In Our Neck Of The Woods

This weekend marked the first "Family Day" long weekend for BC residents.  The expression "Family Day" conjures images of the nuclear family going out for a long drive, or attending some sort of event, geared toward families with small children.  Well for me, my family is far from "standard" as it is comprised of myself, my husband and our furry baby.  So when presented with this specific long weekend, we knew we'd have to steer clear of the locations where there would be lots of young families, as we wanted to avoid crowds, crying and whining, and find places to go where only adults would be doing the "wining" (a verb I use to describe drinking wine).  Scott and I found a few places to keep us entertained....

Sunday morning, we embarked on a wilderness trek to Golden Ears Provincial Park.  Over the years, Scott and I, with our dog have had many great hikes there, as we usually never encounter more than two other couples on the trail with us.  This steep inclined trail, makes it ideal to avoid large crowds, and inexperienced hikers.  We lucked out this Sunday since we didn't see another soul.  The 75 minute hike, through sunlit, moss covered trees and many rocky steps across waterfalls, make for a challenging and breathtaking excursion.  Triggs loves this place as he can run in and out of the trees and swim through the water without a care in the world.  Scott and I love it as it gives us a chance to get some exercise and have these amazing conversations about our life, careers and goals for the future.  This Sunday was no exception.

Afterwards we grabbed a quick bite, and dropped off Triggs, so we could do some "wining".  First up, just within township limits, was our very own Township 7 Winery.  This country charmed, local favourite, is just off 16th ave and 211st.  Going there is like visiting a close friend;you always feel welcome.  Their relaxed atmosphere, from the intimate tasting room, to the outdoor seating around a blazing fire, makes you feel right at home. The view of the neighbouring farm and rows, upon rows of vines, add to this pastoral experience. The staff engaged us in small chit chat, while we sampled wine.  Out of the seven tastings, my favourites were the Unoaked Chardonnay and their Reserved Red.  The Chardonnay was not your typical golden yellow; instead I was met with a crisp, clean flavour, from this almost clear white wine.  After I swirled it, and took a sip with my eyes closed I could have sworn I was sitting on the back deck of my parents' cabin, late afternoon in mid Aug.  So refreshing and light.

The Reserve Red is truly memorable.  This is the type of wine where after one sip it is as though time stops and all that matters is the deep, bold flavour of cheery, pomegranate, and a hint of coca.  I took my time with this glass, swirling the burgundy liquid, around and around, creating long legs down the side of the glass.  Savouring the warming sensation as I drank it.

Once satisfied we left Township and made our way to Neck Of The Woods Winery, located on 30th ave and 232st.  At first glance the brick, industrial looking building does not lead you to think winery, but as soon as you open the ten foot, solid blond wood doors and clear the threshold, there is no mistaking it for anything else than a winery.  With their bottles stocked against the walls, and several wine cask tables for sipping and eating, to the long tasting bar, you feel a sense of familiarity.  We saddled up to the bar and ordered the "sweetheart" tasting, which entailed- sparkling white wine, and six other samples of red and white, with milk chocolate dipping sauce and fresh fruit, with cream puffs and waffles to dip.  Just like Township, you didn't feel rushed, but instead encouraged to relax and take your time to taste.  And that is just what we did.  After we finished sampling the wine and devouring the fruit plate, we ordered a glass each of their Syrah.  Then time slowed down and our conversation elongated, while slowly sipping our wine.  It was as though we were back in our early months of dating, where we had so much to talk about that time slipped away.  Before we left we picked up a bottle of Red Nosey Neighbour, to take to my parents' place for roast pork dinner.

One of the best days so far in 2013, with my family.