“It’s called Abbiocco. It’s one of the oldest wineries in all of Nevada,” I boast, slipping the keys into my pocket and taking her hand.
“It’s hard to believe that something like this even exists in Nevada. It’s so dry.”
“Actually, this is the perfect climate for grapes. We’re just far enough out of the desert area and close to the mountains. The grapes can’t handle harsh winters, and if they’re in too high of humidity, that can kill them off, too. This area is actually the perfect balance.”
Madison smiles, clearly impressed. “You sure know a lot about grapes.”
“I should.” I laugh, leading her up the winding path to the entrance. “This is my vineyard.”
“Y-your vineyard?”
“Come on, there’s something I want to show you.”
Ineedtostoptrying to figure Roman out. Just when I think I have a bit of a handle on him, he does something like whisk me off to a vineyard and winery…that he owns.
What?
“Roman, wait up.” I walk quickly to catch up to him as he climbs the stairs. “You really own this place?”
He nods. “It’s kind of a side project.”
I almost laugh out loud. A side project? For most people, a side project involves rebuilding a car engine or sewing a quilt. Not sustaining an entire vineyard that, according to the sign out front, is over a hundred years old.
Following Roman inside, I can hardly believe my eyes. It’s notjusta vineyard. Cobblestone walls house a full restaurant, a teaching kitchen, a tasting area, and a store. It feels like I’ve been transported to Italy with its delicious smells, upbeat music, and extravagant decor.
We wind through the main area to a door towards the back, out of the commotion where it’s a little quieter.
“How do you feel about getting a little dirty?” Roman winks.
“Uh…” His question catches me completely off guard. “I guess it depends what you mean by that.”
Roman gestures to the sign next to his head.
Grape Stomping.
“What?” I can’t help but laugh. “We’re really going to do that?”
“If you want to!” Roman nods. “It’s an Italian rite of passage. Everyone has to try out at least once.”
He tosses our bags into a nearby locker and starts to untie his sneakers. “What do you think?”
“I love it. This is so cool.”
This is about the very last thing I expected Roman to choose for our date tonight, but he continues to surprise me.
“Mr. Molanari.” A man approaches and introduces himself as one of the stomping room attendants. “Everything is all set up for you guys. And Jen is waiting for you in the barrel room once you finish up here.”
“Thank you Stephen.” Roman shakes his hand. “This is Madison. It’s her first time here.”
Stephen smiles. “Welcome! Ever been grape stomping before?”
“Never.”
“Well, you’re in great hands with Mr. Molanari. Let me know if you guys need anything else.”
Following suit with Roman, I take my shoes off and put them in our locker.
There are two sets of stairs leading to a big wooden platform. Flanking the structure are two large holes, each positioned over a plastic-lined wine barrel.
