The Breeze Blows In The Direction Of Westwind

Off To The Kawarthas
The offical start of our filming of the second season of Two In A Vineyard stated. Getting up at 6 AM was not in my plans as Roy was to pick me up at Noon in order to head up to the Kawartha Lakes District to "scout" the Westwind Inn Resort and its surrounding area for possible segment venues. The good thing is that I used the time to prepack my suitcase and finish cleaning the house.
By 12:30 PM we were well on our way to the resort.
By most standards the trip wasn't long. The drive was pleasant and though the snow clad fields and bare trees did not inspire a feeling of warmth, there was beauty in the muli-scenery landscape which consisted of lovely granite outcrops and intermittent rows of coniferous trees that was so prevalent in the northern clime.
We arrived at Westwind at around 2:30 PM and were quick to register. Roy and I made our way to the client enterance which led first to Roy's room and later to mine. We were contacted by the manager of the Inn in order to arrange a meeting with us and to see to our needs. The desk staff were very competent and excellently handled our needs.We were initally met  by Arora who was a wealth of information about the area. Charming Tori took over the hosting with energetic gusto and our host for the night, Karen, brought a breath of freshness which had initailly been nothing but an ordinary day. Karen showed much pride in her native ancestry (Algonquin and Irish) and showed that she had a curiosity about everthing. Well educated (Arts Degree in Education (High School Teacher) her experiences went far beyond regular individuals.
We were later met by Inga Gallacher. Inga was as beautiful as she was intellingent and energetic. She met us in the dining lounge in front of the fire place. From the lounge one could see a panoramic view of Lower Buckhorn Lake which was still covered with snow. The wooded beaches intermittently populated by homes and cottage was the home of many a wild life. It was a beautiful site.
We discussed our plans with Inga who, by the way, was the owners' daughter. A cheese plate prepared for the evening by Karen was brought over to us and a fire was lit. We opened up two bottles of wine---one a California red and the other a local wine made from locally grown grapes called Buckhorn Vintage White made from hybrid grapes Crescent, Lucy Kulhman, Louise Swenson and Prairie Star. These grapes as well as the red Frontenac and Sebrevois grapes are grown in their own vineyards in Buckhorn.  The Buckhorn White was amazing and reminded me of a late picked Vidal. The Californian, made from Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon was excellent but the surprise was in fact the Buckhorn White which was made to perfection in an area not thought to be suited to viticulture. We soon were joined by Inga's husband Jamie who impressed me with his knowledge and ability in  building as well as maintaining many facets of this resort. All of us sat in front of the roaring fire parlaying about the show and getting to know each other and having a good time.
Westwind Inn Resort  
Westwind Inn is located in Buckhorn, Ontario on the shores of Lower Buckhorn Lake is part of a g area that consists of a plethora of attractions which consist of of wildlife, sanctuaries,  artistic endeavours and geographical/ historical treasures.  Just like the premise of "Two In A Vineyard" which focuses on the history, geography and culture,Westwind prides itself on being part of an exciting and vibrant region full of special events, happenings and most important its people.
Just down the road on Highway 36 is located Kawartha Country Wines, owned by John and Trish Rufa.
Ten minutes away from the Inn is the Curve Lake Native Reservation which has a number of culural events such as the Fall "Pow Wow". Curve Lake also has a Native Art and Craft Gallery known as Whetung Ojibwa Centre.
If one likes the "stars", the Buckhorn Observatory is the place to go while artists can Bayside Buckhorn Gallery where many fine art works are exhibited. Next to the Inn is the Gallery On The Lake famous for its art.
The Inn itself is a very unique place. It is cottage/log style in construction with the main foyer in an open concept with ultra high cielings which give more of an appearance of space to the already quite large area. The entire building is decorated with wood from local sources. Each room has a separate balcony with an excellent view of the lake or woods. The rooms are spacious with a working gas fireplace and twin beds. Most of the couches can open up to a bed also. Their is a smaller building a few yards from the main one which houses additional suites that are more spacious. The building also has a hot tub spa. In addition to the above there are conference facilities for special group meetings as well as for weddings and like.
Winter sports of many types can be had at the Inn. Guests can go snow shoeing or cross country skiing. Skating is available when the lake is covered with ice. Hiking trails are also available.
The dining lounge as mentioned earlier has an excellent view of the lake and is a bright cheery place from the top of the morning to the end of the day.
The walls and chair space of the Inn are laden with antiques and historical pieces. Original paintings and photos adorn the walls while old statues, models, furniture, lamps and shelving containing special momentos are to be found everywhere. There is a new discovery every few seconds.
This place is the best kept secret in Ontario if not Canada and is a must see.
End of Day One----Tomorrow: More on Whetung Ojibwa Centre, Kawartha Country Winery and The Gallery on the Lake!