Wine lovers in search of a fall getaway may be interested in the exhibition currently on display (through January 6, 2013) at the Winterthur Museum & Country Estate in Wilmington, Delaware. Entitled “Uncorked,” it is a celebration of more than 300 objects and images created in response to society’s love (or, occasionally, loathe) of wine. It documents how wine was marketed, consumed, and enjoyed from the 1600s through the 1800s.
The exhibition is organized around the following themes…
Classical References: Greek & Roman wine vessels, deities, and ornamental designs; The Business of Wine: How wine and wine-related items were bought and sold; Consumption & Equipage: Wine-related vessels; wine’s part in social life; Politics, Patriotism & Taxes: Political and patriotic motifs & inscriptions on wine vessels and American-market wares; Wine & Religion: Wine-related objects featuring biblical references & inscriptions; Temperance: The movement emphasizing moderation or abstinence with regard to alcohol
The exhibition is certainly worth seeing… On the other hand, one can only take in so many jugs, vases, pitchers, mugs, decanters, goblets, flasks, and assorted stemware before the mind simply goes gaga. Of infinitely more interest, at least to this writer, are a number of paintings, drawings, and etchings depicting commerce, consumption, politics, and temperance. Also of interest are trade cards that merchants utilized to market their goods. The addition of wine, it was felt, added a touch of elegance. In many cases, cards were created with blank spaces for the addition of a merchant’s name, advertising slogan, or address.
As noted above, “Uncorked” will be on display through January 6, 2013.
After viewing the exhibition, should you decide that you’ve seen more than enough about the fruit of the vine and would like to start enjoying same, plus a bit of physical sustenance, there are several possibilities from which to choose – including a tiny café located next to the gift shop. I would suggest, however, that you seek your gastronomic and libationary pleasures elsewhere.
Departing Winterthur, hang a left onto Kennett Pike (Route 52) and you’ll soon encounter the BBC (Brandywine Brewing Company) Tavern & Grill (4019 Kennett Pike) just a short piece down the road in Greenville, DE. A far cry from a typical happy-tappy, this establishment serves up some extremely well-prepared and attractively presented appetizers, entrées, salads, and sandwiches. And BBC is committed to supporting local farms and fisheries that employ sustainable, organic farming techniques. In addition, the Tavern sports a well thought out wine list and first rate selection of draught beers and micro & craft brews.
If you turn right upon leaving Winterthur, you will come to the tiny hamlet of Centreville. And you won’t want to miss stopping in for a bite at The Centreville Café, which serves delicious breakfasts all day and majors in innovative soups, salads, and sandwiches at lunch. All meats are roasted & sliced on the premises, all soups made from scratch, and only specialty breads are utilized to build the sumptuous sandwiches. The Café is dog-friendly, and you are always welcome to tote along your favorite vintage.
…And Collier’s a kind of Old Curiosity Shop for oenophiles, is located just a few doors away. So in addition to picking up a bottle for lunch or dinner, you also might want to spend some time checking out their impressive selection of unique & hard-to-find labels.
Right next door you will find Buckley’s Tavern, a long-running local institution that majored in pub grub, pizzas, and pastas. I use the past tense, as Buckley’s closed on January 15, 2012. Co-proprietors Bob Bolling & Bob Applegate, however, are making major renovations to the venerable structure – modernizing and enhancing the facility while retaining the special charm that generations of the Tavern’s fans have come to cherish through the years – and are aiming for an reopening late October/early November 2012.
Should you be in search of a more upscale gastronomic experience, however, you would do well to consider Krazy Kat’s Restaurant, an establishment previously recommended. Located within the posh precincts of the Inn at Montchanin Village, Route 100 & Kirk Road, Montchanin, Delaware, Krazy Kat’s is most assuredly a dining destination. The interior – furbished with portraits of cats (and dogs) adorned in various shades of sartorial finery and cushy upholstered chairs decked out in faux animal skins – may be a bit on the bizarre side, but the eclectic cuisine is exceptional in every respect… And the restaurant also boasts a superb wine list.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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