How early is too early for a wine tasting? The only winery tours I’ve ever done have been early morning freeway drive-bys. The classic: “Oh, is that a winery? Let’s stop!” Usually I’ve been in the car for several days, and yes, I’m one of those folks who’s immediately drawn to kitchy local shops that sport the native wares of its people…and wine is a surefire wire to sample the local flavor. Wines coming direct from the source tend to be a smidge cheaper than the standard, liquor store wine, (that’s right, people, CO has liquor stores, no alcohal in supermarkets for us!) Some fun random winery stops:
1.) Grand River Vineyard, discovered in Palisade, CO while returning from a camping trip in Rabbit Valley Utah. (Started the tasting at 9:30am)
2.) Maui’s Winery located at the Ulupalakua Ranch, “home of the Paniolo or Hawaiian cowboy.” Discovered atop a mountain while on our honeymoon, their pineapple wine was taken home across the ocean to be enjoyed on our one year anniversary.
3.) Wyldewood Cellars Winery, discovered recently outside Mulvane, Kansas. (And home to the wierdest, most potent, Syrah I’ve every tasted). This was where I sidled up to the bar at 9 am and said plaintitively: “Is is too early for wine?”
Wyldewood also touted the amazing effects of their Elderberry Elixer, a potent extract of this midwestern plant. According to the wall poster in the girl’s bathroom this elixer can cure what ails ya! Below is an old fashion advertisement:

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