A Great Birthday…Thanks to J & J Winery

by Karole Passmore

My birthday started rather badly.  All day long I kept asking myself, “so this is my birthday?” as I cleaned the puppies several nasty messes, the house and did all the regular chores of the day.
I was about ready to end the day by going to bed early when I rallied and got dressed for a long awaited night out with my husband to celebrate my 49th birthday.

I didn’t think anything could pull me back from the pity-party-birthday-blues I was feeling until we pulled into the drive of the winery.  I began to anticipate the smells and tastes of past pleasures as we walked from the car to the outdoor patio.

We were seated next to the brick oven which was nice as there was a stormy sky and brisk breeze which became cooler at nightfall.  The view created the calm I was looking for all day.  The beautiful pond and fountains, rolling hills and white swing in the distance give you the feel that you have stepped out of Richmond into a European spot of luxurious green tranquility.

Our friendly waitress, Gail, quickly took our drink orders after suggestions of wines we might enjoy.  We ordered the baked raspberry brie which comes with grapes and a plate of crackers. And as before it was scrumptious–warm with just a hint of raspberry baked in a thin pastry crust.

Then as we gazed out over the pond and gazebo watching a young wedding party prepare for their nuptials the next day, Gail brought us our lovely salads.  Greens with sweetened nuts and cranberries, crumbled cheese and a light poppy seed dressing mmm….. So good.

Of course we could not have a meal there without a pizza baked in the outdoor oven.  My favorite is the portabella mushroom with gouda cheese.  Biting into the warm chunks of cheese is a delight.

After we finished our meal, we walked around the pond, wine glasses in hand, and enjoyed a relaxing swing as the breeze rippled over the grass.  It was an absolutely perfect way to end what started out as not such a great birthday.

I hope you can treat yourself soon to a light meal and wine tasting.  J & J winery is privately owned and operated.  They now have a few award winning wines with their own label including “Chaos” which my husband John enjoys.  They also carry a chocolate wine that I hear is quite an experience in decadence.

J & J winery is located off of US 40 West just as you pass Kmart on the left.  Visit them soon–you’ll be so glad you did.  They are also available for parties, weddings and other events.  In addition, you can take  a tour of the winery including where they make and store their own labels and visit their gift shop.

Thank you J & J for saving my birthday and making it a lovely experience!

Getting There

Address
3415 National Road West
Richmond, IN  47374

Phone 765.965.WINE (765.965.9463)

Hours
Wednesday  3 pm – 9 pm
Thursday       3 pm – 9 pm
Friday            11 am – 9 pm
Saturday       11 am – 9 pm
Sunday          12 pm – 6 pm