tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-857351590070646602024-03-06T03:00:35.638-05:00New Hampshire Wine & DineA New Hampshire native's experiences through wine, dining, and more in the Granite State. I am also a wine columnist for The Hippo and will share my columns here.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-36084666697846768652015-03-06T11:08:00.000-05:002015-03-06T11:08:38.026-05:00Tasting Etiquette: How Not to be a Wine Snob<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am a fairly seasoned wine taster. I
haven’t been to Italy or Napa Valley yet,
but I have been to wineries in several other
places, including Texas, Maine, New
York and Canada. Wine tasting is one of
my favorite activities and I generally find
it very enjoyable. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But sometimes, there
are wine snobs and pushy people who also
decide to go wine tasting on the same day
you do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrq_q9UpqktvTo1I3wFwe8WSPjWryvLF7U21Ude4RZKEfVDWawgzkfO7MnXEvD2PIy_gCP5WkpUQK1wlsDGHqg7o4FpsnfbouLYxmszbaiFUhMPVYRnMpK3uqu_moYEJHUhUfrtcmGbo/s1600/wine+tasting1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrq_q9UpqktvTo1I3wFwe8WSPjWryvLF7U21Ude4RZKEfVDWawgzkfO7MnXEvD2PIy_gCP5WkpUQK1wlsDGHqg7o4FpsnfbouLYxmszbaiFUhMPVYRnMpK3uqu_moYEJHUhUfrtcmGbo/s1600/wine+tasting1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2014 Barrel Tasting at Hermit Woods Winery</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During a recent trip to a New Hampshire
winery, I encountered such guests, which
prompted me to write a list of do’s and
don’ts. Please read them with a good sense
of humor. A glass of wine is also helpful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>DO ask questions.</b> I’m not a wine expert
or a sommelier, and even when I have tried
a wine before, I like hearing its description.
I like hearing about how it is made, what it
pairs with and other essential information.
I may even ask some questions myself. I
appreciate when other people ask questions
too. I like watching others learn more about
wine. Please just be aware that the winery
employee may have several customers
to pour wine for, so be patient and courteous.
They are there to help and discuss the
wine with you, but when it is busy, they
have multiple customers to attend to at the
same time. Repeating your question over
and over doesn’t mean it will get answered
any faster. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>DON’T ask awkward questions </b>like
“how much residual sugar is in this?” or ask
the winery employee to keep repeating the
name of the wine. It’s right on the bottle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>DO try each wine </b>(within your own and/
or the winery’s sample limits). On the particular
day I went, it was quite busy, so I
had to wait a few minutes between tastings.
But I didn’t mind, because it gave me
time to enjoy my company and the wine
itself. Wine tasting is meant to be an enjoyable,
relaxing experience. I dislike feeling
rushed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>DON’T be pushy and impatient.</b> If it’s
busy, chances are you will have to wait.
Winery employees can only pour so much
wine and talk to so many customers at once.
They are doing the best they can to give
everyone the same great experience. Pushing
your way through people to the bar or
table is rude, and it doesn’t make the atmosphere
pleasant or relaxing. Also, holding
out your glass in front of other people isn’t
appreciated either. Everyone is waiting
for more wine, so please wait your turn. If
you’re in a hurry, a busy weekend tasting
may not be for you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>DON’T be overly loud. </b>Remember the
“inside voice” we all learned to use in
school? Please use it in the winery. I am trying
to have a nice relaxing experience, and
your yelling doesn’t help. It may be busy
and loud due to the crowd, but your voice
doesn’t need to rise over everyone else’s.
During Lakes Region Barrel Tasting
Weekend this past fall, my group visited
wineries with some of the same groups
of people who seemed to be on the same
route. One guest in particular rounded up
her group at each winery by yelling loudly.
This did not add to the atmosphere, especially
when we were in one of the smaller
wineries on the circuit. Please be courteous
of other visitors. I know we aren’t in a
library or anything, but we’re also not in a
nightclub. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wineries should be places where everyone
is welcome, no matter how much
they know about wine. One of the things I
appreciate most about our New Hampshire
wineries is their welcoming atmospheres.
I want to enjoy my wine without being
elbowed or shoved or having to yell loudly
to speak to the person next to me. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-21965935628448735242015-02-25T13:04:00.004-05:002015-02-25T13:07:01.357-05:00New Post: Thin Mints & Wine<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>NOTE:</b> The Hippo has changed how they are doing some things, so some of you Concord area people may not see all of my columns. I am going to do my best to upload them when they are out so you can still read them. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I realize they have been out for a few weeks, but if some of
you still have some Girl Scout cookies left and haven’t devoured them yet, here
are some suggested wine, beer and spirit pairings. If you’re going to eat them
(because let’s face it-they are irresistible once they are in the house), you
might as well pair them with your favorite beverage. Here are suggestions from
the experts, along with my own. I am not an expert, but I am offering my
suggestions anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you’re pairing anything with wine, most experts would say
start with the lightest and go from there. The same could be said about beer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJqHyYOHxoZJQu5Pzpn-de6dgu9prf_QdOMcaXgfh5HFks9COQ042jIyGAeSgTcg_Ls8fQhFc6aBPgzGrzP6TQhP2bJBiSkrK_oZTIdntbbC7xWultrnMnKf_S6jvin-4MXtCC2oXvYg/s1600/Bundle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJqHyYOHxoZJQu5Pzpn-de6dgu9prf_QdOMcaXgfh5HFks9COQ042jIyGAeSgTcg_Ls8fQhFc6aBPgzGrzP6TQhP2bJBiSkrK_oZTIdntbbC7xWultrnMnKf_S6jvin-4MXtCC2oXvYg/s1600/Bundle.jpg" height="267" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">COOKIES! Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trefoils (shortbread cookies)</span></i></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wine: </b>All of the
experts overwhelmingly suggest pairing this basic shortbread cookie with
Champagne or a sparkling wine. The rich, buttery taste will pair nicely with
the liveliness of the bubbly and bring out the flavors of the wine. I may also
try a Vinho Verde since it has some effervescence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beer: </b>Craft Beer
& Brewing suggests the following beers: Smuttynose Brewing Company’s Baltic
Porter, Oskar Blues Old Chub. They also suggest an IPA to contrast the buttery
biscuit quality of the cookie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<h2>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Samoas (cookie with caramel & coconut)</span></i></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wine: </b>This is one
of my all-time favorite Girl Scout cookies due to its combination of chocolate,
coconut and caramel. Huffington Post food suggests pairing this cookie with
Port, and I have to agree. The sweetness of the Port pairs nicely with the
notes of the cookie, and its smoothness will counter the ever so slight crunch
and texture. Moonlight Meadery’s Blissful could also be a great match.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beer: </b>Craft Beer
& Brewing suggests a barelywine as a match for this cookie to complement
the toasted coconut. Other suggestions include an IPA and coconut porter. Try
Squam Brewing’s “The Camp” Barleywine Ale. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spirit: </b>According
to First We Feast, Angel’s Envy Rye is a good match for the Somoa because its
brown sugar and cinnamon work well with the coconut in the cookie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<h2>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do-Si-Dos (peanut butter sandwich)</span></i></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wine: </b>I like the
idea of turning this pairing into a peanut butter and jelly situation. It
doesn’t necessarily mean grape jelly, either. To make this happen, you need a
fruity, jammy wine. What comes to mind for me is Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, a South
African red wine that would go nicely with the peanut butter. Zweigelt, an
Austrian red wine, is another suggested pairing because it is light bodied and
fruity. This pairing will also create a peanut butter and jelly scenario. Moonlight
Meadery’s Coffee in Bed could also make an interesting combination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beer: </b>Craft Beer
& Brewing suggest trying a smoked porter or a coffee stout.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>I would even venture to try this
cookie with Able Ebenezer’s Burn the Ships and see how the smokiness stands up
against the peanut butter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<h2>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tagalongs (peanut butter & cookie covered in chocolate)</span></i></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wine: </b>According
to experts, this cookie goes well with Madeira, or a wine with a hint of fruit
and sweetness like a Zinfandel. I would also try it with fruit wines like Sweet
Baby Vineyard’s Raspberry Wine or Hermit Woods Winery’s Deep Blue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beer: </b>The Beer
Chicks offer Wells & Youngs Banana Bread Beer as an ideal pairing. I happen
to love this idea because it combines three things I like: bananas, chocolate
and peanut butter. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
Spirit:</b> First We Feast suggests Johnny Drum by Willett because it can stand
up to the richness of the cookie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<h2>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thin Mints</span></i></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wine:</b> I wouldn’t
typically drink wine and eat a mint cookie. I like mint foods, but this
combination is very odd to me. However, experts suggest Syrah or Port. Their
richness can stand up to the chocolate and mint in the cookie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beer: </b>A beer
pairing I can get behind, and Craft Beer & Brewing suggests a chocolate
stout, which I think is a genius idea. A beer with some coffee, chocolate or
caramel notes will complement the cookies and its weight will match the cookie
crunch. They do point out, however, that these beers tend to have a higher
alcohol content so extra cookies may be needed! Try Henniker Brewing Company’s
The Roast, a seasonal winter stout with gourmet coffee beans roasted
exclusively for by Concord’s own White Mountain Coffee Roasters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spirit:</b> First We
Feast suggests pairing Thin Mints with Basil Hayden’s because its peppermint
notes will complement the cookie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-84075611587870917702014-06-06T08:03:00.001-04:002014-06-06T08:03:55.203-04:00Newfound Lake Vineyards Open for First Official Season
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’m happy to report that
there is a new winery officially open in New Hampshire: Newfound Lake Vineyards
in Bristol. As if there weren’t enough reasons to visit the beautiful Newfound
Lake area, here is one more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh247fTPpQXjqQrvcFxJb0TnezFr313kScndPBG8qTQmjU7nhBGvXhx3GER-Z8p4ImGrdzFPugaMA6qKLs4r2XxUogJG6pcMPp8Ac3ITvlLHlIykigeVfnYVQXGp0fbmxVmkVjYjO4Yg0Q/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh247fTPpQXjqQrvcFxJb0TnezFr313kScndPBG8qTQmjU7nhBGvXhx3GER-Z8p4ImGrdzFPugaMA6qKLs4r2XxUogJG6pcMPp8Ac3ITvlLHlIykigeVfnYVQXGp0fbmxVmkVjYjO4Yg0Q/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Owner Heidi von Gotz Cogean
held a soft opening last fall and just in time for the Lakes Region’s annual
Barrel Tasting Weekend. She had a few wines for tasting and a few other wines
in the works, including a Carmenere still aging that Barrel Tasting Weekend
attendees could taste. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I visited Newfound Lake
Vineyards last September on Heidi’s first ‘official’ night open and was excited
to return with my family. The winery is nestled up on a hill off Lake Shore Road
near Newfound Lake. It’s cozy and welcoming, just like Heidi. In addition to
being a great hostess, she is also very knowledgeable about wine so I enjoy listening
to her share her expertise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heidi’s ancestors in Germany
produced wine for many, many years so winemaking has always been part of her
life and opening her own winery is a continuation of that tradition. Like her
family generations before her, she is focused on homegrown grapes and is
currently growing Edelweiss, La Crescent and Marquette grapes in her vineyard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My cousins said, “You can’t make wine in America,”” she
laughed, but clearly she is, and has taken some back to Germany for them to
taste. Her mother, despite being in her 80s, is an active part of Newfound Lake
Vineyards and even handpicked some of the blueberries used in the wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Currently, there are three Newfound
Lake Vineyards wines available for tasting: Wild Blue Oak, Carmenere and Pinot
Grigio. Fermenting in the winery were cabernet sauvignon and merlot that will
become Wicked Good Red, a Bordeaux-style blend that is, as described, wicked
good. I tried this blend in the fall and really enjoyed it. It seems others did
as well because Heidi completely sold out. She expects to have it ready by
August or early fall. (<b>UPDATE:</b> the week after I visited, she released her Sweet Blue)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Pinot Grigio, made from
pinot gris grapes, is an Italian style wine that is bright and crisp with a
slight effervescence. What I enjoyed about this wine most is its smoothness and
lack of harsh acidity often found in other pinot grigios. This wine should be
well chilled before serving. It would be a great pairing with a seafood or pasta
dish with creamy sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Any guests who visited the
winery during Barrel Tasting Weekend last fall and tried the Carmenere straight
out of the barrel can now try the finished product. This wine is dry, smooth
and mellow with a subtle hint of pepper. It was aged in French oak to bring out
the grapes character and has developed nicely since the fall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Wild Blue Oak is a
blueberry wine made with local fruit from the Newfound area, hand picked by
Heidi’s mom, and berries from Taylor Farm in Alton. This wine is dry and
reminiscent of a red wine made from grapes but has a very nice aroma and flavor
of blueberries. Also aged in oak, this wine pairs well with game meat, red meat
and chocolate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Your taste buds change
every day,” Heidi said, noting that some wines are better with food to
complement a meal. She also recommends cooking with red wine if you have a
bottle that has been opened for a while. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to the Wicked
Good Red, Heidi is currently working on a few other wines as well. She had one
version of rhubarb wine last fall, but is developing a sweeter version. She
also hopes to release a sweet blueberry wine and a sweet cranberry wine and an
additional Cranberry Bog wine by the fall. She also collected her own sap from
her property and said a wine made with maple syrup may be in her future plans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For now, she is celebrating
her first official season and tending to the grapes in her own vineyard, hoping
the wildlife won’t disturb them too much. She has been busy producing wine and
has the winery fully stocked with cases of wines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Newfound Lake Vineyards,
located at 567 West Shore Road in Bristol, is open until November on Friday
evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon-5 p.m. Visit
<a href="http://newfoundlakevineyards.com/">newfoundlakevineyards.com</a> for more information and updates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-65770019701646220802014-04-29T22:29:00.000-04:002014-04-29T22:29:08.136-04:00Hermit Woods Winery's Uncorking
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am a huge fan of New
Hampshire wineries so it is always a pleasure to see them grow and prosper. We
have already seen LaBelle Winery move into a beautiful new facility in Amherst,
which has allowed them to expand not only their space, but offerings, wine
dinners, classes and events. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ0fEG7kWAm7W3VJrDK0osE3cENtBJDrxQ7LOlq-2cR62PN70I94TnBrwNKkD0thXHoe3d3KUxqjnn7F2xnCqoTEpLcJDjrzD9nQu1PMiS-5ynFofw_iyYaHJxx3eyR7i4N5F086G72I/s1600/10177276_10202607955532865_6247356160549852627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ0fEG7kWAm7W3VJrDK0osE3cENtBJDrxQ7LOlq-2cR62PN70I94TnBrwNKkD0thXHoe3d3KUxqjnn7F2xnCqoTEpLcJDjrzD9nQu1PMiS-5ynFofw_iyYaHJxx3eyR7i4N5F086G72I/s1600/10177276_10202607955532865_6247356160549852627_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently, I had the pleasure
of joining the founders of Hermit Woods Winery, formerly of Sanbornton, for
their official “Uncorking,” the grand opening of their new winery in downtown
Meredith. They worked tirelessly through the winter months to upgrade the old
Fermentation Station building that gives them much more room to offer tastings,
sell their products and most importantly – produce wine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“This is really a special
day for us,” said Bob Manley, one of Hermit Woods’ founders. “Ken, Chuck and I
have worked hard the last 10 months and we are excited to open the doors.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Manley thanked their family,
friends and many others involved in the project. He also noted that the
response from other businesses and the Meredith community “has just been
fantastic.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Most importantly, I want to
thank our customers. You have helped make our business a success and supported
us from the beginning,” Manley said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Manley, Ken Hardcastle and
Chuck Lawrence started Hermit Woods in 2011 after forming a strong friendship.
