about an hour after we got there for everyone to fill out paperwork, get processed, watch a safety video, and hop in a van. Canoe KY was not expecting that many people to show up late in the afternoon on the first Sunday of May, so it took a little longer than normal. <br />
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It was a great adventure. All of the gear was provided. The staff was wonderfully friendly!<br />
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<b>A couple suggestions:</b><br />
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Plan ahead!<br />
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Bring water shoes, a swim suit, a couple bottles of water (nothing in glass containers), a snack, and a waterproof bag for keys and such! A water-proof camera for on the river is also a great addition to any trip! <br />
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, <iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6628220.737;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000000342669;pid=743480;usg=AFHzDLu-OZbnZPXQ_ITOvUAKKOTGz8Addw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.kohls.com%252Fupgrade%252Fwebstore%252Fproduct_page.jsp%253FPRODUCT%25253C%25253Eprd_id%253D845524892704442%2526mr%253AtrackingCode%253DA11CA6ED-1670-E011-AF0B-001517B188A2%2526mr%253AreferralID%253DNA;pubid=543647;price=%2415.98;title=Speedo+Wave+Walker+Wat...;merc=Kohl%27s;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.kohls.com.edgesuite.net%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fkohls%2F743480%3Fwid%3D500%26hei%3D500%26op_sharpen%3D1;width=85;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6627866.516;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000026530730;pid=56257;usg=AFHzDLtb8_lA9k6TVaSBtRurMhL6WeVR4w;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.abt.com%252Fproduct%252F56257%252FNikon-26292.html;pubid=543647;price=%24296.95;title=Nikon+COOLPIX+AW100+Bl...;merc=Abt+Electronics+%26+Appliances;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.abt.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2FBDP_Images%2Fbig_COOLPIXAW100BLUE.jpg;width=110;height=65" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe></div>
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Water shoes are also available seasonally at Walmart for under $9.</div>
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Schedule enough time so you can really enjoy your trip!<br />
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Wear sunscreen... no matter what!!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To learn more about Canoe Kentucky please visit their website! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.canoeky.com/">http://www.canoeky.com/</a></span><br />
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If you have time to explore Frankfort, there are a ton of historical sites and a cute downtown area to explore! Lots of cute shops! Many places featuring local artists and musicians including: </div>
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<a href="http://completelykentucky.com/">completelykentucky.com</a></div>
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Many of the shops next to this are connected, including coffee and book shops! </div>
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Unique downtown with a lot to explore! </div>
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We explored the town at night and took some wonderful night pictures using longer exposures. Sadly, I don't have most of those pictures ready yet because they are with Chad, but here are a couple I took! </div>
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<br /></div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-35653731341894495902012-05-18T12:46:00.002-07:002012-05-18T13:36:07.472-07:00Travel Tips - On to Kentucky - Saturday, May 5thFrom Cannelton, IN we decided to make our way into Kentucky. While we had wanted to head to Louisville, we learned that we were heading there on absolutely the wrong day... Derby Day. Being from IL and never having watched a horse race in my life, I had no idea that the Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday of May. I was more focused on finding a Margarita in celebration of Cinco de Mayo and my cousins wedding! So... we rerouted our journey to Elizabethtown, KY, just outside Louisville, but far enough away that we could still find somewhere to stay. I quickly started calling places and was happen to hear the Ramada had a couple cancelations! So below are a couple things we learned that day.<br />
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1. If you are going to be traveling last minute, don't go somewhere that is having it's biggest celebration of the year unless you already have a room! <br />
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2. Sometimes staying in towns that are just outside a major population center means better hotel rates.<br />
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3. Even if a hotel says online that they are booked, try calling, cancelations happen all the time. <br />
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4. GPS is wonderful. Not only do Chad and I both us navigation programs on our phones, I always have my Tom Tom on standby.<br />
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5. Sometimes, you lose GPS signal and cell service, always carry a map and have some sort of clue where you want to go<br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="250" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6631428.239;sz=300x250;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000005217789;pid=22977343;usg=AFHzDLvLz-B27Lly7Oq7V_MmTKVW88wmeA;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.officemax.com%252Ftechnology%252Fgps-systems-accessories%252Fgps-systems%252Fproduct-prod3420180%253Fcm_mmc%253DPerformics-_-Technology-_-GPS%252520Systems%252520and%252520Accessories-_-GPS%252520Systems%2526ci_src%253D14110944%2526ci_sku%253D22977343;pubid=543647;price=%24179.99;title=TomTom+VIA+1505T+5.0%22+GPS+1EN501902;merc=OfficeMax;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.officemax.com%2Fcatalog%2Fimages%2F397x353%2F22977343i_01.jpg;width=151;height=135" vspace="0" width="300"></iframe></div>
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6. Be aware of major holidays and events wherever you are traveling... good deals and fun times are around every corner.<br />
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7. There are some great apps out there... use them. Find Me Gluten Free and a hotel finding app were our friends through our whole trip.<br />
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8. The internet is full of wonderful things. websites like <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/">this</a> give you some great ideas of unique places to stop along your way. <br />
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9. With the necessary tools and a little common sense, a last minute vacation can be a blast!<br />
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That's all my tips for now... more to come with future adventures.Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-46398029344424643122012-05-18T11:43:00.001-07:002012-05-18T11:43:39.377-07:00Celtic Cross - Cannelton, INOn your way to our from Blue Heron Vineyard and Winery, you will see a sign for the Celtic Cross. It is right along your driving path, and a short walk from where you are asked to park the car. <br />
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This sandstone cross was commissioned by owner Gary and Lynn Dauby and carved by Greg Harris. Harris a local individual who has created many works for the Blue Heron Winery and is a self-taught sculptor. This piece is was created from a single 22 foot tall stone that is a natural part of the hillside. </div>
