I always knew that food and wine were vital, with my mother being Italian and a good cook.

Critics have done the wine industry a lot of good overall.

I say to consumers: instead of relying totally on critics, drink what you like and like what you drink.

We definitely need to get the excitement back.

I know that wine is, above all else, a blessing, a gift of nature, a joy as pure and elemental as the soil and vines and sunshine from which it springs.

My wife taught me the importance of living well.

Even more importantly, it's wine, food and the arts. Incorporating those three enhances the quality of life.