Did you ever have one of those days, where it seemed like simply everyone wanted you to taste their wine? Yeah, I know how you feel. Thursday was like that for me.

First was Kristin, with a nice old vine Grenache from 100 year old vines. Rich, chewy fruit, and reasonably priced.

Then, our boy Jeremy came on the scene, with six wines, ranging from an absolutely delicious Columbia Valley Riesling (although he couldn’t get Susan to try it, even though she is the unofficial “Riesling Queen”), to a couple nice selections from Oregon – including a pretty Rose. I don’t remember the last two so well, as my notes become less clear.

As Jeremy was wrapping up his little song and dance, Drew, from Alliance wines, came in with his Big Guy Red, a Merlot/Cab/Syrah blend from the makers of the Little Wing Syrah we tasted a few weeks back. Interesting.

All in all, about two-and-a-half hours of tasting wine (yes, I am slow, but deliberate). Of course, I revisited one or two wines, just to make sure…

[Editor’s Note: No, that’s not why this email is late…we were here until 11 last night doing our punch list for the Health Department so we can pass our inspection and get our permit to serve food…so, I know I am tardy, but I have a non-alcoholic excuse…for once!]

Then, of course, there was the tasting. Unfortunately, I had a Planning and Zoning meeting, so my civic obligation prevented me from enjoying the tasting in my own shop! I cannot wait until my term is up. Like to give back, and all, but I DO have my priorities, and, hey, they call me a wine guy for a reason, and it doesn’t have anything to do with ruling on fence heights or setting requirements for conditional use permits!

I’m sorry, was that a rant?

OK, back to your regularly scheduled program. The Elected Officials played Friday, and they just keep getting better. We are going to have to start paying them pretty soon, I am afraid. Lou played piano and bass, demonstrating that the intensive schooling his parents paid for did not go completely to waste. Rhonda Sparks got up and belted out a few numbers with the boys, getting the crowd all rowdy…there was even a little hootin’ and hollerin’ at The Grind.

We had some of our Raleigh regulars in, who we always enjoy seeing (even though one of them put an ice cube in a lovely Pinot Noir…sheesh!...but it was hot, so I gave her a pass. They are good customers, after all, so I won’t say any more. Right now.).

Also Friday, we received our visit from the Health Department, who gave us a list of items as long as my arm…OK, maybe not that long, but plenty of things to cross off just the same. We anticipate we will complete the list and be re-inspected by the end of the week, and that we will have our permit to operate…so, next week, we will start rolling out a limited menu, and then I can have my stroke and recuperate in peace at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

[UPDATE: Friday, the Health Department issued our permit...next week, we will begin a limited menu, so get ready!]

Thursday, Liza will be back to taste us on some wine, so get here early…you know how things go. She has some interesting selections, including a Sauv Blanc, a Chard and two Cabs…
Friday, The Elected Officials return to rock the house. I know I keep saying this, but if you haven’t seen them, they really are a fun little group. Perhaps a little rowdier than The Grind is used to, but they are a lot of fun, and Lou has promised that they will continue to practice.

So, there you have it. The Treehouse Bistro is almost here, the wine is flowing, the beer is cold and summer breezes are making our deck the place to be, so come on down to 2 Wine Guys @ The Grind and let us pour you a glass.

Shawn

Post Date: 06/19/2009