I’ve always been a liquor person. I’m the annoying girl who can’t drink the 10 cent draft and has to instead insist on the $4.00 mixed drink. It’s not a snob thing, I just hate beer. And I thought I hated wine, too – until this past weekend.

I attended a daytime bachelorette party and we went to a winery out in the sticks. It was literally at the end of all these winding roads and you park in this giant, gravel lot. There are pop-up tents and chairs set up all over the front yard of the owner’s beautiful home. It’s intimate, romantic, and cozy all at the same time. It was totally country and I loved it. For August, it was a cooler, breezy afternoon and all you could smell were trees, and the hint of rain, as it was sprinkling on and off.

There was a shop at the bottom of the house, and it was the quaintest place ever. There was a tasting room to try out the wines, a gift shop, and a small eatery and bathroom. They were selling cute magnets and glasses and t-shirts with wine sayings, and it made me want to know and learn more about this grape obsession so many seem to have.

I found a wine I really liked called Sunset Rosé and I split a bottle with two of my fellow party goers. We had a great little day atop the hill. I found I really liked sipping wine and munching on the great snacks everyone brought. Cheeses and fruits and chocolates, you can bring all your own food, which is a plus, and they even have live music.

There was a bridal shower there at the same time we were, and families and couples, too, all enjoying a day in the woods. I can’t believe my husband and I never did something like this, and I already text my friends saying we must make a day of it. Isn’t it funny when you find a place that’s so close to home, yet you just never knew it was there, and it becomes a new favorite?

Even though the headache that followed my excursion was nothing short of hell, it was worth it. Next time, water in between each glass. Hey, I never said I was an expert.

Sometimes going out of your comfort zone, and trying something new can turn out to be a pretty good gamble. I can’t say I’m a wine aficionado, and I have no idea what all the different types mean, or why people swirl it around in their glass when tasting it, but I’m sure as heck going to go back to that winery and try some more. Officially adding wine tasting to my list of things to do more.

And a big congratulations to Crickett – the bride-to-be! We all had a great time at the party, and we can’t wait till the wedding!!