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The Autumn Glory Festival in Oakland, Maryland, is the second week in October every year. But it is not just another fall festival. For western Maryland, it is significantly more important. Catching up with old friends and meeting new, party hopping on 2nd street, grilling and sharing a few adult beverages on the lawn, watching the hallmark parade; and eating popcorn, Rotary French fries, fried meats on a stick or whatever suits your fancy. It means tourism; and also for many, a return to home.

The weather was cool [as is usually the case]; but it was more palatable than a recent year I remember fondly. I made the front page of the paper across from the judge's table wrapped up in a blanket shared by several. I was also wearing a ski jacket and several layers. While Emma [my best friend’s daughter] was dressed in a pink jumpsuit and white gloves, some of the "true Garrett-countiens" still sported shorts, t-shirts and sandals despite the low 50-degree temperature. The autumn colours remained in all their luster, notwithstanding the heavy rains that have made the trees less full this year. It was a beautiful beginning to a fabulous fall parade.

The number of dignitaries abound, driven on floats or in the back of classic cars greeting people with a kind wave as they lined the streets of Oakland. Art Rooney was the “Grand Marshall" for the parade this year; as he is the legendary owner to the Pittsburgh Steelers football team just two hours away in the "Steel City." Many of Pittsburgh's residents have found a second home in this quaint resort town to enjoy the summer and winter amenities that western Maryland has to offer. Some other notables were Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, Senator George Edwards, Mayor Paul Edwards, Miss Maryland and of course the "King and Queen"; this year both students from Northern Garrett Senior High School. Personally, I was dating the queen from 1996 at the time that she was crowned.

This is an event you dress up for. Personally, I was wearing purposely faded Levi jeans, a striped shirt courtesy of Nicole Miller, my recent sailing jacket from my vacation in May to Bald Head Island, North Carolina, and my hat from the Kentucky Derby. Fall colours being the preference, everyone is "dressed to the nines."

I started with breakfast at Oak-Mar [mentioned in my previous article] and was immediately able to get a feel for the size of the day’s festivities. Owner Andrew Fike is typically booked for months, if not closer to a year in advance because of his location. Eggs, French toast, sausage, tomato juice and coffee was $8.17; a relative bargain in today’s less than burgeoning economy. As I strolled down Main Street I saw a high school classmate and congratulated her on recent nuptials; my mortgage broker, my accountant, my primary care physician and the beer tent. Mountain State Brewing Company was nice enough to offer me an Amber ale named, "Almost Heaven". God, I hate this job! While amber in colour but not too dark, I could immediately smell a combination of citrus, caramel and caraway seed. This is one enjoyable brew that you can comfortably savour several without experiencing that “full” feeling. But I was on the hunt for another type of beverage; the one derived from the glorious grape.

I finished my walk down Main headed for 2nd Street. As I passed the food vendors, the aromas were pleasant as I listened to a local Christian group sing in harmony across the street. Aroma + Harmony + Indulgence = Pleasure…or something like that. The sound of meats frying on the grill, kettle corn popping in a massive cauldron, people shouting out orders and change being quickly returned; people conversing about the serious and the more common.  It would have certainly caused even Anthony Bourdain to take pause… simultaneously eliciting that automatic childish smile and bringing that all too familiar sparkle to his eye. I made the u-turn onto 2nd and started looking for friends and former family members. I ran into several, and to some was simply able to wave and wish them well.

I started my party hopping at the Burnett house. Several friends who returned from years past greeted me and offered to have me stay and enjoy myself for a bit. On the menu...rattlesnake. For those that have not had the luxury to try those "not so common" wild meats, well; you know the saying. Done over an open flame, it falls from the bone if grilled properly. To me it had more of a taste closer to turtle or alligator. It tasted nothing like chicken. Preferably, you want a slightly charred piece from the exterior close to where the skin would remain at the edge. A treat to the taste buds indeed.

I then was welcomed at the Carlson House. I had never met the owner, but he was an uncle to a friend from the rival high school in Garrett County. This would be my "Wine-Mine." As I was introduced, the owner of this "less than humble abode” immediately left to grab me a wine glass from the antique bureau with gold inlay on the exterior. He returned with an easily recognizable, Cabernet-suited piece of Riedel stemware; and it was then that I knew I was in for a delightful afternoon. He first decanted a “2006 Hess Cabernet Sauvignon” that was more than suitable to the palate. With four glasses being poured and conversation flourishing, it would not be long before "The Rabbit" [a high- class wine bottle opener] reappeared. The second offering [and third] were ones I was not personally familiar with…at least not yet. Strong like a California Cabernet, Eperaum expressed a dark purple hue; consistent with many Malbec wines from Argentina. This wine showed plenty of dark fruit and a more dry finish than some others I am more familiar. What I have always appreciated about this grape [originally from the south of France] is that it is commonly categorized for me [in Layman's terms] as a “punch in the mouth” wine.  Big and bold; meaning that you also have cellaring potential. Think Catena, Colome or Ferrer for this. Smaller amounts of the Malbec grape are frequently used in Bordeaux blends. Stay tuned for an article featuring the Patagonia region which I believe is showing much potential in its youth.

The last wine opened was "Greener Planet ", an organic wine combining Shiraz (40%), Merlot (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%). I would definitely look for future offerings as the wild berry nose and peppery spice finish proved to be quite appealing. For several years I disregarded Merlot when going to the wine store, but it is something for which I have gained a renewed appreciation…along with the welcome return of a friend fond of Merlot. It used to be her “go to” varietal.  This happened at dinner earlier this year at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. I had decided to take a female friend to the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby...someone whom I knew would fully appreciate this iconic event. I made most of the arrangements for dinner and lodging, and a prix fix menu offering five courses appealed to me. The wine of the evening which I selected was Darioush, a cult Merlot from California. Lush, balanced, and rich; a wine that can [truly] make a woman's toes curl. While dinner was amazing, the wine was certainly the highlight of the evening and the reason I have gone back to giving Merlot "a fair shake." The atmosphere would have something to do with Merlot's revival to my wine experience; the venue, the wine, the lady. We were seated close to a table of (10); none other than the owners of "Fresian Fury", a horse given odds for Saturday's race of 20-1. As we all know now, "Mine That Bird" would prove victorious and line the pockets of a chosen few [myself included] at 50-1. Full Disclosure:  My take was $103.98 on a $2 wager, but winning even a meager sum was no less exhilarating. And sharing that 1m 58 s experience with a friend was the most gratifying thing of all.  

Besides, I am a huge fan of meritage; a blend using at a minimum Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc...a typical Bordeaux blend. My gracious host spent some time in the wine business; and as he indicated, I hope and pray he will be my best patron at my wine bar slated to open in May 2010. I hope I don't miss the Derby...well; there's no chance of that.

Mountain State Brewing Company

1 Nelson Boulevard, Thomas, West Virginia 26292

1.304.463.4500

http://www.mountainstatebrewing.com

For a review of (45) Malbec wines:

http://www.wineanorak.com/malbecfromargentina.htm