As the end of the year approaches, everyone in the wine world seems inclined to post their top ten, most surprising 20 or 100 best lists. I am not sure why the end of the year causes this behavior.

As I reflect on this year, my top ten list would focus on people I have connected or re-connected with over a bottle of wine. Friends from elementary and high school ( in Salt Lake, Raleigh and here), friends from previous jobs, friends struggling with life and friends celebrating life. Sometime just slowing down to taste the wine and talk is the very best thing.

Of course, I am happy when our wine makes a list like Gerry Frayer's - My top 10 whites of the year!(Arcadian,Saxon Brown,etc..).