I’m Your Huckleberry Wine

 It may have all started with a pre-teen crush on Val Kilmer, but ever since those magical words from the movie Tombstone, “I’m your huckleberry,” I have been obsessed with huckleberries. I love the earthy mix between blueberry and blackberry flavoring this delectable berry holds, and I’m always on a huckleberry quest. Smoothies, pancakes, jelly, candy, coffee, tea, syrup, barbecue sauce and dressing have been consumed, along with the purchase of wine glasses, socks, clothing, bath bombs and lotion. As I said, I’m obsessed. So, it’s of no surprise that a few weeks ago, on one of my rare Facebook scrollings, I saw that one of my favorite wineries had announced the release of a huckleberry wine. This was the ultimate huckleberry prize, and I had to have it.  

               Throughout history and lore, huckleberries have been used to reference a very important theme, someone stepping up. In medieval myths, a garland of huckleberry would be placed on a knight’s lance from the person he swore allegiance and protection to, as he was now their champion. With Mark Twain’s characters of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, it symbolized helping to complete a trying job. In old west times, saying the phrase “I’m your huckleberry,” meant you were the one for the job, meaning it was Doc Holliday’s way of saying he was the one to deal with Johnny Ringo in Tombstone. In the world of Kacia Ness, it symbolized a husband who is always by his wife’s side.

               I always look forward to summertime. I love the warmth of the sun, the joy of our patio, lazy afternoons by the pool, and I love, love, love hiking. This summer, however, has been a bit of a struggle for me. The constant rain that made up all of June and the start of July derailed so many plans and kept me inside on days I would typically be soaking up all that this wonderful time of year has to offer. That, along with numerous friend cancellations, had caused me to not see a trail since the end of March. I was really starting to get sucked down into the land of grumpiness and sadness when my husband stepped in.

               Upon my mentioning that Ten Bears Winery - a mere 50-minute drive away - had a huckleberry wine, he devised the most amazing of plans. We would go for a hike in the morning, hit Ten Bears Winery as we headed towards Fort Collins, and end our day with a stop at Beau Jo’s for some delicious pizza and Barnes and Noble for a magazine shopping spree. I was elated! This is exactly what I needed.

               After a stupendous hike in the Red Feathers area, where the pine trees smelled spectacular and the feel of packed trail under my feet was indescribable, we headed over to the winery. One of my favorite places, with a friendly owner, a Merlot I can always count on, and the occasional enjoyment of sipping wine while watching the neighboring goats graze, I was so happy to be pulling into their driveway. For the past few years, it has been a tradition to stop here after a hike, and sitting on their patio, with the best partner in life a girl could ask, I slowly felt myself return.

               My flight that day consisted of the Haystack Rock White, Grand Valley Viognier, American Symphony, Roaming Bear Huckleberry, Grand Valley Petit Verdot, and the Grand Valley Merlot. I enjoyed every sip, and I savored every moment out there on this most perfect of days, but in the end, I came home with a bottle of the Haystack, a bottle of the Petit Verdot, and three of the huckleberry. Not only is this purplish-pink wine a tasty treat with all of its huckleberry notes and touch of effervescence, to me it also represents everything that is good in life, and just how lucky I am to have someone who cares so much by my side.

               That day ended up completely resetting my outlook on life. It was so many of my favorite summer activities rolled into this great mini-adventure, and it not only included a huckleberry treat, but the holy grail of huckleberry treats, huckleberry wine. And, the best part was, I got to enjoy it with the most amazing person in my life.

               Sometimes, it is just so easy to focus on the negative aspects of life, and I forget to focus on all of the little moments that make this world such a magical place. I am so blessed that my champion knew exactly what I needed, and every time I pop the cork of one of these bottles, I know I will hear, “I’m your huckleberry,” and know that I am not alone, and happiness is just a sip away.





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