The original tasting room and wine production space were located in Manley’s
home. He joked that he was finally going to be able to have his master bedroom
and basement back with the opening of their new Meredith space. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“We had a love of wine and
we wanted to produce wine with native fruit from our area in the style of
regions from around the world,” Manley said. “Our wine is made with fruits
grown right here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hardcastle said they will
actually be adding a “fermentable landscape” in front of the winery so they can
grow fruit right on site. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before opening the doors
during the official grand opening, all three founders ‘uncorked’ the winery
with a giant wine opener and invited guests to head inside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCFpxBte1toNMCmNdi8h8DRJkhrqagH9AsDK9sM_UKS02lsOpQu_cgJ6OidCFky1aXPzoflyUSB3MIQ_BnH5j3rsg-83nuyk1LRzQ2xbBP6FSEc1TzEwWgS4ZumvfCz1T6bflLKL9uuM/s1600/971382_10202607949892724_513324511019855497_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCFpxBte1toNMCmNdi8h8DRJkhrqagH9AsDK9sM_UKS02lsOpQu_cgJ6OidCFky1aXPzoflyUSB3MIQ_BnH5j3rsg-83nuyk1LRzQ2xbBP6FSEc1TzEwWgS4ZumvfCz1T6bflLKL9uuM/s1600/971382_10202607949892724_513324511019855497_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“We are excited about doing
our part in Meredith for Main Street,” Manley said, “and we look forward to
being here for a really long time. Please take a sip of wine, wander around and
enjoy the place.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For this special occasion,
Chef Kevin Halligan of Local Eatery in Laconia served up a delicious selection
of appetizers, made to order on a grill right on the Hermit Woods deck. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The
weather was so great on this day, many guests looked like that had a hard time
deciding whether to stay inside and check out the winery or just enjoy the view
and sunshine outside from the deck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hardcastle, the winery’s
head winemaker, gave guests a tour of the winemaking space located in the lower
level of the building. Included were some of his test batches, including some
yeasts and a day lily wine. A geologist by trade, Hardcastle is constantly
experimenting with different yeasts to see what he wants to use in his wines.
“Wine is a living thing,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to their wine,
Hermit Woods is partnering with other local businesses like Oglethorpe Fine
Arts and Crafts and the Bread Peddler to offer a variety of items for sale in
the winery. The space is set-up nicely, with room to sip wine and browse. There
is also a nice deck off the front entrance, which will be an ideal place to sit
and relax during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The winery produces about 30
different wines per year. Their new wines will be released this summer, but
during the event guests were able to sample four wines: Three Honey Wine, Red
Scare, Maple Blue and Karmin Ayre. I have tried all of these wines before but I
never get tired of them; they are all so good. The Maple Blue is the perfect
wine for the season because it is actually made with local sap and low bush
blueberries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The winery is currently open
on Fridays from 3-6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Beginning in May, nearby Newfound Lake Vineyards in Bristol will also be open,
so take a trip to the Lakes Region and make a day of it. Visit <a href="http://hermitwoods.com/">hermitwoods.com</a>
for more information. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-28118961868416346512014-04-17T09:30:00.000-04:002014-04-17T09:30:02.400-04:00Survival of the FITtest Challenge<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IojDaWB4owxYw3wWAAEFeM_M2hweynfJeSQDJ5fnNnd9qz_jkPeU6Nqyo2F9A-hTBuLOiSHQZCTHy5F4BDhH_w8h839GNu5thuQgQq8Uk_iGlE2nXsNdJXPqEyUHLkA5SEPwMqQ1WJk/s1600/1501711_815409681821040_2480862395418191096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IojDaWB4owxYw3wWAAEFeM_M2hweynfJeSQDJ5fnNnd9qz_jkPeU6Nqyo2F9A-hTBuLOiSHQZCTHy5F4BDhH_w8h839GNu5thuQgQq8Uk_iGlE2nXsNdJXPqEyUHLkA5SEPwMqQ1WJk/s1600/1501711_815409681821040_2480862395418191096_n.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gather a team of four and test your
physical and mental strength during the Survival of the FITtest on May 10 in Chichester. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will be there with some gym buddies. This event should be a good time so get some friends together and come out. Plus, you'll get in a good workout while having fun!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
This event requires a co-ed team of four participants, to include one woman on
each team. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., teams will navigate a 5K course with a
variety of physical and mental challenges throughout, and must work together as
a cohesive unit to complete the course. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The event will be an all day affair and there will be numerous
activities for children, so they are welcome to attend with adult spectators.
There will also be music, food, contests and prizes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Frank
Monahan Foundation, which supports local youth and community programs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fun Intelligent Training in Concord is hosting this
event, but registration is open to all teams of four. Registration is $55 per
person until May 4. For more information and to sign-up, visit <a href="http://www.funintelligenttraining.com/fittestchallenge">www.funintelligenttraining.com/fittestchallenge</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-31612822581051191792014-04-15T06:23:00.004-04:002014-04-15T06:56:24.725-04:00Maple Season: Wine & Spirits Made With Maple<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(I am a few weeks late sharing this column from the Hippo. But the good news is you can enjoy these maple products past maple season).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is maple syrup season here in New
Hampshire and many sugarhouses recently participated in open house weekend.
With the abundance of maple syrup here in New England, it only makes sense that
many wine and spirit producers take advantage of this ingredient, incorporating
it into their products. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTaqwae0uWBI4ZH6tU1MQ4WTDqH9U2udRVJ73PTrLU6-skX0Ga1u-pIhiL7fo-yaft_mACJdbzecnhM1WDgT7Ch25s2ZSFxwmpITN4x8G_JaE3fmPVP06kwpiysXvFKPVEOSaoGkfcqs/s1600/maple_blue-glass-cutout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTaqwae0uWBI4ZH6tU1MQ4WTDqH9U2udRVJ73PTrLU6-skX0Ga1u-pIhiL7fo-yaft_mACJdbzecnhM1WDgT7Ch25s2ZSFxwmpITN4x8G_JaE3fmPVP06kwpiysXvFKPVEOSaoGkfcqs/s1600/maple_blue-glass-cutout.jpg" height="400" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Maple Blue from Hermit Woods Winery <br />(Photo courtesy of Hermit Woods)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Maple syrup is made when tree sap is boiled
and the excess water is removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because it takes 40 parts sap to make one part syrup (or 10 gallons of sap
to make one quart of syrup, according to Tap My Trees.com) it is a labor of
love, much like wine. A lot of work goes into the little bottle we appreciate
when it is time to have pancakes, waffles or even ice cream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Maple syrup might seem like an unlikely
ingredient for wine because it is so sweet, but used thoughtfully during the
winemaking process, it can really add depth and even some smokiness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ken Hardcastle, winemaker at <a href="http://www.hermitwoods.com/" target="_blank">Hermit Woods Winery</a> in Meredith, doesn’t shy away from using different products in his wine
and takes advantage of local resources whenever possible. It’s no surprise to
me that he found a way to nicely incorporate sap from the trees at their former
tasting room site in Sanbornton with some blueberry wine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The result was a 2012 and 2013 Maple Blue,
which are both very similar but the 2013 wine has a slight and subtle sweetness
over the 2012 bottle. Both wines are made with 35 percent blueberry wine and 65
percent maple wine. Maple sap from the Sanbornton trees was concentrated over a
wood-fired syrup pan during the winemaking process. The result is a wine that
resembles a pinot noir, but is bursting with blueberry flavors, a touch of oak
and a smokey sweet finish from the syrup. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My mom and I had an opportunity to try the
2013 Maple Blue upon a recent trip to the winery, poured by Ken himself. We
could tell he was very proud of this wine and he should be. It is definitely a
wine that captures the essence of both ingredients very nicely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.saphousemeadery.com/" target="_blank">Sap House Meadery</a> in
Center Ossipee already embraces honey, but has two regular and two seasonal
meads made with New Hampshire maple syrup. Their award-winning Sugar Maple is a
honey-maple syrup wine also known as an acerglyn, fermented with black tea.
Though it sounds sweet, it actually has a low amount of sugar, resulting in a
wine that is velvety and buttery (this is sometimes how people describe
chardonnay). It can be enjoyed many different ways: iced, chilled, at room temperature,
warmed or even mulled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sap House’s Hopped
Blueberry Maple is another regular and award-winning mead made from wildflower
honey and low bush blueberries with maple syrup added to balance out the fruit
and sweetness. Surprisingly, this mead has aromas of grapefruit due to the use
of Willamette hops. Enjoy this wine iced, chilled or at room temperature.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The seasonal Peach Maple
is a semi-sweet, honey-peach maple syrup wine similar to the Sugar Maple, but
with whole peaches added in the winemaking process. This gives it a delicate
peach aroma and floral notes of honey. Blackberry Maple, another seasonal, is a
semi-sweet mead made with local blackberries. It is aged with Hungarian oak,
giving it notes of vanilla, coffee and black pepper. These seasonals are not
always available, so if you see one, grab it!<br />
<br />
The good news is you do not need to travel all the way to Center Ossipee to
enjoy Sap House’s meads. Locally, they are available at Bert’s Better Beers,
Candia Road Convenience and Vino Aromas in Manchester, Harvest Market in
Bedford, Concord Co-op and Barb’s Beer Emporium in Concord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.flaghill.com/" target="_blank">Flag Hill Winery and Distillery</a> in Lee blends their General Stark Vodka, made from New Hampshire
apples, with maple syrup to make their Sugar Maple Liqueur. This liqueur is
pretty good any time of the year, but especially great in the spring and fall
seasons. You can sip it at room temperature, chill it or add it to an array of
beverages like apple cider or tea. You could even try it over vanilla ice cream
for an extra treat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a few other ways
to enjoy maple. Jim Beam and Crown Royal make maple versions of their whiskey
and Knob Creek makes a Smoked Maple Bourbon. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being able to enjoy real
maple syrup will always be one of my favorite things about living in New
Hampshire, whether it comes in a jug, wine bottle or glass of mead. Either way,
it’s a bottled labor of sweet, old-fashioned love. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-64517913532382635332013-12-24T08:17:00.000-05:002013-12-24T08:17:49.290-05:00Four Guys and Some Beer: The Able Ebenezer Brewing Company
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When four guys decided to get
together and start their own brewery, the Able Ebenezer Brewing Company was
born. That might sound like a huge risk, and no doubt it is, but thankfully,
they have the brews to back it up.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk4QOhlVon5v7VZsfM3PhHyF8rAu2Hu_UayhjhvhWI2eL2AFXwrSJXxp9s7UOFj5NKFLCFazzN7UU2oVbDu8cnxVRetO4EC6qEOSBndpi6jGYqyK9JIfmxu4M5bGBVJZqA2-NU2oVadA/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk4QOhlVon5v7VZsfM3PhHyF8rAu2Hu_UayhjhvhWI2eL2AFXwrSJXxp9s7UOFj5NKFLCFazzN7UU2oVbDu8cnxVRetO4EC6qEOSBndpi6jGYqyK9JIfmxu4M5bGBVJZqA2-NU2oVadA/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A few weeks ago, I had the chance to attend the brewery’s first official
tasting at the home of Carl Soderberg, one of the Able Ebenezer founders. Here,
the brewery is currently in its pilot program phase, with beer currently being
made in three to five gallon batches in Soderberg’s garage. Next year, the guys
plan to open a tasting room in Merrimack and will be upping production to
310-gallon containers to support growlers and local distribution. <br />
While the guys work on securing everything else needed to move forward from the
home brewing to brewery phase, they are putting the finishing touches on four
beer recipes and currently have two more “pipeline products” currently in the
research and development phase. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“There is a story behind everything we do,” Soderberg said, from the pine tree
in the brewery’s logo to the names of the beers themselves. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The brewery was named after Ebenezer Mudgett, a New Hampshire colonist who was
involved in the Pine Tree Riot back in 1772. After the British claimed large
white pine trees for shipbuilding purposes, several sawmill owners in Goffstown
and Weare rebelled, later flying a pine tree flag. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“We liked the local history and the spirit that embodies us,” Soderberg said.
“We are able, we want to accomplish things and stand on our own.”<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The four founders met on different occasions years ago but came together
recently to open the brewery. Zach Rand, nicknamed “the glue that holds the
group together” and Jim Wilson met at Plymouth State University, while Rand and
brew master Mike Frizzelle met while they were in the same platoon in the Army.
