Here we are, the very 1st day of 2023, and a special edition of my wine blog. I just got back from 10 days in Newfoundland, and it was a great Christmas and a very quiet New Year for me. I was in bed by 10:30 p.m. It’s been a couple of weeks, and I was in the mood to write a new blog. The last blog was on Saturday December 17th and that Wednesday I headed for my hometown.
I had to drive because the price of airline tickets were atrocious, at around the $2200 mark. So I took the night crossing and when I got off the next morning, I was greeted by snow, lots of snow. That was a big of a white knuckle drive, and I’m thankful for the 18-wheeler in front of me clearing the way. I had to get out and take a picture. I got there the morning of the 22nd, and December 23rd is a very special day in Newfoundland. It’s called Tibb’s Eve, and it’s a time to celebrate. The tradition started in Newfoundland because starting Christmas Eve you were with family for the next few days, so it was a chance to party with friends.
It also happened to be a Friday and my sister threw a Tibb’s Eve party for her staff and friends and family. This wonderful 9 piece band volunteered to play, and they were fantastic.
You could say the party went to the dogs. Maggie was well behaved as a guest.
There was lots of dancing, my nephew Riley was home from St. FX University and we had a great time. I was designated driver that day.
Saw a few friends over Christmas, even my adopted nephew, Ryan. Ryan lives in St. John’s now, and is so much fun. He is basically the unofficial son of my sister Jackie, even my Mom called him her adopted grandson. He also has good taste in wine.
We were playing games and Ryan bought this wonderful Riesling one evening. It’s been a while since I had a Riesling, and this one was absolutely wonderful. I had forgotten how much I love Riesling, and this one was so good.
The Moseland Ars Vitis Riesling is a Riesling out of Germany. Priced in the $20 range in Newfoundland, it was dry with a hint of sweetness, and gorgeous flavors of pear, apple and peach. An absolute perfect wine to pair with spicy food, Thai food or any Asian cuisine. And it comes in a gorgeous bottle that would also make a great gift.
I hope you had a wonderful New Year’s Eve. Me, I had a quiet one. I was in bed by 10:30 p.m. and had the best night sleep in a long time. There were some late nights in Newfoundland, so I’m trying to get back on track. I did however, enjoy a glass of wine that my nephew Brady gave me.
My nephew Brady was also home, so the whole gang was home and it was wonderful. Brady always seems to give me a bottle of wine for Christmas, and this was the selection for this year. He’s a big hockey fan and once he says Wayne Gretzky’s name he really wanted me to try it.
The Wayne Gretzky Winery was one of the wineries we had planned to visit during our planned tour of the Niagara region we were trying to pull off in 2021. Twice it had to be cancelled because of Covid restrictions. We are hoping to do it eventually. This was a full bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, medium to full-bodied and not overly oaky. I found it delicious and priced under $21.
2022 had some great ups and a few challenges. 2023 will bring some challenges to me personally as I fight some health issues. My wish for you is a wonderful 2023 with all the good health and happiness that it hopefully brings. Find joy in the small things.
Next week is my favorite wines of 2022. Cheers
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 