According to dictionary.com, a bartender is, "a person who mixes and serves alcoholic drinks in a bar". This may be true for many bartenders who make your typical assortment of drinks, such as cosmos, mudslides, and pina coladas. However, much to my delight, there are bartenders who are more akin to artists. I have had the great fortune of knowing such a bartender. I first met Jared a year and a half ago at a local martini bar. Whenever I visited that bar and Jared was working, I was assured that I would receive a delicious beverage....

This week an American legend in American wine making , Robert Mondavi, passed away at his home in Yountville, California at the age of 94. The son of Italian immigrants, Bob Mondavi (which is the name he preferred to be called) is credited with introducing European wine making techniques to the United States. He also was one of the first Americans to make the point that wine is an integral part of fine living. For his vision and persistent marketing efforts, anyone that lifts a glass of great California red wine should give a moment of thanks to Bob...