If you are looking for a simple table wine that displays cherries and a touch of spice on the finish, this medium bodied red Mesta (Tempranillo, 2006) from Bodegas Fontana in Cuenca (Castilla, Spain) will be good company. It retails at around $8.00. According to the label, 'Mestas' are gatherings of sheep herders where they sort out the stray sheep ('mestencos'). Cheers! Recent Spanish excursions: A new love! Atteca (Garnacha)

Every week seems to bring its own 'celebration', many of them are pure marketing. In France, L'heure de l'Aperitif (Cocktail Hour) is as much a social occasion as anything else. A chance to gather with friends for a relaxing moment. The 4th French Cocktail Hour USA builds on that tradition and matches it with some wine, spirits and food marketing. The official date is June 7th. If you want to emulate Southern France, have a...