How many of you see a wine and in fact may order it but have no idea what it’s all about? It is like when you are a bachelor or bachelorette and you pass by the underwear you threw on the floor a day or two ago—you see it but it is just there waiting for something nice to happen. Well, say hello to my little friend, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It translates to “New Castle of the Pope”.

Les Américains might still be teetotalers if it weren’t for Champagne Charlie, who filled flutes to the brim across the Atlantic rim when he visited the Etats-Unis. The Age of Innocence didn’t know what hit them when the fun-loving francophone Charles Heidsieck swaggered onto the haute society scene with bottles of bubbly tucked under his arm.

Back in 1982 or so I was in San Francisco when I noticed a sign in Mustards restaurant in Napa Valley saying “The Bitch is back”.  When I inquired as to the meaning I was told that after almost 6 months Veuve Clicquot champagne was once again available in stock…..that was my introduction into “Widow” Clicquot’s wine.

What do Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion and Château Mouton Rothschild have in common? Besides being monster French Reds they were classified First Growths in 1855 (with one exception) by a group of French oenophiles headed by then Emperor, Napoleon 111. I guess he was not a first growth himself. This rating became known as the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

Ever tasted a wine that has aromas and flavors of ink, tar and pine trees? This wild and crazy wine and the winemakers who produce it are anything but ordinary.

All we have to do is say Bordeaux and a vision of a rolling vineyard in a picturesque French countryside comes to mind. A picnic blanket spread out with cheese, salami and a wonderful French baguette just waiting to join that bottle of a 2000 vintage of a first growth...say Chateau Margaux.

A recent tasting of mostly Rieslings, hosted by the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., was an excellent opportunity for wine lovers to expand their knowledge. Phil Bernstein of MacArthur Beverages conducted the seminar. So many people registered for it that it had to be given twice.

Gascony’s Château de Laubade celebrates the start of its annual Armagnac distillation with traditional Gascon cuisine, wine from the owners’ five other wine properties, and a drumming, tweeting, tooting Basque band.

It is possible, even likely, to spend a fortune chasing memorable wine experiences in Paris. The trick is to enjoy yourself on a reasonable budget. It can be done, with even a splurge or two planned! But, no matter when you come, reserve first. And please remember that some places might be closed for part of August - but so many are open.