What was your favorite class in school?

It doesn’t matter what level of education you’ve achieved — it’s the class that sticks with you that’s important. Yes, we’ve all had to go through some uninteresting, frustrating or boring classes, but if you still remember them, doesn’t that mean you have learned something from that bit of history?

I sat through multiple math classes and English classes, but the subject that always piqued my interest was history. Oh, I sat through many boring history classes, and I got tired of regurgitating dates and events for those history tests. I wanted interaction! Eventually, I had some very interesting historical discussions baaed on the theme of what do we learn from history.

Even when initially getting involved with wine, I used my history experience to learn about vino. I’ve spoken with many grape growers and wine makers, and they were always asked the what, when, where, why and how they got into making wine. The people may be different but their stories always intertwined. Their histories were not similar, but they all followed their passion for wine. Passion is fueled by history and a desire to create something new.

What’s to be learned here? Each vintner drew upon the history of previous vintners to improve their product. There’s a whole lot of learning when one learns and lives history. One learns to not follow the bad parts of history. One learns to make something better from that bad experience.

Many of us will recognize the name of Robert Mondavi. He was a pioneer wine maker in Napa Valley, and the wines are among the most popular wine brands in America. Mondavi’s practice of labeling varieties is still used today, and the winery is well known for its excellent cabernet sauvignon. Another historical Mondavi wine is the very well known Fumé Blanc which is made from sauvignon blanc grapes.

When in doubt, grab a bottle of Mondavi wine. You will not be disappointed, and you just might enjoy that bit of history.

I would suggest we never minimize our family’s history. While researching your history, look for all the threads that weave your family’s tapestry together. When you encounter a missing link, actively search for that missing family thread. And, be ready to be surprised!

History is filled with the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s very important we do not down play our questionable history. Whether we are learning about our family’s history or our nation’s past, we must learn every bit of it. We grow as an individual and as a nation by learning every bit of history. We should never allow anyone to cleanse it.

What have I learned from history? We humans can be awful. We’ve committed horrific events in the name of religion and because of someone’s personal ego. Yet, history is also filled with the guiding light of goodness. The light of history should always guide us to a better future.

With that, I’ll pour myself a glass of Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon and try to figure out how I can be a better person.

May you always find the light.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!