Holiday red

As a Downtown resident, I don't often venture to the far northside, as there are so many places Downtown to explore. But last weekend, a friend and I decided to visit the shops on the town square of Noblesville for something different before the holidays.

We quickly discovered the Artist's Vineyard, a wine bar and galleryon the square. At 3 p.m, it might have seemed a little early to start drinking wine, but it was cold and gray outside and a spicy glass of red was calling us.

Warm, rustic walls of exposed brick and hardwood floors led to a comfortable wood bar where the owner, Bobbi Samples, welcomed us. She poured a taste of the Layer Cake Shiraz and that sealed the deal: we'll have a glass.The warm brie and fruit plate kept the wine from dulling our senses so we could continue shop at Noble Coffee & Tea Co., Spent Saturdays, and other antiques shops.

The Artist's Vineyard was a comfortable spot combining two of my favorite things, art and wine. I wish it was Downtown, but it is definitely a destination worth driving to.