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This sculpture has been featured in several documentaries and films and is believed to be the largest "In situ" Celtic Cross in the world. Certainly worth the stop if you are in the area.</div>
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Harris spent 6 days a week for 23 months carving this piece.</div>
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Closer view of carving on the back </div>
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For more information about Greg Harris and the Celtic Cross visit:</div>
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<a href="http://www.blueheronvines.com/celticcross.asp">http://www.blueheronvines.com/celticcross.asp</a></div>
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<br /></div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-14893449369862701662012-05-18T11:21:00.003-07:002012-05-18T11:23:59.894-07:00Blue Heron Vineyards & Winery - Cannelton (Rocky Point), INAfter a day filled with driving backroads and exploring a little bit of the beautiful scenery in Southern Indiana, was saw the sign for Blue Herron Winery. Upon turning off the main road, following a long and winding road up a large hill, turning off onto a skinny pathway up to a larger clearing with a house, we were finally there! If you drive this way, do not doubt yourself, just follow the signs. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the carvings and much of the artwork was created by Greg Harris, a self-taught sculptor. <br />
You will find more about him at the Celtic Cross in our next post. </td></tr>
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The winery was located near the top of a hill over looking the Ohio river. Outside, there were several sitting areas nestled along the hillside, the perfect spot to sit and take in the sunset with a glass of wine... or two. <br />
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Gary and Lynn Dauby own Blue Heron and were pleased to invite us in and show us around. We spent a majority of our time talking with Gary as Lynn was showing two couples around the grounds and leading them through a wine tasting. These couples were staying at the Bed & Breakfast associated with the winery. Oh yes, on top of having their winery, Gary and Lynn host concerts and events and have a bed & breakfast. <br />
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Gary was incredibly friendly and easy to talk to. He led us around the grounds, showed us where the magic happens, and even let us sample some of the wines that have not been bottled yet. Let me tell you, you are in for a treat with a couple of their new products. Chad and I tasted all of the wines on their list and below are a few descriptions.<br />
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<b>Twin Towers Red</b> - A Chambourcin wine with beautiful color. You can taste the oak in this one </div>
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<b>23 degrees </b>- An earthy Foch, great balance of sweet and sour with a hint of cherry. I loved just breathing in this wine. </div>
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While each of these wines is great on its own, the true magic happens when you mix the two. There is an amazing balance you find when you do a 50/50 glass of each. Just try it! you'll know what I mean.</div>
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<b>On Deck White </b>- A Cayuga white. This is great mixed with San Pelegrino Orange Soda. A suggestion made by Gary. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you would like more information about the winery itself or about their B & B please contact them at: </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">blueheron@psci.net </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or visit their website:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://blueheronvines.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">blueheronvines.com</span></b></a></div>
</div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-14618711217438982482012-05-15T18:23:00.000-07:002012-05-15T18:38:14.129-07:00Bluegrass Brewing Company - Louisville, KYPassing through Louisville KY, we stopped at the BBC brewpub in the St. Matthews area. This was the original location where all the magic started. Since then, they have expanded to three locations and distribute their brew all across the midwest. The brewpub is also home to a full restaraunt with a fair sized menu.<br />
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The mood of the place was relaxed. It seemed like a good place to unwind after work or to go party on the weekend. We walked in and took a seat at the magnificent bar and I ordered the sampler. All along the wall and above the bar are sticker laden mugs. Patrons, who wish to, can buy a mug and become part of the warthog club. They recieve specials on the brew.<br />
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The cheeky bartender poured me up seven samples of beer. As i took my tour through the brews I came to a realization. These folks know beer. They know good beer and how to make it. BBC makes a wide range of beers to satisfy ANY taste. From the American lager drinkers to true hopheads this place crafts it all.<br />
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I particularly enjoyed the nut brown and the american pale ale. I liked the "spuds" seasonal beer so much i had to buy a growler. It was a medium bodied beer with about 32ibu's and it tastes fantastic! I also purchaced some bourbon barrel stout that i found to be a great maranade and after dinner beer.<br />
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Food wise, I ordered the pretzel and beer cheese. The fare was grade A bar food. Two warm gooy pretzel sticks with a spicy beer cheese. Katey ordered a warm tomato and mozzarella salad that she claimed to be delicious. The BBC Brewpub gets my stamp of approval for its great beer and amazing fare. IFyou ever happen to be in louisville KY stop in for some grub and a few cold ones.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For more information on BBC visit their webpage:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bbcbrew.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://www.bbcbrew.com/</span></a></div>chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06882105698737534573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-84841278037004324042012-05-15T10:21:00.002-07:002012-05-15T10:22:44.164-07:00The German Cafe - Paoli, INIt was the fourth day of our trip, as we hopped in the car on this Sunday with no particular destination in mind. Chad must have been hungry because no sooner than we had gotten in the car he made a sharp turn off the road into the parking lot of a small blue house with a white porch. I didn't even realize it was a restaurant at first but soon saw a woman (who I later found out was the owner, Ramona) walk on the patio and flip over the open sign. Chad and I were both slightly hesitant because it was German food and it was our first meal of the day. Also, we are always weary of eating new places because of my issues with food... we are never sure if there will be something I can eat. My gut told me we should go. I'm German... Chad looks German... and I love Bratwurst. So... why not give it a try. <br />
