The most memorable wine-related event of 2008 also was the most forgettable -- not to mention embarrassing.

     It involved Wine Spectator magazine presenting an award of excellence to Osteria L'Intrepido, a restaurant in Milan, Italy.

     Only one problem:...

     The Sebastiani and Cuneo families have announced that they have entered into a transaction to sell Sebastiani Vineyards Inc. to the Foley Wine Group. Financial details were not disclosed.

     Mary Ann Cuneo, CEO and granddaughter of the winery's founder, Samuele Sebastiani, said, "We are confident that this transaction will strengthen Sebastiani's leading reputation as one of North America's premier producers of wine, and continue the Sebastiani heritage of consistent quality and value."

     Sebastiani Vineyards was founded in 1904 and offers six tiers of wine. The Sebastiani family recently completed construction of a new winery and hospitality center, renovating and remodeling the original winery building that was constructed in...

PEPPERED RIB EYE STEAK

INGREDIENTS...

Try this recipe, which makes 4 servings, with Pinot Noir or Syrah.

BALSAMIC MAPLE-GLAZED SALMON

INGREDIENTS...

     Only time will tell, but some top trends of the year gone could prove to be very good for wine lovers. We'd like to share five -selected by 1,200 chefs who are members of the American Culinary Foundation - and tell you about our own wine experiences with them.

     1. Grass-fed items...

     It is Pops for Champagne, which opened in 1982 in the Windy City's Lakeview neighborhood, and two years ago relocated to the historic Tree Studios building on State Street in the downtown River North neighborhood.

     The uniquely designed space encompasses...

     Look, even though he works only one night per year, Santa has a tough gig. Not only is he tasked with delivering toys to good little boys and girls all around the world within a single 24-hour period, but he also is compelled to consume literally tons of cookies and tens of thousands of gallons of milk.

     Truth be told, by the time Santa gets around to the ever so humble Johnson abode, he's ready for anything but...

     There, in the Dundee Hills of the northern Willamette Valley, they founded Domaine Serene. Today, they own thee vineyard estates totaling 462 acres, and have planted approximately one-third of the land to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

     Growing Pinot Noir is one thing. Making great Pinot Noir wine is...

     Here is his list, presented Letterman countdown-style:...

     "Liking a wine has nothing to do with whether it is good. Liking a wine has to do with liking that wine, period."

     MacNeil goes on to suggest that wine requires two assessments, one subjective and...