Client: King Valley
This is the third instalment of Lucy and Chris’ Trip to the King Valley Region for the La Dolce Vita Food & Wine Festival. To catch up on the story so far, see Part 1 and Part 2.
For the first time in hours, Chris checked the time on his watch. He was amazed at how much time had passed since they’d arrived at Brown Brothers, but there was still plenty of light in the sky and the evening remained full of possibilities. Lucy was still keeping quiet about where they were off to next, but she hadn’t let him down since they arrived in the King Valley last night.
He left the group he was chatting with and wandered across the lawns to her as she fossicked through a collection of Milawa’s finest local produce in the hope of finding a few preserved morsels to put in the pantry at home. “No plans on leaving yet, I see?” He asked.
“Why? What time… OH DAMMIT!” It was unusual to see Lucy flustered. She usually had everything under control. Quickly, she handed a couple of notes to the woman behind the table and stuffed the jars into her oversized handbag. Grabbing the change, she turned and took Chris’ hand.
“Let’s do it!”
…..
On the way up old King Valley Road in the direction of their hotel, Lana Trento B&B at Pizzini Wines .“Next stop,” said Lucy excitedly, peering down the road in anticipation for their destination, and soon enough they were alighting at Dal Zotto. Lucy again grabbed his hand and almost dragged him across the gravel towards the entry. It sounded like the DJ was already firing up the dance floor, and the crowd thickened as they drew closer to the main area.
Lucy skipped across the grass to the beat of the music and spun to face Chris while taking his other hand and looking for his lead. Recognising her come-hither look, Chris quickly took her cue as he twirled her across the lawn. They danced and made their way past the rest of the guests enjoying themselves in front of the stage in the direction of the bar. Reeling Lucy back in, he pulled her in close and whispered in her ear, “Prosecco?”
“That’s what we’re here for. It’s supposed to be the best in the Valley. Not a bad way to start and finish off, huh?” Chris nodded in agreement, and as the sun set on a fantastic day, they danced and laughed before making their way back down the hill to their room.
…..
The next morning, they toured the Valley for some more treats to take home for family and friends. After stopping at La Cantina to stock up on non-preservative wines, picking up some of Nonna Josie’s dolce platters of homemade Sicilian cannoli and biscotti at Politini Wines and having a crack at winning the gnocchi rolling competition at Pizzini, the boot was almost completely filled with boxes of wine, cheese selections and a heap of other accoutrements to add to their Sunday afternoon snack plates.
Soon enough they were back on the highway and making their way home, more than a little disappointed to be leaving the gorgeous valley vies behind them. “Did you have fun?” asked Lucy.
“It was amazing. It really was.” Chris replied. “Although I don’t think I can eat for a week. You did a great job of putting that all together. Thank you.”
“No problem at all! So, same time next year.”
Chris looked over at her and smiled. “Absolutely.”
The End.
