We drink and collect wine for different reasons. Each reason is unique to us and yet, the common goal is usually the same: sharing our bottle. Wine collecting without sharing is like a body without a soul.

Wine unites us, brings us closer - in more ways than one.

In my case, it has definitely helped me reach out, make many new and dear friends and learn a great deal about life in general.

A few years ago, one tenant, Scott Goldstein came in. He was excited about his latest collection and he showed it to me. His enthusiasm spread to me and I picked up the phone and call The Wine Exchange where he purchased those bottles. Kyle told me about the wine. It sounded great so I ordered identical bottles.

After I picked up the wine from the store, I started having buyer's remorse. Thoughts like: "It cost $329.00. I could have bought many more bottles for the same price." and "What if this wine is not good, it sounds so old?"

I left that particular bottle in the office, not sure what I wanted to do with it.

One day, Chris Eber came in. Pointed at that bottle and asked, "What is it doing here? Are you going to open it?"

I said, "Well, I guess so."

He said, "Great. Call my wife and set a date."

It just so happened a good friend of mine was coming to town. And I thought, since Scott got me into this wine, maybe he would like to taste it too.

So, six of us had dinner at Mistral. Among many other bottles, Chris & Liz Eber brought a mag of '79 BV Georges de Latour, Scott and Susan Goldstein brought a bottle of 64 of (see below). I, my buyer's remorse and some dessert wine.

As usual, the food and the service at Henri's place were impeccable. All of the wines were excellent. And we all had a great time, catching up, and relaxing.

And my buyer's remorse?

A 1942 Lopez de Heredia Tondonia turned out to be one of the best wines I've ever had.

(Scott brought the same wine from 1964 which was another treat!)

Since then, Liz and Chris and many other tenants and I have gone out regularly for wine dinners. Once they had us down to their cellar (yes, a real basement) and Mistral catered the dinner. It was an unforgettable evening. They moved out of state June, 2008. We all sorely miss them.

This is one of my wine stories. And I welcome you to share your favorite (story) be it wine, travel or food. Please email me and I'll post for everyone to enjoy.

Without your friendship, support and patronage, The Wine Locker could not have become the premium wine storage facility the way it is today. I have learned so much from you all and thank you for that.

My Heartfelt Thanks Go to: