A September Afternoon with Friends
by Margaret Korhonen, WSWNE Board Member
Reprinted from our WSWNE January Newsletter (recently given the name: Croeso!–Welcome!)
A sunny, warm September afternoon found many members and friends of WSWNE sharing time together at Lost Acres Vineyard in Granby, CT.
Barbara English, Jason Ellsworth, Don Sit
Folks gathered in the main recepton room at Lost Acres and enjoyed tastng several red and white wines made at the vineyard as well as sampling six varieties of Welsh cheese. Perhaps you know of or have tasted cheese made in Wales, but it was a delightful first-time treat for some. There were several kinds of Welsh cheese to sample that day, including three from Snowdonia Cheese Company: Amber Mist, a cheddar with a smokey flavor; Black Bomber, a smooth, creamy but tangy cheddar; and Green Thunder, a mature cheddar with a balance of garlic and herbs. Cheese samples from Croome Cuisine Company included: Tintern, a cheddar with chives and shallots mixed throughout; and Harlech, a mature cheddar blended with horseradish and parsley. Lastly, Caerphilly was also available, and although similar in flavor to English Wensleydale cheese, Caerphilly gives a smoother, more buttery taste. All these wines and cheeses were accompanied by a selection of fruits, crackers, bread, and spreads including Stokes Red Onion Marmalade, Ploughman’s Chutney, and Mrs. Bridges Caramelized Onion and Garlic Chutney.
Carol Cadwalader, Howard Davies, Julia Imperato
During the afternoon, the story of Owain Glyndwr, 1354-c.1416, a Welsh historic figure, was read to us in English by Susan Davies Sit and in Welsh by Howard Davies. From 1400 to roughly 1412, Owain Glyndwr led uprisings and war campaigns in hopes that Wales would be free of the harsh rule by the English and thus free to form Wales into an independent country. The resurgence of nationalism in Wales during the 19th and 20th centuries, along with the discovery of more papers and artifacts relating to Owain Glyndwr, have caused the Welsh to truly embrace his life and what he stood for.
A high point of the wine and cheese afternoon was the opportunity to spend time with WSWNE members catching up on news and happenings around the New England area. It was also good to meet new members and friends of our Welsh Society thus broadening our views, perspectives, and connections to Wales.
In addition, the wonderful flavors enjoyed during the afternoon, whether cheeses, spreads or wines, left many knowing there are excellent Welsh cheese and chutney/relish choices available close to home in western New England. The fellowship of friends and acquaintances, coupled with our wine and cheese tastings made for a full and enjoyable event.