A few weeks ago we heard about a "wine festival" called Grapefest in Grapevine TX. So, in order to escape the Gay Pride Parade down the street from us (wish we were joking), we packed up and drove to this acclaimed wine festival. After parking and walking 6 blocks to the entrance, Emily had the sensation that she was entering the Iowa State Fair rather than a wine festival. We paid $8 per person just to enter. Our senses we overwhelmed with the smells of giant grilled turkey legs, funnel cakes and corn dogs. But where was the wine? We walked for 15 minutes before we came upon the first "tasting." For $4.50 (or in terms of festival currency, 9 tickets) we purchased a small glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from an unknown Texas winemaker. Had it not been for the fact that it had been sitting out on the shelf all day in 95+ heat, it may not have been so bad, however, the heat had nearly boiled the wine so that when it first touched our lips we thought our taste buds had liquefied. Needless to say, we moved on. We found several more winery tasting venues, this time in actual buildings. But the 20+ minute wait for one taste wasn't worth it to us so we decided we'd take a rain check and come back when the festival wasn't in full swing. But, at least we now know there are some wineries around and plenty of (indoor) tasting rooms to explore. Who would have thought Texas would make wine? Guess there is one good thing about Texas.
"Grapefest" in a town aptly called Grapevine, TX (check out the banner text)
Flooding of Lake Grapevine from all the summer rains, the lake is +12 ft., which apparently doesn't stop the locals from eating out at the flooded picnic shelters! We had a good laugh out of that.
As a side note, we found a really great Arts district in Texas. We had heard about the DADA art counsel from one of Chris' patients who happens to be an artist herself, and that they were putting on an arts festival Saturday only. We checked it out and it was definitely one of the highlights of our time here so far. Lots of great galleries, wine etc to be had in just one small area of Dallas known as the Design District. We're talking about 50+ galleries in just a few short blocks. Of course now we just need to start saving for the $600 map of Iowa circa 1864 that Chris wants...
Song of the day: "Bouncing off Clouds" by Tori Amos
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