Five fun things to do on a rainy day. GO OUT IN THE RAIN! We have been waiting for the rain all winter, it’s finally here, so let’s actually go out and get wet. WHAT? You may only think of indoor activities on a rainy day, but wait, there’s more to life… Bundle yourself up in your favorite raincoat and grab an umbrella. Here’s my favorite things to do in the rain:
1. Walk the entire Tidewater bike trail through town, don’t forget to stomp in all the puddles. Click here for a map.
2. Go Geocashing. Geo-what? It’s a super-secret-world-wide scavenger hunt! Watch this quick video to learn more:
3. Browse the thrift stores in town for unexpected treasures.
4. Take the Manteca Historical Tour down town. Click here for details and larger map.
5. Test-drive a new car. I know! Border-line Genius. You don’t have to buy a new car to enjoy it. BUT, you do have to give it back (that part is kinda important) Just be ready with your exit line (I think we’re gonna look around some more before we commit).
When you get home, I guarantee you will appreciate lighting a fire in the fire place, baking cookies or making homemade soup, and cozy-ing up on the couch with a glass of wine and starting a movie marathon more than if you’d stayed in all day.
Here’s this weeks wine picks:
~ Yellow Door Sauvignon Blanc ~
~ Clearwater Creek Chardonnay ~
~ Goofy Foot Chardonnay ~
~ Stonefly Syrah ~
~ Echelon Cabernet Sauvignon ~
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2010 Garden Row Yellow Door Sauvignon Blanc $4.99
elsewhere price $10.99
We paired this wine with a basil and tomato feta cheese on a cracker with a slice of tomato. Larry commented that this Sauvignon Blanc tasted citrusy, grapefruit maybe. He got a burst of citrus. Terry said it was very smooth. Misty thought it was light and she liked it. Scott said he’s not much of a Sauvignon Blanc drinker, but it’s nice – it’s a nice change.
This wine got 4 out of 5 stars on Vivino – but there were no reviews that I could find
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2009 Clearwater Creek Chardonnay $4.99
elsewhere price $17.99
This wine paired well with a Dill Havarti cheese on a buttery cracker. Terry thought this Chardonnay was very bold. Larry noticed the oak and Steve tasted citrus. Scott said he liked this one, it would good well with seafood.
On-line review: Bright, fruity and crisp, this Mendocino Chardonnay is a perfect summer wine Aroma: Pear, apple and papaya. Tasting notes: Nutmeg and allspice over pineapple and pear. Serve It well chilled. Pair It with Vietnamese or Thai cuisine, fish and shellfish.
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Goofy Foot Chardonnay $2.99
elsewhere price $9.99
Misty liked this fruity Chardonnay, she said it’s not as bold as the last one. Larry agreed and said it was much lighter. Joe S commented that is was good and light. Scott noticed the nice fragrance and agreed that is was very light for a Chardonnay.
This wine got 5 out of 5 stars on Vivino – but there were no reviews that I could find
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2011 Stonefly Syrah $4.99
elsewhere price $20.00
YUM!
We tried two separate pairings with (my favorite) Syrah. Cheddar smokies and then chocolate truffles. (separately, of course). Larry tasted berries and Steve argued that it was cherries. Joe S said they were both wrong, that’s definitely Fruit of the Forest. Terry said mmmmm, I like that and Misty added that it’s really good with chocolate truffles. I noticed the light ruby color and how light of a Syrah it was. Steve thought a white wine drinker would actually like this red.
On-line review: A fragrant and flavorful Syrah, bursting with dark fruit flavors. Starting with floral aromas on the nose, herb and violet notes complement a hint of spice on the finish. This lighter-bodied Syrah develops into a mild flavor of lavender jam and anise.
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2011 Echelon Cabernet Sauvignon $3.99
elsewhere price $9.99
I chose to pair this wine with a sharp cheddar cheese and peppered salami. Scott announced that this Cab was his favorite of the night (he also couldn’t believe the price!). Larry said it made him warm and Steve commented about how well this would pair with beef.
Tasting Notes from the Wine Maker: Bursting with aromas of Dutch cocoa and ripe black fruit, Echelon Cabernet Sauvignon is sumptuous with flavors of juicy blackberry and black cherry and a hint of black pepper spice. Soft tannins accentuate the deep, dark fruit flavors for a long, supple finish
On-line review: Another Cabernet built along classic lines, this bottle has some green pepper aromas and flavors among the cassis and cherry. There is good acidity, and tannins that area bit astringent in the mouth–which will make it a great partner for juicy beef dishes. Very good QPR (though if you find it for $7, consider this excellent QPR!)
sidebar: I have no idea what QPR is
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Front Porch Wine Tasting 
QPR=quality price ratio
Quality of wine vs what you paid for it
Thanks!