The cooler blustery days of autumn are finally here, the harvest is over, and playoff baseball is in full swing. Sometimes the simple things in life... are the most refreshing.

This time of year I often seek the solitude of a hidden veranda to drink it all in, recline, one sip at a time, the unpretentious wine...of the Pinot Gris vine. Light copper color, peach & honeysuckle, medium but crisp acidity, and a dry spice that varies in intensity from vineyard to vineyard. Alsace to Oregon, there is no better accompaniment to this white French varietal than a delicious but simple seafood pasta. Not too heavy on the garlic, and not to light on the time. It is the one thing we all seem to have less and less of. So slow down, sit back, savor.