Later, Rand and Soderberg met in the Army in a different platoon. Some years
later, Rand and Soderberg connected while working at the same company. After
discussing the possibility of the brewery, they reconnected with Frizzelle, who
recently moved from the West Coast to brew beer in New Hampshire. Rand,
Soderberg and Frizzelle all now live in New England, while Wilson, the
brewery’s social media and marketing guru, lives in Texas. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Soderberg said they designed their current selections to appeal to a “full
spread of tastes.” <br />
The first beer on the tasting menu was Auburn, an Irish red named for the town
where it’s currently being made and fashioned after Red Trolley, a beer from
California. This beer is smooth and crisp with some subtle sweetness and notes
of caramel and honey. It is recommended for brunch but is also a beer for any
occasion. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The next beer on the menu, Emma Wood, also has West Coast influences. A Belgian
specialty, this beer is a cross between a Belgian white and a hoppy wheat beer
and named after a beach in California. As a home brewer, Frizzelle first shared
this beer with family on Emma Wood beach. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a Belgian white fan, I really enjoyed this beer and its flavors of orange
and lemon zest. It would also be good with an orange slice. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next we tried Homecoming, one of the brewery’s pipeline products. This beer is
described as a “robust harvest ale.” It is made with real pumpkin but is unlike
other pumpkin beers on the market, made with specialty malts, cinnamon, citrus
and nutmeg. This beer was a bit too heavy for me, but Oktoberfest fans will
love it. One of my friends also suggested trying it with Guinness as a black
and tan. It was named not only for the fall season but the homecoming
experience of people being home for the holidays like a reunion. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The next beer, named Notorious Offender under its working title, also carried
some weight. Described as a “New Hampshire strong ale,” this beer doesn’t
really fit into an established category. Frizzelle combined dark malts with a
wide array of bittering and aroma hops. The result is a beer that is
“intentionally offensive, but strangely fulfilling” according to the brewery
description. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Burn the Ships, a smoked India pale ale, is actually the brewery’s heaviest
beer, brewed with smoked specialty malt and dry-hopped to give it a unique
smoke-filled conclusion. This beer is “surprising as it is revolutionary,”
named for the founders’ experience of opening up the brewery and burning their
own ships in this endeavor. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Our ships have been burned,” Soderberg said. “We want our beer to be an
experience. It’s something to talk about; there’s a story behind it.” <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The final beer we tried was Tabula Rasa, an American Amber style ale that is
slightly sweet with caramel, honey and fruit flavors. This beer is “designed to
confuse the senses while warming the soul,” according to the brewery. Rand
named this beer after a concept from John Locke. Its name means “blank slate,”
usually used to describe a birth, when a person is at their freest. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall, I was very impressed with the Able Ebenezer beers I tried and think
others will really like them too. Once their Merrimack location is open, they
will have tastings, tours and growlers available for purchase. They are also
hoping to be on tap at several locations around the Manchester area. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To stay up
to date on the brewery’s progress, visit the brewery website at
<a href="http://ableebenzer.com/">ableebenzer.com</a>, or follow them at: <a href="http://facebook.com/ableebenezer">facebook.com/ableebenezer</a> and on Twitter:
@AbleEbBeer. </span>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-20782226288271665832013-12-07T14:19:00.001-05:002013-12-07T14:19:26.161-05:00Gift Guide: NH Wines for Everyone on Your List
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wine is a great holiday gift, especially when it comes from a New
Hampshire winery and supports local businesses. Here are some suggestions sure
to please every wine lover on your list.<br />
<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://coffincellarswinery.wix.com/home-1" target="_blank"><b>Coffin Cellars</b> </a>in Webster makes an <b>Apple Wine</b> that celebrates one of
fall’s favorite fruits and utilizes apples that would otherwise only be
acceptable for cider or compost. Using fruit from Carter Hill Orchard in
Concord, the Austins have created a wine that is crisp and smooth, perfect for
white wine drinkers. At only $15 a bottle, it is also a very affordable gift. You
can pick up a bottle at the winery, open year round on weekends from 1 to 5
p.m. or at many local retailers, including the Concord Co-Op, Korner Kupboard
and River Hill Market, all in Concord. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3FHFTc3FhpyRK0xq-Pci2CrmXCQ40fmzhgqbvMSdg6OeBgeRxGZNwdOmfMBPboCbnitlXVw2T3l1PGOKdpHQaUc1gYxdU9wIEjrQ-ttv8N9VMFDpjwSy8GgHEeUaMd5PZN4R6uF-3fQ/s1600/1395987_587669377964420_1296183401_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3FHFTc3FhpyRK0xq-Pci2CrmXCQ40fmzhgqbvMSdg6OeBgeRxGZNwdOmfMBPboCbnitlXVw2T3l1PGOKdpHQaUc1gYxdU9wIEjrQ-ttv8N9VMFDpjwSy8GgHEeUaMd5PZN4R6uF-3fQ/s320/1395987_587669377964420_1296183401_n.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the port or dessert wine fan, <a href="http://www.hermitwoods.com/" target="_blank">Hermit Woods Winery</a> recommends their
2012 <b>Deep Blue</b>, an intense after
dinner treat loaded with blueberry aromas and flavors. This wine is not only
delicious, but contains antioxidants and nearly a pound of low bush blueberries
in each bottle. This wine was just released this year<br />
Earlier this year, Bob Manley, Hermit Woods co-owner, described this wine as a
“party in the mouth” and suggested trying it drizzled over blueberry pie and
ice cream. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At $32 a bottle, this wine is worth the splurge. Hermit Woods Winery is
currently closed for the season before they open in their new location in
Meredith next year, but this wine is available at Oglethorpe’s in Meredith.
There, you can pick up a handcrafted gift to go along with the wine. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.zorvino.com/" target="_blank">Zorvino Vineyard’s</a></b>
number one selling wine, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fragole Z</b>,
also makes a great gift for a variety of wine lovers. “Fragole” means
strawberry in Italian and this wine is loaded with luscious fruit aromas and
flavors without being too sweet. At $14.99, it is affordable and can be found
at the winery in Sandown or at many gourmet shops and wine retailers. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to an impressive selection of many grape and fruit wines, Zorvino’s
tasting room also includes a variety of gift items, including cork holders,
gourmet foods and clothing.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.jewelltownevineyards.com/" target="_blank">Jewell Towne Vineyards</a></b> in South
Hampton recommends their <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Seyval</b>, an
off-dry, crisp white wine with hints of pear and apple. The grapes are grown
right in the on-site vineyards, which span across the border of New Hampshire
into Massachusetts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">According to owner and
winemaker Peter Oldak, “Seyval is a white grape variety which does very well in
the New Hampshire terroir. It makes a wine that is excellent with poultry or
fish or as a sipping wine. It would be a nice complement to a Christmas
dinner.”<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like Zorvino, the Jewell Towne tasting room also contains a selection of great
gifts for wine lovers, including handy branded tote bags perfect for carrying
wine to holiday gatherings. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you know a white wine fan who likes something light and sweet, get them a
bottle of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sweetbabyvineyard.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Baby Vineyard’s</a></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Niagara</b>. According to owner and
winemaker Lewis Eaton, “This wine is perfect for the holidays and pairs with
ham, turkey and a wide range of desserts.” <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It can be purchased at the Kingston winery or at several other retail
locations. Niagara is a cousin of the Concord grape that originated in New
York. It produces wines that are slightly more ‘grapey’ but still very
drinkable.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This wine is available at the Kingston winery or at several retail locations.
They recently redesigned their labels, which are eye-catching yet sweet. Pair a
bottle of wine with a set of their stemless glasses as the perfect gift set.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are in the southwestern part of the state, pick up a bottle of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Barnett Hill Blush</b> from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bhvineyard.com/" target="_blank">Walpole Mountain View Winery</a></b>. This
semi-sweet blush wine is a blend of eight grapes with aromas of spicy orange
and sweet tea and tart kiwi flavors. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">According to owner and winemaker Virginia Carter, this wine pairs well with a
turkey dinner with all of the fixings, complementing sweet and savory dishes because
it isn’t too sweet or dry, with some fruit. As it is a blend, it is also a good
choice if you aren’t sure if someone likes red or white.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All of the grapes in this wine are grown right in Walpole Mountain View’s
vineyard and is available for $16 at the winery and in area stores. Stemless
glasses are also available in the tasting room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">New Hampshire wines make
great gifts because they support local businesses, and in many cases, local
farmers as well. If you can’t get to one of the wineries, look for these wines
at several supermarkets like Shaw’s, Hannaford and Market Basket and in N.H.
Liquor and Wine Outlets. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to glassware, these wines can be paired with a variety of
accessories, including decanters, wine charms, toppers and chillers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-83357780072573624532013-11-25T22:42:00.001-05:002013-11-25T22:42:39.486-05:003rd Annual Lakes Region Barrel Tasting Weekend<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEZXDrBI6knbo9KFvy4Z0D6Z8QFoJ3CSp7R_i9zteidQEDjpaE-b23v7hkI4UcAFhCyTVaAthBzJDM0T2GziKsLbAaqBgCx9XyblN9QAKGtLPv7C-IPyrzC0HSqOEf2GVKm-qCFt0UmY/s1600/1375937_565828300132761_939993669_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEZXDrBI6knbo9KFvy4Z0D6Z8QFoJ3CSp7R_i9zteidQEDjpaE-b23v7hkI4UcAFhCyTVaAthBzJDM0T2GziKsLbAaqBgCx9XyblN9QAKGtLPv7C-IPyrzC0HSqOEf2GVKm-qCFt0UmY/s400/1375937_565828300132761_939993669_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This past weekend was one of
my favorite events: the third annual Lakes Region Barrel Tasting weekend at
seven wineries. This gives guests an opportunity to meet the winemakers, take a
tour of their winery and taste wines right from the barrel or tank before they
are done aging.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiems3bOIfpf_PZtkBr3FNFvh9BMROYPbMYdBhYJr6birWazRKGq8huXjF6gksXWMVqFZn4XEcvLp0DA27cMzXob47JV_E4FhXxjVTIxpWbEkqHWruCFq_-MqPUxrPJNTTprkRo5xTRL1k/s1600/1384305_10201352517067688_1084019306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiems3bOIfpf_PZtkBr3FNFvh9BMROYPbMYdBhYJr6birWazRKGq8huXjF6gksXWMVqFZn4XEcvLp0DA27cMzXob47JV_E4FhXxjVTIxpWbEkqHWruCFq_-MqPUxrPJNTTprkRo5xTRL1k/s320/1384305_10201352517067688_1084019306_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Sunday, several wineries were reporting an outstanding turnout, with
attendance numbers way up over last year, even with the weather being less than
ideal. I made it to five of the seven wineries this year. Unfortunately, I was
not able to visit Newfound Lake Vineyards in Bristol or Sap House Meadery in
Center Ossipee. I did attend Newfound Lake Vineyards soft opening last weekend
and was able to try owner Heidi Cojean’s Wicked Good Red, Sauvignon Blanc and
some Carmenere still aging in the barrel. I can’t wait to see what else she
produces in the future but I know it’s going to be great. My friend Carol and I
had a great visit with her and her family and enjoyed their hospitality. I also
heard that Sap House Meadery had their fabulous vanilla bean mead available for
tasting, which is perfect during cool fall days.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Saturday, my mom and I went to Haunting Whisper Vineyards in Danbury.
Downstairs in their winemaking area, we tried vignoles that was ready to be
bottled and a young syrah. Young marechal foch and carmenere were also
available. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirN9ivtCSbCQDYjT9-Q7VN92q6QSZ_UPnzVykvMFXiHt3uF1qnA6debOpAxEBeN6X-YgXSa7qvr7k2KBg5zZrhtZxo7ByNF3LJExmMawUSHC5KCvZMzoD8JTCtngjY_54iVwXg0_5QfFs/s1600/1394441_10201352517187691_707303204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirN9ivtCSbCQDYjT9-Q7VN92q6QSZ_UPnzVykvMFXiHt3uF1qnA6debOpAxEBeN6X-YgXSa7qvr7k2KBg5zZrhtZxo7ByNF3LJExmMawUSHC5KCvZMzoD8JTCtngjY_54iVwXg0_5QfFs/s320/1394441_10201352517187691_707303204_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Upstairs, we tried their new apple wine, made with cider apples from Apple Hill
Farm in Concord. This recipe has some cinnamon added, resulting in apple pie in
a bottle. This wine is so delicious. It would be perfect for a cool fall day,
warmed in the crockpot. <br />
Another new wine I tried was Misty Bog, a sweet port-style cranberry dessert
wine. This wine was intense but delicious, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. It
could also be mixed with sparkling wine for a great cocktail. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Sunday, a group of us planned out our route and headed to Coffin Cellars in
Webster first, where we tried a couple of different wines, including their
latest batch of cranberry pomegranate from the tank. This has always been one
of my favorite Coffin Cellars wines and is currently sold out, but the wine
from the tank was delicious. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I highly recommend their kiwi berry wine. It was made in a small batch but it
is sweet, fruity and delicious. Get some before it is gone. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also back in stock is their jalapeno wine. This wine may not be for everyone on
its own, but it would be great in a bloody mary. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our second stop was Hermit Woods Winery in Sanbornton. First, we headed
upstairs where owner Bob Manley told us all about the great wines the winery
has made this year. We tried a few 2012 wines, including Kiwi, Knot Mead,
Petite Blue and Deep Blue. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRwGi3fEyk9VSTYUvAz4zGixUxgI6tG2UQ20cCJUiv-6GpIurEEzzAJxza5Cs3EmWPb-qak6NjAvKBQRRPrt3vTKnOo85x3gBMPm5jryDt-c92KhpG0QX1wdnROBAFqptE8U3aM1yqaw/s1600/1383166_10201352518107714_1375858767_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRwGi3fEyk9VSTYUvAz4zGixUxgI6tG2UQ20cCJUiv-6GpIurEEzzAJxza5Cs3EmWPb-qak6NjAvKBQRRPrt3vTKnOo85x3gBMPm5jryDt-c92KhpG0QX1wdnROBAFqptE8U3aM1yqaw/s320/1383166_10201352518107714_1375858767_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Deep Blue, a port-style blueberry dessert wine was my favorite. It is
intense and flavorful. Manley called it a “party in the mouth” and recommended
trying it with blueberry pie, vanilla ice cream and a slight drizzle of this
wine on top. It is easy to see why this wine received a rave review from a wine
expert. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sadly, the winery sold out of their very popular crabapple wine, but Manley
said he was excited for this year’s batch, calling it “the best crabapple yet.”
