WHAT'S NEW AT THE PIRTLE WINERY: JULY 2006

It's summertime and the living is especially easy in the wine garden. The arbor is loaded with grapes and the flowers are blooming. When all the Zinnias bloom we will once again be in butterfly heaven.

One of our picnic baskets, some wine and a live music performance is a pleasant and soothing experience. You should try it if you haven't already.

The new building is fully operational. The move is not yet complete but is being done in small steps. Mead production is now entirely done in the new facility. Later this summer the crush will be done there and by mid September all production will have been moved.

Our two new stars of the tasting room are Blueberry and Effervescent Blueberry (Sparkling) wine. These two and Weston Bend White are challenging the supremacy of all the Meads and Mellow Red. Our dry red from Chambourcin is especially good; the Premium Port is exceptional.

We have entered 8 wines in the very first Platte County Fair - Wine Competition. This competition is for Missouri wineries only. I understand that there are 100 or so wines entered from wineries across the state. We believe that our wines are very competitive. The results will be released at the fair in July.

The vineyard this year is perfectly groomed, healthy and beautiful. We anticipate a very good harvest in mid September. Come to the winery and sign up for our 3rd annual grape picking festival.

:: UPCOMING EVENTS ::

Saturday afternoons have featured the music of the Joe and Duke Duo. Joe, vocalist and guitar player, and Duke on the keyboard have played to full crowds. Call the winery at 816.640.5728 for the music schedule. Come and enjoy the music in the wine garden.

:: RECIPE OF THE MONTH ::

When it is too hot to cook here is a cool salad to eat alone or add to your favorite ingredients.

Miriam's Summer Bruschetta

Cherry Tomatoes (cut in half)
Fresh cloves of garlic minced finely
Fresh basil chopped
Feta Cheese crumbled
Balsamic Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Prepare as much or as little as you like. Serve with thinly sliced baguette bread, buttered and toasted.

It is a nice treat and cool. All the ingredients can be picked fresh this time of year. I like to dip my bread into the sauce so make plenty.

Serve with a cold glass of Pirtle Apple wine.