Purple Grapes, Purple Graaapes....

I only wanted to see you drinking all the purple grapes, purple grapes, purple grapes…. Drinking purple grapes? Yeah, you know, fermented grapes, wine, vino and while I’m not a wine guy myself, the ladies in my life (my mums and wifey) sure are. There also happens to be a place that my mom and dad thoroughly enjoy going to that has plenty of vino for your enjoyment as well as some delicious food. That purple grape consuming world is called Vino in the Valley.

Located just east of Ellsworth, WI sits a beautiful property with amazing scenery to gaze at while you’re enjoying a plethora of wine options, some amazing Italian cuisine and beer for those who aren’t in to the grape thing, like me. With something for everyone, this is a place even the family can enjoy. Plenty of space for blankets and family time and letting the kiddos run, bag toss, yard yahtzee, 2 fire pits going, cheese and crackers, live acoustic music, rides on the tractor down to Brush Creek to learn some history about the property, walking trails and more.

My parents finally got us to join them and it was well worth it for our first visit and definitely not the last. While we waited for our table, we enjoyed some beverages and took in some of the offerings previously mentioned. Our little guy was having a blast, us adults were enjoying ourselves and before you know it, your table is ready.

We enjoyed some simple, but delicious bread and olive oil with parmesan cheese blend, reviewed the menu and continued to enjoy the scenery and company. My mom decided on the Portabella Mushroom Ravioli, my dad went for the Garlic Shrimp Linguini, my sweetie was eyeing up the Pesto Caprese, I couldn’t say no to the Spicy Shrimp and Andouille Linguini and our little guy was all about the pizza.

Let’s get my little guys pizza out of the way. Pretty much the best tasting little’s pizza your youngster will ever enjoy and they don’t even know it, yet. It tasted freshly made, because it was with quality ingredients. Our little guys’ pizza was a pepperoni and even I wanted to eat it.

On to the selections by the ‘rents. While I didn’t taste these plates, they smelled good and definitely looked enjoyable. My mom’s Ravioli, prepared with leeks, mushrooms, dried cherries and spinach in a vodka cream sauce, then finished with white truffle oil. Mmmm, truffle oil! My dad’s linguini, prepared with sautéed shrimp in a garlic white butter sauce with mushrooms, peppers, spinach, onions, tomatoes and topped with parmesan cheese. I mentioned to my dad, that it looked like a lighter healthier meal plate than the rest of us and it was gone!

As for those meals of ours… My sweeties caprese, prepared with rotini pasta, sun dried tomatoes and fresh ‘mozz, tossed with a basil pesto and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. You can add a protein for a few bucks more and my sweetie went for some shrimp. I did taste this one and while not the biggest fan of pesto, I would have ordered this plate – awesome! And finally, my linguini, prepared with spicy shrimp and andouille sausage, then tossed in a spicy garlic tomato cream sauce. It definitely had a spicy kick to it, probably at a level most people may not be able to handle. However, for those who enjoy some fire, you will indeed enjoy it. I certainly did, I left nothing on my plate!

I never meant to cause you any hunger pains while reading this, but if you’re looking to reach out for something new, yes you, then look at taking a little day trip out to Vino in the Valley. You will enjoy yourself and you might even get to see the owner get the whole crowd singing a little That’s Amore. Sorry, no group singing of a Prince classic!

Vino in the Valley
W3826 450th Ave
Maiden Rock, Wisconsin