<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Downstairs, owner and head winemaker Ken Hardcastle let us sample the 2013 Blue
right from the barrel. Once complete, this wine will be a deep, dry red similar
to a pinot noir. The skins are left on the blueberries a little bit longer and the
oak helps concentrate the flavors. This wine will also age well. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After Hermit Woods Winery, our group headed to Stone Gate Vineyard in Gilford,
where Peter Ellis greeted us with a taste of Marechal Foch straight from the
tank. Sadly, the winery is closing this month after many great years of
winemaking. But, Haunting Whisper Vineyards will make their grapes into wine
and Peter and Jane will get a much-deserved break and time with their family. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiHobOTtBpgrohoRQnWzL2qVvt6E0_nWcuZaNdQK7gVhwlEs9FDJqh5VaqHoIlSmHc_dtY0Bl1xfXbcsWGAuBECIRvHHK_-nbKaUQ-nQOLvBjEZoNrX-wKzxAU20NIP6wLe8GbgcTjII/s1600/1374213_10201352520707779_806289257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiHobOTtBpgrohoRQnWzL2qVvt6E0_nWcuZaNdQK7gVhwlEs9FDJqh5VaqHoIlSmHc_dtY0Bl1xfXbcsWGAuBECIRvHHK_-nbKaUQ-nQOLvBjEZoNrX-wKzxAU20NIP6wLe8GbgcTjII/s320/1374213_10201352520707779_806289257_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our final stop on Sunday was at Gilmanton Winery in Gilmanton. First, we met
John Jude, winemaker, where we were able to try peach and blueberry wine right
out of the containers that had been going through first fermentation for about
two weeks. They were cloudy in color but fruity. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Outside, we tasted a couple other wines including Seyval, Malbec, Graces and
the House Wine-an intriguing blend with chocolate flavors. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall, this event was an even bigger success than last year. Even unfavorable
weather does not keep wine lovers from hitting the trail. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-35862239696028961072013-11-25T22:42:00.000-05:002013-11-25T22:44:50.298-05:00Thanksgiving Wines<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This week one of the most
indulgent days for many of us of the year arrives: Thanksgiving. No table is
complete without a couple bottles of wine, with red and white choices to keep
everyone happy. But you don’t have to stick to those alone. There are some great fruit wines that
pair well with Thanksgiving dinner and many are made right here in New
Hampshire with seasonal products. <br />
<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cranberry Wine<br />
</b>Cranberry wine, like cranberry sauce, is a great complement to the
Thanksgiving meal and with its rich red color, will look very seasonal in your
wine glass.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Zorvino Vineyards</b> in Sandown offers
two distinctly different cranberry options: CranZeeno and Cranbreez. The
CranZeeno is a lighter, fruity wine blend that even non-wine lovers will like.
The Cranbreez is much more tart and may bring a slight pucker to your lips. As
a great option, the Cranbreez can be mixed with Prosecco, Champagne or
sparkling wine to make a festive cocktail. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Haunting Whisper Vineyards</b> in
Danbury also offers two cranberry options: a semi-dry cranberry wine and new
this year, Misty Bog. The cranberry wine has great fruit flavor and some
tartness to it, while the Misty Bog is a sweet, holiday dessert wine. This wine
could also be mixed with sparkling wine if you wanted to cut down on the sweetness,
or just enjoy it as is as an apertif. <br />
Another option is the cranberry wine from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">LaBelle
Winery</b> in Amherst. This wine is slightly sweet and tart, made with New
England cranberries. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /><br />
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Apple Wine<br />
</b>Apples are a fall staple and many wineries take advantage of their
abundance, using cider apple varieties from local farms.<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sweet Baby Vineyard</b> in East Kingston
offers an apple wine that is semi-sweet, clean and crisp, with a nice balance
of acidity. This wine has a velvety texture and is made with local fruit. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hermit Woods Winery’s</b> Harvest Apple
wine, also made with local fruit, is light, crisp and captures the essence of
apple juice. Because it pairs well with a variety of foods, it is a good choice
for Thanksgiving dinner. <br />
Also supporting a local farm, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Coffin
Cellars</b> in Webster uses cider apples in their apple wine. This wine is
smooth and tangy, with hints of green apple, melon and honeysuckle. Enjoy these
wines well chilled, or try apple wine mulled in a crockpot with spices as an
extra treat during these colder temperatures. <br />
For something a little different, try Kurt’s Apple Pie from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moonlight Meadery</b> in Londonderry. This
is one of their best-selling meads, made from local cider and
Madagascar-bourbon vanilla and Vietnamese cinnamon spice. It is like apple pie
in a glass and if you don’t want to drink it, try it over vanilla ice cream as
a great dessert. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pumpkin Wine</b><br />
Pumpkin fans will enjoy Jumpin’ Jacks Pumpkin Dessert Wine from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Zorvino Vineyards</b>. The winery staff
spends hours working on this wine, cutting up hundreds of pounds of pumpkins by
hand. While this wine is more expensive than most, it is only available once a
year and combines the best characteristics of pumpkin with mulling spices to
create a wine that is rich and almost savory. <br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Other Recommendations<br />
</b>Some wineries, like <b>Flag Hill Winery</b>
in Lee, <b>Sweet Baby Vineyard</b> and <b>LaBelle Winery</b> make apple-cranberry
wines. Flag Hill’s is the most tart and sweet, while the other two are semi-dry
and have less sweetness.<br />
For a twist on apple wine, try <b>Moonlight
Meadery’s</b> Deviant, a sweet melomel (fruit mead) made with apple cider from
Sunnycreast Farms in Londonderry. It also has ginger, making slightly sweet and
spicy with a lingering finish. It’s also important to note that ginger helps
with digestion and stomach aches, so this may be the best post-Thanksgiving
choice. <br />
If you have difficulty finding some of these wines, a good standby wine is <b>Chicken & Turkey</b> from the Pairing
Collection. This red blend has 50 percent Grenache, 30 percent syrah and 20
percent carignan. This wine has aromas of cherry and tobacco with fruit flavors
and a spicy finish. I tried this wine with my Thanksgiving dinner last year and
it was a decent match. <br />
Another one of my picks is <b>Cupcake
Sauvignon Blanc</b>. This wine is affordable and less pungent than many
sauvignon blancs out there. It has flavors of lemons and limes, with a nice
creamy finish. <br />
No matter what you have on your table this holiday, I hope you enjoy it with
good wine, good food and the company of family and friends. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-40682972019493457212013-10-08T22:04:00.001-04:002013-10-08T22:04:36.667-04:00NH Oldest Winery: Jewell Towne Vineyards
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmtQ3SGzVfIzIPIYHYYjEvM_8FKmAKeob_rKmBe-MdCAOsvxajdOS99akNBc3gKYeWvsEQPLRrL-D0vna9AB7IsVXq6k-lcBuajqQ7HNtaL-XULrtpGw852owhgUdEwrxFeKAT75-Ois/s1600/1234849_10201201022400416_1548352293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmtQ3SGzVfIzIPIYHYYjEvM_8FKmAKeob_rKmBe-MdCAOsvxajdOS99akNBc3gKYeWvsEQPLRrL-D0vna9AB7IsVXq6k-lcBuajqQ7HNtaL-XULrtpGw852owhgUdEwrxFeKAT75-Ois/s400/1234849_10201201022400416_1548352293_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I recently visited <a href="http://www.jewelltownevineyards.com/" target="_blank">Jewell Towne Vineyards</a> in South Hampton, New Hampshire’s oldest winery. My only
complaint is that I didn’t visit sooner. They have a great story to tell, a
beautiful vineyard and excellent wine. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Peter and Brenda Oldak moved to their 12-acre farm in 1977 and planted six
grape vines in 1982. At that time, Peter was a home gardener with a background
in science and chemistry who started experimenting with winemaking and planted
more vines and varieties to see what would grow best in New Hampshire. Four
years later, he was making wine and in 1990, there were 60 varieties of
American, European and French hybrid grapes in the vineyard area of the farm. He
found that its location facing the Powwow River made a great microclimate for
grapes. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In 1990, the vineyard was officially established, named after the Jewell Towne
Historic District of South Hampton. Peter narrowed down the grapes to 20
varieties and with the help of other agricultural and wine professionals,
further developed his winemaking skills. <br />
Peter’s work paid off, because in 1992, Jewell Towne’s South Hampton White won
a gold medal and best hybrid of the show from the American Wine Societies national
competition. A second wine, Alden, won a silver medal. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“This is what I call the beginning of a hobby run amok,” said Brenda recalled
during a tour of the vineyard.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Two years later, the winery went commercial, producing 40 cases of wine that
sold out in three weeks. With visitors flocking to the vineyard, the Oldaks
realized they needed a tasting space and had reserved an area on the property
for that purpose. The tasting room was built in 1998 and has been expanded
since due to the winery’s continued success. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUT_B8UKcz8iVfJrtpzxhXudxzF0oLt9G0hassDwJO-EmG3shA18uEfIvlUJnkq8z90cAaPk8OiXaLK5nN7rLH8HIpBnsgpKdXoFg5-pKytpTKKiPhgGgEvzYcGfntpUMEQkAIfYAknY/s1600/579678_10201201023520444_1066764427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUT_B8UKcz8iVfJrtpzxhXudxzF0oLt9G0hassDwJO-EmG3shA18uEfIvlUJnkq8z90cAaPk8OiXaLK5nN7rLH8HIpBnsgpKdXoFg5-pKytpTKKiPhgGgEvzYcGfntpUMEQkAIfYAknY/s400/579678_10201201023520444_1066764427_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During my visit, vineyard employees and volunteers were harvesting grapes, a
process that usually occurs from September through October. After the grapes
are harvested and weighed, they are put through the crusher stemmer. From
there, they enter the bladder press. We had a chance to see this process in
motion during the tour and it was very neat. <br />
Brenda showed us the vineyard’s plants, set eight feet apart, set-up in a
vertical shoot positioning formation for maximum grape ripening. The vineyard’s
microclimate makes it so little irrigation is needed. She also noted the plants
have 10 to 15 foot roots. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“You can’t make top quality wine from bad grapes,” Brenda said. <br />
Inside the winery there are 500 and 1,000-gallon tanks and an automated
bottling and corking system. The Oldaks have come quite a long way from making
wine in their garage and bottling, labeling and corking bottles by hand. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“For us, it makes a huge difference,” Brenda said of the automated machine,
noting it now takes them five to six hours to bottle, cork and label the amount
of wine from a large tank, versus two days by hand. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While I had tried a few of Jewell Towne’s wines before, the sampling list at
the winery was extensive and it was hard to choose only a few to try. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“We are really focused on winemaking,” said Brenda in the tasting room,
surrounded by awards and articles written about the winery. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The wine speaks for itself. I tried Cayuga White first, one of Brenda’s
favorites. This wine is off-dry with flavors of tropical fruit and melon. Next,
I tried Traminette, a Gewurztraminer and Seyval hybrid that is sweet and
delicious. I took a bottle of this home, along with their Vidal, an off-dry,
full-bodied white that is smooth and fruity. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1c_uWyqdnhc4dS6LUIgQt_Rc5aYuncEsAT0RUfs9pnkwlOTReYFrDc-pau6SjAp4s_tbbpXH9nVdLBAImV1s02xCC3qauRhFOfPqI7QYojc5ScAxMUBhSMyK-21CVf8K6icR4VHUUO4/s1600/1209220_10201201020880378_1727689050_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1c_uWyqdnhc4dS6LUIgQt_Rc5aYuncEsAT0RUfs9pnkwlOTReYFrDc-pau6SjAp4s_tbbpXH9nVdLBAImV1s02xCC3qauRhFOfPqI7QYojc5ScAxMUBhSMyK-21CVf8K6icR4VHUUO4/s400/1209220_10201201020880378_1727689050_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jewell Towne is one of the only wineries in New Hampshire that produces
Steuben, an off-dry rosé similar to white zinfandel,
but with much more flavor and depth. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For reds, I really enjoyed their River’s Edge, a semi-sweet red blend of
Concord and Leon Millot grapes; Landot Noir, a mediuim-bodied wine with aromas
of licorice and leather; and their Port, which is fruity, but much less harsh
on the palate than others I have tried. <br />
In addition to liking each wine I tried at Jewell Towne, I also loved the
atmosphere. The tasting room was cozy and welcoming; the vineyard was beautiful
and the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and took their time letting us try
each wine. Even my friend Amanda, who doesn’t usually drink red wine, enjoyed
their selection and she took a bottle of red wine home. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do not wait as long as I did to visit Jewell Towne Vineyards. They are open
year-round from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. until
5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visit jewelltownevineyards.com for more
information. <br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span>
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-68854721043576848582013-10-08T21:53:00.003-04:002013-10-08T21:53:52.427-04:00NH's Award-Winning Wines<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.hermitwoods.com/" target="_blank">Hermit Woods Winery</a> in
Sanbornton has consistently produced award-winning wine this summer, taking
home medals in several competitions.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At the Indy International Wine Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana, they took
home silver medals for their Petite Blue Reserve and Lake House White. The Indy
is the largest scientifically organized and independent wine competition in the
United States. This year’s competition received nearly 2,200 entries from
15 countries and 40 U.S. states, evaluated by 50 distinguished judges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPKWBdO3pF1rzCJZqi9sBuVJNOHeVhAHi4XOd8n7RyF5grvHtyg0M49HJWT-t2FQtTfrQJyLOO2FZwbIz2u8UTkHE44GhHeYOFTlltQBsrqOwCRiTtnydxg3-gJVy95Cz2mRD5o7gHLo/s1600/1378536_585836391481052_1585198073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPKWBdO3pF1rzCJZqi9sBuVJNOHeVhAHi4XOd8n7RyF5grvHtyg0M49HJWT-t2FQtTfrQJyLOO2FZwbIz2u8UTkHE44GhHeYOFTlltQBsrqOwCRiTtnydxg3-gJVy95Cz2mRD5o7gHLo/s320/1378536_585836391481052_1585198073_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In other
