Apple Picking in Charlotte

It's the peak of leaf-peeping season here in Vermont.  The treetards are out in force.  Rather than hide from the New Jersey license plates swarming the roadways, my sisters and I decided to join the fray - in our own way.  After all, who could have asked for a more perfect October day?  Picking fallen apples up off the ground at Shelburne Orchards, with the panorama of Adirondack color reflected off Lake Champlain and the sky a striated mess of rushing clouds and crystalline blue, made me realize that Fall is here, and I am glad.

My sisters-in-crime and I were a little put-off by the welcome sign stating 'Drops Only', but we were happy we persevered.  This seems to be the Orchard's method of getting the rows cleaned up of dropped fruit.  It works for us as well as for them - how else could we expect to walk away with ten pounds of organic apples for less than three dollars?  The adorable horses were a bonus, as well as the cider....

We finished our day by visiting the General Store in Charlotte.  Excellent cappuccino.  Cozy front porch stacked with colorful pumpkins with a view of the lake and mountains beyond.  Surprisingly good (albeit lean) wine selection.  I chose Elk Cove Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley, Oregon) to complement the savory apple soup we'd planned.  We ended up making stuffed artichokes instead, and the Elk Cove was a surprisingly good match (damn artichokes, always so difficult).  I'm hoping for an apple gallette (as well as the soup) later this week.  Unfortunately, the Elk Cove was gone about half an hour after it was opened (one of the best Oregon Pinot Gris I've tried) - more comparable to Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc than Italian Grigio - fine, with subtle greenness and a little minerality - and fresh, fresh, fresh!  I'll be back for more while the apples last.