I got there first.

Gil had read that the Gold Country wineries were hosting holiday celebrations. To attract tourists the week after Christmas.

They were succeeding judging by the crowd.

I chose a table near a window. Sat down. Seduced by the festive atmosphere. A white table cloth on every table. Many bottles of wine open on the long wooden bar. The aroma of good red wine. And in the center of the room a spread of breads and cheeses. An enormous Christmas tree. The hills visible through wide windows. A quartet playing Mozart. The atmosphere warm. The young couple who had started the winery only a few years ago busy and cheerful.

By the time Gil and Leslie got there, I had had a generous glass of Merlot and was feeling fine.