Wow, did I ever get a great reminder of how great local things can be over the weekend.  I had the distinct pleasure of going ot the Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville, Texas  (That's a little west of Conroe and Northwest of Houston at about an hour and fifteen minute drive).  The offered a wine dinner (their first!) with pairings from the cellars there.  The chef was their good friend from Walden on Lake Conroe, whose name I was sure I wrote down and didn't.  My sincerest apologies for that And I will chase this down for a future post, as the food was brilliant! 

Most importantly, the wines were very good.  Very good indeed!  As many of our Texas vintners do, Jerry Bernhardt buy a lot of his grapes from outside.  His come from the Lodi, California area.  I could go on about the various wines, but it is better if I encourage you to visit there.  Pay particular attention to the Pinot Grigio.  It has a surprising effervescence on the tip of your tongue.  Delightful.  Also, try the Blanc Du Bois and The Blanc Du Blanc.  These are made from the grapes grown right there on the property.  Both are whites.  One is dry and one is a bit sweet.  I leave the tasting to you to determine which is which. 

The point of this little post is to remind you that your locale has a great deal to offer in terms of artisan chefs, food, produce and wines.  Please seek these folks out.  In most cases, their vocation is their avocation as well. A labor of love, if you will.  I support the movement in every way I can and hope that I can enlist your interest and participation in restoring the small, family type farm and home operation throughout the US.  It is our heritage and our freedom.

Pura Vida.  Terrance