NECTAR OF THE GODS

Washington Crossing and Bucks County might not be known as wine country, but that's set to change if the owners of Crossing Vineyards have anything to say about it.

Since opening Crossing Vineyards and Winery in 2000, they have built up a reputation for superior vintages that blend technology and expertise with a careful attention to craftsmanship and an eye to the unique local terroir. Ah, yes, there cannot be a more perfect time of year to go winery hopping, and here our fair hamlet we are lucky enough to have our very own slice of Napa cradled in the outskirts of New York City and Philadelphia, with four vineyards.....yes, I see a tour coming.

Here in Bucks County, which is not the first place you think of for wine producing country, but none the less, a good friend and I  visited a lovely vineyard in Washington's Crossing, a small town up  river from New Hope and not far from the lazy Delaware River, the spot where Washington crossed the Delaware during the Revolutionary War.It was a perfect 70 degrees, sun shining amidst a cloudless sky, which seemed to heighten every one of my senses in the most fantastic way. The Crossing Vineyards and Winery, a two-hundred year old estate, is a charming plot of land with swirling vineyards, floating butterflies and a whimsical little garden that looks out to acres of stunning property. The winery has been written up by The New York Times and was awarded the gold medal at the 2010 International Eastern Wine Competition. And after tasting their fare, I can see why.

Opened in 2000, the winery has become one of the best of its kind in the area. The success of the  fruitfully, robust grapes can be partially attributed to the use of laser planting technology which creates perfectly straight rows for optimal vine growth.

 

Yesterday when we visited we opted for the “standard” tasting.  Tastings are held in a large, dimly-lit cellar on a long U-shaped table where guests gather around. We tasted a total of 12 wines, five whites, four reds, and 3 dessert wines.  I will not claim to be a connoisseur, but I have tasted some excellent wines in my day, and overall I was extremely pleased with the selections I sampled.

The staff was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. The wine attendants at each station gave facts and the flavors of each wine. For $15 that included our tasting, and then one full glass of your choice at the end.  But you know your dear Mistress bought a bottle, as did my friend, and we enjoyed it with a huge selection of meats and cheeses. What a lovely afternoon. Of course I came home with a bottle too. How could I pass up on the Wildberry?

On the way home I even stopped in Washington's Crossing to snap a few gratuitous pictures.

The bridge above was of course not there then, but this is the spot. Below , on the stone "landing" is the spot where Washington and his troops pushed off to cross the river. One almost gets chills knowing all this history took place. Or was it the wine???

And this last shot is strictly for Bob. It reminds me of his Architecture Wednesday post. This home is on River Road heading back into New Hope. Boy, I can only imagine their views!!!!!

What a great way to celebrate Earth Weekend.

Tootles