Walla Walla Wine Wine Time Time

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Yes, I know, it’s a silly heading. Walla Walla actually uses that same tagline of repeating words to market their wine region. So I borrowed it.  We were fortunate enough to be able to experience the Walla Walla wine region not too long ago and, although we expected good things I don’t think we were quite prepared for what we got.

The wine being produced in Walla Walla is sensational. Even the juice that wasn’t great was still good. Walla Walla is located due South of Spokane, Washington in the Southeast corner of the state.  It’s about a 262-mile drive from Seattle and 158 miles from Spokane. This was our first time in Walla Walla and it was beautiful. We had great weather as the sun was out.

We were able to visit eleven wineries: Woodward Canyon Winery, L’Ecole No 41, Gifford Hirlinger, Beresan Winery, Balboa Winery, Basel Cellars, Trio Vintners, Kontos Cellars, Dunham Cellars, Cavu Cellars, and Waterbrook.

Our first stop was at Woodward Canyon where we were met by Kellie Berg, the tasting room manager, who was extremely friendly and nice to us. I tasted six of their wines with my favorites being their 2016 Burgundy styled Chardonnay, NV Columbia Red Wine (52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 14% Syrah), Artist Series #15 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (which actually had a bit of Syrah and Merlot in it) and 2014 Estate Red.  The best value of the bunch was the NV Columbia Red Wine, which at $26 is a true bargain.

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Valentino Vineyards – Organic and Tasteful

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Most wine connoisseurs will know that vineyards are found in all U.S. states. Yes, even in Alaska there are wineries! So it wouldn’t come as a surprise that you can also find vineyards in the state of Illinois, despite the state’s frigid winters.

It is, however, somewhat more challenging to find a vineyard or a winery in the Chicago area, where practically all land is dedicated to suburban community sports parks or forest preserves. So it is a bit surprising to discover a great winery in Long Grove, Illinois, by the name of Valentino Vineyards.

To reach the 20-acre vineyard, you need to drive through typical suburban Chicago neighborhoods while using 2-lane streets that are full of parked cars. It couldn’t get any more suburbian, so it will definitely come as a surprise that all of a sudden, you’ll find yourself on a small country road that leads you to the relatively small vineyard.

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Valentino Wine and Vineyards – Long Grove, Illinois

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Valentino Vineyards and Winery was founded in 1995 and in 2001, the winery opened its doors to the public. It is one of Chicagoland’s Leading Estate Vineyards and Wineries. The winery invites you to stop by to visit their impressive vineyard and sample their interesting wines.

Valentino’s Tasting Room is open from May through December on Fridays from 5 to 7 pm, on Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays from Noon to 4 pm. To enjoy a taste of their great wines, you can just walk in during opening hours. There are also Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting and Appreciation Seminars, but these events are by reservation only.

For groups of 20 or more, Valentino Vineyards and Winery is also available on Mondays through Thursdays but making an appointment is (understandably) required. For reservations, or to purchase some of the estate’s great wines, please call (847) 634-2831.

Valentino Vineyards and Winery is located in Long Grove, Illinois, and run by Vintner and Viticulturist Rudolph (Rudy) DiTomasso and his spouse Vivienne. The address is 5175 Aptakisic Road, Long Grove, IL. 60047.

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Tips for Writing a Great Resume

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Your resume is a compilation of credentials that lets potential employers know what you have achieved. Your cover letter tells them why your achievements are important and why you are a good fit for the position you are applying for. It acts as your spokesman and markets you to prospective employers.

A good cover letter should have three sections: a brief opening, a middle, and a closing. Each part contains crucial information and needs to be strongly worded.

The Opening Paragraph

It is here that you clearly identify the position you are applying for. Tell the reader how you learned about the job. If you are responding to an ad you saw or if a friend referred you, say so. More importantly, explain why you are interested in the job or in this company in particular. Make them believe you want to work at this company, in this position.

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