Along the way we are finally able to check out what a KFC Buffet actually looks like inside, thanks to me having to go to the washroom. I know, the whole concept is still a bit bizarre to me. We also saw the teenie tiniest cafe. I don't think it really meets any building code to any degree.
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Another breath taking view. I'm beginning to realize how important it is to get out of the city every now and then. Making our way up this steep mountain side, my taste buds are prepping for being on their best behavior so that I do not look like too much of a fool next to my wine connoiseur.
We are at Valhalla Vineyards. They do a progressive wine tasting, and for $10 a person, you are able to sample their reserve wines from their hillside vineyard and even take their logo wine glass home. Suprisingly, they did still charge us even though my sommelier is a buyer for a large hotel company, the decision of the owner who was a bit rough around the edges or maybe it was the stress of the day that comes with the responsibility of owning your own hillside winery.
The 'reserve' tasting consisted of two whites and six reds, topping it off with a late harvest dessert wine. Their 'Rheingold' Chardonnay spent some time in French Oak which showed well although a bit pricey for the $24 price tag. Chardonnay is just one of those grapes you can grow just about anywhere outside of Antartica and do relatively well with it which makes it a great grape to grow if you are looking to enhance your backyard with some grape vines.
The selection of reds were showcased by their "Valkyrie", which is a typical Bordeaux blend using the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Perhaps it was the Cabernet Franc which made this wine great as thise grape thrives well in the Virginia climate. After running through the rest of the selections, we settled on a bottle of the "Valkyrie" and continued to enjoy the outdoor ambiance of being in a hillside vineyard overlooking the Roanoke proper. The day was finished with a spectacular sunset dropping over the mountains with a deep orange glow changing shades every few minutes.
After feeling happy from our trip to Valhalla, we continued on to our roadside abode which consisted of a motel spread out on several acres, allowing us to bring the dog without attracting too much attention. The extra land surrounding the property allowed her to roam and do her business.
The selection of reds were showcased by their "Valkyrie", which is a typical Bordeaux blend using the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Perhaps it was the Cabernet Franc which made this wine great as thise grape thrives well in the Virginia climate. After running through the rest of the selections, we settled on a bottle of the "Valkyrie" and continued to enjoy the outdoor ambiance of being in a hillside vineyard overlooking the Roanoke proper. The day was finished with a spectacular sunset dropping over the mountains with a deep orange glow changing shades every few minutes.
After feeling happy from our trip to Valhalla, we continued on to our roadside abode which consisted of a motel spread out on several acres, allowing us to bring the dog without attracting too much attention. The extra land surrounding the property allowed her to roam and do her business.