Thursday, November 17, 2016

Trying the Wines

I decided to take it easy today after two days of hiking around National Parks.  I did get up at a reasonable hour, but puttered around a bit.  Made a turkey bacon sandwich for breakfast, put away the dishes from the dishwasher, read a bit, took a leisurely shower...

The plan was to do what I couldn't on Sunday with my confused GPS...I went to wineries.  The time wasting was because two of the four closest that were open today opened at noon.  One was closed and the last didn't open until 6pm.  So, the list narrowed to two wineries.

The drive was really nice, especially once I crossed the state line into New Mexico.  It was a side of that state I'd never seen before...agricultural (up until now, I'd only seen miles and miles of desert).  There were miles and miles of pecan groves just starting to chance colors for fall (in select spots only).

The wind started picking up as soon as I got to Sombra Antigua.  I found myself pulling into an empty parking lot as it seems Thursdays are slow for the wineries around here.  I was greeted by a very friendly German Shepherd who escorted me to the door.  I sat down at the bar and started tasting wines.

I soon found a favorite and ordered a glass of Desert Rain.



Apparently, wine tasting affects my ability to take a photo with a phone.  

A cute couple from Las Cruces showed up looking to taste wines while researching possible venues for their wedding next year.  I bought two bottles of wine and packed myself up to find the next winery.  No idea why I didn't take photos of that place.  However, my new friend the German Shepherd likes to chase cars.  Even if they are going 5 mph on a dirt road.

The next winery La Vina, was very nice, not that the last one wasn't, but this one was VERY nice.


There was a couple there already tasting (no, not looking at wedding venues), but I hopped right in and started tasting.  Those of you who know me well, have probably figured out that I'm getting pretty buzzed at this point.

La Vina lets you try 6 wines and you keep the glass (unlike Sombra Antigua - 5 wines no glass), so they were already ahead.  I even tried the wine with the chili and was impressed.  

A few minutes after the couple that preceded me departed, the newly engaged couple showed up...apparently we were on the same tour.  We started talking some and, as soon as I told them where I work they started talking about their idea to make a business out of investing in vacation rental properties.

This conversation allowed me to waste some time and get my blood alcohol normalized.

Weird fact...their restrooms don't have external doors, but are hidden behind a half wall.  Everyone can hear you do your business, which is strange.

I bought two more bottles of wine and went outside to take some photos...


These are some of the pecan groves with the mountains behind them




Grapes and vines and stuff...

I stopped on the way home at the outlet mall looking for local souvenirs.  There was one shop with Mexican pottery at reasonable prices, but nothing I really liked.  Stopped at the regular mall, and the same store was there, but I found a turtle planter and a parrot wall hanging.

 Back at the rental now...almost time for bed...but first...


My haul...

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