Dan Petroski-- a mind brimming, a kind soul. He looks deeply into our business and our craft, and speaks clearly and forcefully. I am so excited for the possibility of engaging him in discussion at our table, in front of our barrels.

Dan is the winemaker who founded Massican, grew it, and sold it. So much distinguishes this project: we are going to take as a starting point for our discussion one very idiosyncratic aspect of it. Massican makes only white wine.

Dan and I began making wine in Napa at about the same time; both of us at the beginning of second careers. And we both find ourselves singularly devoted to white wine, finding a special and warm inspiration in the white wines of Friuli, in northeastern Italy.

Our discussion will roam far and quickly, but the wines that we will drink will follow a strict paradigm. Only one red wine, selected by Dan from his own collection. The other wines will be one or two made by each of us, and the rest, white wines that we admire to the highest degree. Some of the wines will be fancy; thus the somewhat elevated price for this event.

When Dan sent me the list of wines that he wanted to pour, it included this annotation to one of his choices: "my first inspiration to make Friuli wines in California." The winery that he pointed to, without any suggestion from me, had exactly the same role for me, around 2002. We will clearly have a lot to talk about.

Expect to spend two hours drinking and discussing. There will be some light snacks to keep the palate fresh, but don't come hungry.

By the way-- if you are a member of the trade and would like to attend our special post-service meeting, at 10 PM the same night, just let me know and we will save you a spot.