Back out there

“The first couple days I felt like I was stuttering and stumbling over my words. I have basically been talking to only three people for months. It’s like I had to warm up,” our server at Back 10 Cellars said this about her first days back at work. “I’m good now.” She was smiling behind the mask.

My husband and I were sitting in the stylish new Smit-ten Summerhouse. A gentle breeze wafted through the airy open structure that affords lovely views of the vineyards. The pavilion sits alongside rows of Riesling and Chardonnay. Up close I could see the tight bunches of green grapes taking shape and getting bigger.

I was also getting used to this new feeling of being out. Distracted and perhaps slightly overwhelmed by these new sensations, menu choices and chatter of people, I admit I did not pay as much attention as usual to the wine description when she brought our order (and not because she stumbled over her words). I think she mentioned the sparkling was made in the Charmat method (like a Prosecco) and had notes of strawberry and orange rind. The details were a bit of a blur. But it was truly yummy.

Like our friendly server warming up her small talk, I also feel a bit rusty. I am out of practice on writing about visits to wineries and other local explorations. Scrolling back through my blog I see the last time was Bench Brewery in early March 2020.

So this is a warm up post. A little taste of our Sunday afternoon out in wine country to exercise my travel writing muscles.

Prior to our visit to the shady Smit-ten Summerhouse, we had a delicious lunch on the Terrace at Redstone. I sampled a flight of wines: a fruity sparkling Rosé, a dry Rosé and a herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. The server thoughtfully brought us a cup of ice which soon turned to water. It was a hot day.

Dessert was at Back 10 Cellars: the Pink Smitten Float. This delightful concoction is sparkling wine poured over a scoop of gelato. The zesty gelato is made with the wine (you can also order the gelato by itself). It was refreshing and nicely sweet.

Before heading home we packed our trunk with peaches, nectarines, cherries and a huge watermelon. Niagara fruit in full season!

It certainly was nice to get back out there. Stretch out beyond my neighborhood. Loosen up my social muscles. Exercise my taste buds. Focus my camera. Take in the atmosphere.

To borrow a phrase from our wise server: “I’m good now”.