Mirth and Spirit

Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.

Benjamin Franklin

Today, my brother, S-I-L and I ventured into wine country for a heavenly afternoon amidst the vineyards. The ancient Greeks believed that by drinking wine, they were taking divinity within themselves because they were drinking in the essence of the divine Dionysos. Not too different from communion, really.

Having enjoyed ourselves immensely last year, we are taking part in the "Wrapped Up in the Valley" event again this year in an area of the Niagara Peninsula known as Twenty Valley. The popular event opens doors, and our eyes, to wineries that were unknown and introduces new vintages at those that we have visited in the past, all with the added touch of delicious food pairings.

With temperatures unseasonably warm in the double digits, the Christmas reindeer seem a little lost under the cloud cover. Surely snow is on its way.

And when it comes, the essence of Dionysos, laid snuggly in underground vaults (or, in our case, cardboard boxes), will keep friends and family warm with mirth and spirit. There was certainly plenty of both this evening as we joined a lively group of friends at the conclusion of today's wanderings for an entertaining evening full of good food and good cheer. Thank you chef Buster and friends!