“I think it is a great error to consider a heavy tax on wine as a tax on luxury. On the contrary, it is a tax on the health of our citizens” - Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States.

There’s nothing better than working your way through little individually wrapped gifts on Christmas morning. I’m a lucky boy, my mother still believes in stocking fillers. One of the gems I found in my Christmas stocking last month was the Wine Enthusiast’s Little Book of Wine - 127 mini pages crammed with classic quotes and handy tips. Here’s an introduction:

“There are few pleasures more fulfilling than a fine glass of wine. From its fragrant bouquet and beautiful colour to its elegant taste, wine is a delight to the senses in so many ways. Wine Enthusiast’s Little Book of Wine celebrates the great joy that wine brings us, through rich observations and memories from some of the world’s greatest thinkers, artists and winemakers. With tips on storing, serving, and buying wine, and suggestions on how to maximise your wine tasting experience, this small book of wisdom is sure to delight wine lovers everywhere.”

Using the words of winemaker, Robert Mondavi, wine is family and friends, warmth of heart and generosity of spirit, art, culture and the essence of civilisation. So let us not complicate it too much.

“When there is plenty of wine, sorrow and worry take wing” - Ovid, Roman poet.