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Walking in, I was astonished by how absolutely adorable the restaurant is. There is so much charm. The restaurant is divided by rooms, with different tables situated with mis-matching chairs. There are German knick-knacks everywhere, but it is well put together and not overwhelming. It is simply an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel at home. </div>
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Ramona quickly greeted us with a smile and told asked if a table up front would be alright. She presented us with the menu and explained the specials in depth. She also offered us the wine and beer list and took care to tell us about each of the wines and beers. She stated that all of the beverages were from Germany and were selected based on what she and her husband Bernd enjoy. </div>
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Chad selected the Dopplebock also known as a double bock. He says that it was a delicious full-bodied beer brewed in the traditional style. What he enjoyed about it was that it wasn't too heavy to have with a meal and had just the right amount of happiness for his taste. Not too bitter, not too sweet. Something that a craft-brew lover would hate to miss. </div>
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I selected Schmitt & So<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">hne - fünf. This semi-sweet red wine has just enough sweetness to it. Ramona described it is a fun, young, almost sparkling wine, and I couldn't agree more with her. It was a refreshing, fruity table wine that was almost too easy to drink. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Both Chad and I decided on the special that came with three different kinds of sausages including a slightly spicy bratwurst, a mild white sausage (usually served before noon in Germany), and a third pork sausage that was like a sweet hot dog. They were delicious! We both loved the white sausage and were surprised by how flavorful it was. We've never had anything quite like it. We chose different sides. Chad had the spatzle (pronounced like - sh-pit-z-luh... kind of). These were wide noodles with mushrooms and creamy sauce. While they were too much for him eat, they had a great texture. Nothing too bold, making it a great first meal of the day for him. I had the side salad and sauerkraut. I have never liked sauerkraut but thought, since I was in an authentic German restaurant, I should give it a try... I am so glad I did. It was delicious! As was the salad. It had all sorts of vegetables, including beans and corn, which made this salad absolutely delectable tossed in their vinaigrette. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I cannot wait for another trip so we can go back there! If you have the chance, go! Talk to Ramona! You would never know that she moved from Germany three years ago. Her English is near flawless. Her husband Bernd is the chef. They make an amazing team and are the reason for the success this restaurant has achieved in the 2 years it has been open. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">While we were at the restaurant, we met a lovely couple who sat at the table across from us, Shane Campbell and Donna. The two have seemed to travel a great deal and were happy to share their travels and knowledge. They were wonderful to talk to and get to know. They made the experience even more pleasurable. As we sat, talked, and enjoy our food, Shane told us that he is part of a group that reviews restaurants. You can find his story at:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 22px; text-transform: uppercase;"><a href="http://forums.louisvillehotbytes.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=19353">http://forums.louisvillehotbytes.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=19353</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>You will also be able to find more information about the restaurant on their website: </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thegermancafepaoli.com/">http://www.thegermancafepaoli.com/</a></span></b></span></div>
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</div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0656 N Gospel St, Paoli, IN 47454, USA38.564124 -86.46569638.563348 -86.466929999999991 38.5649 -86.464462tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-89495846640352149242012-05-14T17:13:00.001-07:002012-05-14T17:13:21.280-07:00Spring Mill State Park - Mitchell INWhile at Carousel Winery, Sue recommended that we stay at the Inn at Stone Mill State Park. Sue even went out of her way to let us use her phone to call the Inn and see if they had any openings. <br />
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Spring Mill is a beautiful park with plenty of walking trails, a pioneer village, a pool, a restaurant at the Inn, and cave bout tours. The Inn has a variety of different room options, all at reasonable prices. While they are not extravagant rooms, they are clean, well-maintained, and comfortable. The staff at the Inn was wonderful to deal with and very helpful. The elevator happened to be out during our visit, but a staff member quickly helped us grab our bags and get settled in. The Inn was well equipped with a pool, game room, and restaurant. We enjoyed out stay and our visit in the park the following day.<br />
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Chad and I had hoped to explore some of the caves but sadly they were closed due to White-Nose Syndrome, a fungus that has caused the death of between 5 and 6 million North American bats. Instead we explored the pioneer village. We had the opportunity to see the largest working mill in America up and running. We also had a lovely chat with a few of the "pioneers" who worked at the village. It is marvel historical adventure that is fun for the whole family. You could spend several days enjoying what this park has to offer. <br />
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The workings of this mill are fascinating. Because of the way the water flows, it can be stored and released with little effort to run the mill. The water is carried from uphill via the large structure in the picture below. It is then spilled over the of the wheel and captured in the many containers on the outside of the wheel. The weight of the water is what makes it turn, not the flow of the water itself. </div>
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All of the people in the pioneer village are very friendly and knowledgeable. They are willing to share what they know with anyone who asks. </div>
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There is a small fee to enter the park, but it is totally worth it for the experience you will have! </div>
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For more information visit their website:</div>
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<a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2968.htm">http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2968.htm</a></div>
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<br />Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-24980042469250480992012-05-14T12:06:00.006-07:002012-05-14T12:31:39.445-07:00Carousel Winery - Bedford, INThe moment we walked into Carousel we could both smell the sweet scent of something fermenting. This keen observation gained us a tour of behind the scenes at Carousel where we got to see the Concord grapes for their Red Tiger Red bubbling. It was a beautifully delicious sight!<br />
