The Napa Valley’s northernmost winery, Bennett Lane, is the picture of tranquility in its quiet vineyard setting off Highway 128 north of Tubbs Lane.

Chris Manning has been named as the winery’s new executive chef for Peju Winery. His responsibilities include overseeing all of the winery’s culinary programs, including its weekly wine and cheese and wine and tapas pairings, cooking demonstrations and classes, chef’s table gatherings, winemaker dinners, wine club events, and private affairs. In addition, he will guide the kitchen’s “green” practices such as composting kitchen waste, recycling non-perishable items and utilizing the winery’s organic garden.

Looking for a good Thanksgiving wine? Here’s one idea: Rutherford Hill’s 2007 Rosé is a blend of merlot, cabernet franc, and zinfandel. A lovely ruby color enhanced by malolactic fermentation of the merlot. It’s no wonder that less than 1,500 cases were produced of this vintage, which sells for $17 a bottle.

On Dec. 5, 1933, America threw a national party to celebrate the Repeal of Prohibition. Judging from historical accounts, it was a pretty wild occasion. For 13 years, from 1920 until 1933, Americans had been denied the civilized pastime of enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail — no wonder they let off steam!

 It’s really quite funny. The International Herald Tribune called it “Tempest in a Champagne Flute.” And the trouble is starting to bubble.

It’s that time of year when the snobs among us cringe and hide. It’s the one time when a wine becomes part of the broader culture, especially with people who rarely drink wine.