As a final celebration for my big 3-0 (and I swear this is the last one), the fiance and I took a little trip to a winery right outside the beltway...Paradise Springs!
It was the first nice day in about half a week and the winery was packed. Unfortunately we missed the big behind-the-scenes tour by about an hour (I think it's once a day on weekends) but the tasting was still totally worth it and even though it was packed, we we didn't have to wait long at all!
The person who did our tasting was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and even gave us a teeny taste of one wine, their Norton, a native grape to Virginia, that isn't normally included.
While we were tasting the wines we spoke to a couple next to us who were celebrating their 42 wedding anniversary. When we mentioned we're getting married in December they decided to share some wisdom. Their advice: Don't do anything the first year you don't want to continue for the rest of your lives and go to Aruba for our honeymoon. They said they've been all over the world and that's their favorite place!
Here are my favorite PS wines:
Nana's Rose, 2013
Varietal: Merlot
Price: $8/glass, $22/case
My Tasting Notes: Refreshing and citrusy, notes of strawberry and tropical fruit. Not aged in oak barrels.
My Verdict: You would NEVER know this is from Merlot grapes; I'm not a huge fan and I loved this...in fact it was my favorite by far. And from what I heard there, it's the favorite of the winery owner, too!
Melange, 2012
Varietal: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot
Price: $9/glass, $27/bottle
My Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied and slightly oaky with a smooth finish. Hints of blackberry and dark cherry. This was aged in French oak barrels and contains several Bordeaux varietals!
My Verdict: I'm really starting to like smooth red blends. And according to PS, Melange means blend or mixture in French!
An overall great experience. Beautiful setting, family and pet friendly (many cute pups and babies)...and so close to DC! Also did I mention the fantastic snacks? We had amazing French bread, salami and goat cheese.
Cheers!
Nana's Rose, 2013
Varietal: Merlot
Price: $8/glass, $22/case
My Tasting Notes: Refreshing and citrusy, notes of strawberry and tropical fruit. Not aged in oak barrels.
My Verdict: You would NEVER know this is from Merlot grapes; I'm not a huge fan and I loved this...in fact it was my favorite by far. And from what I heard there, it's the favorite of the winery owner, too!
Melange, 2012
Varietal: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot
Price: $9/glass, $27/bottle
My Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied and slightly oaky with a smooth finish. Hints of blackberry and dark cherry. This was aged in French oak barrels and contains several Bordeaux varietals!
My Verdict: I'm really starting to like smooth red blends. And according to PS, Melange means blend or mixture in French!
An overall great experience. Beautiful setting, family and pet friendly (many cute pups and babies)...and so close to DC! Also did I mention the fantastic snacks? We had amazing French bread, salami and goat cheese.
Cheers!
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