The majority of wine writing is focused on things to learn about wine. How is this vintage versus that vintage, what are the differences between varietals, growing regions and winemaking styles, and what we think and feel about individual bottles? Occasionally though we learn things from wine. At wine events like our dinners and tastings we meet new people and learn about them, and learn of new friends even traveling with them and developing long term relationships.

This past weekend I was asked to travel and do a tasting for a very interesting “retreat” where I learned much from being a part of this wine event. We get asked quite regularly to do these private tasting events; they are a great way to meet new friends many of whom become clients of our shop. They are always fun! The one this past weekend was for a women’s retreat that was a reunion of sorts for the Camp Fire organization. It was held at Camp Sweyolakan on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

From living in North Idaho now for nine years I have become peripherally familiar with the existence of these private camps that are scattered around the area lakes. Suffice it to say though I never knew much about them until this past weekend. I know more now, at least about Sweyolakan.

The camp was started some 94 years ago; 1 year after the “chapter” of Camp Fire in Coeur d’Alene was founded. The original land purchase was for some 60 odd acres on the south shore of Kidd Island Bay. It has since grown to more than 300 acres encompassing three coves along the shore. It is primarily accessible by boat that leaves from a landing adjacent to Camp Lutherhaven on the north shore of Kidd Island Bay. There is a logging road that allows land access for maintenance and the like but is not paved and rarely used. I must say the boat ride across to the camp is pretty swell, way better than a drive down a logging road I suspect.

My understanding is the camp is private, so not just something you can rent for just any gathering. I will say though it is stunning. There are 3 types of structures for guests to stay in that range from hard walled and permanent to more tent like accommodations. The structures blend with the rustic landscape, there is a lovely sandy beach with a gradual slope to the water. The camp is only open seasonally and most all of the lodgings do not have heat. Our tasting started at 5 and the lovely late summer temperature and the glistening water from the angled sun made for a stunning setting.

We made some new friends too. This gathering was for alumni that had attended the camp as girls, and while only 16 of the 76 attendees participated in our tasting I learned a lot about the group. There was one family that was at the event that spanned 3 generations all had attended the camp. The age range of the women gathered went from their late 20s to their 70s. I saw participants doing everything from reading while sitting alone, to intimate conversations in small groups, to one solitary woman fishing; I was envious of that activity.

I learned about their anniversary gatherings that attract over a hundred folks, they are expecting even more next year when the camp turns 95. What came clear is there is a very deep connection among all these women to this special place.

Our tasting which was merely a “delivery system” for me to learn about this wonderful group and for the participants to reconnect was utterly charming. Set outside at picnic tables, and focused on diverse and unusual wines that I was granted full discretion to pick was lively, fun and all who were there appreciated the experience and learning of new things.

I was pleased and honored that I was selected to lead the group’s “wine tour.” However I learned far more from this wine event than I could have ever imparted on my hosts. It is a fabulous group of women an amazing and historic setting and an organization, Camp Fire, that I hope includes me in their future gatherings. I thank them for this unrivaled opportunity.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or if you have questions on wine, you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d’Alene Press.

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George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party, a wine and table top décor shop located by Costco in Coeur d’Alene. George worked as a judge in many wine competitions, and his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. Be sure and check out our weekly blog at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com/home/blog-2. You can get all of these articles as well as other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.