Wow, do I have a ton of fun pictures for you all today.  Our sweet Valerie is having quite the year so far – she graduated college on the same day she & Jay got engaged and this past weekend we visited the wineries of North Georgia to celebrate her birthday. Nothing but fun around here!

First stop, Sublime Donuts – nothing gives you energy like a couple of sugar laden donuts, right?  Ohhh, they are so yummy.

Donut Art!

We all met at Sublime Donuts – many thanks to Denise & Rick for picking me up while Eric had some errands to run.

Our first winery was Montaluce – a spectacular Tuscan style villa with a full dining room and loads of wines.  The vistas were breathtaking.

Second stop, and my favorite, was Three Sisters Winery, owned and operated by my good friends Doug and Sharon Paul, who so generously and graciously set up a private tasting for us. Doug regaled us with the history of wine and terrior, French for land.  He also charmed our French friend Benoit, when he told him in his native tongue, “I cannot speak French, but I am tall, strong and crazy!” The wines were the finest we tasted all day. I went home with a case. In the future, I plan on organizing an exclusive tour to Three Sisters, so please let me know if you have an interest in joining us.

Our friends all packed the loveliest dishes and we picnicked at Three Sisters as we learned about the wines. Doug treated us to their splendid port, which we all loved.  Even an impromptu rain shower did not dampen our spirits.

We could have stayed at Three Sisters all day, but we had a plan to visit four in one day and the next winery was Blackstock. More gorgeous scenery. And a foot race for Taruan and Valerie!

And a Brady Bunch photo op.

And some more fun photos.

Our last stop of the day was Frogtown Cellars. We all liked the lively atmosphere, although it might have seemed like a cocktail party because it was the end of the day. No matter! Always time for a party! And more photos!

And the last shot of the day – our beautiful party princess enjoying her birthday.

Happy Birthday, Valerie. We love you!

Thanks to Jay who thought up this great idea and a million more thanks to Doug and Sharon Paul at Three Sisters for the private tasting – it was the highlight of our day. And of course, thanks to Rick & Denise, who allowed me to ride up with them.

And if you didn’t get enough photos, check out the little slideshow I did on You Tube of our day.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to UB40 – Red, Red Wine