A PERFECT AFTERNOON

 

GREAT FRIENDS!
GREAT WINE!
GREAT GOUDA CHEESE!

 

After a leisurely breakfast, we drove to Cottonwood and turned left, anticipating our wine tasting at Alcantara Vineyards and Winery.  After one or two confusing instructions, our faithful GPS made sense again and, rather emphatically ordered another left turn.  "Now!  Now!"  Actually, the "Now! Now!" was me in the back seat.  I love wine tastings and will accept no excuse to miss one.

We were in the high desert of Arizona, and with our final turn lost sight of any civilization that might have been close by.  We spotted another sign, turned left again onto a yet more narrow road that dropped quickly and a bit steeply into a lush valley where Oak Creek and the Verde River meet.  This Tuscan beauty lies at the end of the road.  

I believe the Alcantara vineyards encompass about twelve acres of grapes and then import others from California to blend and round out their offerings.  The result is a nice variety of reds and whites, perfect for every taste.  Although the tasting room itself is quite large and "living room cushy chairs" comfy, we opted to sit outside and enjoy the slight breeze and panoramic view.

Tasting wine like this can last a couple of hours, with good friends free with their conversations and laughter, plus a beautiful selection of cheeses with all the extras.  Alcantara wines are fresh and young and just happen to fit perfectly in our little wine cooler, ready for the next special occasion.

Thanks, Alcantara.  We had a wonderful time!