I’ve been putting off writing this post because there’s a sense of closure that comes with it.
In December, we bottled the last of my grandpa’s grapes. [This is a side project that my dad and his friend do – not the Zin that is sold in stores that the vineyard grapes usually go to]
As tricky as it is bringing two toddlers to a garage full of equipment for bottling wine, I really wanted them to have some memories of this. P got to go to the vineyard a few times, but V only made it once, when she was days old, for my grandpa’s funeral. In my dreams, I always envisioned my sisters and I taking it over one day; and raising our kids to do the same. But obviously that isn’t happening and even though I’ve come to terms with it, it’s still sad for me to see the last production come to a close.
At the very least, they both got to witness this sentimental event and “help” so hopefully P will remember bits and pieces of it.
We headed off right after their breakfast (I ate in the car) and listened to the same two books on cd a million times in a row before finally arriving. Luckily it wasn’t raining that morning, even though the skies were cold and stormy looking. P missed school to go, which I felt was definitely a worthwhile reason to skip a day.
He was super into it. His jobs ranged from putting the cork into the cork press and handing labeling stickers to my mom or dad. Super demanding labor. 😉 Her jobs revolved around the croissants.
We ended up with two cases and I’m happy to report it is excellent wine!
They ate this on the car ride home (home-made trail mix with allergy safe things, bananas, and apple slices) as their lunch and I put them down for naps as soon as we got home. He was very excited to show off an extra cork the next day at his school’s sharing.
I popped the first bottle open that night for happy hour, while I made dinner. Delish!
These are deconstructed sushi bowls, with brown rice, tofu, avocado, pickled cucumber (for me and P), and furikake sprinkled on top.
Excellent and easy for a day filled with travel.
Dessert action ensued.
This Godiva chocolate wasn’t that great. I hardly even wanted to finish it. I don’t know what else to say without sounding super mean. Don’t recommend.
The Ritter sport however, is a real love. Hazelnuts and dark chocolate? What’s not to love. I used to eat the whole bar at once (as part of my dessert, not even the whole thing), which I then realized was kinda insane. It’s definitely a calorie bomb. But it’s soooo goooood. They just started carrying the dark chocolate one at TJs (they used to only carry the milk chocolate hazelnut one) so that’s dangerous.
I’m so sorry about the ending of the winery and your grandpa’s grapes. That must be very hard for you and your family. Hopefully P does remember such a special day when he’s older so he can share that memory with others. {{Hugs}}
It’s sad the wine-producing tradition of your family came to an end but so nice your children at least got to see it once. Who knows: maybe they’ll pick it up themselves one day ;)?
What a pity about the chocolate! I thought Godiva was a pretty nice brand but have never actually tried any of their products as they’re not sold around here. This is the country of Ritter Sport and I wish you could get the whole range of bars we have here, too.
Happy Friday!