In Vino Veritas

Translated: In Wine is Truth.
While in California, my parents and I enjoyed a lovely day of wine tasting at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, CA. A co-worker of mine had recommended we stop there and raved about their Almond Sparkling Wine. And, while at a wedding a couple of days before, several friends also raved about the place. Needless to say, we were looking forward to it! We arrived at the winery the same time a tour bus did so we asked for recommendations for a place to eat lunch and then we would come back when it was quieter. The pointed us to a winery down the road and we enjoyed a lovely meal al fresco before heading back for a tasting.
We were not disappointed at all. The crowds had cleared so we were able to work our way through the menu of options at our leisure. The family golden retriever was out and about greeting all of his guests and basking in the sunlight. We even got to have a little chat with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson who were very lovely and gracious. The grounds of the winery were lovely so we took some time to sit outside and enjoy our wine.
This little guy kept us company and showed us around the garden.
Back in the tasting room, we moved onto the dessert wines, including the sparkling wine we were all looking forward to. My dad didn't love it but my mom and I very much enjoyed ours. I brought home a couple of small bottles to enjoy at a later time. The woman at the counter told me that they were the perfect size for girl's night because you just open them up and stick a straw in them!
My last tasting of the day was a port wine with the essence of chocolate. I saw it on the menu at the very beginning and just knew that I had to save my last tasting for it. It was absolutely amazing! My dad and I each had it as our finish to the day and it was pretty amazing how long we made that 1 ounce last. So smooth and really with just a hint of chocolate. Not overpowering at all. It was a little pricey but I splurged on a bottle to bring home with me. I also splurged on a roll of bubble wrap to make sure that all my bottles made it through my flight home in one piece!
I am very excited to open up this bottle and enjoy it. I think that I have already figured out the occasion for it as well. I don't mind sharing this bottle at all. I am just going to make sure that not a drop of it is wasted!