What fun! Last week, a rare opportunity for a barrel tasting at St. Michael's Winery. One Merlot, five storage methods: stainless steel and four oak barrels of various birthplaces — U.S., Hungarian and French. For more photos and the whole story, click here.

I figure we waited about ten days too long. Just last week, Holly and Eric Foster of Chapel’s Country Creamery in Easton were written up in the Washington Post. After our interview in early December, life intervened. I started working on my story, only to find that this well-done article came out the 27th.

Not surprising. The Foster's successful foray into artisanal cheesemaking truly is worthy of headlines…and story waiting to be told. It begins with such a picture: Eric waking Holly up on Christmas morning three years ago telling her she was “late for milking,” and Holly discovering Rainey, a sweet little Jersey, in the garage. Holly, who calls herself a ‘town girl from Denton,’ had never milked a cow before, but  then, as they say, necessity is a mother. 

You can find their cave-aged cheddar and Chappelle at the legendary and chic Cowgirl Creamery store now in D.C., and other retail locations by clicking here. The move is on to create their artisan cheeses completely in Maryland, which will require a change in legislation. Interesting. We'll keep track of this and in a more timely manner. Meanwhile, look for a local cheese article soon. I promise.