Waterford Crystal and a Bottle of Prosecco Make  a Perfect Holiday Combination

Walking through the Waterford Crystal Factory is a once-in-a-life-time, all-consuming aesthetic experience. It sparkles, shimmers, and exudes elegance. . . And you quietly say to yourself as you tippy toe along, "Please don't let me break anything, oh please don't let me break anything." Welcome to the crystal palace! Home of to-die-for crystal stemware.

I had the opportunity to tour Waterford a few months ago while in Ireland. I'm proud to announce I did not break anything.

The harbor town of Waterford was founded in 914 by Vikings. It is one of the oldest cities in Ireland. During medieval times it grew into a thriving port of European trade.

The Waterford company was established by the Penrose brothers, William and George, in 1783 in the harbor town of Waterford. Their business plan was to "create the finest quality crystal for drinking vessels and objects of beauty for the home." Though the company has had its ups and downs, they've managed to stay true to their plan for over two hundred years.

The tour begins in the Mould Department:

                         

Trophy for a golf tournament.

Then it is on to observe the designers and artisans doing their magic.

Firing, shaping, cutting, smoothing, and polishing which they learn as apprentices.

                                                                               

Some sparkling finished pieces.

Peoples Choice Award (real heavy)

Now for the Prosecco....An Excellent Holiday Libation!

A lovely way to compliment a beautiful piece of Waterford stemware (by the way, I don't have any. My husband has one Brandy Snifter that was purchased at the factory in Ireland; and I have one paperweight which was a gift. Tough to drink wine out of a paperweight!), is a pour of a good Prosecco. Prosecco is a Sparkling Italian Wine. I refer to the bubbly beverage as a cousin to champagne. Also, it usually costs less than and is an awfully good alternative to champagne.

Recently I taste tested a few and make the following suggestions:

I enjoyed both the Dellatorri and the Lamarca. I found the Lamarca a bit lighter. It is particularly a good choice if you are entertaining a crowd of folks who don't drink often, and prefer something lighter. But like any other sparkling wine, it can often make you feel light from its lightness! Either would be great for brunch or toasting in the New Year. These are the kinds of wines that go with anything from scrambled eggs and French Toast to peanut butter Buckeyes. 

The prices of each depend on where you live. I'm in Ohio and paid in the $13.00-$15.00 per bottle range at a large grocery chain. When serving a Prosecco or a champagne, be sure it is well-chilled. If it is not chilled enough, it will foam when it's opened. You don't want foam, you want the pretty floating beads. I find it best to refrigerate your bottle(s) the day before drinking, storing them flat on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator until opening.  

I Wish You a Happy, Peaceful Season  No Matter Your Choice of Celebration!