prestigious wine competitions this summer, Hermit Woods took home a total of
six more gold, silver, and bronze medals. Other award winners include a
gold medal for their Three Honey Wine at the Mazer Cup, the world’s premier
mead competition; a silver medal for their Mélange; a bronze medal for their
Petite Blue in the Fingerlakes International Wine Competition; a silver for
their Heirloom Crabapple; and a bronze for their Kiwi Wine and Petite Blue in
the Big E wine competition in Springfield, Massachusetts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have only been entering wines for
competition for a couple years now, and have yet to not come home without a
medal. We are very proud of this accomplishment,” said Bob Manley, one of three
winery partners, in a winery announcement. “Winning medals is important, but
what is most important to us is what our customers have to say, as long as we
are making them happy, we will be happy.”<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Past medals include a silver medal for their Three Honey Wine and Crabapple
Wine. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hermit Woods Winery opened
in 2011 so these accomplishments are impressive, but I am not surprised they
have seen so much success. Their wines are good and it is clear winemaker Ken
Hardcastle really thinks about the ingredients themselves, using them to their
full potential. I love visting the winery and listening to him talk about each
wine, because his passion and dedication are so evident. The tasting room is
also very nice, so if you haven’t visited yet, put it on your to-do list before
the winery closes for the winter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next year, Hermit Woods Winery will move to downtown Meredith, where they will have more room for winemaking. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
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</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In other New Hampshire wine
news, <a href="http://www.candiavineyards.com/" target="_blank"><b>Candia Vineyards</b> </a>has won some
medals for their wine this year. At the Big E, their Diamond won gold; their
Noiret and Crescent won silver medals. At the Atlantic Seaboard Wine
Competition, they were the only winery from Maine or New Hampshire to win a
medal. Their Ice Storm took home a silver medal. At the International Eastern
Wine Competition, Diamond won a silver medal. Candia Vineyards was also the
only winery from Maine, Massachusetts or New Hampshire to be recognized with a
medal. To learn more about this winery, visit candiavineyards.com. </span></div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-27458997800552620922013-10-08T21:51:00.000-04:002013-10-08T21:51:01.224-04:00Sweet Baby Vineyard Label Release<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My friend Amanda and I recently visited <a href="http://www.sweetbabyvineyard.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sweet Baby Vineyard</b> </a>in East Kingston
for their label release event. Owners Lewis and Stacey Eaton decided it was
time to redesign their wine bottle labels, letting go of the label they had
since they opened the winery in 2008. They worked with Be Good Branding and
Pixels & Pulp to create the winery’s new brand and labels, which is fun and
whimsical and still very “sweet.” </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpowYegAf30gLpQya7CHmv6tabhBUKhI2ZP6yYVc8zfgfPaiqi2LyTz3za9jEfuWi34-Vvb9E-FQPvY38Wcocu8u3H1ueaAkLepPvciVzmH0orMlMIdyXQuHFzpn42X9KVEGozRrDf_gA/s1600/1044649_10151712520463774_190871680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpowYegAf30gLpQya7CHmv6tabhBUKhI2ZP6yYVc8zfgfPaiqi2LyTz3za9jEfuWi34-Vvb9E-FQPvY38Wcocu8u3H1ueaAkLepPvciVzmH0orMlMIdyXQuHFzpn42X9KVEGozRrDf_gA/s400/1044649_10151712520463774_190871680_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lewis said while the old labels meant a lot to them (their daughter’s hands
were pictured on it), they felt it was time for a change and wanted something
that would get noticed on supermarket shelves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new labels include more information about their
commitment to local farms and list the farms that grow their fruit. They also
note that 10 percent of their profits will be donated to the farmers because
they believe that growing local and supporting local businesses is so
important. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had already seen the new labels in my local supermarket and thought what a
nice gift they would make during the holidays. If you are looking for their
wines in stores, please note their Kensington White and Kensington Red are now
Chardonnay and Amarone, named for their grapes. The winery used to be located
in Kensington in the Eaton’s home, but they moved to a new location in East
Kingston last year. This gave them more production space and room to house
events like this one. If you haven’t seen their new tasting room yet, I highly
recommend visiting. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was excited to try two new Sweet Baby wines, as they recently added pinot
grigio and cabernet sauvignon to their lineup. While these are not wines I
would typically choose to drink, I was impressed with both. The pinot grigio is
off-dry and smooth, not acidic like some can be. I’m not sure I would have
known it was a pinot grigio in a blind tasting and that made me like it that
much more. The cabernet was dry but also very smooth with a nice finish. I
could see that wine pairing well with pasta dishes or steak. Sweet Baby made a
believer out of me because I took home a bottle of each. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwATEaAkgCi6Ohi6dr3w6DpyTo9pvzmTQmNwvOOZzIXtxuAbOmKgyZUmK7VINquzY3IznDXxLmA6ekUK1C-Hz3QEEk3TDm56XtCm25nN-2p8ex_i2JvIdr14_eRlNa42R0_R2exQvOdyM/s1600/600512_10151692255673774_2017975310_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwATEaAkgCi6Ohi6dr3w6DpyTo9pvzmTQmNwvOOZzIXtxuAbOmKgyZUmK7VINquzY3IznDXxLmA6ekUK1C-Hz3QEEk3TDm56XtCm25nN-2p8ex_i2JvIdr14_eRlNa42R0_R2exQvOdyM/s320/600512_10151692255673774_2017975310_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because I like sweet wines, I like Sweet Baby’s Bartlett pear, a dessert-style
wine, and the apple and blueberry wines, both semi-sweet. The pear wine is
light in color but rich in flavor and could be enjoyed at the end of a meal all
by itself. Pairing recommendations include cheese like warm brie. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The apple wine is smooth, crisp and a great wine for fall. Made from New
Hampshire apples, it would go well with pork or chicken dishes and even
desserts like apple crisp or cobbler. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The blueberry wine is also made from New Hampshire fruit. This wine is medium
bodied and resembles more of a red wine than a fruit one, though it is enjoyed
chilled. I love the aroma and flavor of this wine, along with its rich, purple
hue. Try this wine with cheesecake for a delicious pairing. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While I enjoyed these wines, the Amarone was my favorite of the day. Lewis told
me I was going to like it and he was right. I went home with two bottles. This
wine is full-bodied and rich, with notes of blackberries and raspeberries.
While dry wines aren’t usually my favorite, this one has a smooth finish and
softer tannins. While recommended pairings are Italian foods, meats, stews and
cheese, I will probably be sipping this wine on its own during the fall and
winter months. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sweet Baby Vineyard is located at 14 Powwow River Road in East Kingston. They
are open year round on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5 p.m. and Mondays,
Thursdays and Fridays from 12-4 p.m. For more information, visit
sweetbabyvineyard.com. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-60544543302669925132013-09-05T09:00:00.000-04:002013-09-05T20:17:25.591-04:00Homemade Beer-a-Ritas<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6b4ceJAc29D273XXOrwCaWxzxTZ18JdidKh4HU6FAd4zTxhD1C_lsZMZhCHpqbWMaXPLro8lHanRgIGPwyOl1GLczfQPEzXoMnTvO9K780jQ946usT293gUAWNJlGOO_f4n_0humVQA/s1600/image-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6b4ceJAc29D273XXOrwCaWxzxTZ18JdidKh4HU6FAd4zTxhD1C_lsZMZhCHpqbWMaXPLro8lHanRgIGPwyOl1GLczfQPEzXoMnTvO9K780jQ946usT293gUAWNJlGOO_f4n_0humVQA/s320/image-2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Strawberry Beer-a-Rita</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Earlier this
year, I shared my favorite margarita recipe, highlighted by my favorite
homemade sour mix. Since I refuse to admit summer has almost come to an end, I
am still making margaritas but experimenting with different recipes. <br /><br />
Last year, I had my first Corona Rita when they were very popular, but I knew I
wanted to try making my own at some point. I also traveled to Texas, where one
restaurant had a full menu of beer margarita variations. This past weekend, I
finally revisited the beer margarita, making it at home to my own taste. <br /><br /> Here is my <b>Homemade Sour Mix</b> <b>Recipe </b>again just in case you missed it
earlier this spring. This can be used to make margaritas on the rocks, or
blended with ice for a frozen variation.<br /><b><br />
</b>First, you need to make simple syrup from sugar and water. I amended the
recipe from three cups sugar to two cups sugar, mixed with three cups water.
Boil this combination until the sugar is completely dissolved. I suppose you
could use sugar substitutes like Splenda, though the proportions may be
different. Let it cool in whatever container you prefer. Once it’s cooled, add
two cups unsweetened lime juice (I do not recommend Rose’s as it is sweetened),
and two cups lemon juice. You now have your own homemade sour mix. Adjust as
needed; it may be too tart to your liking. More water can be added to dilute
the mix. You can add additional sugar later, depending upon the drink recipe.
This can be kept in the fridge for about two weeks or so. <br /><br />
There are a few different ways to make beer margaritas. At home, I didn’t have
anything to hold the beer properly or the right glass, so I went for the mixed
together version, which sounds interesting but is surprisingly good. <br /><br />
Here is a basic<b> Beer Margarita </b>recipe
from All Recipes.<i> </i>Combine one can
frozen limeade, 12 ounces tequila, 12 ounces water, 12 ounces beer (use a
lighter beer like Corona or Corona Light so the flavor isn’t overpowering), ice
and one lime, cut into wedges. You can use the limeade can to measure and add
some triple sec for an extra kick. Adjust with extra water if the mixture is
too sweet, and strain the pulp from the limeade before mixing if you prefer. You
could also substitute part of the water for club soda or lemon-lime soda. This
recipe makes about six cups.<br /><br />
I liked the recipe, but I wondered if it would be good as a strawberry version.
Actually, it was pretty good and just as easy to make. <br /><br />
This <b>Strawberry Beer Margarita</b>
recipe is very similar to the Bud Light Straw-Ber-Ritas you can buy in small
cans at the store, but it can be adjusted to suit your own taste. Amounts are
approximate and can be adjusted. I used a can of strawberry daiquiri mix and
blended it with ice first in a blender. I combined this with one third (two
liter) bottle of Diet Seven Up, one Corona Light and about 4 ounces of tequila
(approximate). I also added the juice from one fresh squeezed lime and a touch
of salt. This will make about six servings. <br /><br />
This recipe is very easy to tweak based on your own personal taste. If you like
sweet, you will like this, otherwise you could add more ice to the mix, water,
or only use three-fourths of the can of strawberry daiquiri mix to cut down on
the sweetness. <br /><br />
Corona Light is a skunky beer by nature, so this could also be substituted with
Bud Light, Blue Moon or another light beer depending upon what you like. <br /><br />
If you have a large goblet that can hold a beer, you may want to try this <b>Moon-A-Rita</b> recipe from Cocktail 365.
Note: this recipe is for just one margarita in a large goblet style glass.
Double or triple for a batch, with each glass getting its own Blue Moon beer.
In a blender, combine: one cup ice, one ounce tequila, half ounce triple sec,
half ounce sour mix (use store bought or recipe above), two ounces mango puree.
Blend until smooth. Pour into a large goblet glass that will also hold a beer
bottle inside of it without falling out and leave about one third of the glass
empty. Open up a beer and submerge the head of the bottle into the cocktail. Be
sure to hold the beer bottle along with the glass when you drink it so you
don’t end up with a mess! Recommended beers: Blue Moon Belgian-Style Ale, Blue
Moon Summer Honey Wheat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-67190648887689534572013-08-29T22:03:00.002-04:002013-08-29T22:03:44.308-04:00Barrel Tasting Weekend: A Look at Last Year<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mark your calendar for this year's Lakes Region Wine Barrel Tasting, October 5-6. This year, Newfound Winery is being added to the list. Here is my column from last year on this fabulous event. For more information on this year's event, read on <a href="http://hermitwoods.com/events/barrel-tasting/" target="_blank">here</a>. <a href="http://www.newfoundlakevineyards.com/" target="_blank">Newfound Lake Vineyards</a> is new this year. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0YJx41lmOF3qZBUILDVxfBjU5ZNmSeMnQPzg7YhFMC7HCcT24XYFzme2x34DNlbkngyRTlvKhTxI24JDnLM-OpsJryQe4sY8hW0z46BiEp4D4lx_r0C5DYu_mjcfNw4yekrNDlgo5X0/s1600/2012-09-29+16.23.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0YJx41lmOF3qZBUILDVxfBjU5ZNmSeMnQPzg7YhFMC7HCcT24XYFzme2x34DNlbkngyRTlvKhTxI24JDnLM-OpsJryQe4sY8hW0z46BiEp4D4lx_r0C5DYu_mjcfNw4yekrNDlgo5X0/s400/2012-09-29+16.23.55.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our 2012 Barrel Tasting Group</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Six Lakes Region wineries recently held a Wine Barrel
Tasting Weekend, which is like a regular wine tasting with an added bonus: a
chance to try wines right out of barrel while they are still aging. I had been
waiting for this weekend for months and it definitely lived up to my
expectations.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because I had already visited five out of the six locations in the past, I was
really looking forward to trying some different wines and learning more about
the process right from the winemakers. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A group of us piled into my friend’s Jeep and headed out on the tasting trail.
Our first stop was <b><a href="http://coffincellarswinery.wix.com/home-1#!contact/czpl" target="_blank">Coffin Cellars</a></b> in
Webster, where Tim Austin and his mom and helper Lorna had apple and blackberry
wines to taste, in addition to their already bottled raspberry, cranberry
pomegranate, jalapeno and lime wines. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The apple wine is made from a sweet blend press of fruit from a local orchard.
