Jaunt
We had time for a week’s vacation and decided to hit the wine country in Eastern Washington. First stop, Hood River, OR! We had heard great things about Hood River and, like many great places in the PNW, we had never been. Plans were made, agendas were set, and packing ensued. Our path to Hood River, coming from the Seattle area, included a southerly trek down I-5 and then east on 84, a 4 and a half-hour drive. As the days drew closer to our departure, the weather forecast became more ominous. Snow, lots and lots of snow!
Plans change but are Never Cancelled! With an impending road closure between Portland and Hood River, we left 2 days early! Hell, we can work remotely from the Hood River accommodations. 🙂 One late night and uneventful drive and welcome to Hood River!
Quench your Thirst
The snow came (in all about 2 feet,) but that didn’t stop us from venturing out to a local vineyard in pursuit of wine.
MARCHESI VINEYARDS was on our original agenda before the change in weather conditions, so covid accommodations, food, and most importantly, wine selection were all explored ahead of time. Since Hood River does a nice job of snow removal and sanding (which was more like graveling than what I’m used to back in the Midwest,) getting there was still no problem.
https://www.marchesivineyards.com/
Marchesi Vineyards is a beautiful place!
The outside tasting area was set up with semi-private areas on the porch with heaters for small groups to sit and enjoy the wine while snuggling under blankets and stealing a kiss or two without too many prying eyes. So even though it was snowing and cold outside, we hardly noticed.
The wine selection was a nice variety of Italian-styled wines, including Barbera, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and more. All of the wines in our tasting were wonderful, but my favorite was Valentino, a Primitivo Riserva 2019, somehow fitting, given the time of year.
The aromas were of sweet jams and baking spices that, once introduced to your tongue, danced with the subtle cedar notes creating a velvety smooth suppleness in your mouth that lingered for a long finish that left you wanting more. The exemplification of sex on the tongue.
A Juicy Morsel – the kiss
The warm sensation in my cheeks tells me I’m flushed. But whether it is from the wine or his closeness, I can’t be sure. He leans in, and our lips touch. Soft, warm, inviting. My heart pounds in my chest—a succulent dance of warm desire on the lips and invigorating sensations on the tongue. My heart rises to my throat, where it catches fire, then drops to the depths of my soul where it burns. My body responds with a splash in hopes of helping quench the heat. Our lips part, and I reel back to reality and take a sip of wine.
I can’t just leave this post about Marchesi Vineyard without mentioning the best part. Jazzy. She is the sweetest, smartest, friendliest dog that wasn’t my own and was a highlight of our outing.
Until next time, keep your glass full –
