WHAT'S NEW AT THE PIRTLE WINERY: DECEMBER 2006

2006 comes to a close and what a year it has been!

The Production Building was finished (finally!), we had a record harvest (wow!), and we introduced some new wines (yahoo!).

Scott & Ben were busy setting up the new building this summer to prepare for the fall harvest. Thank goodness it was because we crushed over 80 tons of grapes this year. It is all in tanks now fermenting and some will be ready for you later this year. Others will be aging a while and we will let you know as soon as they are ready.

This year's harvest did interrupt our other production and we did get a little behind with our meads and apple wine. These are now back on track and available in the tasting room and at our wonderful retailers.

Our Blueberry and Cherry wines have been very popular this fall. We will soon be introducing Peach Wine, Peach Mead, and a very special fortified mead, Evening Honey.

Stop by and say HI to Rachel Minnis. Rachel is our new Tasting Room Manager. Anna and her husband moved and Rachel has graciously accepted this position and we are delighted to have her. While you are there, don't forget to pick up your mulling spices and enjoy some spiced wine this winter.

All of us at Pirtle Winery want to thank you for visiting us and are so happy that you are enjoying our wine. We send you our best wishes for this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year!

:: RECIPE OF THE MONTH ::

Rachel's Sour Cream Pumpkin Pie

One baked pie crust. Set aside.

In a large bowl

Beat 2 Jumbo eggs

Add
1 16 oz. can solid pack pumpkin
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 half cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup golden brown sugar
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Blend all the above. Bake at 350 degree (pre heated oven) . Bake until filling puffs around edges and center is almost set, about 1 hour. Transfer to rack and cool completely

Beat 1 cup chilled cream and 1/3 cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spoon whipped cream around edge of pie.

Delicious!!