Andy Wilcox, national sales manager for Lambert Bridge Wines, rocked the upper echelon of the wine community by opening his wine dinner with a tequila shot for everyone.
“This is how we do it in Healdsburg,” Wilcox explained. “And I want you to have an authentic California wine experience!”
Wilcox was considerate enough to give a lesson in downing a tequila shot, but made the point that shivering after swallowing didn't count.

It was an enjoyable evening at Eos, where a couple of dozen wine lovers gathered to sample wines from Vina Robles paired with dishes from Chef Wes Long. Vina Robles President Hans Michel was on to talk about each wine and vineyard operations.

While every course was a a winner, two stood out for me.

One of this job's perks is meeting the wine makers and winery owners who pass through Savannah hawking their wares. These are relatively small producers, who find grassroots marketing far more effective than trying to blanket the nation with pricey advertising campaigns.

On rare occasions, the stars align and I have a really remarkable experience replete with great food, stunning wines and talented raconteurs. Such was the case last Friday. After leaving a gig at Blowin' Smoke BBQ, I stopped at Elizabeth on 37th, hoping to catch the end of a dinner showcasing Selbach wines.

New Year's resolutions are usually so negative.
Generally, resolutions seem to be built around deprivation: stopping one joyful thing or another in the name of a reward. Some are admirable, like stopping smoking. Others are tortuous: Giving up chocolate, for example.
If you're still crafting a resolution this New Year's Eve morning, here are some suggestions that will improve your palate, expand your knowledge of wine (and food) and enlarge your network of like-minded wine friends.