Hello loyal readers and new visitors, Spring is here! This season of renewal has me very excited. A new season is upon us and the beginning of a new vintage. Let's all hope it is a great one around the globe. This little magazine continues to grow with your support and the support of our advertisers. I want to thank all the writers and contributors. Especially though, I thank Jennifer Barnick for her magnificent spirit, artistic genious, editorial skill, and all the insight and entertainment that she gives us every day in her column "In Search of the Champagne Life."

         The Spring Issue has many great features for you to explore. The feature article gives a breakdown of the sweetness levels in champagne and some of the cultural forces that gave us a primarily Brut dominated production today. The interview, conducted for the first time by Dave Brown in Chicago, introduces you to the venture capitalist and vintner Carl Thoma. The Arts and Science section reveals how the sucro-oenomètre works. Please visit HelloGoodbye to experience Felipe Victor Martinez meeting of a significant mentor and Ann Luciano ’s farewell. George Mentis takes you into the dark woods in a story of redemption, and join Pete Hammer in a tale of Russians, food and champagne in Under the Goldlight—true tales of drinking champagne. Mark Kernaghan tastes champagnes mentioned in literature and challenges his readers to find more references. Andreas Matern tells of his passion for online gaming in Passion Forum. We are proud to introduce the poetry of Ian Detlefsen. Our very loyal and hardworking staff writer, Suzie Sims-Fletcher, shares with us a poem inspired by a tradition in China …so definitely check it out…of course along with the magical lines of our beloved poet in residence Robert Slattery. And do not forget to visit the Marcia Reed virtual gallery to browse the lyrical and spare work of Photographer J. Blake Gordon.

         Please enjoy the magazine…hopefully with a glass of bubbly.