Quick Rooster and Wine Trip

A couple of weeks ago the only Welsummer rooster we had left came to an early demise.  We have since been on the search for one already of breeding age, which is easier said than done.  Matt was able to find a trio via CraigsList.  We agreed to meet the seller at a swap meet being held at Columbia Farm Supply in Columbia, TN.  (We learned while we were there Columbia, TN is the ancesteral home of James K Polk, 11th president of the United States.)  The swap was average size for what we have experienced in Tennessee, which is pretty small.  There were a few goats, a few rabbits, a couple of calves, a miniature donkey, a lot of chickens, and several other types of birds (pigeons, quail, peacocks, ducks).  There was also a woman dressed up in a cow costume and a large, stuffed horse the kids could sit on (see below).  We ended up just buying two roosters because one wasn't quite up to standard but we are happy we can be back in production with the Welsummers.

 
We had seen a couple of wineries on the way to the swap meet.  As you may know from following my blog, we love to stop and wine taste.  The first winery on the way home was Keg Springs Winery.  We turned on the road the sign pointed us to and drove.  And drove.  And drove.  There were no more signs, despite several other roads we came across.  No indication we were headed in the right direction.  No indication of how much farther we were going to have to drive.  We finally turned around and decided to give the next winery a chance.  The next winery was Amber Falls Winery & Cellars. 

This winery was also a bit of a drive off the main road, but the way was well marked.  We pulled up to a property full of grape vines (which are more typically not that visible as you pull up) and a guest house.  We drove through the property to the wine tasting room/shop.  It was a nice little winery.  The wine was good, but a little too "woody" for our taste.  We were told the barrels they use are neutral so they add oak to the red wine to add the flavor.  Sometimes I can taste the barrel in a good bottle of whiskey, but I have never tasted it that strong in a wine.  Of course, this is the same state Jack Daniels is from, so maybe the wood taste is extra popular here.  One of the reds they make is called Meriwether Lewis.  The famous explorer died and was buried in the county, so they were asked to make a wine to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his death.  (Who knew so much history would be involved in purchasing a couple of Welsummer roosters?!?!)  Our favorites were the Ruby Trillium, a sweet red wine, and Cranberry Caress, a grape wine flavored with cranberry juice.

After the winery it was back home, were we gave a tour of our farm to the farmer who had given Matt and a friend of his a couple of steers for doing some work with her goats.  All in all, it was a nice way to spend a Saturday with the family.