I find myself constantly asking the question, “Why did that get discovered?”

Like making meringue. Who was the first person to figure out that air could be whipped into egg whites, and just how long ago was that?

Or wheat. Who got the idea to grind up the seed pods of that golden grass and turn it into all sorts of amazing breads, pastas, pastries, cakes, and such?

And tomatoes, long thought to be poisonous. Who was the guy who defied convention and started eating them?

And processes like making wine. We have record that it’s been with us for quite some time, but how did it get started? Who should get the credit?

I’ve heard the suggestions that its discovery began when people felt the pleasing effect after eating late season grapes off the vine. Since yeast is found naturally on the grape skins, fermentation can actually take place in the field. I imagine some curious soul couldn’t get his mind off the cause and effect of consuming certain grapes and feeling good. So he picks several of these grapes to try and prolong the feeling. As the grapes sit and continue the natural process of fermenting, discovery is made. That knowledge is passed on and here we are today, enjoying the fruits of some curious person’s mind.

Whoever or however, thank God it got discovered.

Wine is capable of reminding us that the pursuit of pleasure is not only a good thing, but also a necessary one. Happiness is the point. Our founding fathers understood this when they penned the Declaration of Independence. All men and women should be free to chase down life, liberty and happiness.

But wine can also show us that wine alone will never lead to that happiness for which we are free to pursue. A life of delight is never bound up in one object. What happens when that object is absent? You guessed it; just the opposite of the pleasure we so deeply long for.

So please remember; Always honor the beauty of the vine and its vineyard and it will reward you and your friends with its wonderful and satisfying gift.