Middleton Place Garden Stroll and Wine Tastings for Spring, 2023--A Wednesday Evening Charleston Lowcountry Tradition

With the Ashley River lazily meandering in the distance, a peaceful easy feeling came over me as I sat on a wooden bench leisurely sipping on a plastic cup of red wine. I was in the company of one of the oldest oak trees in the Charleston Lowcountry. Greyed from age and bearing the scars of a sometimes tumultuous past, the Great Oak's long, broad branches majestically overshadowed the calming waters of the Rice Fields where fish launched themselves into the air like mortar shells and alligators prowled the surface like the H. L. Hunley in search of an unwary prey.

Clinging to the tree's weather-beaten bark, a cardinal curiously watched my every move. We weren't alone. With the Octagonal Garden to the right and the Sundial Garden behind, the soft, intimate chatter and light laughter of fellow strollers navigating the garden's preened pathways filled the warm evening air. The occasion is Wednesday Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting at Middleton Place.

The Wednesday Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting was started as a way for visitors to experience the beauty of Middleton Place in the early evening light and a more relaxed atmosphere--no tour guides needed. It is just you, the gardens, and a world renowned vino. The Wine Strolls are an invitation to drink in the incomparable natural beauty of the plantations 274 year old gardens--the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Each week, samples of specially selected wines from around the world are uncorked by the Middleton Place Restaurant for you to savor. A different wine region and beautiful garden location in bloom is chosen for the stroll.

Enjoy the following story of last year's wine stroll.

Middleton Place takes on an altogether different look and feel in the subdued light of the early evening hours. Its impressive garden's shadows lengthen, and the shaded hues lighten under the setting sun's penetrating rays filtering through the lower branches of its thick tea olive hedges and taller oaks and magnolias. Peace and serenity abound. It is the perfect setting for sipping on a glass of wine as you engage in intimate conversation with your chosen group of close friends or that special someone while you stroll the garden's quiet walkways.

Middleton Place's Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting is a 2-hour weekly event occurring on Wednesday beginning at 5:30 pm. On April 13, the evening I attended, three tables were located in different areas of the expansive gardens. You receive eight tickets--one ticket equaling one pour for each wine offering. You can double or triple each pour with one additional ticket each. At the end, a bonus pour was available at the Farm of Middleton Place. Each week the locations change, so if you attend more than one through the spring, your vantage point will not be the same. Some attendees bring their own glasses.

The first table was at the Crane Pool, which overlooks Rice Mill Pond, one of the more stunning views on the property. There were three offerings. My first choice was a double pour from Australia called Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rose'--easier printed than pronounced. I just said, "I'll try the one from Australia to start." I am not a wine connoisseur. My second choice at this table was also a double pour of Borsao Macabeo Chardonnay from Spain. Both were very good, but I favor the Rose' since one of its more prominent flavors was pomegranate.

A table filled with appetizers was at this location consisting of cheeses, crackers, fresh vegetables, chocolates, and finger foods, such as meat-filled empanadas.

The second table was in the Small Secret Garden. Navigating the gardens can be similar to walking a maze, so I just followed the sound of conversation to find the table, which was hidden at the end of a secluded path that opened into an enclosed area surrounded by tall, thick hedges. There were three offerings at this table also. Underwood The Bubbles was a Champaign and Sparkling Wine from Oregon. Lapostolle Grand Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was a second choice. I chose a double pour of the third offering, a Christopher Michael Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington. If I were to use a word to describe it, my simple palate would respond with one word, "smooth."

The third table was the least popular with the crowd. It was located at the Wood Nymph Statue at the far end of the gardens in-between the Reflection Pond and the flooded rice fields. The Sangrias were placed here, and I did a double pour of the red. Sangria is what it is.

It was my third wine tasting at Middleton Place over the years. A substantial crowd attended this event. The stroll through the famous gardens was picturesque as usual. The wine was fine. The weather was ideal, a very comfortable temperature tempered by a slight breeze. The sunlight was perfect. I always enjoy meeting people who read my articles. I had the opportunity to meet a group from my original state, Ohio. I had brief conversations with numerous others while standing in line. I also met three local Summerville ladies, one of whom told me she is a dedicated reader and fan of my blog. There was one annoying guest, but a spray was available to make its presence tolerable. The Middleton Place Garden Stroll and wine Tasting is all about the above. Mission accomplished.

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Cost: $30.00 – $35.00

Middleton Place Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting April 13, 2022--Gratifying

Middleton Place takes on an altogether different look and feel in the subdued light of the early evening hours. Its impressive garden's shadows lengthen, and the shaded hues lighten under the setting sun's penetrating rays filtering through the lower branches of its thick tea olive hedges and taller oaks and magnolias. Peace and serenity abound. It is the perfect setting for sipping on a glass of wine as you engage in intimate conversation with your chosen group of close friends or that special someone while you stroll the garden's quiet walkways.

Middleton Place's Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting is a 2-hour weekly event occurring on Wednesday beginning at 5:30 pm. On April 13, the evening I attended, three tables were located in different areas of the expansive gardens. You receive eight tickets--one ticket equaling one pour for each wine offering. You can double or triple each pour with one additional ticket each. At the end, a bonus pour was available at the Farm of Middleton Place. Each week the locations change, so if you attend more than one through the spring, your vantage point will not be the same. Some attendees bring their own glasses.