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We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the winery. We had the pleasure of meeting the winery owners Marion and Sue. Marion is the wine maker and is currently training another young man to make the wines as well. You can tell that they both love their products and have a passion for what they do. It comes across in their eagerness to tell you about everything you are seeing and tasting. Don and Donnie helped lead us through the first few wines we tasted, taking time to talk about each wine and what made it unique. I love when people are informed about their products and willing to share their knowledge with you. It makes the experience even more enjoyable. <br />
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Sue led us through the second half of the wines and told is a little about the winery, including that come August they will be celebrating 9 years in business. The winery is settled on 9 acres and boasts 25 different wines using fruits from across the country. Not only was the atmosphere quite welcoming and the people wonderful, the wines were delicious! They also boast the title of one of the top 10 wineries in the state of Indiana. Congrats Carousel!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><u>The Wine:</u></span></div>
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<b>Cab Franc</b> - New Release 2012 - <i>The lightest of the Heavy Reds. Rich and Full Bodied, yet sophisticate to the palate. Cherry-berries dance across the tongue. Best served with Friends. </i>The best way to described this wine is to say it tastes and smells like happiness. You can taste the cherry but also get a hint of chocolate. Delicious!<br />
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<b>Reisling</b> - <i>Our finest example of what happens when magic takes places in the fermentation of fine winemaking. One taste and you'll understand what is meant by 'perfect balance'. </i>This wine was incredibly crisp and clean. It reminded me of daffodils. It is easy drinking with just enough sweetness. It is a well-balanced wine indeed.<br />
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<b>Lady Luck</b> - <i>When the odds are against you and you are down to the line, you'll call on LADY LUCK. Is she smiling on you today, or is it just a tease? Ah, but her wine is divine. This is one treat where there is no gamble. </i>This blush derived from Catawba grapes smells like spring and tastes even better. This wine made both Chad and I feel quite lucky. Look at the label and you will find a picture of Marion and Sue's daughter, Lady Luck.<br />
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S<b>hadow Dog Port</b> - <i>Often the truest desserts in life are shared, Whether it's a glass of fine port after a delicious meal, or the cherished moments we share with our best friends, A TOAST & TRIBUTES to our loyal and loving companions. </i> This wine has won numerous awards and for a good reason. I loved sipping on this port style wine out of a chocolate cup. This perfect combination warmed my throat and left me wanting more. This wine is also named after their previous pet.<br />
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<b>Cay Dog Dessert Wine</b> - <i>Much like Chocolate, the Dark and the White are Nothing alike... Viva la difference! This RARE WHITE Wine is made in the same traditional style as it's Brother, Shadow Dog Port, Smooth as silk. </i>Chad is a big fan of port style wines. We have tried many ports, but rarely come across a white port. Of the few white ports we have tried, this is by far Chad's favorite. This is a smooth wine with hints of toffee and mocha (a few of my favorite things). This wine is also named after a current pet of the owners.<br />
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I fully expect their cat, Bella, will have her own bottle at some point, too!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For more information visit their website: </span><br />
<a href="http://www.carouselwinery.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.carouselwinery.com</span></a></div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-46259556351405624952012-05-13T15:02:00.000-07:002012-05-13T15:41:00.581-07:00Bluespring Caverns and Boat ToursOur Next Stop was...<b>Bluespring Caverns and Boat Tours</b>! <br />
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I LOVED THIS PLACE!! Neither of us had ever been on an underground river or in a large cavern before so getting basically a private tour on a short bit of America's longest underground river (21 miles longs) was awesome! <br />
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Because it was the middle of the day on a weekday, we were the only people on our tour. Shawna Morris was a fabulous tour guide, giving us all sorts of fun facts and incredible information about the cave, it's history, and it's inhabitants. Have you ever seen blind fish? There are at least two unique species of blind fish living in this cave, both which I got to see. We also had the pleasure of seeing bats sleeping in the cave. <br />
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We would recommend this tour time and time again. It was a reasonable price, a unique experience, and we had an incredible tour guide! <br />
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These are just a few pictures of what we saw on our journey. These do not nearly capture the magnificent views you will see on your visit. There are large formations, high ceilings in some places, and deep water in other spots. A fun place to visit for all ages. (There is a steep incline to walk when entering and exiting the cave, so call ahead if you have mobility concerns).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For more information please visit </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bluespringcaverns.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://www.bluespringcaverns.com/</span></a></div>
<br />Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-91815327213611777302012-05-13T14:12:00.001-07:002012-05-13T15:36:39.783-07:00Butler Winery & Vineyards - Bloomington, IN<div style="text-align: center;">
While in the Bloomington area, we decided to stop by the tasting room for Butler Winery & Vineyards. There we met Doug, the graduate student tuba player who led us through the selection Butler had to offer. Though the tasting room doesn't appear to be much from the outside, the winery offers a great selection of 19 different wines. Doug was very friendly and was knowledgable about the wines, taking time to explain every tasting, balancing his time expertly while helping other costumers make purchases for their home or mirco-brewries. This store not only hosts Butler's wine selection but also carries several books on wine, beer, and home brewing as well as brewing supplies and wine related products. </div>
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This small space carries so many useful products!</div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Wines</span></u></b></div>
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Chad and I enjoyed several of the wines at Butler and brought home a couple bottles to enjoy in the future! Here are a couple we enjoyed:<br />
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<b>Chardonel 201</b>1 - <i>New release! Well-balanced and elegant, this is an ideal food-pairing wine. A fabulous, sleeker alternative to classic California chardonnays. A signature grape from our vineyards. </i>Chad found this wine to be buttery with floral notes and a tangy finish. A wine that easily pairs with many meals. <br />
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<b>Chambourcin 2009</b> - <i>Dry, medium bodied , with nice tannin structure. Aged in French Oak. Excellent companion for a meal with spicier dishes, or just crackers&sharp cheeses. We think it's our best Chambourcin yet! </i>We could see this also pairing nicely with red meat or salmon. It is very light and easy drinking for a Chambourcin. You can definitely taste the Oak.<br />
