This is what I think is very essential... moderation can be good for you.

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

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

My brother and I had saved $15,000 by working many years nailing fruit crates together.

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

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.

Wine has been with us since the beginning of civilization. It is the temperate, civilized, sacred, romantic mealtime beverage recommended in the Bible. Wine has been praised for centuries by statesmen, philosophers, poets, and scholars. Wine in moderation is an integral part of our culture, heritage and gracious way of life.