Bacchus or Dionysis -- Whose to Blame

Yesterday was dedicated to the Grape , the Vine and most certainly the wine.

Lynda and I learnt a long while ago at a place that was called Vinopolis, under London Bridge in the arches, that wine was found being made in Georgia by Jason-- the Greek who went looking for a Goats fleece fame-- and it was  found they were making it in Georgia, in the Caucuses--I says they were making wine here 8000 years ago-- though that's a bit before Jasons time.

So while so many people take the name of Bacchus as being most associated with wine and its making and drinking-- and he was roman of course---

 

It was the Greek God Dionysis -- Son of Zeus,-- who started the whole thing off.

 

Which kind of begs the question as to why it is only now that the Greeks are starting to make really drinkable wines -- particularly the Red variety.

 

So it's all down to this fella---

 

 

- yeah well he looks suitably under the influence of having tried plenty of it himself.

 

( Recommendation)

A little gem from the vineyards of Monamvasia.

 

So what you might ask has all this to do with yesterday, well, as a little treat for ourselves Lynda and I went on a trip through the Napa Valley, on an amazing vehicle , that finished with a Gourmet Lunch -- oh and a bit more vino -- on the same chariot that carried us there and back.

Not sure Dionysis would have approved of this but it was a real pleasure to ride in this vintage train--

  And everything is most definitely bigger----

Our focus was at a winery called Raymond -- started in the early 70's from a guy who married into the Berringer family after the great depression-----

 

This picture is of the Berringer winery that was one of only 4 out of hundreds left after the Prohibition was lifted and Mr Raymond was a 17 years old young man cellar rat, 3rd one in at the top from the right-- slightly hidden.

 

The vineyard was bought around 2002 by Monsieur Jean Charles Boisset from France who already owned a vineyard and he set about totally changing life on this vineyard -- as well as producing some exceptional wines.

Having been around a couple of vineyards previously I have to confess to never have seen anything like what was seen in the fermenting tank room.

 

The new owners and Frenchie -- their dog--

 

Clearly a man who brings flare to his wines and to the atmosphere surrounding the brewing process-- or maybe a closet Cabaret star or director--

 

  If you cant see this is all in and around the stainless steel vats ---

Follies Berger or what 

 

Always keep the glass handy--

One of the Raymond vineyards classics Cabernets--

 

Still an eye for the slightly bizarre-- Red shoes for the wine holder -- very original---

 

Ok so the winery done it was back on to the chariot for lunch and to sample a little more of the wine.

 We got a view of the kitchen and saw preparation---

 The views wee spectacular but then you would hope so at nearly a $1M an acre in the valley---

 The food was exquisite-- I really mean that -- it was superb and as good as any fine dining restaurant

  My beautiful dinner partner just prior to the meal---

 So this was a joint choice of Pinot Noir and I shall be looking out for this in Majestic the next time I go there-- it was superb. - Just in case you cant see it is called ROMILILLY

 

So this was nearing the end and taken by  one of two very nice mid thirties Geordie lasses.

 

All in all both an education and a wonderful day and the only let down was that it only proved what I already knew--- I love wine.

 

More piccies to come !