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<b>Traminette 2010</b> - <i>100% Indiana Uplands Traminette lends this wine its pleasant and refreshing floral aroma. One taste & you'll see why Indiana's state grape has such a devoted following! </i> I thought this wine had a heavy floral nose with a light fruit taste reminiscent of pear and apple. It had a very smooth finish. Lovely wine to simply enjoy.<br />
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<b>Terra Rossa</b> - <i>A lovely port style wine made from our own 2010 Chambourcin. Rich, oak nose with chocolate & dark fruit. Smooth, sweet lingering finish. </i> This was a spicy, warm and rich wine that made my lips tingle. Deliciously creamy with a smokey finish. Loved this port style wine!<br />
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I would love to visit Butler's other location and vineyard sometime in the near future! This was a lovely place to visit and we couldn't have asked for someone better to help us out! Thanks Doug!<br />
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Also, we got to talking to one of the gentlemen buying supplies for his home brewing, Aaron. He is hoping to open his own restaurant and micro-brewery sometime in the next year or so. So in 2013, look for: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All Good Brewing Co. </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>for more information about Butler Winery and Vineyard </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>visit their website:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.butlerwinery.com/">www.butlerwinery.com</a></b></span></div>
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or give them a call at 812.339.7233</div>
<br />Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-70216623651156890172012-05-11T18:48:00.005-07:002012-05-13T15:36:53.002-07:00Oliver Winery - Bloomington, IN<div style="text-align: center;">
No better time to write about Oliver Winery than when I am drinking the Strawberry Cider from Oliver.</div>
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Might I say, it is delicious.</div>
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Because I cannot drink beer, hard cider is often my substitute. Like beer, each cider has it's own unique taste. I have tried the blueberry and strawberry cider and have thoroughly enjoyed them both. They are light, fizzy, delicious ciders that remind me of summer. This is something I would love to sip on while sitting on river on a hot day!<br />
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While at Oliver, Chad and I had the opportunity to taste several of their wines, walk around their grounds, and take a short tour of where their wines are made. The ground themselves are beautiful and we did noat get to explore nearly enough of them due to rain. On our tour, Tiffany, our guide, was incredibly informative and willing to answer all of our questions along the way. Tiffany told us about Oliver's history as well. <br />
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The winery began with Mr. Oliver, a former professor, making wine as a hobby in his basement. The winery itself opened in 1972, with only 5 acres of land. The vineyard now has 54 acres, boasts 35 wines, and distributes to 20 different states. Mr. Oliver's son Bill is now the head of the company and the wine maker. You can tell that even though the company has grown significantly, they still care about making great products that their consumers will love. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>The Wine </u></b></span></div>
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Because Oliver's wine list is so long, there was no way we could try them all! We tried to stick to the wines produced with grapes locally grown at the Creekbend Vineyard as well as the popular items recommended by Kathy Bodle-Perez, our guide for the day. <br />
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Some of the wines we particularly enjoyed include the following:<br />
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Creekbend Traminette 2011 - <i>Indiana's signature wine! Floral, fruity, inviting, this grape loves our Indiana climate. </i>This was a very light and lively wine. It reminded us of honeysuckle in spring. A great picnic wine.<br />
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Creekbend Vavlin Muscat 2011- <i>Aromatic and exotic, this dry wine is the perfect match for cream or cheese based dishes of poultry</i>. Amazing color, like champagne without the bubbles. An excellent citrus finish. For a dry wine, it was very light. <br />
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Maximum Port 2007 - <i>Soft rich flavors in a classic ruby port made from petite sirah. </i>Chad noted that the nose was quite oaky and earthy. Not too sweet but left a rather sweet finish. Nicely balanced, a good winter wine.<br />
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<i> </i>If you are ever in the Bloomington area, or find Oliver Winery products near you, we recommend you give them a try. They have something for everyone, no matter your taste!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For more information please visit their </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">website:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.oliverwinery.com/">http://www.oliverwinery.com/</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or like them on Facebook</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oliver-Winery/109230619094694"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oliver-Winery/109230619094694</span></a></div>
<br />Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-37768302740286674872012-05-08T07:11:00.001-07:002012-05-13T18:25:31.493-07:00Hillside Inn - Madison, IN<div>
Amazing views of Madison from each room of this historic landmark await you. The Hillside Inn has hosted stars such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Each room has a private balcony.<br />
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There are several different types of room available for reasonable rates. Our room had a whirlpool tub next to the bed. It was wonderful sitting in the tub with the door open to an evening thunderstorm.<br />
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The views and decent rates are wonderful attributes of this hotel. The rooms seem to have been updated fairly recently and are quite clean. It was a wonderful place to stay for two nights.<br />
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<img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgxZBNDSDVKZlEGMhCnts_GXYNsi6UdPsQym7UZzE7sTwYKMS2i0hX0MUCpQ86jROKyR30B3XARQB3pFDSb4S1vb1xu5LMUlihZ1v1TtVMR8iWpcu5arGoGwIQLdllTcwiOlSRerVldU/" width="640" /><br />
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</div>chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06882105698737534573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-7992425841621032132012-05-07T19:38:00.001-07:002012-05-13T15:39:16.251-07:00Eats and Treats – BJ’s Brewhouse<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Eats and Treats – BJ’s Brewhouse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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It would be hard for me to find a fault with this
restaurant! WE LOVED IT! The service, the food, the drinks, the
atmosphere….. all incredible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have celiac disease which means that anything with gluten,
including wheat, barely, rye, etc., will make me sick to me stomach. Anywhere we go, finding food that I can eat
(that isn’t just a salad) can be a challenge.
