Shenandoah Uncorked!

Shenandoah Vineyards is excited to be among the five local wineries featuring wine and other items at this year's Shenandoah Uncorked event. In addition to the wineries, other local businesses will have locally produced fresh farm produce, specialty foods and crafts on display and available for purchase. The event is held at Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns, Saturday, November 13, from 10 AM to 5 PM. For more details; See:
http://www.shenandoahuncorked.com/index.html
Here are a couple pictures of the picturesque Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns

Autumn Watch #5 - Moving It Indoors (Brrr...)

It's getting less fun outdoors with temperatures dropping. It was decided to put this post under "Autumn Watch" because it uses things previously listed in this category. And, there is the added benefit it is made in the cozy indoors.

The picture shows wild mushroom ragu paired with Shenandoah Ruby wine and pineapple chunks. Wild Meadow Mushrooms were picked from the vineyard and dried. (See: Autumn Watch#1) Recipe also uses red wine and file. We used 3/4 bottle Shenandoah Ruby for the red wine, and fresh, young, green sassafras leaves, dried and finely ground, to make the file. Click here for the wild mushroom ragu recipe.

We could've gone all out in preparing an Appalachian meal by using acorn flour to make homemade pasta, and local goat cheese as a topping, and maybe stewed local apples or persimmons as a side dish, but there's a limit to the amount of work needed to keep it regional and local. The ragu was delicious and rich. Too rich for some people's taste, and there are those who reject wild mushrooms in any shape or manner. The wine of course paired perfectly, as it was used as an ingredient in the ragu.

Autumn Watch #4 - At Least The Grass Is Still Green

This is where we are now. Many of the trees have lost their leaves, although the oaks are persistently  and courageously clinging to their foliage.  There is still abundant foliage on the oaks in the National Forest, but it is the more subdued shades of browns and tans, with some bright spots of orange-brown here and there.

At least the grass is still green in the vineyard. The verdant green of the ground cover is a vivid contrast to the tan and falling leaves of the vines. End-posts of the Riesling rows are a keyboard along the top of the hill, at the ready to play melodies sweet and ethereal. An Eastern Red Cedar is the focal point on the steep hill visible as you drive to and from the winery.

Autumn Watch #3 - We've Peaked

The autumn colors have peaked, and are marching to the more subdued tans, browns and rusts. There was a brief peak with its flourish of all-too-bright yellows, reds and oranges. But, after a couple of frosts its time for colors to begin resting. We'll try to post a few more Autumn Watch posts as the foliage deepens to siennas and coffees.

Early morning view across the front of the vineyard. Vineyard fruit is not limited to grapes, sweet scenes are tasty to the eye as well.

Picture is of Fort Valley Stables. Scenes as this are just a short drive from the vineyard. The hills and mountains are in the National Forest. Established trails are blazed and can be hiked or ridden on horseback.