Hello again and welcome to the first birthday party for The Better Drink. It has been one year since we launched our magazine. We are now larger than ever with great new columns that I will describe below. This has been a wild ride for me as I experienced the production of a periodical. Strong support from an amazing and dedicated staff continues to propel the quality of our work to higher echelons. This little magazine continues to grow with your support and the support of our advertisers. I want to thank all of our readers. Of course, the most important person to mention on this first birthday is Jennifer Barnick, our Editor in Chief and daily columnist. You are amazing! You are The Better Drink. None of this would be without you.

The Summer Issue has many great columns for you to explore. The feature article provides a sweeping survey of all the war and conflict in Champagne, and it asks how such an embattled region could persevere and bring us the world’s celebratory wine. The interview, conducted by Paul Donaldson, introduces you to the wonderful and creative Liz Dueland who works for Allied Domecq as the public relations manager for Champagne Mumm, Champagne Perrier Jouet & Mumm Napa. Please visit HelloGoodbye to read J. Blake Gordon’s hello and Suzie Sims-Fletcher’s goodbye. Ian Detlefsen looks into a miniaturized future with his amazing fiction, and please join Anna Luciano for a Slumber Party in Under the Goldlight—true tales of drinking champagne. Mark Kernaghan tastes champagnes. Frederik Bergström tells of his passion for architecture in Passion Forum. We are proud to introduce the poetry of Felipe Victor Martinez …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 paintings of Heather Somershein. Also, this issue introduces a great new column on breaking news in the wine industry called Industry News, and Dave Brown shares a tale from his youth in Life Before Ten.

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

Co-founder, Dr. Timothy Smith