It is my favorite Coffin Cellars wine to date, with a great balance of tartness
and sweetness.<br />
Blackberry is not a new wine for Coffin Cellars, as winemakers Austin, his
brother Jamie and father Peter get the berries from their family fields. It is
always very popular, as it captures the essence of blackberries in a
well-balanced wine that is semi-sweet and delicious. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our next stop was <b><a href="http://hauntingwhisper.net/" target="_blank">Haunting Whisper Vineyards</a></b> in Danbury where husband and wife team Eric and Erin craft an
great selection of wines. Erin greeted us downstairs, where we tried carmenere,
DeChaunac and syrah right from stainless steel tanks. She reminded us that
these wines still have some aging to do and will further develop over time,
with some reaching their full potential in another year. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many of my friends enjoyed the carmenere and syrah, which where both a little
bit too dry for my taste, while I really enjoyed the DeChaunac. Even at this
step in the process, it was fruit-forward and had a nice berry aroma. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am never disappointed by Haunting Whispers’ wines and ended up purchasing a
bottle of Sunapee Red, a new offering this year. A blend of leon millot and
marechal foch grapes, it has an earthy aroma but a tasty, surprising candy
apple flavor and smooth finish.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken Hardcastle, Hermit Woods Winery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our third stop was <a href="http://www.hermitwoods.com/" target="_blank">Hermit Woods Winery </a>in Sanbornton, where we had the chance to taste two Chilean wines directly out
of French oak barrels. Ken Hardcastle, one of the Hermit Woods winemakers, was
in the downstairs area of the winery giving tastings of the four-month old
syrah and carmenere, which will not reach their peak for some years. The wines
are barrel aged for four to 20 months, Hardcastle explained, which helps the
tannins develop and “marries together nicely” the fruit and oak. Both wines
were slightly dry and the syrah had notes of pepper and spice. It will be
interesting to try their finished products in the future.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our last stop on the group tour was <a href="http://www.stonegatevineyard.com/" target="_blank">Stone Gate Vineyard </a>in Gilford, where Peter Ellis greeted us in the lower level
of his winery with samples of young vignoles and frontenac. The vignoles was
dry while the frontenac displayed some of its fruit character found in the
finished product. Upstairs, when we tried the bottled vignoles, it was fruit
forward, with notes of honey and pear. <br /><br />
</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJ1pc_znAFyYXitsvmjfeLQGIPrmTlij5nBRHQrzeF_zOynsImU0QuihQfZs-sA59lZaFVwuzhASMlpmNQNOO5yIq8MxUFo7wkiLhpMJawwJlhk3sxQAJQ8ozdTBkA7cz9fmMiVO_t_M/s1600/2012-09-29+17.30.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJ1pc_znAFyYXitsvmjfeLQGIPrmTlij5nBRHQrzeF_zOynsImU0QuihQfZs-sA59lZaFVwuzhASMlpmNQNOO5yIq8MxUFo7wkiLhpMJawwJlhk3sxQAJQ8ozdTBkA7cz9fmMiVO_t_M/s320/2012-09-29+17.30.38.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kelly & I at Stone Gate Vineyard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had to purchase a bottle of apple wine, made from a blend of macintosh,
macoun and cortland apples from an orchard down the street. It is light and
tart, much like the apple wine at Coffin Cellars. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because our group ran out of time on the first day, my mom and I visited the
two remaining wineries on the second day of the event, stopping first at <b><a href="http://www.gilmantonwinery.com/" target="_blank">Gilmanton Winery</a></b>. Here we met winemaker
John Jude, a former chemistry teacher originally from California, who works
with owner Marshall Bishop to craft the array of Gilmanton wines. He explained
the winemaking process, including the different steps red and white wines take
from the beginning of production. He also showed us a refractometer and
hygrometer, two key winemaking measurement tools that measure the sugar level
and the right time to bottle, respectively. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We tried young carmenere and merlot, bottled recently at the winery and
varietals that will get better with age. The carmenere was peppery and spicy,
with notes of tobacco. The winery’s current carmenere, and the wine Jude said
he is very proud of due to its depth and overall character, sold out over the
weekend due to its popularity. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I brought home a bottle of Blue Berry Surprise, a wine recently made at the
winery from local blueberries. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Our last stop on the tour was <b><a href="http://saphousemeadery.com/" target="_blank">Sap House Meadery</a></b> in Center Ossipee where young
entrepreneurs Ash Fischbein and Matt Trahan make a variety of meads, or honey
wines. I had never been to Sap House before, but it was definitely worth the
trip. The building is beautifully decorated, warm and cozy, and their offerings
are unique. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I entered the Meadery thinking I wasn’t going to like anything, but I left with
a bottle of their Vanilla Bean Mead, which is sweet and smooth with the finish
of cream soda. Trahan also let us try it with hot apple cider and it was a
great combination. He said it is probably his favorite Sap House Meadery
offering. My mind has definitely been changed.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We tried a traditional honey mead and the sugar maple mead, still going through
the barrel aging process. They were stronger than the bottled meads but still
very tasty. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This event, which I called ‘Christmas for wine lovers’, was a great experience.
Not only did we get to meet all of the winemakers, but we got a better glimpse
into all of the hard work it takes to make the finished product we all appreciate
so much. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-59185476665874917192013-08-14T20:31:00.000-04:002013-08-14T20:31:58.065-04:00Family Sangria Tasting!
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sangria is a great
alternative to wine in the summer and something I like to make at home. Last
year while on vacation with my family, we had a group sangria recipe taste
test. So this year when we were all together again, we had our second annual
event.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
My aunt Mayanne used to be a bartender so she took the lead on the mixing. We
started with a white merlot and a pinot grigio and concocted three different sangria
recipes from each. I recorded the recipes but we started from scratch, just
thinking about what would go best together. We did not tell any of the taste
testers what was in each recipe; they judged on taste alone.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am including recipes but please note they are approximate and we used two
liter bottles of wine. All of these could have cut fruit added (apples,
oranges, lemons, limes) and should be served cold over ice. <br />
About 10 of my family members rated the recipes on a scale of one to five, with
five being the best and gave us their comments. <br />
<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Winter Sangria</b><br /><i>
While sangria is typically a summer drink, we used Yukon Jack Cinnamon in this
recipe to give it an extra kick. </i><br />
One-third bottle white merlot<br />
Half can lemon-lime seltzer<br />
One-third can cranberry-lime seltzer<br />
Large splash triple sec<br />
One-third to half a nip Yukon Jack Cinnamon<br />
<b>Rating:</b> This recipe scored a 2.6. <br />
Overall, most taste testers thought the spicy finish was a little off-putting
but would be good at Thanksgiving or Christmas. <br />
<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>White Merlot Sangria</b><br /><i>
I couldn’t come up with a creative name for this one, but it was fruity and
classic like most sangrias you get at a restaurant. This one would be great
with some fruit after sitting for an hour or so. </i><br />
On-third bottle white merlot<br />
Large splash triple sec<br />
Half can lemon-lime seltzer <br />
Half nip blackberry brandy<br />
Juice from a quarter slice of each-lemon and lime<br />
<b>Rating:</b> This recipe scored a 4. <br />
Many of the taste testers called this “true sangria” that was “refreshing and
light.” My cousin Lauren said, “Nailed it!” <br />
<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Blue Cab</b><br />
Equal parts white merlot and cabernet sauvignon <br />
Three-fourths nip blueberry vodka<br />
<b>Rating:</b> This recipe scored a 2.4<br />
The taste testers loved the nose on this recipe. My cousin’s husband Chris
said, “This puts a smile on your face just smelling it,” but felt it had too
dry of a finish to be called sangria and was not sweet. “It tastes like cheap
red wine,” my brother’s girlfriend Brittany said. While my aunt and I agreed
this wasn’t the most usual sangria recipe, we really liked it. <br />
<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Fruit Splash<br />
</b>One-third bottle pinot grigio<br />
One apple, cut up<br />
Pomegranate liqueur <br />
Splash peach schnapps<br />
One-third can cranberry-lime seltzer<br />
<b>Rating:</b> This sangria scored a 2.9. <br />
While my aunt and I found this sangria slightly plain and boring, the taste
testers called it “refreshing,” “tart” and “crisp,” yet my uncle Mike said he
“wouldn’t think of this as sangria.” <br />
<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Fruitilicious</b><br />
One-third bottle pinot grigio<br />
One half to three-fourths UV Salty Watermelon Vodka nip<br />
One-third can Fresca<br />
Half a lime-squeezed<br />
<b>Rating:</b> This was the overall
favorite recipe, scoring a 4.5. It was not only a pretty pink hue in the
container, which would be great for parties, but my family felt it was also a
perfect drink for the beach. “This is what a sangria should be,” my uncle Mike
said, while my brother’s girlfriend joked that she would “bathe in it.” Even
though we only had one recipe left, someone else commented, “It’s going to be
hard to beat this one.” <br />
<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Sour Patch Sangria</b><br />
One-third bottle pinot grigio<br />
1/8 tube Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade (use sparingly!)<br />
Three-fourths can Limonata<br />
Lime wedges-squeezed<br />
<b>Rating:</b> This recipe closed out the
tasting with a 3.6. Only my family members who like sour, like my cousin Lauren
who gets credit for the name, liked this recipe. “I love it, but I like sour,”
said my mom who rated it a five, while my cousin Katie said, “It’s tart, and
makes you pucker.” My brother’s girlfriend agreed and gave it a four. It was
too sour for my cousin and aunt, while my uncle said it was “alright.” My
brother said it had too much grapefruit. <br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall, Fruitilicious took the top spot this year and Blue Cab took the bottom
with the group. The key to all of this is don’t be afraid to try something new
and different, according to your own personal taste. I like to experiment so
something like this is the perfect opportunity, especially if you come out with
something everyone likes. <br />
</span></div>
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</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-2794194516905106862013-06-06T21:53:00.000-04:002013-06-06T21:53:26.913-04:00Stone Gate Vineyard's Last Season: Go Visit Now!
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BkdO35IJjRRgMWqIKTnWLnww7tSkE_eFVOFrQMvahcRUFDuT4MLr539oPLgdCVAjVx4Z9TXmPYNb0N_aNGNKLVNi-3dkOCHHj5Iu8VtVpttsWi1XaSVyOea024AmO3-Xe-wy619A9ww/s1600/2012-09-29+17.30.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BkdO35IJjRRgMWqIKTnWLnww7tSkE_eFVOFrQMvahcRUFDuT4MLr539oPLgdCVAjVx4Z9TXmPYNb0N_aNGNKLVNi-3dkOCHHj5Iu8VtVpttsWi1XaSVyOea024AmO3-Xe-wy619A9ww/s320/2012-09-29+17.30.38.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wine Barrel Tasting event last fall </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.stonegatevineyard.com/" target="_blank">Stone Gate Vineyard</a> in
Gilford, one of my favorite New Hampshire wineries, opened recently during the
Memorial Day weekend. Though this was great news, they also announced that this
was going to be their last season. So with this news, I am encouraging everyone
to visit. If you haven’t been there yet, go. And if you have already visited,
go back and enjoy the great wine, atmosphere and hospitality. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stone Gate Vineyard is owned and operated by Peter and Jane Ellis. I met them a
few years ago while I was a waitress at an Italian restaurant in the area. I
happened to notice Peter’s Stone Gate shirt and we struck up a conversation
about the winery. I promised to visit and a year later I finally fulfilled my
promise. I have to admit I am somewhat partial to this winery because it was
the first one I visited in New Hampshire, and Peter and Jane really helped
develop my love of wine. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
This winery is so welcoming and isn’t intimidating for anyone who knows nothing
about wine. I have always felt like a member of the Ellis family while visiting
and have enjoyed sharing their wines with my friends and family. I have also had
the pleasure of meeting their daughter and her children at the winery – it’s a
family vineyard.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Peter and Jane had been making their own wine as a hobby for a few years before
they opened the winery. They had spent some time in California in wine country
during one of Peter’s business trips, and learned even more about wineries.
Eventually, their hobby evolved into a business. Their on-site vineyard is
currently filled with cold weather grapes that are hardy enough to survive New
England winters. They were told they couldn’t grow grapes in New England, but
like many other New Hampshire wineries, they have really proved that statement
wrong.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNmyHXDJTaJiiZiKEDpfr9M8u0B1jnsnx1xmgCMI6xDkrOJHShh6JoVIFoFpcho9zTF8ELmtXEHudgXgdtykq2LSATqsnPy7tpB9HlshjIkQH3iKqLQIsRL45QDDqCsGipaIps8DWYJg/s1600/541291_4142404071192_1153526433_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNmyHXDJTaJiiZiKEDpfr9M8u0B1jnsnx1xmgCMI6xDkrOJHShh6JoVIFoFpcho9zTF8ELmtXEHudgXgdtykq2LSATqsnPy7tpB9HlshjIkQH3iKqLQIsRL45QDDqCsGipaIps8DWYJg/s320/541291_4142404071192_1153526433_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
When I visited during opening weekend, there were nine wines available for
tasting at Stone Gate Vineyard. I can honestly say I like them all, and have
really enjoyed watching their wines develop and change over the years. Since
Peter doesn’t personally like any sweet wines, his wines tend to be on the
drier, semi-sweet scale, which many wine drinkers will enjoy. It is important
to note, however, that many visitors may not know most of the wines right away,
but give them a taste and let Peter and Jane guide you through what you may or
may not like. </span><br />
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of my favorite Stone Gate wines is Cayuga, a hybrid grape developed at
Cornell University in New York. This wine is described as off dry with a floral
nose and is very smooth. It has been compared to a Riesling, but I find it has
its own unique qualities. Many white wine drinkers will enjoy this wine well
chilled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Steuben is another New York hybrid grape available for tasting. This wine is semi-sweet,
light and fruity. On the nose, it reminds me of the Niagara grape but has
different fruit flavors on the palate.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My favorite Stone Gate wine is definitely their Riesling. This semi-sweet wine
celebrates the best of the delicate grape’s characteristics, without being too
manipulated, according to Jane. She said they like to let it be and the result
is so nice. I recommend purchasing a few bottles of this wine if you like it
because it consistently sells out and quantity is limited. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
The Apple wine is made with three different kinds of apples from a local
orchard down the street. This might be my second favorite wine at Stone Gate.
It has a lovely apple aroma that reminds me of apple juice. On the palate, it
is very smooth and pleasant with just the right amount of acid. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Steuben is a semi-sweet,
light and fruity wine with a Concord grape nose. Many white wine drinkers will
enjoy this one as well. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
One of the most unique wines at Stone Gate is the Winnipesaukee White, a
semi-sweet wine made from Niagara grapes, the cousin to the Concord grape. This
wine smells and tastes very much like adult grape juice. It’s very different
from most wines you may have tasted before.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Three red wines are currently available at Stone Gate, including their only
blend, Winnipesaukee Red, from Rougeon and DeChaunac grapes, a Frontenac,
Marechal Foch and a Cabernet made from California grapes. I noted a raspberry
nose on the Winnipesaukee Red. It is very pleasant with a smooth finish. The
Frontenac is slightly drier but still fruity, with berry flavors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Foch is full-bodied with cherry and
earthy notes, with a slight effervescence to it that is noticeable on the
finish. </span></div>
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The 2010 Cabernet is made from grapes that were hand-picked in California. This
wine is full-bodied, smooth and aging very well in the bottle, Peter noted.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Though I have been to Stone Gate numerous times since my very first visit, I
never get tired of trying their wines and helping others discover it as well.
To say I am going to miss them is an understatement. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Stone Gate Vineyard is located at 27 David Lewis Road in Gilford. The tasting
room is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-56660237900583989582013-05-28T21:21:00.003-04:002013-05-30T09:21:28.629-04:00Hermit Woods Wine Dinner <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>This text will appear in the Hippo on Thursday, May 30 in my wine column. But this wine dinner was so good I wanted to share additional links and photos. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQhsikJZLxcI9k5M4yMVbdYAdfpmmLoYW_iDiUrgv2KvGu2UHs61m8MmyAOAgCwFwe0IUKF7xpUgyskb_ibFuKLVBS9yofokQe17MBjwY4cGmFkqQfW8CYr0g0PhKJRwXB2LbL4FvCIg/s1600/2013-05-16+17.51.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQhsikJZLxcI9k5M4yMVbdYAdfpmmLoYW_iDiUrgv2KvGu2UHs61m8MmyAOAgCwFwe0IUKF7xpUgyskb_ibFuKLVBS9yofokQe17MBjwY4cGmFkqQfW8CYr0g0PhKJRwXB2LbL4FvCIg/s320/2013-05-16+17.51.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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What happens when a local
winery, restaurant and bed and breakfast come together? In short, there’s great
wine, delicious food and excellent hospitality. This was my experience at
<a href="http://www.hermitwoods.com/" target="_blank">Hermit Woods Winery’s</a> second annual Wine Release Dinner, the event that marks
the beginning of the winery’s season and introduces members of the media to
their offerings. </div>
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A group of us met at Hermit Woods Winery, located in Sanbornton near Steele
Hill Resort. The boutique winery opened in 2011, offering wines made from
grapes, fruit and honey (meads). Co-owners Bob Manley and Ken Hardcastle
greeted us, noting Chuck Lawrence, a commercial pilot, was in Portugal.
