Good Wine is for Good Neighbors

Local Is Neighborly:  For us, "local" is our neighborhood, where we spend 70 cents of every food dollar.  Local also means that when we need to reach farther afield for the more durable goods that complement a fine meal, we find small producers who share our values, wherever they are in the world.  Our latest discovery is Marilena Barbera, a Sicilian vintner who returned to run her family's vineyard and wine making business with her mother.  At Cantine Barbera, Marilena starts with sustainable business and farming practices and the unique grape varieties adapted to the soil and climate of her vineyard, along the southern Sicilian coast.  The grapes are harvested by hand,  mostly at night and in the cool hours of the morning, and fermentation is done with GMO free yeasts grown on the estate.  We've selected three of Marilena's affordable varietals for the unique qualities they bring to a meal.  Already on our menu is her Nero D'Avola, Sicily's native red, with rich color and an intense body thanks in part to the marine air.  We've just added Marilena's Inzolia, a white wine from grapes first brought to Sicily by Phoenicians.  With an intense bouquet, light and herbaceous, it has notes of citrus and fruit.  Cantine Barbara's unique Bambino Rosato, also from Nero D'Avola grapes, is the perfect dry rosé, with well balanced fruit, and deliciously copper-colored.

Watch our wine list as we find other responsible producers who support their communities and their unique varietals, on our shelves next to the distinct northern character of our Vermont wines.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, July 15th we offer a $2.50 pint of Wolaver's, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. Our Mojito, with Dunc's Mill Elderflower Rum, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: It is not to soon to begin thinking about what to do with your bountiful garden  - Andrea Chesman, author of The Pickled Pantry, will be at the bookstore on Tuesday, July 10th, at 7PM to discuss her new cookbook and answer your questions about pickling and canning. The book contains 150 recipes for pickles, chutneys, and more. On Tuesday, July 17th, Patricia Ellis Herr will talk about her adventures summiting all the peaks in New Hampshire that are over 4,000 feet with her young daughter. Take a peak at a book about peaks here.

Music Notes: Vermont Goat Ropers join us this Thursday, July 12 at 7:30.  An eclectic mix of folk, country, bluegrass and Celtic on guitars, mandolin, banjo, bass, concertina and musical "singing" saw, this trio likes to have fun. Don't mope! Rope!

Local Events: The first Craftsbury Chamber Players concert is this Thursday, July 12 at 8:00 at the Hardwick Town House.  General Admission is $22, 65 and up $20, and student tickets are $8.   For more information call 586-9814.

Reminders: We are now open seven days a week for summer!

We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.