The first table was at the Crane Pool, which overlooks Rice Mill Pond, one of the more stunning views on the property. There were three offerings. My first choice was a double pour from Australia called Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rose'--easier printed than pronounced. I just said, "I'll try the one from Australia to start." I am not a wine connoisseur. My second choice at this table was also a double pour of Borsao Macabeo Chardonnay from Spain. Both were very good, but I favor the Rose' since one of its more prominent flavors was pomegranate.

A table filled with appetizers was at this location consisting of cheeses, crackers, fresh vegetables, chocolates, and finger foods, such as meat-filled empanadas.

The second table was in the Small Secret Garden. Navigating the gardens can be similar to walking a maze, so I just followed the sound of conversation to find the table, which was hidden at the end of a secluded path that opened into an enclosed area surrounded by tall, thick hedges. There were three offerings at this table also. Underwood The Bubbles was a Champaign and Sparkling Wine from Oregon. Lapostolle Grand Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was a second choice. I chose a double pour of the third offering, a Christopher Michael Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington. If I were to use a word to describe it, my simple palate would respond with one word, "smooth."

The third table was the least popular with the crowd. It was located at the Wood Nymph Statue at the far end of the gardens in-between the Reflection Pond and the flooded rice fields. The Sangrias were placed here, and I did a double pour of the red. Sangria is what it is.

It was my third wine tasting at Middleton Place over the years. A substantial crowd attended this event. The stroll through the famous gardens was picturesque as usual. The wine was fine. The weather was ideal, a very comfortable temperature tempered by a slight breeze. The sunlight was perfect. I always enjoy meeting people who read my articles. I had the opportunity to meet a group from my original state, Ohio. I had brief conversations with numerous others while standing in line. I also met three local Summerville ladies, one of whom told me she is a dedicated reader and fan of my blog. There was one annoying guest, but a spray was available to make its presence tolerable. The Middleton Place Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting is all about the above. Mission accomplished.

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Cost: $25.00 – $30.00

Azalea Bar and Garden--Summerville's New Hot Spot with the "It" Factor

The Azalea Bar and Garden rises over S Cedar Street like a welcoming evening blue sky, inviting you to steal away a few moments of time to soothe your soul while you schmooze with your closest of friends in its aura. Enter through its door, and you step through what seems like an Einstein–Rosen bridge whisking you to the kind of parlor room you would have experienced at the Pine Forest Inn.

For a brief moment, I imagined seeing Teddy Roosevelt seated at one of its small tables in front of the full wall hand-crafted bookcase filled with an assortment of old books and various figurines, reading the News and Courier. Across from Teddy, Dr. Shepard sipping on one of the bar's signature cocktails on its green couch. At the bar, Edna St. Vincent Millay discussing literature and fragrances with Florence Nightingale Graham over a glass of wine. Then, I saw a cell phone, and I was back to 2022.

Thursday was the highly anticipated grand opening for the Azalea Bar and Garden. The opening time was 4 pm. I arrived around 6 pm. By then, almost every table was occupied, including the seating at its intimate, fully stocked bar. My friend, local lead guitarist Dave Keller, and myself were escorted to a table near an ornately mantled fireplace. Our server introduced herself and placed an elegant menu with a feel of leather on our table accompanied by a complimentary bowl of caramel glazed popcorn, which proved to be quite tasty to munch on while I perused the list of offerings and waited for the arrival of my selections.

For a drink, I chose from the list of ten Signature Cocktails. Dr. Shepard was a blend of Sweet Tea Vodka, ruby port, pink lemonade, and fresh mint for $12. From the list of small plates, I chose the Pimiento Cheese with Flatbread Wedges, which was house-made chilled pimiento cheese with warm flatbread wedges for $8. Other choices on the menu included a list of six Classic Cocktails. From that list, the Hemingway Daiquiri caught my attention. It was a mixture of white rum, lime juice, Maraschino liquor, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and lime twist for $12. For those who wanted to skip the buzz, there was an assortment of non-alcoholic cocktails and desserts.

The Azalea Bar and Garden is a well-thought-out, intimate space with hints of Summerville's past spread throughout its furnishings and menu. The good times had by all were unmistakably heard in the conversation and laughter that filled the air. Owner Will Rizzo visited the various tables to extend a welcoming handshake, gauge customer satisfaction, and clear tables. Our server, Katie, was priceless (I hope I got the spelling of her name correct). She was hospitable, attentive to our questions, and happily willing to indulge in small talk. For patrons wanting to enjoy Summerville's pleasant evening weather, the garden area in the back offered plenty of seating on a brick-accented patio surrounded by plants.

There is no doubt the Azalea Bar and Garden is the Birthplace of Sweet Tea's new hot spot for residents and visitors to gather to refresh old friendships and start new ones. A place where you can soothe your soul and uplift your spirit. I raise my pleasing glass of Dr. Shepard in congratulation to this new winner for Summerville. The big

definitely has the "It" Factor.

219 S Cedar Street, Summerville, SC