Chronic Negress

The theme for this month’s web-wide tasting was pairing a wine with a favorite hike. Big ups to winehiker for the idea. I was excited about this one for all sorts of reasons. I knew the hike in a heartbeat — a four-mile or so loop in the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historical Area in Kinnelon outside of Boonton. I had the wine in mind too a Viognier from Unionville Vineyards that was worth the drive to almost the border of Pennsylvania. I was all set.

Or so I thought. The hike is still there with the maddening scramble in the middle that’s pretty challenging for a Negress with a pair of titanium knees and quads as weak as a kitten’s. But I love the hike and I love the 79-year old guy who wrote a book about it and other hikes you can find here. He kicked the Negress’ not-yet-50 year old butt, but reminded me how much I love to hike which is a major incentive for getting in shape.

However, a quick trip to the Unionville Vineyards website and….nothing doing. There’s a new winemaker and some new wines including a Seyval Blanc and something called Chambourcin. No Viognier in sight but a Pinot Noir

Negress on the trail

has joined the fray. These all seems to be bad signs. I did a story on the vineyards of New Jersey about for years ago, and this was one of my favorites. It was like finding out your mother has been replaced by a succubus.

We end with better news: The truckers at Dying Media caved and ratified a restructured contract. The Negress is officially bought out. To celebrate I’ve joined a Biggest Loser gang at my gym. Let my life begin again with a proper soundtrack, less flab and better wine.