Did you make it to WARMfest? The four-day celebration of the White River with music both on shore and off was a great reminder to many of the beauty and versatility of Broad Ripple Park. Seems like most of the development in the Village as of late is to tear down and build new. WARMfest brought guests BACK to the park and the river. The invasive foliage along the banks has been carefully cleared making it easier to access and admire the winding White River. There was plenty of room to visit and indulge in the affordable and eclectic variety of booths. Kids and adults rediscovered and enthusiastically used the spacious playground area. Music stages were far enough apart to give each its own intimate setting. Adult beverages and a variety of food trucks offered affordable sustenance.

The best part of the event was the diverse crowd. I saw people of all ages, cultures, and incomes. Singles, couples and groups. Many were Broad Ripple and White River residents. All celebrating something old... made new.

So it was fitting, that the same weekend I enjoyed WARMfest, I discovered a forgotten favorite bottle in my cellar and shared it with friends. The Ortman Family Winery closed in 2011 after 40 years of making delicious wine in the Paso Robles region of California. I shared my last bottle with two of my neighbors who also love and appreciate dry rose wine. Instead of slugging it down, we savored all aspects of the juice.

The ruby color. The subtle yet fragrant nose. The balanced flavors of red currant and wild blackberry. We drank it slightly chilled and delighted in the fruity yet dry clean finish. If you can find a bottle somewhere, buy it and savor it. Same for Broad Ripple Park and the White River.

2010 Ortman Grenache Rose, Paso Robles

Here are some interesting numbers to share at your next happy hour. A new Gallup poll queried Americans as to their preferences in adult beverages. Here is what they found. 41% of Americans say they drink beer, 31% wine, and 23% spirits. More women drink wine-46%. For men, 57% drink beer, 20% liquor and only 17% wine.

Those 55 and older prefer wine, 38%, while 32% prefer beer. Meanwhile 48% of 18-34 year olds prefer to drink beer. Of those 34-54, they too prefer to drink beer, 43%. And 67% of Americans reported having at least one drink a week.