Rioja Alavesa: The Perfect Day

Some days are just too perfect. Words somehow lack the means of effectively communicating the experience. Poets have ways of transporting us to places and times of great beauty; alas I am not a poet. I am a wine writer armed with joy, gratitude, enthusiasm, and an iPhone 6S. Today, that will have to be enough.

I am beginning my Rioja Alavesa journey with you from the last day. It ranks among one of the most memorable and beautiful days of my wine life. It was…perfect! And instead of bogging you down with words that lack true expression of the day I am going to offer a photo essay. Most of these photos are completely unedited; they require no human intervention to somehow “beauty up” the experience. It stands on its own. Let the journey begin…

Breakfast in the vineyard at Gil Berzal.
Breakfast in the vineyard at Gil Berzal.

 

Making wine & serving Iberian ham.
Making wine & serving Iberian ham.
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Gil Berzal Rioja Alavesa wines
Wine in the glass from the grapes on the vine behind. New meaning to drink local!
Wine in the glass from the grapes on the vine behind. New meaning to drink local!
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Mule plows the vineyards
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One is the mule.

Now on to lunch….

Lunch in the vineyards of Laukotel in Rioja Alavesa.
Lunch in the vineyards of Laukote in Rioja Alavesa.
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Perspective on our dining view. WOW!
Beautiful wine with fresh tomatoes and bread.
Beautiful wine with fresh tomatoes and bread.

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Grilling in the vineyard. I feel like Mario Batali.

Grilling in the vineyards. I feel like Mario Batali.

Lamb cooking on the vines.
Lamb cooking on the vines.
Some of the best lamb chops I have ever had; just salt, pepper and terroir!
Some of the best lamb chops I have ever had; just salt, pepper and terroir!
Fabulous Rioja Alavesa!
Fabulous Rioja Alavesa!
This wine is amazing!
This wine is amazing!
cheese and Rioja Alavesa
cheese and Rioja Alavesa
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I highly recommend you seek out Laukote wines; available on the east coast.
with winemaker and lamb cooker Noberto!
with winemaker and lamb cooker Noberto!
Cheers to a perfect day!
Cheers to a perfect day!

I hope you enjoyed sharing in this day. I was really perfect. Lunch in the vineyards with no bugs, no humidity, just lovely friends new and old and great food and wine. Like I said, perfect!

11 responses to “Rioja Alavesa: The Perfect Day”

  1. Looks Inviting, relaxing with good food, great wine, good friends and new friends. Yes. A Perfect Day!! Cheers! Wish I was there.

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