Effervescent Cold Relief and Wine Country

Hello, all y'all peeps! Don't mind me, I am just not with it today. At all.

This weekend was delish and fabulous. My Steve-O turned 42 (the answer to life, the universe, everything):



Taken from Graphjam

Now, he really has all the answers (smartass!). He got some great presents, especially this one from me, except it actually shows the score 70-33 for WVU:

Taken from amazon.com

Then Friday, we hightailed it up to Statesville to enjoy a weekend of wine tasting, good food, and no minions kids. We stayed at the Clichy Inn. It was beautiful. And our innkeeper, Lori, was so nice and helpful. And let me tell you, she made the best stuffed french toast ever. YUM.

We stayed in the Whitefriar Room, complete with a fireplace and a balcony. It was gorge. We were met with a bottle of champagne as well, which, for me, is a double bonus!

 Here are some pictures, for your envy enjoyment.

We had dinner at a local pub downtown called Delaney's. Sad to admit, we got traditional fare: wings, beer, and cheese fries. But wouldn't you know, they were the best damned cheese fries ever.

The next morning, we were off relatively early for wine tasting. Yes, it was way before 5 pm. No, this didn't stop us or limit us in the least.

I learned some things whilst gallivanting around North Carolina wine country, and by Gosh, I am going to share it all with you!

Lesson #1: Varietals

North Carolina has several varieties of grapes: V. vinifera, French-American hybrids, Labrusca-type grapes and  Muscadines.

What this means to me: more wine deliciousness to try and love.

Taken from Visit NC Wine

Lesson #2 Tastings

Wine tasting is fabulous and very entertaining. Start off with whites, move to reds, and cleanse the palate in between. A "spit" bucket is available if needed.
What this means to me: Spit bucket??? are you kidding me!!!! Spitting is a bad habit.

Taken from wineaccessory.com

Lesson # 3: Pacing Yourself

According to one pamphlet on wine tasting, you should only try one or two wineries a day. Pace yourself-and savor your favorites to better appreciate the flavors.
What this means to me: We only have one day! Hit'em ALL! Rest is for the WEARY! Don't stop! Who cares about that ringing in your ears!? Winos never say die!

Lesson #4: Eat something

Many areas have great fare as well! Make sure you eat something to counteract your tastings.
What this means to me: Well, it was probably not the best idea to only eat the crackers they give you to cleanse your palate.

Taken from Paris Breakfasts

Lesson #5: Camera Shy

There is a reason why I usually don't take my camera places where wine is involved. It can be a little....risky.
What I learned: When an equally travelled tasting couple volunteers to take your picture, you should immediately say yes and pose next to oddest thing around and if you can, throw up the Hook'em Horns sign....Because that's how we roll. (I don't even like Texas...where is this coming from?)

Final lesson #6:  Rest and Relaxation

Despite all planning, prepare yourself for the unexpected.

What this means to me: Wake up on Sunday feeling a bit "ruuuhhh", but realize it is completely unrelated to your wine extravaganza the day before. Instead, realize your nose looks like Rudolph and you can't go 3 seconds without sneezing. Immediately invest in your "I'm sick and have to go to work" war chest:

And that, friends, is our foray into NC Wine Country. I highly recommend that you go-it is a lot of fun.
I feel like death today. At least it's wine unrelated.