Let’s do something different this issue and talk about wine barrels. I have visited hundreds of wineries in my travels and never paid much attention to the ever-present wine barrels. I guess that I took them for granted as something to contain wine while it aged. Shame on me!

Cooking takes on special joy during the Christmas season! Cocktail parties, Intimate dinners, casual gatherings and cookie exchanges all call for the finest holiday foods.  Christmas is also a time for remembering special neighbors, co-workers and friends with tasty homemade treats from your kitchen.  This week's recipes all make great gifts! Make this holiday cooking season enjoyable and rewarding with these festive and delicious recipes. Merry Christmas!

A neighbor knocks on your front door. He states that he must go to Sonoma, California on business for 10 days and that he really does not want to go alone. He states that, if you accompany him, it is a trip with all expenses paid and no conditions attached. Believe me when I say that this neighbor just became your new best friend. Fantasy? Of course it is. However Sonoma, and many other wine regions in California, present to the visitor many opportunities for fantasy, including sensational scenery, manicured wineries, quiet and peaceful surroundings and very talented and pleasant people. At the heart of all this is some pretty terrific wine.