Z is for Zinfindel

 Well, almost the last post, from Arlee's challenge from A to Z.. Lots of things start with Z but I decided to write about Wine, Zinfindel.
Red Zinfindel is made from a variety of red grapes planted in over 10% of California vineyards. As some of you may know, I was married in a vineyard.  Benmarl winery in Marlboro, NY www.benmarl.com they make artisian-made aged carefully in oak or stainless steel.

White Zinfindel wine is made from the red Zinfandel grape, but the grape skins are quickly removed after they are crushed so there is significantly less contact time with the heavily pigmented red grape skin, resulting in a pink/rose colored wine, instead of a deep red wine.
 I have always said by the time I turn 50 that I wanted to go to Montreal or Napa Valley to do a wine bike tour....

Napa Valley Bike Tours is an athletic way to see Napa Valley. Take a self-guided tour or a guided tour and you can choose the perfect distance for your ability level. Consider the Ride, Wine and Dine Tour. It's a guided tour that starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs for six hours. The actual biking is on flat roads, so the tour is ideal for the beginning rider. The tours stops at three or four vineyards depending on time constraints, and includes a picnic lunch. It also includes a bike and helmet rental, snacks and water, transportation and a water bottle to take home with you. As of 2010, the average rate per person was $140. Napa Valley Bike Tours Yountville, CA 94599 707-944-2953 napavalleybiketours.com

Zinfandel...You’re a master of disguise. Who is that masked man known as ZIN? You hide behind a mask of contradictory styles. Are you the soft, sweet hombre oft seen in the Central Valley, disguised in a vibrant pink cape? Or perhaps you are the fire-breathing rogue of the Sierra Foothills, a spicy-natured, tannic beast. How will you appear next?...and where! Always willing to change your facade to suit the environment, your true nature seems to be adaptability, itself. You are a legend in California; friend of the poor pisano, and delight to the pompous patron. Truth is, you're no robber at all...you give to all! this quote was taken from www.appellationamerica.com
Here is my dream vacation:

Niagara Bike Tour

Ontario Canada Wine Tours

Wine Spectator Magazine refers to the peninsula where we run our exclusive Niagara bike tour as "bucolic" and "charming". The region's wineries and excellent inns and restaurants provide the perfect opportunity to experience the wine country for which Canada is famous.

Fall in love with Niagara-on-the-Lake, the prettiest town in Canada. Cycle a bike path to a lovely park overlooking the greatest waterfall in North America - Niagara Falls.  Tour one of the world’s top wine regions on bike paths and lightly traveled routes.  The cycling routes are as easy and relaxing as they are scenic.

Cycle the Welland Canal bike path and observe huge ships as they navigate the extensive lock system between Lakes Ontario and Erie. Your tour route follows bike paths and quiet country roads lined with vineyards, farms, and orchards. 

Enjoy private wine tours and tastings at a variety of unique and highly regarded wineries. The Niagara region sits at a latitude similar to that of Burgundy, and the warming influence from Lake Ontario contributes to the cultivation of wine grapes.  Icewine put the Niagara Wine Country on the map, and now their Bordeaux and Burgundian-styled wines are making their mark in the worldwide arena.

World-famous wines and the internationally acclaimed Shaw Theatre draw audiences from around the globe to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Lovely homes are framed by shaded lanes leading to a lakeside park, and the main street is lined with interesting shops and eateries.  The region’s British influence, evident in local dialects and gorgeous gardens, dates back to loyalists who fled north following the American Revolution.

Spend your evenings luxuriating in the region’s finest lodging.  A lovely inn and spa nestled in the heart of the countryside features a renowned restaurant serving gourmet wine country cuisine.  Enjoy your first two evenings being wined and dined in this delightful oasis.  In Niagara-on-the-Lake, stay in a landmark property in a quiet location overlooking the oldest golf course in North America. Just a short walk from shops, restaurants and the Shaw Theatre, this luxurious property features its own spa, infinity pool, and restaurant serving gourmet cuisine prepared by one of Ontario's most celebrated chefs.

Contact us for a detailed itinerary.

Tour Start/End:   Buffalo, NY. Group transfers provided to/from Ontario at tour start/end.

Included:    All meals except one dinner & two lunches.
Prices: from $2395 per person, do
 Sounds fun to me, Too bad my hubby doesn't follow my blog .....
 Around my area there are many wineries and they do a lot of themed days and nights.  They have an event where each winery gives out a ornament for a wreath and it's called wreath winery fineries- 

 i found another great blogger from this area who specializes in wineries hudsonriverwine.blogspot.com