Now the 2005 Zinfandel captures another emotion. Once in awhile there's a vintage that wants to be a crowd pleaser, grabbing the attention of almost everyone who wanders by. We saw that in the 1999, 2000 and somewhat in the 2002. So for those of you who like to play with dynamite, the 2005 Zin will deliver that blast of Zin power you've been looking for. Rich, berry jammy, slightly sweet mouthful that once you swallow you'll open your mouth to simultaneously shout WOW! and catch your breath. Good things come in short supply many times so don't procrastinate to get your own stash of this one because I only produced about 140 cases.

Our Wine Fellowship Members are invited to come pick up their bottle of each of these two new wines on their next visit. WF Members are also invited to help kick-off the new Friday Night Wood-Fired Oven Pizza season on April 25th or May 5th and enjoy a pizza of your choice on us complements of the Fitzpatrick family.

So Friday Wood-Fired Oven Pizza Night 2008 starts April 25th and will run every Friday, weather permitting, through mid-October. If you've never been, here's how it works. Seating is limited to 100 and most Friday Nights sell out. We start taking reservations starting the Monday of the week that you want to attend. We stagger the seating with 25 people every half-hour starting at 6pm. However that doesn't mean we turn over tables, everyone's welcome to enjoy the whole evening. But it allows us to focus on Pizza for 25 each half-hour. FYI -everything is home-made and hand-made and baked in our wood-fired oven so realize that good things take time. Come to enjoy the wine, the fellowship and the beauty overlooking Fair Play.

There will be music on many Friday Nights and I will share that schedule with you each month. But what we do know already is that each first Friday, the talented folk-duo Anderson & Graham will be back playing cover songs we all know and originals that are so good you swear you've heard them before. Then on every third Friday we'll rock and boogie to locals Johnny Mojo and Friends. How's Pizza and dancing sound? We may have some special music on some of the other Fridays too but otherwise you can come and enjoy a little Peace and Pizza.

That's Mother's Day and we'll be selling a special version of our Ploughman's Lunch for all customers to enjoy. Mothers will get a free hand-made dark chocolate dipped strawberry or truffle with lunch or any wine purchase. And what a Great Day it will be.

You could make the market a convenient way to pick up your Fitzpatrick wines and enjoy all the current tasting room discounts. Please call me up to the day before with your order so I'm sure to bring enough of what you want at 800-245-9166. I'll be doing other Farmers markets too as the seasons open.

April's selections are the 2006 Sangiovese and the 2006 Eire Ban (our Sauvignon Blanc). 40% OFF makes those wines $8.60 and $6.00 per bottle by the case. Think about it - that's so reasonable most anyone can enjoy these wines everyday. And drink to your health with all the extra benefits that wines made from organically grown grapes have to offer.

But each trip can be different. I first listen to you and find out what your interests are: history, castles, sports, food, walking, shopping, theater, horses, the countryside, the cities, pubs and music, whatever; then I put together an itinerary to best balance everyone's interests. The ideal group is one of similar interests but with two vans and the fact that we stay two nights in each place much of the time, we have flexibility and can change even with the weather. No other tour can do that. Actually we're not a tour; we're a group of friends having the time of our lives in Ireland.

Call me if your interested. I like to have all the travelers committed by May's end. Last year we booked our flights in April for a fantastic bargain. The price is subject to the Euro and last year stayed under $4000 including airfare, escorted ground transportation, accommodations, breakfast and miscellaneous entrance fees, etc. You pay for your dinner and drinks and of course shopping. I've been meaning to put together a slide show from last year's trip but I haven't as of yet. Soon.