Ah...The good old day's, Playboy, Rum drinks, lousy disco songs, curable diseases and box wine. Wait a second, I was a glimmer in my folks eye, how would I know if those were the good old days. Today we have Maxim, Flavored vodka, Korn, and VD you couldn't kill with a low yield nuke.

Funny you wouldn't think this was a wine article, but every evolution has determining factors. Hey, the dinosaurs had their meteor, so hear me out. Wine has come a long way from being the drink of Roman champions. My focus however is more towards the American wine craze that has seemed to engulf the industry.

Granted it has definitely always had a presence, just not as pronounced as it's new found fame of the past 30 years. The French although pretentious, can really take the credit for the survival and crafting techniques of modern wine. The U.S. Market however can really take the credit for the sling shot effect that consumers have definitely felt today.

However, with all good things, there's always a backlash. Wine geeks, snobs, critics, etc. have driven prices, and attitude through the roof. Even if you're an expert or just a novice that is learning, it doesn't take a genius to figure out what's going on.

In my far from expert opinion, this takes away from the true love of the drink. It really is a logical, well put together beverage that with a little study and knowledge can be quite enjoyable. Unfortunately many young wine drinkers don't have access because of price or fear from ignorance. This is silly and many wine companies have realized this and although there's obviously a marketing/sales advantage, they're making it easier for novice drinkers to enjoy the full experience.

In short, there are many excellent price/value wines in the market. The best price range is generally between $8 - $10 for starters. Great upstart books like Wine for Dummies, etc. are excellent general info. And can help take the edge off. It just takes practice, and come on, it beats the hell out of practicing a sport. The best is to get together with some people and each bring a bottle. Throughout tasting, make comments, and say what you feel. My favorite semi-pretentious explanation is the comparison of cat box smell to the aroma of Sauvignon Blanc (a popular white originating from the Loire Valley of France) or the earthy flavor that some compare to a "Barn Yard." I don't know about you, but this farm boy has been around a few barnyards and if wine smells like that, I'm drinking beer that night. Point is, if a certain flavor stands out, belt out what you taste. Chances are your right or someone who knows the proper wine jargon to explain what the vocabulary is can help.

To wrap this up, wine in America has come a long way for the general public. It may be high profile, but smaller companies, better prices and more educational literature has helped bring better wines to the masses. Box wine and the ever-popular jugs have gone the way of the dodo bird and I don't see the tears coming anytime soon. As for the rum drinks and Playboy, no problems there, just keep the disco music off.