Yesterday morning after seven days of sunshine we woke up in Truro to rain. What to do on a rainy day on the Cape? Get your drink on!
In all seriousness, I had been wanting to visit the Truro Vineyards since we arrived in town. I was hoping to go on a tour (which they have daily at 1:00pm and 3:00pm) but since the weather had been so gorgeous all week we kept heading straight for the beach.
The rain thwarted my tour plans, but we did decided to go for a tasting which they have every half hour.
As soon as we stepped out of the car I was struck by the vineyard's beauty.
We followed the signs which were positioned perfectly amongst the lush, green vegetation, including this stunning tree.
The home on the vineyard property houses the wine and gift shop.
In addition to the vineyard's wines, the shop also sells a wide array of gifts. I particularly love the pieces that showcase the vineyard's logo.
The shop also displays exquisite art pieces, including the painting the vineyard's logo is inspired by.
The rear windows of the shop look out onto the vineyard itself.
We had arrived a few minutes before the tasting was scheduled to begin so we could explore. At 3:00pm sharp we were escorted out to the tasting pavilion.
The pavilion was gorgeous! Not only does it have a view of the grapes from three sides, but it's built out of the most magnificent wood. My sister asked one of the staff members if they ever host weddings in the pavilion, to which she answered, "Oh yes, all the time." Noted.
We took our seats under the pavilion at one of the many sets of tables and chairs. The way the pavilion is set up is wonderful, allowing you to sit with the people you came with instead of stand, pressed up against a bar with strangers, as I have done at many other vineyards. It felt like we were getting our own private tasting.
As soon as we were seated we were each given a branded wine glass with the tasting menu rolled inside the glass.
The vineyard staff member who led the tasting presentation was high energy and extremely knowledgeable. She walked us through every selection (1o total).
Each person at the tasting can sample five wines. Our tasting leader made a great suggestion, which was to buddy up with someone and each taste five. If you share, you'll get to taste all ten. So, that's what my sister and I did!
Far and away our favorite was the sauvignon blanc. I also enjoyed the cranberry red, which our leader told us is great for making sangria. Like I needed any more convincing than that?
My father had read about one of the new wines the vineyard was offering called the right white, and though it wasn't on the tasting menu, he asked if he might be able to sample it. With zero hesitation the tasting leader poured him a taste. How nice is that?
After tasting all ten wines we relaxed for a few minutes and enjoyed the view. Even though it was raining, the pavilion is covered and the view was so breathtaking, we barely noticed the rain.
Had the weather been cooperating, we would have taken our picture on this bench, which the staff has placed perfectly in front of one of their branded barrels.
Post-tasting we headed back into the shop to make some purchases. Sound of the wines come in these lighthouse shaped glass bottles, a perfect Cape Cod themed gift!
I wound up picking up six bottles and when you purchase that many, the vineyard gives you this carrying bag for free!
My sister wanted to ship a bottle to a couple in Texas who had recently treated her and her boyfriend to a lovely weekend in Charlottesville, VA. With zero hesitation the cashier asked for the address and said they would happily ship her selection to Texas.
A trip to the Truro Vineyards is perfect for wine enthusiasts and novices alike. The daily tours are free and one tasting ticket is $8.00 and buys you the souvenir wine glass as well as a tasting of five wines. I'd pay the $8.00 again just for the view.
While perusing their website I also learned they have Wine Wednesdays where each week from 6:00-8:00pm they host a different local chef who creates appetizers to be paired with the wine, and they host a local fine artist as well as a musician! Learn more here.
Visit the Truro Vineyards at 11 Shore Road, North Truro. You can also follow them on Twitter @TruroVineyards.
