Dave Menaker at his Great Land Wines, Haines, AK
In Haines, Alaska, we spend a delightful few… oh… I really have no idea how long… hours?… days?… tasting wine at Dave Menaker’s shack cum winery. This ain’t your Napa Valley. Dave greets his guests in a heavy, pullover work shirt, jeans and work boots (he also operates a sawmill out back -- hopefully not running both businesses at the same time). Tim and I were the only ones in the place and the samples ran wild and free -- onion, potato, blueberry, raisin, rose petal and dandelion wines were just a few of the selections, with Triscuits proffered for the obligatory palate cleansing. I was totally blitzed by the time we left (fortunately, he also offers a carry-out service -- not the bottles -- the spouses) as evidenced by my suggestions of possibilities for future vintages, including a cat/dog hair variety, marketed to eccentric little old ladies who’d want to drink a memorial toast to their dearly departed Flopsies. To his credit, Dave was amused. Or, at least the other Dave standing next to him was. Well, maybe one of them was only feigning amusement. But, that was when the room starting spinning, so I can’t really be sure.
Comments (12)
Triscutts! I love it!
Posted by Anonymous | January 20, 2008 7:03 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:03
been following your blog, but never posted before. but, now, want to know: where are you??? keep posting!!!!
-shy jen
Posted by Shy Jen | January 20, 2008 7:04 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:04
Hey! this sounds pretty crazy. can you post how to get some wine sent?
Posted by Anonymous | January 20, 2008 7:04 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:04
Hey!
Unfortutely, Dave cannot send his wines, which puts a real cramp on his business. (Apparently none of the shipping companies will come to such a small place, he says.) So, he and his wife are thinking of moving to Juneau. Will keep you posted.
Posted by Doreen | January 20, 2008 7:05 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:05
Loved your website, I don't even know you and I laughed at your adventures - you really should write a book.
-Terry
Posted by Terry | January 20, 2008 7:06 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:06
Hehe... you guys got to get back on the road. You were living the life we can't. I have really enjoyed following your travels in Bus Conversions magazine. How do you feel about traveling and living in a bus conversion now???
Posted by Anonymous | January 20, 2008 7:07 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:07
You'll have to read the book to find out!
Actually, I appologize for not keeping up lately (OK, so it's been 2 mos). I've been working on a book proposal for this thing. I'll post again when I have some news.
In the meantime, I've still got tons at least 2 years worth of article's for Bus Conversions, so stay tuned. (And, yes. I did learn to love the bus.)
Posted by Doreen | January 20, 2008 7:07 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:07
It's been 4 months and into a new year since your last post. Hope everything is ok. Get back on the road and "tell all". Happy New Year
Posted by James Henry | January 20, 2008 7:08 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:08
Hey, John! Look who's talking! When're you gonna post to your blog? As for mine, see above.
Posted by Doreen | January 20, 2008 7:08 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:08
Doreen,
Where are you now? I just want to tell you that my wife and I have so enjoyed reading your travel log. I truely hope you put your travels into book form and if you do I hope you will sign my copy.
Being a retired cop I also want to tell you how I appreciate your book on stalking. I gave my copy to so many domestic violence victims I finally had to throw it away. I just started giving them the title info and told them where they could get it. keep up the great dialog. I live vicariously through your travels.
Ron & Brenda Speidel
Posted by Ron Speidel | January 20, 2008 7:09 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:09
Ron and Brenda,
Thanks so much, especially for your kind words on my stalking book. I must say, I'm glad you finally got them to buy their own copy!
We're home now, back in CO. I've been a bit remiss keeping up with the blog because I've been working on a book proposal for my "bus memoir." I'll keep you posted, and thanks so much, again!
-Doreen
Posted by Doreen | January 20, 2008 7:10 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:10
Please post more about Alaska when you get a chance. We're planning a trip there next summer in our Eagle. When will articles about it appear in Bus Conversions?
- Bus Nut
Posted by Anonymous | January 20, 2008 7:10 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 19:10