An intro of sorts

First, please don't be alarmed about the title of "redneck."

I don't use the word with any racial connotations, nor to appeal to Larry the Cable Guy -- whose favorite wine is filtered through panty hose and served with possum.

I use it in the original sense of the word from the men of Appalachia who, when fighting corporate interests coming to rape the hills of first its trees, then its minerals and finally its coal. These hard-working men self-identified by tying red kerchiefs around their necks and gathered en masse to show their force.

"Look at all those rednecks," one city fellow said.

Indeed. Look at all those men fighting for their jobs and lives and families and pride.

Second, don't be afraid of the word "oenophile" in an era when any word ending with "phile" takes on bad connotations. "Oeno" is wine and "phile" is love.

My goal in the following days, weeks and perhaps years to is share my tastings of well- to medium-priced wines from a guy who's largely self-taught without being too caught up in myself or my opinions. Share with me your thoughts and maybe someday we can all meet up for a tipple or two.

Cheers