If you have these same issues, BJ’s is a great place to go. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They have a dedicated gluten free (gf) menu with a complete
list of gf beverages including gf beer
and two flavored ciders, pear cider and blueberry cider. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about
their food and beverages and even offered us suggestions of how to improve our
meal with no charge.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is actually a 50/50 mix of the two ciders, berry and pear. They both are light, but the berry was too sweet for my taste. Mixing the two balanced out the flavors. It was like a wine spritzer.</td></tr>
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Our server, Ashley, was fantastic. Ashely told us that she
had worked at BJ’s near Indianapolis since the restaurant opened four years ago
and that she enjoyed working there because of the consistent management. She suggested we try different beverages and
offered free tastings of beers and ciders so we would order something we
liked. We were so happy to have a
waitress that took her time with each table, trying to explain the menu and
what the restaurant had to offer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before dinner, Chad took advantage of the beer tasting
offered at the brewhouse. <o:p></o:p></div>
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He stated that all of the beers were of high quality, not to
mention delicious. If you have the
opportunity to try these beers, along with their ciders, we would suggest
taking advantage of it! <o:p></o:p><br />
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To finish our evening at BJ’s indulged in the gluten-free chocolate chip
pizookie (a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hot out of the oven, rich and
delicious, gluten-free chocolate chip cookie topped with two scoops of vanilla
bean ice cream and served in its own deep dish).</i> One of the best desserts either of us has had
in a long time. Simply delicious! Enough to split between two people, unless you
are having it for your meal. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What a great experience!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
for information about hours and locations please visit:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com/">http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com/</a></div>
</div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-25444596835403952612012-05-07T11:04:00.000-07:002012-05-13T15:39:28.863-07:00Tallon Winery – Shelbyville, KY<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tallon Winery – Shelbyville, KY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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This is the first winery in Kentucky that we have had the
opportunity to visit. It is located
right off of highway 64 between Frankfort and Louisville. It was really easy to find with signs from
the highway all the way to the winery.
What a beautiful property. Even
though it is near the highway, the property makes you feel like you are in the
middle of nowhere. This beautifully
restored home sits on a small pond with a large sitting area inside and
spacious deck out back. The site is one
of the two owned by Tallon Winery, with the primary vineyard and tasting room
being in Lexington, KY. The tasting
room has an incredible barrel ceiling that reminded Chad of a Frank Llyod
Wright we have visited in Springfield, IL.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tallon Winery grows a great deal of the grapes used in their
wine including their Traminette, Chambourcin, and Chardonel. The Shelbyville location has 17 acres which
they hope to use for vineyards in the near future. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Wine </b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I was not terribly impressed with the white wines. Though they each offer something a little
different, they really weren’t my style.
The finish on the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Traminette</b>
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sweet Evening Breeze</b> had an
alcohol tasting finish to them that kind of tingled the tongue… not my style,
but worth a taste. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moondance</b> may
have been my favorite white. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Pinot Gris wine with a grapefruit and
other tropical citrus nose combined with a hint of mineral. A great patio wine. </i>I thought it was an easy drinking wine
that definitely had a citrus feel to it.
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Chad liked the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cabernet
Sauvignon Reserve </b>best of all. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Premium Full-bodied, dry red. Kentucky oak barrel aged. Favors of black cherry, currant and nuances
of chocolate and vanilla.</i> Chad thought it had a very earthy, oaky nose,
almost reminiscent of a bourbon barrel.
