Wine(ry) of the Week

I'll bet you're wondering why Lucy has a little 5 o'clock shadow.  

We'll get to that in a minute.

This weekend was Red Caboose Winery's annual Grape Stomp event, and I just couldn't resist heading down to Meridian to check in on one of my favorite boutique wineries.  I was there in March when the vines had just put out the most adorable little fuzzy green buds, so it made a special kind of sense for my return visit to include stomping the ever-lovin' crap out of 'em 5 months later.  Just kidding :)

Actually, when Gary McKibben, eco-architect and owner of Red Caboose, called with an invitation to this annual event, the idea of a day in the country full of wine, music and good cheer seemed like just what the doctor ordered to chase away those "end of summer" blues.  Mr. C&S and the 'rents and I headed down on Saturday afternoon and a wonderful time was had by all.  My favorite part was, obviously, the wine (served in gi-nor-mous 18.5-oz. commemorative goblets), but a close second was meeting my new friend Richard.  He was the most colorful contender in this year's Red Caboose Lucy Look-a-like Contest, and a funny guy to boot.  I asked Richard if he was a wine buff.  "I'm not necessarily a wine person," he replied.  "I'm a party person."  Right on.  Richard and his wife (and wardrobe stylist), recent transplants from Southern California, seemed to be having a blast.  It just goes to show that my mother was right all along:  a fresh coat of lip gloss and a nice peasant blouse can do wonders for one's disposition.

Red Caboose hosts events throughout the year.  It's a small, family-run place with a cozy little tasting room and a 360 view of rolling, tree-covered hills.  Try the award-winning Viognier or the Syrah-Merlot blend.  Orange wig optional.

Red Caboose Winery

Meridian, TX

www.redcaboosewinery.com