I’m not the biggest authority when it comes to wine tasting; in fact, I normally go by whether the wine I’ve been served makes me crinkle my nose or not, so a discernible palate, I’ve yet to develop.

It’s been 20+ years since I went wine tasting; so I was very excited and honored to be included in Kat Merrick’s recent wine tasting excursion.  Her attention to detail and party planning skills are a wonder to behold and the day would have been nothing without her.

The first day of September, right smack dab in the middle of the Labor Day weekend was incredibly hot and humid.  The outing capped off Kat’s Birth-Week which had begun the weekend before with a party at The Tavern with Raging Arb and the Redheads. Kat is one of those women, who like myself, subscribes to the “How to Live Life to the Fullest” philosophies.  Plus, she just cracks me up!

Kat rented a van and my father stepped up as the designated driver for my friends so we wouldn’t have to worry and we would be safe knowing we had a sober driver.  That being said, and with his impeccable driving record to his credit, there was that moment of collective doubt as we exited the freeway and we all saw the stopped line of cars on the offramp, but apparently that didn’t register until the last moment for my father as he slammed on the brakes JUST in time before plowing into the autos waiting to turn.  But that is neither here nor there as it woke us up – in every respect – preparing us for the wine tasting ahead.

We visited four vineyards and took our time at the tasting tables learning about the wines being poured.  The Roberts are members of some wine clubs and as a result our pours were gratis, which I had not expected, but am so appreciative of.  At each location we took our time as we were in no hurry and enjoyed not only each other’s company, but Kat had put together a spread beyond belief.  Appetizers at our first with grapes, cheeses, salami, dried apricots and crackers.  Another one had our main course with amazing turkey sandwiches on artisan bread, as well as pasta salad made with fresh tomatoes from her garden.  Understandably, we never did get around to dessert, we were stuffed!!!

Still very green on the wine tasting front, and with a lot to still learn, I will attempt to impart what knowledge I have learned about wine tasing:

1. Go with someone more experienced than yourself

2. A designated driver, no matter what price, is worth it.

3. Take your time.  Do not rush

4. Don’t finish the glass if you don’t like it.

5. Photo ops are everywhere!  (Extra note: The pictures are better at the beginning of the day instead of the end, when you’re sloppy drunk).

6. Don’t get drunk

7. Sunglasses are mandatory for more than one reason.

8. Learn the term, “Revisit”.

I will now add this to my list of life highlights!  When I get “blue”, which is so rare, all I need to do is to place my attention on any of these highlights, and “Poof!”  Blues begone!

Thanks Kat, Chris, Karen, Wendell and my father Gilbert for a fabulous time!!