Hardcastle, a geologist by trade and the winery’s chief winemaker, said their
goal is to use local fruits and products to create classical style, dry wines.</div>
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“Every year Ken achieves more unique combinations, bringing out the qualities
in the wines,” said Manley. “This is our second annual wine release dinner and
we want to make this a tradition.” </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwEaA-XaRkfA6F8rSrHljur_z6c9_1kYuy-fWWz717humbD9HfOq8hbemJGP0Wb7Hcjj7qPBpsSC3xc_i-686WJf_gUCx35oMT0xzOPqZO73zhtRUFckgaLdPPEt26BBa1yA8brkoJRM/s1600/2013-05-16+17.51.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwEaA-XaRkfA6F8rSrHljur_z6c9_1kYuy-fWWz717humbD9HfOq8hbemJGP0Wb7Hcjj7qPBpsSC3xc_i-686WJf_gUCx35oMT0xzOPqZO73zhtRUFckgaLdPPEt26BBa1yA8brkoJRM/s320/2013-05-16+17.51.10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Our group tried seven different wines, beginning with the 2012 Whiteface, a new
fruit wine made with whole quince, rhubarb, peaches and rosehips. While this
combination may not sound like something you expect in a wine, it has lovely
aromas of peaches and a light hue. I found this wine to be very unique but
pleasant with a nice smooth finish. A limited quantity will be available at the
winery.<br />
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The 2012 Kiwi Wine is something I was really looking forward to trying, as past
batches have sold out before I had the chance. The 2012 wine was made with two
local organic kiwi varieties, chosen for their tartness. This wine has great
aromas and flavors of honeydew melon. It is off dry and could be compared to a
Riesling, but has its own uniqueness and isn’t overly sweet. </div>
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As Hermit Woods has been open for a couple of years now, they are able to age
some of their wines. One example of that is their 2011 Blue Mead, a blend of
two separate wines: blueberry wine and honey mead. This wine is off dry and
should be served slightly chilled. The 2011 Elderberry Oak is another example
of an aged fruit wine, similar to the elderberry wine but this one is fermented
warmer and aged in an oak barrel. </div>
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One wine made from grapes at Hermit Woods is the 2011 Ermitano, a cabernet
sauvignon made from Chilean grapes. “Ermitano” means hermit in Spanish, and
this wine is big, bold and deep red in color. Big red wine drinkers will enjoy
this one, as it was aged in oak for seven months. </div>
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One of my favorite wines of the night was the 2012 Deep Blue, an intense, port
style wine made with low bush blueberries. The aroma of this wine is great and
the finish is very smooth despite noticeable tannins and strong alcoholic heat. </div>
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Following this tasting, the group of us headed to the <a href="http://new-hampshire-inn.com/" target="_blank">Lake House at Ferry Point</a>, a Sanbornton bed and breakfast on Lake Winnisquam where John and Cindy
Becker are the innkeepers. There, Chef Kevin Halligan from <a href="http://laconialocaleatery.com/" target="_blank">Local Eatery </a>in
Laconia and his wife, Gillian, were busy preparing a fabulous seven course
menu, each course paired with a different Hermit Woods wine. First, we sampled
a blueberry Bellini, made with Hermit Woods’ Hermitage wine. </div>
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“It’s so exciting to share our wines with everyone. You are the first through
the door to try them,” Hardcastle said as dinner began.<br />
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I have worked with Halligan in the past and eaten at Local Eatery restaurant,
so I knew dinner was going to be amazing because he is such a great chef. He
uses as many locally sourced products in his restaurant as he can, which
supports local farms and businesses and equals a very high-quality product. He
did an exceptional job pairing Hermit Woods’ wines with an exquisite menu and
explaining his choice for each. </div>
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We enjoyed pan-seared scallops paired with Lake
House White; a lobster cocktail paired with Harvest Apple, a mixed greens salad
paired with Three Honey Wine, braised rabbit paired with Knot Mead, pork
medallions paired with Petite Blue Reserve and three cheese blintzes paired
with Mélange. The last time I had such a wonderful meal was at Local Eatery
earlier this year, but the wine pairing made it that much better. </div>
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During the meal, I thought about what made Hardcastle and Halligan so good at
what they do: they both respect their ingredients and celebrate the best
qualities in their products. Hardcastle allows the grapes and fruit awaken the
palate in his wine, while Halligan showcases each item on a plate, put there
for a reason. </div>
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One of my favorite pairings was the third course. The complex flavors in the
award-winning Three Honey Wine went really well with the mixed greens, apples,
honey glazed almonds, fresh goat cheese and honey ramp vinaigrette in the
salad. </div>
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“These were outstanding food and wine pairings,” Manley said, praising Halligan
for his choices. “We are looking forward to continuing this tradition.”<br />
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Following dinner, some of us stayed at the Lake House, where we had a classic
New England inn experience. I was lucky enough to be able to stay in the
Sunrise Room, which has the inn’s best view of the lake. The Becker’s served an
excellent breakfast in the morning of pancakes, sautéed strawberries and a
local egg omelet. </div>
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This experience was truly amazing and I was very thankful to be able to
experience the wine, food and hospitality offered by these three local
businesses. I was also very impressed with the wine and I highly recommend
trying it. </div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hermit Woods Winery is now open for the season. Visit them weekends from 11
a.m. until 5 p.m. until July and August, when they will also be open Wednesday
through Friday from 1-5 p.m. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-58911393951312758232013-05-18T21:41:00.000-04:002013-05-18T21:41:03.777-04:00Taco Tour...Better Late than Never!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsTyl45j8_r_yV-eFl9fgMCBHqkU6Nt_EDVrxsLHrdVfSPC7PWQtPZE2cN4ehXMsCiP0NcnpMy69cGKsjr8Ccip7-fuNqr1wWBc0Qjih-Tu1-SmGzKTnnnFanpupLEBU68f3fP6zrgmM/s1600/2013-05-02+18.55.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsTyl45j8_r_yV-eFl9fgMCBHqkU6Nt_EDVrxsLHrdVfSPC7PWQtPZE2cN4ehXMsCiP0NcnpMy69cGKsjr8Ccip7-fuNqr1wWBc0Qjih-Tu1-SmGzKTnnnFanpupLEBU68f3fP6zrgmM/s320/2013-05-02+18.55.34.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am a little (okay very) late on this post, but I wanted to make sure I shared some information about the Hippo de Mayo Taco Tour for anyone who is unfamiliar with it. As a columnist for The Hippo, I have been invited to be a Taco Tour judge two years in a row. It's a great event, lovingly named the "world's largest taco tour," and a great event for Manchester. Restaurants gain awareness and overall, it's really fun! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's how it works: Manchester restaurants come up with a taco recipe and a charity of choice. Taco tourists take a map and head out around the city enjoying $2 tacos. There is a judges' choice and a taco tourist vote at the end of the night. Both winners earn money for their charity of choice.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a judge, I get to ride around in a limo all night and sample tacos. This year, I sampled more than 38 tacos (just a small bite)! While some restaurants unfortunately ran out of tacos before we arrived, others had multiple taco offerings-so overall our team of judges had our fill of tacos for the night.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21_beQSUAsGFTCBg149OjwlKrEgFQ_8B9V4lWV55WtyxPm0K3camM1oyuu4_KthJSpSZAMUlNEwQwFSsaMzU6gSBWroy_iy1xc-2ukl263Uocz7-qnIaYuVH6odVJIeExIO6TBaAkg0M/s1600/2013-05-02+16.44.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21_beQSUAsGFTCBg149OjwlKrEgFQ_8B9V4lWV55WtyxPm0K3camM1oyuu4_KthJSpSZAMUlNEwQwFSsaMzU6gSBWroy_iy1xc-2ukl263Uocz7-qnIaYuVH6odVJIeExIO6TBaAkg0M/s320/2013-05-02+16.44.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some of my personal favorites this year were Ben and Jerry's Mexicone Dream Taco, Baked's Baked Cake Taco, Margarita's Taco del Mar, Red Arrow Diner's Buffalo Chicken Taco and Gyro Spot's Opa Taco. Of course, there were a few tacos I wish I never tried. But we won't get into those. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The judge's choice this year was Gyro Spot's Opa Taco. Even though I don't usually eat pork, this taco was pretty tasty, complete with French fries. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you live near Manchester and have never been to this event (this year was the third annual), mark your calendar for next year. It always falls around Cinco de Mayo and it's a great time! Information available <a href="http://www.hippodemayo.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>TACO GALLERY</b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-91038334223493753612013-05-08T21:57:00.000-04:002013-05-08T21:57:35.063-04:00Where's the Wine?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_zlV7M0ki5XNvvq6p32OAJeD9Gf-gmc9jyWEqkxhCCapnkrm28IbYKXt0_lEgd7q-kwUNUITBGmTxQFLSsjr5SmueHdkaWWbwgEWD7EKrjSXV-K2D9Hns2PZZc2RcLcYRsDnRwnCISg/s1600/2013-05-05+14.46.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_zlV7M0ki5XNvvq6p32OAJeD9Gf-gmc9jyWEqkxhCCapnkrm28IbYKXt0_lEgd7q-kwUNUITBGmTxQFLSsjr5SmueHdkaWWbwgEWD7EKrjSXV-K2D9Hns2PZZc2RcLcYRsDnRwnCISg/s320/2013-05-05+14.46.21.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lime wine from Coffin Cellars for Cinco de Mayo</span> </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyone who knows me knows that wine is one of my favorite things, but not just to drink. For me, wine is an experience. It's learning about the winemaker and the grapes, how and why it was made, figuring out its "story." It's the reason I write a column in the Hippo every week. I enjoying learning something new and helping others learn too. I am definitely not an expert; there is so much to learn, but it's been a very fun process.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have a very special place in my heart for New Hampshire wineries and I really enjoy visiting them. For a small state, New Hampshire has a good amount (I think the last count was 33?). I hope to visit all of them in the state at some point. I am making great progress but there are new ones opening up each year. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So why aren't there any wine posts yet, you may ask?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are plenty of wineries that stay open year-round and then there are some that open after Memorial Day. That is when I will really start to make my rounds. For now, visit the <a href="http://www.nhwineryassociation.com/" target="_blank">NH Winery Association's website</a> for listings and locations. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-32759143123759433572013-05-03T22:01:00.000-04:002013-05-03T22:01:12.985-04:00Shaking Down with the M/S Mount Washington<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnXmZouQH8QXLfxbvwXK5NzukwvSXCsR9-fgojVzAID6ELerIURo4IOfLEq55AekUrqZM3OrSeuzMznqqkS10U8XuB7mI9RzgE8eqN_eGYbOHMAQ-9KzzVQ28DjDaHU0lf44cng8_ywQ/s1600/2013-04-29+09.03.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnXmZouQH8QXLfxbvwXK5NzukwvSXCsR9-fgojVzAID6ELerIURo4IOfLEq55AekUrqZM3OrSeuzMznqqkS10U8XuB7mI9RzgE8eqN_eGYbOHMAQ-9KzzVQ28DjDaHU0lf44cng8_ywQ/s400/2013-04-29+09.03.47.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Getting ready to board the ship. This couple wanted to be first in line.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love my job, but some days I really, really love it and am extra thankful for days spent out of the office doing something fun. Because the PR agency I work for also works with the M/S Mount Washington, I had the opportunity to go on the vessel's annual Shakedown Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee. This marks the beginning of the ship's season, when it has been cleared by the fire marshal for safety and all permits have been obtained for it to set sail. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_cZVyzoP8VvInvsoOLJa5F7qko-YdQaytaanEGR4T2_m_1hvj_nZ9c1UbvXTQqEdpeAxj3pMq1H4wqX3USF4l5VwA7UrhkA4fgoz_bONYGYz9iHkdg1wHbakKXjVHLwfV7AoKbDhj0Q/s1600/2013-04-29+10.08.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_cZVyzoP8VvInvsoOLJa5F7qko-YdQaytaanEGR4T2_m_1hvj_nZ9c1UbvXTQqEdpeAxj3pMq1H4wqX3USF4l5VwA7UrhkA4fgoz_bONYGYz9iHkdg1wHbakKXjVHLwfV7AoKbDhj0Q/s320/2013-04-29+10.08.30.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I always enjoy going out on the Mount, but the weather the day of the Shakedown Cruise was especially perfect-warm and sunny. It was a perfect day to be on the lake. I attended a prom on it in high school; a booze cruise in college; some casino nights for my dad's old company and a Captain's Cruise when I worked as a newspaper reporter. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the highlights of the Shakedown Cruise is being able to go up into the Captain's Quarters, meet the Mount's great staff and have the opportunity to "steer" the ship. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsklF76D4solbatXLFdq7uSuO5U6hrbvSpwbrHnyzBhWfL2IaMHCP41-nnHk9Axfh3e3j5x-CcoDcKJXHjFsTOuYk2tEJJ09S_U6H9AgLzT5BCgEDmNw5DzxVfap7c5jVGRAvq5U1Ok/s1600/2013-04-29+10.47.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsklF76D4solbatXLFdq7uSuO5U6hrbvSpwbrHnyzBhWfL2IaMHCP41-nnHk9Axfh3e3j5x-CcoDcKJXHjFsTOuYk2tEJJ09S_U6H9AgLzT5BCgEDmNw5DzxVfap7c5jVGRAvq5U1Ok/s320/2013-04-29+10.47.32.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Mount has changed over the years. The original S.S Mount Washington ship burned in a dock fire in 1939. Though attempts were made to free the ship, it was stuck in the shallow mud of the bay and was burned along with the boardwalk and railroad station. A new ship from Vermont, which happened to be for sale at the time, was brought in from Lake Champlain. The ship was 203 feet long and constructed of iron. The ship was sent in pieces from Vermont to Lakeport, where it was reassembled. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqo398-rV8YaOVmECKKI5-pKHc3jNPR2uf_n34g9Rhzyxn781iAA_8_tHr1oXyFu4Hh9RmgEKnUv7DpccwJVgdcJssh6MXMOv-Xdaryhs-C706FG-fY9agFDs3paVIXNF8KdzH-5dSMys/s1600/2013-04-29+12.14.