Big Doings at Big Table

I can't think of a better way to celebrate Mother's Day and the onset of spring than to welcome Haley's new calf Ronnie. Born on my friend Clare's farm in Gaston, both mother and calf are doing well and frolicking in the field, and you'll find updates on their progress (and the birth of at least one other calf) on Clare's blog.

If you want an up-close and personal view of what it's like to live day to day on a working farm with its attendant joys, frustrations and sorrows, then I encourage you to check it out. She's not one to mince words or gloss over the messier bits, and reading it is a peek into a life lived according to strongly-held principles and a whole lot of joy.

Clare and Brian, farmers of pigs, cows, goats, chickens and vegetables, also have separate careers. Hers include graphic designer, illustrator and painter. His is as a winemaker (and he's an amazing cook as well). And they have jointly released their newest vintage of Big Table Farm 2007 Syrah from the White Hawk Vineyard and their 2009 Laughing Pig Rosé. Both will be available in limited quantities from local wine retailers and at select area restaurants, and there's a form on their website to order your own.