As he tasted his way through the tasting list, he seemed nervous and in need of moral support. We were now on a first name basis, a practice we encourage in order to develop a friendly relationship. It certainly worked in the case of George, who between sips of wine was as much interested sharing troubles at home as in tasting the wine. So, while not a bartender at the corner tavern, I do lend a sympathetic ear when needed.

George needed it. He rambled on exhaustively adjusting his tie nervously. While tasting the Charbono, he noted that tomorrow was his 25th Wedding Anniversary and he was in turmoil on what to buy Gladys. She had hinted, none to subtly, about a diamond bracelet they had once seen at Shane's

While tasting the Zin, he said he had actually drove into the City to get it, but at the last moment changed his mind. Every year, he said, she hints and hints at what she wants. But, by golly, this year was supposed to be special. They made a pact to really surprise each other and, by George, he was going to do it. (He snickered at his little name joke.) He asked if I thought he was doing the right thing by really surprising his wife. I told him I wasn't married which seemed to disappoint him.

Ever since their wedding he had been trying to get her to enjoy good wine with dinner. Depending on her mood she would take a sip and leave the rest. One evening he caught her spooning some sugar into a glass of Cab. That had caused quite a fuss. Well, this year was going to be different, he told me, over the Merlot, a tone of defiance in his voice. He was going to sit her down and really teach her to appreciate wine. Since he did much of the cooking he would carefully pair the food with wine. Did I know that he had once met Julia Childs, he asked me proudly. Gladys certainly loved to eat, George went on, and he'll show her how the right wine and can make the food taste even better.

By the time he got to the Cab, he had made up his mind. No bracelet for her---that was no surprise! "Give me a case each of the Charbono, Zin and Cab," he said. "They'll be my teaching materials."

As a friend of higher education I was happy to oblige. I helped George out with the wine, then told Scott, who was helping me in the room, that I would take the first lunch break.