It had a heavy black cherry taste while the chocolate and vanilla were
quite light by comparison. It would be a
great wine to serve with any red meat with a sweeter marinade. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I personally enjoyed the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Afterglow</b>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A semi-sweet blend of Cayuga and Catawba
with a robust grape flavor.</i> This is
a crisp, light, flavorful wine. It
reminds me a little of drinking Welch’s White Grape Juice with the fruity,
grapy flavor, but much lighter. It was a
beautiful color as well! It almost
looked the color of watermelon with a hint of orange. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If your would like more information on this winery please visit
their website:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <a href="http://www.talonwine.com/">http://www.talonwine.com/</a></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0400 Gordon Ln, Shelbyville, KY 40065, USA38.1883798 -85.275434238.1868198 -85.2779017 38.1899398 -85.272966700000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-37388874825890962612012-05-06T21:56:00.005-07:002012-05-13T15:39:54.891-07:00Places to Stay - The Stone Soup Inn<br />
<h2>
Places to Stay –
Stone Soup Inn</h2>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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On our trips we have stayed at some pretty neat
locations.. This time we stayed at a Bed
& Breakfast called the S<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">tone Soup
Inn.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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This B&B is part of a group of B&Bs that work
together and can be booked through the same website. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Stone Soup in is located near the heart of downtown
Indianapolis, IN. Even though it is in
an urban area, the inn feels secluded and quiet. From the moment you walk in the door you feel
at home. Standing in the foyer it is
almost as though you have been taken back to the early 1900’s. The house has been well preserved and is
decorated to fit the era the house was built in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On the first floor
you will find the dining area and two comfortable living rooms where you can
read up on some local activities and plan your next destination. The Inn is well stocked with information
about IN and what the beautiful state has to offer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There are several spacious rooms available on the 2<sup>nd</sup>
and 3<sup>rd</sup> floors. You can find
descriptions and pictures of the different room options on the Stone Soup Inn
website. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It was a comfortable, quiet stay with a delicious breakfast
available the next morning. We enjoyed
the overall atmosphere and presentation of the Inn and would stay here again!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Check this link for more information:<a href="http://www.stonesoupinn.com/">http://www.stonesoupinn.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Enjoy your travels! <o:p></o:p></div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com3Stone Soup Inn39.784683 -86.14982739.7831575 -86.1522945 39.7862085 -86.147359500000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-45402681204926641472012-05-04T19:34:00.001-07:002012-05-13T15:40:39.721-07:00Out and About<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Out and About – Near Sleepy Creek Vineyards. </span></h2>
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Two locations near the vineyard that you might be interested in checking out include Ludwig Farmstead Creamery & Sugar Shack Antiques. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ludwig Farmstead Creamery </b>came highly recommended by Joe at Sleepy Creek. We even got the chance to briefly meet their Dutch cheese maker, Fons. Stop by the farm to taste some cheese and enjoy some delicious ice-cream.</div>
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17591 N. 600 East Rd. </div>
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Fithian, IL 61844</div>
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<a href="http://ludwigfarmsteadcreamery.com/">http://ludwigfarmsteadcreamery.com</a></div>
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<b>Sugar Shack Antiques </b>is an antique shop located on a bison and cattle ranch featuring quilts, hunting and fishing antiques, and Old Western items, as well as packaged meats from the KD ranch. </div>
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9912 E. 1980 N. Rd. </div>
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Oakwood, IL 61858 </div>
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<a href="http://sugarshackantiques.weebly.com/">sugarshackantiques.weebly.com</a></div>
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Also Nearby is the Kickapoo State Park if you are up for some hiking or an outdoor adventure! </div>
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ENJOY! </div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-73999341504632086692012-05-04T19:12:00.000-07:002012-05-13T15:41:16.022-07:00Coal Creek CellarsOn our way to Indiana we attempted to stop by Coal Creek Cellars. Their property is beautiful and we hear they are a fairly new winery. Unfortunately, they were not available during their posted hours. We found an empty parking lot and locked doors though their sign said they should have been open.<br />
We tried calling, but to no avail.<br />
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These things do happen. <br />
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If you are looking for more information, their Facebook page is posted bellow. It is several miles off the highway, so if you are looking for convenience you may not find it here.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coal-Creek-Cellars/163619473691314">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coal-Creek-Cellars/163619473691314</a>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com03573 W. U.S. 136, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, USA40.0427838 -86.912303340.0412643 -86.9147708 40.0443033 -86.90983580000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-38687206845564861622012-05-04T19:04:00.000-07:002012-05-13T15:41:32.903-07:00Sleepy Creek Vineyards<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sleepy Creek Vineyards – Fairmount, IL</span></h2>
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We have been wanting to visit Sleepy Creek Vineyards for a
couple years now. One of our favorite
bands has played there twice and will be appearing again in August. Hopefully, we can make it out to see them
this time! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sleepy Creek starting growing their vines in 2002 and will
be celebrating it’s fifth year of business on May 17<sup>th</sup>. This beautiful establishment feels quiet and
secluded, sitting on a pond surrounded by trees and vines, but is easy to find
and not too far off the highway. <o:p></o:p></div>
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During our visit Joe Taylor expertly led us through the
wines. Joe and his wife are the owners
of the winery and are both incredibly knowledgable about their products as well
as other wines. Joe told us that he may
be the only person to go into wine making because he wanted to design the labels. Joe is graphic designer and created all of
the unique animal themed wine labels.
The label for their Sour Puss wine is even fashioned after one of the
cats you may see at the winery. One an
interesting note, the Scapegoat label is designed to look like William Taft
with a goat head. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Wine</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
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We had the opportunity to try all of the wines and wine
products at Sleepy Creek . <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are the descriptions and our thoughts on a couple of
our favorites. (Sleepy Creek’s
descriptions in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">italics</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sour Puss </b>– <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An aromatic, citrusy semi-sweet white wine
made from Sleepy Creek’s LaCrescent grapes.
Serve chilled. </i>This is an
intense, flavorful wine that leaves your tongue tingling and your mouth
watering. Not as sour as the name might
sound as it has that sweetness to it as well… much like their cat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bull Headed – </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An unfiltered dry red wine, made from
Chambourcin, it’s our only barrel aged wine.
Try with a hearty meal. Great for
grilling! Best served at room
temperature. </i>We could really see
this wine being paired with some red meats like steak, lamb, and pot roast. This
wine really stood out for Chad. He isn’t
usually a fan of Chambourcin wines, but found this one to be quite delectable. We
won’t share the secrets to the success of this wine, but you can certainly ask
the owners. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Little Woody – </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A semi-dry wine aged with oak, made from
Sleepy Creek’s Leon Millot and Marcheal Foch grapes. </i> We had the pleasure of being the first people
to try the new release of this wine. It
has been missing from their wine list for about a year. Though not completely mellowed yet, Little
Woody already stands out as a superb wine.
At first taste it seems rather simple but as it sits on the pallet, it’s
complex layers appear, making it a wine you will not soon forget. We were the first to buy a bottle of this
delicious wine and cannot wait for it to be ready. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Both the lemon and grape wine slushies are incredibly tasty
and would be wonderful on a hot summer day.
