Have
you ever wondered why some people enter your life when they do?
For
years you’ve shared common places, common experiences and common friends. But,
yet, really didn’t know much about each other.
I
took a road trip to Wisconsin as part of a “Women and Wine Weekend” and after
700 miles on the road, touring a vineyard, sampling some interesting wines and
soaking in the beautiful scenery, I found that sharing some kooky stories and
laughing until you snort, is a guaranteed way to know a whole lot more about women.
The
vineyard was at Wollersheim Winery located in Prairie du Sac, WI. If you think Wisconsin is just
about making cheese, you'd be wrong. Things I learned about Wisconsin winemaking.
- You can make wine from harvesting frozen grapes in December, which is called Ice Wine. It’s an incredibly sweet wine and a bit too rich for my taste buds.
- The first grape vineyard was actually planted on a hillside looking over the Wisconsin River by a Hungarian immigrant, Agoston Haraszthy. After failed attempts due to harsh weather, he went to California in 1840 to develop the state’s first winemaking industry.
- The different fields and the slopes (medium or steep) where grapes are grown determine the type of wine produced.
- Winemaking is a skill mixed with science, tradition and artistry.
The
women that took part in this wine tour experience were former high school
classmates. After our 30 year class reunion several years ago, we decided
to keep in touch and get together whenever possible. This trip was one of them.
Amazingly, from one weekend with these women, I discovered that getting older can be a beautiful thing and ladies that are fifty-something have surprisingly a lot in common with wine –
1. High
school is a distant memory and those awkward times of youth should remain in
history. Just like winemaking, the history is only the beginning and its
continued development is what brings out its true character.
“Women in midlife are full of
richness and unique essence.”
2. Women
have a lot in common - don't be afraid to bitch about it. Like wine, we’re refined
from a similar hardy vine and grow to our finest maturity.
“Women in midlife can support, enrich
and age gracefully.”
3. Be
open-minded and share your worldly intuition. It's like fermenting wine – it gets better with age.
“Women in midlife embody vibrancy and radiance
as we age.”
4. Have
fun! Laugh at and laugh with! It's definitely a lot funnier
while drinking wine.
“Women in midlife know that
laughter is important.
It's like taking an instant well deserved vacation.”
5. Don’t
take friendships for granted. As with wine,
each glass must be enjoyed.
“Women in midlife appreciate those
exceptional moments.”
More importantly, I learned that you can buy and sell women's underwear on eBay. Had NO idea!
Aaaand...steak looks much larger on a plate without the salad. I'll let you use your own imagination with that one. Hint: manscaping could be the topic.
See...the knowledge just pours out like wine!!
"Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the
'Titantic' who waved off the dessert cart." ~ Erma Bombeck
Cheers to road trips, funny stories and, of course, wine!
Put your smile on,
See...the knowledge just pours out like wine!!
"Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the
'Titantic' who waved off the dessert cart." ~ Erma Bombeck
Cheers to road trips, funny stories and, of course, wine!
Put your smile on,
Laurie O
If you like it, love it and want more of it, please subscribe to A Square Of Chocolate here and get every post delivered to your email. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
If you like it, love it and want more of it, please subscribe to A Square Of Chocolate here and get every post delivered to your email. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
What a great story! My dream vacation is one with my best girlfriend in the wine country of California. I've been to Wisconsin several times and had no idea there were vineyards there.
ReplyDeleteMy dream vacation would be just to get out to California wine country! It's on my To Do List!! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI swear I may need to make my mantra for the entire week: I am filled with richness. I am filled with richness.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Carla, YOU are!!!
Delete