I have fond childhood memories of making our way to Boston to see a Red Sox game. My brother and I would insist we get to Fenway Park early to watch batting practice. Back in the early 1970s it was no problem to hang out in the front row of seats until just before the game started. Today you need a few hundred dollars just to get near those seats. Of course, the sole purpose was to try to get an autograph or a ball tossed to you by one of the players. If successful, my day was made. It wouldn't matter if the Sox won or lost {we were used to seeing them lose back then}; just that brush with one of my heroes was enough to keep me content for the day.

Last weekend at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival I had a bit of a childhood flashback. During a break in the action, I ventured over to say hello to some friends in an Italian pavilion. After tasting some of Silvio Jermann's spectacular wines I turned and nearly bumped into a gentleman standing in front of the Antinori table. Yes you guessed it...Piero Antinori himself was on the beach promoting his wines. After I introduced myself, he invited me to taste his wines, which he passionately described for me. Wow! One of the most important wine producers not just in Italy but in the world is explaining the difference between his Peppoli Chianti and Marchese Riserva.   Needless to say the rest of my day was complete.      

Paul Quaglini

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