Wine on Wednesday

One thing about dogs you need to know is we are creatures of habit, for example, we like to eat at the same time every day.  Most suburban dogs get used to the fact that their family goes away for the day.  That's OK, because as dogs, we know you will be back.  We are happy when you come back.  Mike is around the house almost all the time, well he is now, before he was gone for 12 - 14 hours a day when he was in the graphics business.  Now, I am used to him being around, so when he does leave, I get worried and wait for him by the front door.

So I have noticed a few things about when he does leave the house.  Take last night, Laura left and Mike and I watched TV while waiting for our last guests to check in.  Another full house.  Everyone settled in and Mike heads out for a while.  Where did he go?  I watched Mike go over to the Delicate Palate Bistro.  It's a block away from the house, I can see it through the gate or if I'm up on the deck.

When they returned, they were holding wine bottles.  I have noticed that this has happened a lot this past Summer, remember, habits?  Well as it turns out, they go over for wine tasting every Wednesday night.  I found out is is $10.00 per person and includes a cheese plate, Mmmmmm I love cheese.  Oh, so back to the tasting.  Each week about 5 wines are poured, sometimes there is a theme, like "Battle of the Hemispheres."  Comparing wines from North and South of the equator: Bodegas Naia, "Las Brisas" from Spain versus a Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa and a Syrah from the Columbia Valley versus a Shiraz from Australia.  As any dog foodie knows, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape.  So Geoff Williams Jr., a certified sommelier, challenges his distributors to bring interesting wines each week to the tastings.  Some have come out of Geoff's personal cellar as well.  So back to the bottles coming home, if you like what you tasted, you can order bottles to be delivered the next week.  Mike and Laura have liked what they tasted and have added to their personal cellar.

Over the past 10 years, Mike and Laura have been learning about wine.  Being neighbors with wine makers and friends with chefs and sommeliers have accelerated their learning.  Able to stock the wine cellar for The Craftsman B&B with local area wines for guests has added more value for our guests here at the B&B.

So after you have settled in, maybe a glass of wine on the deck would be a good way to start your stay with us.  Mike can help you decide what wine would be the best for you, now or with dinner later.  That is unless it's Wednesday, when you should be over at the Bistro for the tasting.  I'll be here, waiting for your return, maybe I'll have a drink of water out of my bowl while you're out.