As a self-proclaimed grandma, I may not be big on “going out,” but I’m always looking for new daytime adventures. I love exploring different towns and trying new activities. The problem is, most of my friends live a plane ride away, so finding partners in crime can be a challenge.
I’d seen a couple of Instagram posts of friends from Miami at some sort of vineyard. I figured if there’s a vineyard in Miami, there must be one in Massachusetts. I did some research and found several, but Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton, Mass. looked like the perfect spot. So this past weekend, my friend Melissa and I decided to give it a try.
We signed up for a tour and tasting. The tour wasn’t exactly what I expected – it was held entirely in three rooms inside the warehouse area. Not exactly a “tour,” but the guide was extremely knowledgable and informative if you’re dying to learn about the wine making process. The highlight for me was the tasting…duh. We sampled a Chardonnay, a Strawberry Rhubarb, a Red, and a Peach wine. The fruit varieties were right up my alley. However, we kept joking that the guide must’ve thought I was underage based on the trickle of wine he kept giving me. I can’t say I blame him since I do look 16 (on a good day).
I had learned through the website that you can order gourmet boxed lunches to eat picnic-style on the grounds. What I didn’t know is that they would be sold out by the time we went to place our order online that morning! To say that I was bummed is an understatement. It sounds silly to be crushed over a sold-out sandwich, but we’re talking prosciutto. Come on people.
Our Plan B was to eat at the on-site restaurant, J’s. I wasn’t too keen on this idea because of the price tag, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Little did we know, we were about to get more desperate. J’s is apparently only open for brunch on Sundays, and they have a strict reservations-only policy! Two of the people we dealt with were very rude about it. We didn’t let that overshadow the nice people we had met, though!
We then noticed several groups sitting at picnic tables with cheese, crackers, and wine. We found our way to the store area and snagged a box of Stonewall Kitchen crackers and some homemade cheese. The best part is, you can buy a reasonably priced bottle of wine and they will uncork it for you so you can enjoy it within the grounds! How’s that overpriced buffet lookin’ now, suckers?
While we were snacking and chatting, an adorable group of seventy-somethings approached us. They offered us an extra commemorative glass (each tour comes with one) and we thanked them profusely for being so thoughtful. Next thing we know, they had gone back inside and gathered the rest of their glasses and gifted them to us. One of the women said, “I’m sure your collection is just beginning…ours is ending!” They were so sweet. Day made!
All in all we had a fabulous day. The best part was wining and dining – uh, snacking – picnic style on the beautiful grounds. I would go back for that in a heartbeat!
I’ll leave you with an invaluable piece of advice:
Wine a little… you’ll feel better. 😉