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Wapatulli, their version of Sangria, is made with their <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Plonk </b>wine. Plonk is Dutch for cheap wine. This is made
to be a mixing wine and not generally served on it’s own. We bought a bottle of this wine to mix with
our wine smoothies we make at home out of frozen fruit and wine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sleepy Creek hosts several events and concerts throughout
the year including weekly events such as Wieners & Wine every Friday from
5-8 pm. They also recently opened a beautiful B&W (BED & WINE) above their tasting room. It is a gorgeous 2 bedroom suite with a full kitchen, living room, and deck, as well as a lofted area with two small beds. You can find information about booking this suite on their website!<br />
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We highly recommend you visit
this vineyard!<o:p></o:p></div>
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For more information please visit <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.sleepycreekvineyards.com/">http://www.sleepycreekvineyards.com/</a></div>
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or follow them on Facebook at </div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/sleepycreek">http://www.facebook.com/sleepycreek</a></div>
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(one of the cats you may find on your visit)</div>
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<br /></div>Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com0148-198 S Main St, Fairmount, IL 61841, USA40.0455911 -87.830583839.948303100000004 -87.9885123 40.1428791 -87.6726553tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8407929675441963649.post-78764517695353176312012-05-03T21:22:00.001-07:002012-05-13T15:42:25.573-07:00Alto VineyardsChad and I have hit the road for a week! This isn't the first time we have hit the trail in search of wine, but this time we're taking the jeep for a spin, heading wherever the wind blows, and documenting our travels. Along the way we are visiting some amazing wineries and vineyards, tasting some fantastic wines, and meeting a bunch of wonderful people. <br />
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Our first stop was...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Alto Vineyards in Champaign, IL</span><br />
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This was our second time tasting alto wines. Our first visit was last summer on the Shawnee Wine Trail when we visited their vineyard in Alto Pass, Il. Both locations carry the same delicious wines, are family owned, and have incredibly friendly and helpful individuals serving their wines. <br />
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This time, Ryan led us on the tour of alto wines. Ryan took his time, carefully describing the unique characteristic of each wine, answering all of our questions, and letting his knowledge of wine truly shine through. His English degree and love for the language were apparent with each incredibly descriptive phrase he used. We appreciate all of the time Ryan spent guiding us through the grapes.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - The Wine -</span></div>
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Alto Vineyards has been around for over 20 years. They first planted their vines in 1982, selling their first bottles of wine in 1988. Alto boasts a very large, well-rounded wine list. There is a wine to meet anyones' tastes. From dry to sweet, white to red, Alto seems to have it all.<br />
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What I have previously found, is that some wineries with a larger wine lists seem to sacrifice quality for quantity. Alto, on the other hand, maintains a magnificent quality through all of their wines. I would certainly recommend visiting either of their locations. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Our Picks- </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The description from the winery will be in italics and our comments will be in normal type)</span></div>
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Because of their vast list, we have not yet tried all of the Alto wines, but we have not been disappointed by anything we have tried. </div>
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On our previous trip, Chad and I purchased all four of the Heartland wines and the Shawnee Gold.<br />
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<b>Heartland White</b> - <i>semi-sweet - Medium-bodied with a nice balance of fruit, acid, & sweetness, with hints of green apple & grapefruit. </i>An excellent all-around table wine. <br />
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<b>Heartland Blush</b> - <i>sweet - a fruity Concord blush reminiscent of fresh grape jelly. </i>Chad thought that this one had some hints of strawberry. Wines like this are dangerous for me because they are so easy to drink. <br />
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<b>Heartland Red</b> - <i>sweet - A medium-bodied Concord red with fruity aroma & hints of strawberry & cherry flavors with the natural grape flavor. </i>Great table wine, especially if you like the sweet stuff. A little too sweet for us.<br />
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<b>Heartland Port</b> - <i>sweet- Concord grapes produce a lighter-bodied, Midwestern-style Port wine with loads of grape flavor. </i> A great after-dinner sipping wine. Enjoy with some dark chocolate.<br />
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<b>Shawnee Gold - </b><i>sweet - a light, German-style wine with the apricot & peach aromas & flavors. </i>This wine is so smooth it is almost buttery. Excellent aroma<br />
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Wine we bought on this trip includes:<br />
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<b>Villard Blanc - </b><i>dry - light-bodied with hints of lemon & Granny Smith apple with a crisp finish. </i> I love this finish on this wine. It is well balanced and sits on the pallet nicely.<br />
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<b>Wiener Dog White</b><i> - semi-sweet - a proprietor's blend of Vignoles, Villard Blanc & Chardonel grapes. Marked by a soft melon aroma with light mango, melon, & pear flavors. </i>What can we say... we love the wiener.<br />
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A special thanks to Ryan for recommending and for allowing us the pleasure of buying their special, limited Chambourcin. It is truly amazing!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For more information on Alto Vineyards, please visit their website:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://altovineyards.net/">http://altovineyards.net/</a></span></div>
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and like them on Facebook:</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AltoVineyardsChampaign">https://www.facebook.com/AltoVineyardsChampaign</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AltoVineyards">https://www.facebook.com/AltoVineyards</a></div>
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<br />Katey Kratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02147012612771058479noreply@blogger.com04040-4394 County Road 900 E, Champaign, IL 61822, USA40.1622225 -88.29601140.137957 -88.335493 40.186488 -88.256528999999986