"A man, fallen on hard times, sold his art collection but kept his wine cellar. When asked why he did not sell his wine, he said, 'A man can live without art, but not without culture.'"

- Anonymous.

This Wine Cellar at Vaillant House is expertly designed to be both functional and extremely attractive. Wine cellars protect wine from harmful external influences by maintaining a consistent temperature. Wine like food is a perishable product. If wine is exposed to too much heat, light, or humidity, it can spoil. A good cellar helps the wine maintain its quality but may also improve both the aroma and complexity of a particular vintage.

Wine cellars have been in existence for over 3,700 years. Many Americans travel to France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Portugal to visit famous wine cellars and taste premier vintage wines. Wine connoisseurs who appreciate and collect wine, particulary grape wines from certain regions, can truly appreciate a wine cellar. Is there a wonderful spot to sample a favorite wine than this sitting area outside this cellar?

Wine Spotlight from the Wine Spectator to try over the holidays:

Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnivale of Love 2012:

Sinewy, lithe and expressive, packing red berry, black cherry and cardamon aromas and flavors into a tightly focused package. The finish expands and powers up, driving a long and meary finish, displays muscle and poise. drink though 2022. From the McLaren Vale, Australia with an issue date of June 15th, 2014.

Here is an interesting article on the property that was featured in Rural Intelligence.

Cheers!

Make this gorgeous home in Litchfield County, which was formerly the private retreat of singer/songwriter James Taylor, your very own. Fully renovated and brought up to date with every modern amenity in 1997, this stunning retreat is set in a rolling dell admist a babbling brook with mature trees circling the scenic driveway.

The main house boasts flawless craftsmanship and 5 bedrooms with a 60' heated gunite pool just outside, as well as a 5 car garage with a huge studio apartment above. Also on the property is a detached garage adjacent to the house and a horse barn in the rear paddock. Owner Agent.

Call or email Philippa Malkin at philippa.f.malkin@raveis.com or 203-770-1060 for more information or visit The Matthews Group website

Please consider supporting Emily Zibell and her very worthy senior project. Information below and downloadable flyer here: Download Aschiana

All movements begin with one small step!
Please join me in my senior project as we take a small step to make a big difference in the lives of children in need.

Where: Steep Rock, Washington, CT
When: May 7th (rain date May 14th)
Time: 11:30 AM

Join us for a day of fun, food and games as we raise money to furnish a classroom in Kabul, Afghanistan. Throughout the day there will be multiple events: ultimate frisbee, treasure hunt hike, obstacle course, tug of war, and much more! Games will only be $2-$3 each. Sign up for as many games as you like. Play multiple times! Form your own teams and compete against each other! For each game you play youll get points and at the end of the day whoever has the most points will win a trophy!
Please bring a few extra bucks for a delicious picnic lunch!

All money raised will benefit The Aschiana Foundation (http://www.aschiana-foundation.org/) which provides a safe haven and educational opportunities and medical care for the roughly 600,000 working street children of Afghanistan. Too poor to attend school, these children have been forced onto the streets to earn money for their families.

To register in advance, volunteer to help or for more information, email
Emily Zibell at moving4peace@gmail.com. Thank you!

We are thrilled to have our listing, Rye House at Avalon Farms, featured in the Real Estate section of Connecticut Cottages & Gardens this month. [Click below image to view article].