Monday, November 14, 2022

Spirits of Appalaccia and More

Due to our hectic pre-Halloween schedule, we ended up making our traditional Fall excursion to the Blue Ridge Parkway a bit late this year. Since daughter Allison is staying at Pleasant Hill, the old Martinsville homestead, she came with us this year. However, due to our weekend scheduling, we didn’t get up at the ass-crack of dawn for the traditional breakfast at Mabry Mill (sadness!). Instead, we headed straight for Villa Appalaccia Winery, which is, without question, our favorite winery in our region. We took a picnic lunch and settled ourselves in our favorite spot, the enclosed garden terrace. (No, we are NOT creatures of habit or anything like that.) Excellent wine (their 2020 Dolcetto vintage is superb) and an excellent lunch. The company could be sour on occasion, but that’s kind of a given. (Ducking, running, etc.)

Then, also following long-held tradition, we scooted over to nearby Chateau Morrisette Winery and sampled a few more vintages. Their restaurant is still closed, as it has been since the onset of COVID-19, but we talked at length with one of the owner‘s sons, and we were happy to hear that there are plans to reopen it — sooner rather than later. I can’t wait.

So, another gratifying outing to the Blue Ridge, and better late than never. 

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