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqo398-rV8YaOVmECKKI5-pKHc3jNPR2uf_n34g9Rhzyxn781iAA_8_tHr1oXyFu4Hh9RmgEKnUv7DpccwJVgdcJssh6MXMOv-Xdaryhs-C706FG-fY9agFDs3paVIXNF8KdzH-5dSMys/s320/2013-04-29+12.14.41.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Great view!!!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The ship has seen many changes over the years. Twin diesel engines were added in 1946 and its length was extended 25 feet in 1982. It was after both of these changes that it would become the M.S. Mount Washington it is today. It holds up to 1,250 passengers and is a true gem of the Lakes Region. It's very own Captain Jim is also well-known in the community for his dedication to tourism and his community. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am looking forward to getting back out on the water this summer for another cruise. Check out the Mount's schedule <a href="http://www.cruisenh.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-90776249081545978332013-04-27T09:00:00.000-04:002013-04-27T10:54:45.581-04:00First Spring Hike: Piper Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05_kbaRSzIgPVMy1zkfvbctq82G0zLzZFFq8XfrvbIbq1tjwuYZA5cS73XlBrkbNiqy5KRpSCNn4-1Fa0QPo4uQNKE1dwJuRc3Q-bgSVl6eHOwYZXtNip6CJxEoJoyPchRRxvhW6-22k/s1600/2013-04-21+12.33.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05_kbaRSzIgPVMy1zkfvbctq82G0zLzZFFq8XfrvbIbq1tjwuYZA5cS73XlBrkbNiqy5KRpSCNn4-1Fa0QPo4uQNKE1dwJuRc3Q-bgSVl6eHOwYZXtNip6CJxEoJoyPchRRxvhW6-22k/s320/2013-04-21+12.33.58.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcLn_EC7WocKASa1kQVwFeD85R5LQmjo2A1_88oBlTMupe4QkvGDsFoOq7efhj2N3SNk7qOJ18YAZhOdDmVSci7hPpPCIYGCYw1LB7Bjr-ywPtkgYkSIZBURr_ozPP1AFsKe50sMtEWQ/s1600/2013-04-21+12.53.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcLn_EC7WocKASa1kQVwFeD85R5LQmjo2A1_88oBlTMupe4QkvGDsFoOq7efhj2N3SNk7qOJ18YAZhOdDmVSci7hPpPCIYGCYw1LB7Bjr-ywPtkgYkSIZBURr_ozPP1AFsKe50sMtEWQ/s320/2013-04-21+12.53.56.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hiking is one of my favorite activities, so I always look forward to spring when the weather gets warmer and I can finally get back out on the trails. It's something I enjoy doing with my friends, family and our pets. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first couple hikes of the season can be a challenge as your body readjusts to the activity. My mom and I, joined by our two dogs, headed to Belknap Mountain Road in Gilford for our first hike of the season. The entire access road wasn't open yet, so we parked off to the side, headed down the access road past the gate. We headed up the Piper Mountain Trail off to the right, which leads to a summit a little over a mile up. Piper Mountain, part of the <a href="http://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos/nhbelknaprange.php" target="_blank">Belknap Range Peaks</a> (12 total) is only 2,044 feet so it's a fairly quick and easy hike depending on your pace and the conditions. The trail starts out steep right away then winds nicely to the summit, where other trails can be accessed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because it's spring, the terrain posed some challenges: ice and lots of mud. The ledges near the summit were slippery, especially on the way down, but should be clear within a few weeks. The day was clear though, so the view near the top and at the summit were great. Though the views are somewhat limited in my opinion, I like all of the interesting rock formations that have been built up there. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcDaXK_M-y02oM-PEMSMugvr3vcWjEdXx7aAYptWDTVWsNBDOnAvSDMT8CesMlpuKeJQQN4Tp6R4Rb5qXpTqpXzRxljI3JlCdaQylDxqZMjJ83tf6VMyQBm-ffbS3QWX7_0PjRVf3LI8/s1600/2013-04-21+12.36.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcDaXK_M-y02oM-PEMSMugvr3vcWjEdXx7aAYptWDTVWsNBDOnAvSDMT8CesMlpuKeJQQN4Tp6R4Rb5qXpTqpXzRxljI3JlCdaQylDxqZMjJ83tf6VMyQBm-ffbS3QWX7_0PjRVf3LI8/s320/2013-04-21+12.36.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While we used the trail from the access road, you can also get to the summit from the White and Old Piper Mountain trails. Further up Belknap Mountain Road, there are several trails leading to Belknap Mountain, on the backside of Gunstock. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm looking forward to conquering some bigger mountains this summer, but I will always love the Belknap Mountain trails because they aren't crowded, don't take a whole day to hike and are easily accessible from where I live. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-60035768346800222372013-04-23T18:53:00.000-04:002013-04-23T18:56:53.302-04:00Heaven in a Sandwich: Doug's Hoagies<h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zQtxtyQuVntdAAf9tO-OHgNKXykDyURNVHIgJ6Lbx1ANcmAl4PJTrHGsaVH8nVaIf23w68a-ICKnUNa5606QhgidexiaYxBgAFogSihH118W1TEbkkXLcjch_IDTf82eN4Mn9Ux9jtk/s1600/2013-04-17+13.13.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zQtxtyQuVntdAAf9tO-OHgNKXykDyURNVHIgJ6Lbx1ANcmAl4PJTrHGsaVH8nVaIf23w68a-ICKnUNa5606QhgidexiaYxBgAFogSihH118W1TEbkkXLcjch_IDTf82eN4Mn9Ux9jtk/s200/2013-04-17+13.13.33.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was in Portsmouth last week, joined by Tania from my office, for a professional development event that ended right around lunchtime. Tania is here from Portugal working with us for six months so it's been fun showing her around and rediscovering some of my favorite places in New Hampshire. We were near Dover so there was only one choice for lunch: <b>Doug's Hoagies</b>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2TywESXo6s5ecmcAgWyLaqlPhgBAsSW5xUwRlO0v_GPrIek0J4v4jIy4YJXDz-34kd4HLL07kqG40mWgLTfjXGrdrlDKejguO38t69b3NakgpWmhm4cr7JsWm1XWQ8DELT7ffcNzOEE/s1600/2013-04-17+13.23.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2TywESXo6s5ecmcAgWyLaqlPhgBAsSW5xUwRlO0v_GPrIek0J4v4jIy4YJXDz-34kd4HLL07kqG40mWgLTfjXGrdrlDKejguO38t69b3NakgpWmhm4cr7JsWm1XWQ8DELT7ffcNzOEE/s200/2013-04-17+13.23.37.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You may have never heard of Doug's Hoagies before, a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hidden gem off of Fourth Street in Dover next to the Dover Delite. It doesn't look like much from the outside, and even the inside set-up is fairly simple, but they make some of the best subs around. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The prices are good for what you get too. If you leave Doug's hungry, there is something wrong with you. When I used to work in Dover, the only thing I wanted to do after leaving Doug's was take a nap. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOgIMfzcncGqpuyAOUt5HOEDko3ggVQ-DaFDzbDzJtFpfvtA5W4N9b9NK6gSDVElwGJKPe_YNG9wB7_0QGHYNgb6Vqu5GDBdbmJ3r4widV4Uu-Vm8Gg6Cu5jTQ5Ws-vG3e9f8TZRzhQU/s1600/2013-04-17+13.20.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOgIMfzcncGqpuyAOUt5HOEDko3ggVQ-DaFDzbDzJtFpfvtA5W4N9b9NK6gSDVElwGJKPe_YNG9wB7_0QGHYNgb6Vqu5GDBdbmJ3r4widV4Uu-Vm8Gg6Cu5jTQ5Ws-vG3e9f8TZRzhQU/s320/2013-04-17+13.20.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I pretty much order the same thing at Doug's every time: a small chicken salad sub with lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. I have tried other items as well, like the eggplant parmesan and a turkey reuben, but the chicken salad is my absolute favorite.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The bread is fresh and fluffy, the chicken salad has just the right amount of mayonnaise without being soggy and is lightly seasoned. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I highly recommend this sub shop, which now has a <a href="http://dougshoagies.com/home" target="_blank">website</a>, complete with an online menu. Doug may even make your sub himself. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0ZJ5p_HgCOHI2g9eHI1FqGgQjPQOwcRcCnBHpgvCQ144Eq4dhRHYWG5chfun-n-pYoZ9xkZaued8J0OpWa34SERzjbx0wCqrP9y2gOEKFLDV5mAHQq-qRjzfXBRIpR8MKW1KMJKoTco/s1600/2013-04-17+13.24.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0ZJ5p_HgCOHI2g9eHI1FqGgQjPQOwcRcCnBHpgvCQ144Eq4dhRHYWG5chfun-n-pYoZ9xkZaued8J0OpWa34SERzjbx0wCqrP9y2gOEKFLDV5mAHQq-qRjzfXBRIpR8MKW1KMJKoTco/s320/2013-04-17+13.24.36.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoying my sub!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-84089104520184694062013-04-14T11:22:00.000-04:002013-04-14T11:24:21.653-04:00Farmers' Market Fun<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Farmers' Market Fun</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGxM4TrOAO8-ILGGfTLpN37_oHyCasmGnczizuFs9LylDiTf0jq7n43bAV8MQZo1LYCmHJFNDJ2FNA2rlCgx0rBjYvHMjiR6VavVRbEQ8CoywZes3o35qQaZOpr0eUSVecSFpcsh_PtA/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGxM4TrOAO8-ILGGfTLpN37_oHyCasmGnczizuFs9LylDiTf0jq7n43bAV8MQZo1LYCmHJFNDJ2FNA2rlCgx0rBjYvHMjiR6VavVRbEQ8CoywZes3o35qQaZOpr0eUSVecSFpcsh_PtA/s400/image.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cole Gardens Winter Farmers' Market</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yesterday, my friends and I went to <a href="http://www.colegardens.com/winterfarmersmarket" target="_blank">Cole Gardens Winter Farmers' Market</a>. It was my second time there and the last one of the season. I wish I had gone to a few more before they ended, although it's an easy place to spend money because there are so many local vendors selling great New Hampshire made products. There are similar markets around the state; I have always wanted to go to the winter market in Tilton but it's always packed and the parking situation can be tricky.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This market, while crowded inside, has ample parking in a convenient location. And while you are there you can peruse Cole Gardens items as well: flowers, herbs, gardening supplies and even wine!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Among the vendors there this week were <a href="http://www.jewelltownevineyards.com/" target="_blank">Jewell Towne Vineyards</a>, <a href="http://www.jehuhotsauce.com/" target="_blank">Jehu Hot Sauce</a>, <a href="http://www.nilaschutneys.com/" target="_blank">Nila's Chutneys</a> and <a href="http://www.surowiecfarm.com/" target="_blank">Surowiec Farm</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I left with some Go Go Ginger Garlic chutney, fresh arugula greens and Marechal Foch wine. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtzQJ4ot9VYQiXWvlMMFq5a2L8z5Sgg3hyphenhyphen9KvvmnAPBABQs85knSvUZXfsGjxg54LYftTMbHDYsDaUnjKSpsCtuw9NroHJ94sS2EcPxfWtym9H2aUJ4bgfmVolBq1Let-zO91pMjFa70/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtzQJ4ot9VYQiXWvlMMFq5a2L8z5Sgg3hyphenhyphen9KvvmnAPBABQs85knSvUZXfsGjxg54LYftTMbHDYsDaUnjKSpsCtuw9NroHJ94sS2EcPxfWtym9H2aUJ4bgfmVolBq1Let-zO91pMjFa70/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had some of the arugula for lunch and it was so good compared to the store bought stuff I usually have. It's so simple too: a little olive oil, salt pepper and a little red pepper seasoning added a little kick. Arugula is good for you and even better when it's grown on a local farm in Sanbornton. Upon opening the bag, I realized there was a lot more in there than I originally thought so I will be enjoying this all week. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am looking forward to making something with the chutney-maybe the Go Go Ginger Garlic roasted vegetables using the <a href="http://www.nilaschutneys.com/recipes.html" target="_blank">Nila's recipe</a>. I will share the results when I make it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I already know I like the wine because I have had it before. Jewell Towne, New Hampshire's first winery, makes some great wines and I am looking forward to making a trip there this summer. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While it's easy to find great Granite State products at many area stores, the farmers' market brings everyone together and you can sample them before you buy them. The farmers' market now moves to downtown Concord, so I am excited to visit that one next. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85735159007064660.post-28962144332249186552013-04-10T20:43:00.001-04:002013-04-14T11:25:01.770-04:00Sizzlin' in the Kitchen<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sizzlin' in the Kitchen with Sizzlin' Sauces</span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I recently wrote a story for the <a href="http://www.hippopress.com/" target="_blank">Hippo </a>about New Hampshire companies that make hot sauce and salsa. There are more than I realized, offering great products! To gain some insight, I attended the <a href="http://millyardcommunications.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=MadeinNHExpo&category=madeinnh" target="_blank">Made in New Hampshire Expo</a> at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester where I was rewarded with some fabulous samples. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I got home, I had an abundance of hot sauce and other items in my possession, including beef jerky, salsa, garlic relish and olive tapenade. I love hot sauce and spicy foods, but I wasn't sure what to do with all of these items at first. Then, I decided there was no better way to try them than by using them in recipes, based on the suggestions from the creators themselves. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The result: delicious pizza!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I loved Mojo's Tapenade when I tried it at the Expo, and Chef Bud of <a href="http://www.sizzlinsauces.com/" target="_blank">Sizzlin Sauces</a> was nice enough to send me home with my own jar. It didn't last long. I had some with crackers and the rest I used to make this DELICIOUS pizza. All I used was some regular wheat pizza crust, the tapenade, some chopped mushrooms, green onions and a little mozzarella. The tapenade is somewhat salty, so it could be cut with spaghetti sauce, additional vegetables or a little olive oil. I need to get another jar of this stuff soon. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The day before, I roasted some brussel sprouts with his Razing Cane Garlic Relish and the dish was good out of the oven, but even better the following day after the flavors had time to really set in. This was just brussel sprouts, a little olive oil, some relish, salt and pepper to coat and then roasted in the oven for about 20 minutes or so. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Garlic Relish was good, but I really liked the tapenade and highly recommend it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I still have two different Sizzlin' Sauces I haven't tried yet. One packs a little more heat than the other, so I will have to figure out how to use them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stay tuned for more hot sauce creations!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748355987566085668noreply@blogger.com0