Just back from a fantastic weekend in Aberdeenshire (my home turf).  Spent the majority of my time in puppy heaven but took some time off my doggy climbing frame duties to go to a food festival – “A Taste Of Grampian”.  It was mobbed!  Wonderful to see so many people interested in finding out about and sampling local produce.

A large amount of time was spent in the wine tasting tent.  As designated driver I was but a spectator to all the quaffing but I did ask the tasters (my dad, Genna and Keith) to select their favourite wine so that I could recommend it on this blog (inspired by Debs’ site). 

The winner (chosen by Dad and Genna) was a 2005 Australian Shiraz (Seppelt – Moyston).I bought a bottle to have with dinner that night (Genna’s fantastic Lodge Pie – a kind of cottage-pie with venison mince and a potato/parsnip topping. Will blog recipe later in week.).  The Shiraz is not a wine for the faint hearted.  Dad thought it was almost port-like.  I’d describe it as spicy-licious.  🙂

The below Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio came a close second.  “Affa good” was Keith’s only comment and you don’t get much better than that in Aberdeenshire.

Other highlights included Isabella’s Preserves (especially the mint and apple sauce – beautiful) and the ever wonderful Really Garlicky Company.  My only complaint was the lack of local growers.  Aberdeenshire is extremely agricultural: where was all the local veg?

A slobbery greeting from Rufus was the perfect end our afternoon.