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

Wine has been with civilized man from the beginning.

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

My wife taught me the importance of living well.

Also, many consumers consider a critic to be like God Almighty.

Inductee in the Vintner's Hall of Fame

Later, at Stanford University, I thought I'd become a lawyer or businessman, but my father came to me and said he thought there was a big future in the fine-wine business.