Wednesday, January 18, 2006

A couple of months ago, I noticed a billboard on the interstate for Vizzini Winery - a winery at my exit. This particular exit has a few gas stations, a bank and a car dealership. The restaurant closed, and has been empty. There's also a small airport, but that's it. For two months, I've looked for signs at the exit itself, telling me which way to go. I've driven down a couple of roads trying to find the place. After all, if there's a winery only 2 miles from my house, I want to know where it is! Finally, on Monday, I found it. They've just put up a sign on their driveway, and you can't see the building very well from the road. Hubby and I went with a couple of friends, and I am in love with the place. Now, I know what you're thinking. An Alabama Winery? I can hear the laughter already. Before we went, I assumed they were talking about Muscadine Wine, that beverage that is so sweet it makes cough syrup seem good. Boy, was I wrong. At the moment, the Vizzini Winery makes about 6 or 7 wines, from white zinfandel to Cabernet Sauvignon. They did a tasting for the four of us, and we sampled all of them - along with a couple of cheeses that they brought for us. After the tasting, we went into the back and spent about 45 minutes on a tour of the facilities (which sounds fancy, but it's all in one room). Mr. Vizzini is a wonderful guide, and obviously passionate about making wine. After the tour, we went out to look through the foods they have for sale. I had to hold myself back - they had an entire display of cheeses, along with a small display of jars of goodies. The dessert case included tiramisu (had to hold myself back again) and a few other heavenly looking things. Since we had just eaten, I refrained from ordering anything. There was also a display of breads - home baked goodies that made my mouth water. We didn't eat anything from the [very small] menu, but we're planning on going back soon. We got a bottle or two of wine, of course. My hubby really likes their Cabernet - but I'm holding out for their first Pinot Noir, which should be ready at the end of the month.

3 comments:

smdrm said...

who would have thought?? Right in your own backyard..so to speak. Sounds like a very hospitable place, full of temptations.

K.A.S. said...

Ohh. I feel a road trip coming on.

How big is their output? Where do they sell?

Deborah said...

Road Trip - hell yeah. Did I mention that Alabama has several wineries? We could meet at the one in Perdido on the coast and travel up this way.

Not a huge output yet - they've only been open two months; and they only sell at their winery. It's illegal in Alabama to have wine shipped to you.