Like many American babyboomers, our first experiences with wine consisted of Lambrusco or a very rough Chianti in a wicker wrapping, and if we were going upscale, Mateus or Blue Nun.

A major part of our "education" came on our honeymoon. We spent a lovely day spent tasting wines in Napa Valley and agreed favorite was a Leo’s Cellar Cabernet we had tasted early in the day. When turning around to return to the vineyard, Davis asked Kathy how far they had traveled. She replied 15 or 16 miles. The odometer showed we had traveled all of 1.6 miles in six hours. We were hooked on wine.

Our palates and preferences have changed. Initially, we preferred white wines, particularly California chardonnays. Gradually, we shifted to Cabernets, Zinfandels, and French red wines. Now, we flow with the seasons, preferring whites and rosés in the summer and reds in the winter.

After being guests of our brother and sister-in-law two years in a row, it was suggested that we buy part ownership in Joie de France, our canal boat based in Colombiers, France. We were also promoted to research assistants for Canal Cruising in the South of France: The Romantic Canal du Midi by Pixie Haughwout and Ralph Folsom available at www.seafevergear.com. Our book is designed to accompany their cruising guide, adding information and appreciation of the "wine experience" in the South of France.