We'd been looking forward to our little adventure - visiting the Los Pinos Winery located in the backwoods of East Texas. Their web site promised us a huge welcome from the owners and that we'd surely "feel like family" once we arrived. We do have a fondness for wines and enjoy experimenting with different types and brands (although we have our favorites). We had the perfect excuse to go - a dear friend was visiting; one who is quite an adventurous aficionado of all things alcoholic and flavorful.

The drive was as expected; when we turned in, sun was shining brightly down on rows of vines. A pleasant view. The covered veranda was a pure delight - shady with a breeze and overlooking the vineyard. OK, so it's a flat lot with vines on it.

We went inside and received a rather blank look (as if to say, do I know you?) from the hostess. We asked about the wine list and were informed that information was available at each table. So, we traipsed outdoors and took our seats. One other group was there - and had been for quite some time - a very good sign, we thought.

Our first request was for a flight of wines for tasting. Oddly, they were split between drys and sweets, rather than whites and reds. Not to matter, I suppose, as the odor (the "nose" in wine-speak) of each was quite telling. I'll detail that in another place.

Later, the owner came out to visit - with the group at the far end of the veranda. Indeed, he was holding a glass of red in his hand, but never appeared to drink it. We're pretty sure we know why. As he escorted a woman down the aisle, there was never a friendly bit of eye contact or greeting toward the other three tables of guests that had arrived in the meantime. Perhaps this was not "family" day. (Or maybe he had seen our faces contort earlier as we worked our way through the tastings.)

Come to find out, Texas is fifth in wine production throughout the US. Quite interesting. We also are finding a host of other wineries that might be fun to visit.

However, at this point I cannot recommend any of the wines in our tasting test. Maybe as Los Pinos releases newer batches of wines, we'll brave another trip at some point. The food was simply outstanding and it would be nice to enjoy everything on their tapas menu - but we would require a good wine to go with it.

P.S. Because we did want to explore their menu, we were left with choosing a chardonnay. The only one in the tasting flight that appealed to us was a Meritage - a decent taste - but sold out until December (hint, hint). Their Rose the Riveter has won awards, but the bouquet was not for us. Our chard was do-able with food, but not enough to order a second bottle. Please note, we were not invited to make a review, but are expressing personal opinions only.