A day of showers and sunshine ...

... we had for our trip out to Wroxeter Roman Vineyard near Shrewsbury.  This was one of my over-plentiful birthday gifts from Maria and Gerd last year, and we've only just managed to make the trip.


But what a treat it was! The head of the family and owner himself, David Millington, gave us the history of the area, guided us around the vineyard telling us about all aspects of planting, growing and caring for the vines and grapes, and later about the actual processes of wine making.  Then we had our wine tasting session followed by an excellent lunch, and to wind up some very funny stories, again from David Millington, and we finished by visiting the wine shop.  I can heartily recommend a visit to this vineyard, and a huge THANK YOU to Gerd and Maria again for this wonderful present!

This photo of a rainbow typifies the frequent changes from rain to sun we've had all day.

We were quite a large group of about 60; in the small photo you can just see the head of our tour guide on the very right:










Most of our time at the vineyard we spent in this large barn room decorated with Roman pictures and of grape harvests in olden days with oxen and horses.  We had our drinks in here, the lively and interesting talks, the wine tasting and the lunch.

Before we drove home I took photos of the reconstructed Roman Villa [for a TV programme] and the Roman remains:

I didn't see another rainbow on the way home, but some lovely cloud formations.

Checking on the ducks on our return they were all together in the big pond ...

...and in the house the 'Elfe' rose bud I'd broken off on Wednesday had opened and smelled beautifully:
It's been a lovely day!

Before I close I'd like to show off the cakes I made yesterday for friend Edna's fund raising sale for cancer research, 36 this time, not 54!