Do you remember your first introduction to the wonderful world of wine?  Mine was a sip of Mogen David from my mom's glass when she wasn't looking.  Not wonderful, but certainly memorable.  I think at least seven years would pass before I tried wine again and the next time it was the glorified soda pop known as Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill.  99 cents a bottle.  What a deal!

Luckily as I grew up, so did my taste in wine.  There is just nothing like a nice glass of wine to accompany the perfect meal, or to cover up a bad meal.  And who said there even has to be food involved when it comes to drinking wine?

Because I am always in search of new wines to try, I wanted to invite you to share some of your favorite vineyards and varietals.  If I get enough input, I'll try and put together a list and post it later.  Feel free to add some "color commentary" to your selections if you'd like.

Lately, after years of exclusively drinking Chardonnay, I have started to prefer red wine, particularly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Now if I could just remember to wipe those red marks off the corner of my mouth when I'm done enjoying a glass! 

My favorite Chardonnays are full-bodied, creamy and oaky:  La Crema, J. Lohr, Sterling, Frei Brothers, Chateau St. Jean. Franciscan.  As for reds, I'm still so busy trying new ones, I haven't started a list of faves. 

Please pass the bottle and the plate of cheese and crackers!