Ever since I was a child, I wanted to excel in everything.

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.

Wine to me is passion. It's family and friends. It's warmth of heart and generosity of spirit.

Whether I played marbles, whether I played football or slam anything else, I wanted to excel.

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.

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

Wine always inspires sociability.