Ok - I'm pushing it a bit but isn't it a lovely thought! There are no blossoms, let alone apples on our trees right now.  There are, however, definite signs of spring.  The days are getting longer.  The sun is getting stronger.  The snow banks are shrinking.  And the cats want to go outside again.  All of these things are reassuring me that spring will soon be here.  We will survive!

"Tiny bubbles"!  Ever wonder how we get the bubbles into our Ciders?  Here's Fred with our "bubble maker", an in-line carbonation machine.  He's smiling now but that wasn't always the case.  This machine cost a hefty $15,000.  It came with operating instructions in four languages but unfortunately not English.  Our Hungarian/French Canadian sales rep told us in broken English that it is a great machine once you learn how to use it.  But he didn't know how.  After 11 years, Fred has earned his "Masters" in In-line Carbonation.  He has also developed an incredibly strong right arm from corking each & every bottle on this line, as well as our "still" bottling line himself.  Now that's quality control!  FYI, Kathy is applying the finishing touch - the wire hood that holds the plastic cork in place & keeps all those lovely bubbles securely in the bottle.

Words from the Grower, Fred Archibald:  Winter pruning is always a major job.  It has been particularly difficult this year due to the extremely cold weather that we have experienced.  Sandy keeps thinking of the movie about Michelangelo, painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, when she asks me "When will you be done"?  I answer, "When I'm done"!  I'm no Renaissance Man but I do feel that pruning is an art, requiring creativity that takes time.  Right now, time & weather have not been on my side but that will change come spring.  The eternally optomistic farmer! 

It's a Family Affair:   Beck's already searching out possible food matches for the Fruit Wine & Food Festival.  Our new Black wine is her current favourite & will be focusing on it for sure.  I'll report on her creations soon!  The rest of the Archibald Clan has signed up for duty on the day.  From siblings & spouses to offspring & pets, it will be a great family affair! 

Remember to take "Time Out" - Need to forget about everything for awhile?  Try a movie, live theatre or a concert!  Vaudeville & the travelling circus helped people forget their worries during the depression.  Entertainment helps us escape from our own little world long enough to breathe easy & refocus!

Last but not least...  Thanks for buying local!  When you buy fruit wine, you know that you are buying 100% Ontario.  Whether it's from us or one of the other Fruit Wineries in Ontario, you are supporting the winery & the farmer who grew the fruit.  Toast... taste... Ontario! 

Upcoming Events:  10th Annual Fruit Wine & Food Festival - Saturday, May 30th from 12 Noon to 5 p.m.   An afternoon of Fruit Wine, Local Cuisine & Jazz Music!  Proceeds go to the Big Brothers & Sisters of Clarington.  Tickets are $10 in advance & $12 at the door.  Tasting tickets are $1.  Must be legal drinking age to attend.  

For information on participating Wineries, Chefs & other exhibitors, please click here to check out our web site.  Here's Chef Georg grilling his amazing Mini Buffalo Burgers.  In the background is Wendy from Muskoka Lakes Winery pouring one of their incredible wines.  

Appetizer Recipe of the Month: Turtle Pie:  How sweet it is & just in time for Maple Season!  Sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped pecans over bottom of baked pie shell.  Combine 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup Canadian Maple Wine, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter & 2 Tbsp. maple syrup in a heavy sauce pan over medium heat.  Stir & bring to a boil.  Keep stirring as it continues to boil for 5 minutes, avoiding sticking.  Remove from heat.  Slowly beat with spoon for about 2 minutes until mixture thickens.  Carefully spoon over chopped pecans.  Decorate with pecan halves.  Melt 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips & 2 Tbsp. butter over low heat.  Spread over pie & chill.  Serve with Canadian Maple Wine!

Words from the Wine maker, Fred Archibald:  BLACK IS IN!!!  It's Big & it's Bold.  A perfect blend of Black Cherries & Black Currants.  Very "fruit forward".  Sure to please fruit wine & red wine lovers.  I invite you to come sample!

From the Golf Course:      

Ladies League - $240 includes 20 weeks of golf, refreshments, wine, wrap up tournament & prizes.

Kids Play Free - When 1 adult pays, 1 junior (under 16) plays free.  2 adults - 2 juniors...   A great, affordable family activity.

Social Tournaments - great prices!  For more information on Cider House Golf, Membership options... please click here.