Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
|
Wine
Tasting in Historic Mining Town, Jerome, Arizona
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
Old mining town of
Jerome, Arizona
My annual visit
Every year I go to the
States and visit family for a month. This year, we
all decided to go to the historical mining town of Jerome,
Arizona and see
what we could find.
With the restrictions of COVID, we called ahead to see which places were
open, which allowed us to bring my sister’s pooch, and where these tasting
rooms were located.
We started with Google Maps and when possible, contacted places through
Facebook. Ginger, of Vino Zona responded right away and enthusiasm showed in
her communication style. Yes! They were open. Yes! They accepted loving
pets. Yes! They gave tastings.
Winding narrow roads, no guardrails
So off we went to Jerome, up in the mountains, through winding roads and
dramatic cliffs.
Jerome is small and very hilly, with narrow, used-to-be dirt pathways now
called roads through town. Finding a parking place anywhere was a challenge,
but we were able to park our vehicle and made our way up a small incline to
Ginger’s shop.
Ginger-haired, Ginger, Proprietor of
Vino Zona
Due to some unforeseen events at her Bed and Breakfast located above the
wine tasting room, we encountered a ginger-haired woman scurrying around,
setting up for the day. (This must be Ginger, right?) I proceeded to
introduce us all, mentioned that we were the ones who contacted her through Facebook, had the small dog with us, and we were interested in tasting her
wines.
Professional as she was,
Ginger never missed a beat, and asked us to sit down while she continued setting
up her shop. She mentioned that this was a small town, with rules about
COVID. So, if we stood up, we
were to wear our masks. If we sat down and tasted the wines, then of course,
we didn’t have to wear them.
Charmingly, the shop had a history in the mining town. Upstairs used to
house the miners during the day, and down below, where the tasting now took
place, used to be an ice cream shop.
Just like the Olden Days
Menus of wines available to taste were presented in front of us, and from
this selection, we chose what we wanted to try.
Ginger emphasized that all the grapes for the wines she sold were
organically grown in Arizona. She was proud of the Southwest Wine Center
which was a wine-making college and that many women were pursuing second
career as winemakers. Average age of the students? 44 years old.
One after another, the wines were brought out.
Wines available for tasting, storage
below, refrigerated case in the center
My brother-in-law prefers reds, my sister likes whites. It was before noon,
a little early for me, so I thought I’d go with a white… and see where it
might lead me.
I have to say that the wines were all distinctive and the whites that my
sister (who used to own a wine shop in
Santa Cruz,
California) and I were
tasting, took us aback.
We were impressed. Flavor!
My brother-in-law found a red that was satisfying to him, but before we
decided on our purchases, Ginger recommended we try some of her Sangrias.
Not a Sangria-Gal, but maybe I changed
my mind!
Now I have to admit that I’m not big on Sangria. Yes, I know I live in
Mexico, yadda yadda yadda… but I have never really leaned in that direction
for my wines.
Well, Blow me down!
One sangria was clean, fragrant and peppery, perfect for
a fruit plate in the afternoon. And the other, a habanero chili infused
wine, had me dancing with the fiery kick.
Whaaat?!
I liked these.
I was so impressed, that I purchased one of the Sangrias and my sister
purchased the other, along with a white that begged for a seafood
accompaniment.
Another couple from Los Angeles, California came in to taste, and we chatted
with them a while. I took a look around the shop, noticing all the original
artwork (which is for sale), done by Ginger’s now ex-husband. (“We’re still
really good friends.”)
Artist Mark Hemleben
I would recommend this wine shop for two substantial reasons.
One is Ginger herself. Original, congenial, authentic, informed about her
products, and gracious to her customers. The second reason, of course, is
the wine she offers for tasting. These are also original, a little outside
the box, distinctive, and memorable.
If you
are ever in Jerome, Arizona, stay at The Kelly House or stop by Vino Zona
for some exclusive wines.
Our purchases with autographed bottle
of Sangria
The
Kelly House
View, Vibe, and a wine shop underneath. The best view in Jerome.
www.thekellyhousejerome.com
Vino
Zona – Super fine Arizona wine
Sip
amazing AZ wine in down-to-earth Jerome style
www.vinozona.love
vinozonajerome@gmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/vinozonajerome
Southwest Wine Center
Verde Valley Campus
601
Black Hills Drive
Clarkdale, AZ 86324
(928) 634. 6566
www.SouthWestCenter.org
About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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