Siena, Italy - Wine Tour in Tuscany

The Tuscan countryside on the drive to the vineyards. 

Wine tasting in Tuscany has been on my list of "things to do" for many years. In April my husband and I spent a day in the Chianti region with an amazing tour guide, visiting four small family owned wineries in breathtaking locations. The knowledgeable and entertaining Donatella Noni operates her company, Wine Tours in Tuscany out of Siena.  It has been highly reviewed on TripAdvisor and other sites. Those reviews are correct, and our tour with Donatella turned out to be a once in a lifetime day for us.

She picked us up at our hotel in her new sporty van she fondly named Sandy. One other couple joined us and the five headed out through the spectacular Tuscan countryside to our first stop, Setriolo, a small winery owned and run by a mother and daughter. The grounds and vineyards are especially gorgeous with colorful gardens, numerous roses, sensational vistas, and one very memorable field of grapes. In the center of the rows of grapes stands one grand olive tree, the symbol of the winery.

The one stately olive tree in the middle of the vineyard.

The wisteria was in bloom during our visit. 

The wine tasting took place in the farmhouse living room, as comfortable and charming as you might expect from a home in Tuscany. We sampled two of their Chianti Classico and one Merlot, produced from grapes grown on the property and, accompanied by some tasty cheese, salami and crackers. The wine was delicious and inexpensive.  We purchased a bottle of Chianti to bring home before we left for our next stop.

Our first wine tasting of the day.

Stop two was Querceto Di Castellina, a larger family winery with agriturism accomodations on premise.  We enjoyed four more tastings, a pink Rose', two Chianti Classico and Merlot.  Very drinkable wine, and we purchased a bottle of the Rose' for later enjoyment in our hotel.

Wine tasting at Querceto di Castellina. 

The highlight of our third stop at Antico Podere Casanova was the house-cured prosciutto that was served with the quite remarkable Chianti Classico and Gandino wines. The owner/winemaker who spoke no English, brought us down to his cellar to sample some wine aging in chestnut barrels.  My favorite of the day! We left with a bottle of his fine Gandino, exclusive to his winery.

Our guide Donatella with our gracious host,

Sampling wine from the chestnut barrels. 

Lunch was prepared and served at the home of a family friend of our guide, Donatella.  The home dated back to the 1200's and the charm was everywhere.  The lasagna was prepared Tuscan style with Bechamel sauce, rich and flavorful.  The Tiramisu was the best I've ever had.  Of course, the meal was served with wine. More wine! 

Our fourth stop was at the equally beautiful La Papessa Vineyards and Agrotourism estate. By that time, I was not a good critic of the wine we tasted.  Matter of fact, the whole stop was a little vague after so much good wine, food and fun. The day was coming to an end and I had enjoyed more than my share of fantastic wine served in incredible settings.

All the wineries were as scenic as you would imagine in Tuscany.  

This was a day that I will never forget. If you are looking for a unique, fun-filled and delicious adventure,  I cannot recommend Wine Tours in Tuscany any higher.

Redmond, OR - Wild Ride Brewing

The entrance of Wild Ride Brewing.

On a gorgeous February afternoon, after a spectacular hike at Smith Rock, a world renowned rock climbing venue, we were in search of some tasty craft beer and a little fun. We found what we were looking for at Wild Ride Brewing, in Redmond, Oregon.

Wild Ride offered 12 of their beers on tap. 

Located in an industrial building, near the center of town, are housed the taproom and on-site brewery. When we arrived mid-afternoon the place was buzzing and there were few empty seats to be had. Other outdoor enthusiasts, bicyclists, hikers and apres-skiers, were all there to enjoy the lively atmosphere and drink a pint or two.  

Everyone is having fun at Wild Ride!

We had 12 house made beers to choose from, everything from a light lager, to a bourbon barrel aged stout. I was thirsty so I chose the Whoopty Whoop Wheat, and my thirst was happily quenched.  Others in our group chose the Mount Up Maple Brown, the Hopperhead IPA and the Stand Up and Shout Stout.

 

Three happy  patrons enjoying the afternoon.

In our opinion, the quality of the beer was balanced and brewed by people who know their craft. By offering 12 selections, every beer lover I should find something to like. The atmosphere is festive and lively, and the imaginative décor and beautiful artwork only adds to the fun.

Some of the imaginative decor at Wild Ride. .

 

First time I've ever seen tasters served in skis.

We were hungry after our hike, and although, Wild Ride does not serve food, there are food carts outside, with staff that is ready to please.  We ordered some chicken and pork barbecue and it was delivered to our table inside the pub.  It filled us up and was a fine accompaniment to our beer.

Wubbas's served up some fine barbecue to enjoy with our beer. 

If you in search of refreshment after enjoying Central Oregon's outdoor recreation, or just looking for a fun place to drink a pint with friends, a stop at Wild Ride will not disappoint.