That was some Gathering. Jack and I really enjoyed every minute, even the rain.

I promised a couple of people that I'd post the wine voted #1 at the wine tasting. It was a Mirassou Merlot, 2004 from the Mirassou Winery in Modesto, California. We had never tried it before so were really surprised when it won. I bought it at Trader Joe's for $8.50, and went back today to pick up a few more bottles. We will sample it tonight. Albertson's also carries it but it's more expensive there.

We haven't opened our prize yet but probably won't save it too long. I've never had an 18 year old wine before.

I would love to get the names of the #2 & #3 wine winners or just your favorites if you checked after the bottle covers came off.

And how about those craft beers? Lots of different kinds. Jack wants to know which ones you liked best.

All of them ... at least I think I did

Actually, I'll have to check the labels and get back to you. But it's true, they were all good.

The Craft Beer Exchange was a great beginning for the Gathering. I'm glad we got there a couple of days early this year. There was one from Arnold, California, it might have been Grizzley that Jack especially liked.