Welcome to Grape Encounters Radio, where host David Wilson is serving up a delightful Thanksgiving feast of stories, wine adventures, and holiday tips in Episode 749. This year's Thanksgiving holds special significance as David joyfully anticipates reuniting with his family after four years away. David takes us on a nostalgic journey to the last two Thanksgiving celebrations spent in Italy, where he introduced his Italian friends and adopted family to the quintessential American tradition of a Thanksgiving feast. Picture a grand turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberries becoming a curious culinary spectacle for his Italian guests who were more accustomed to different gastronomic delights. The cultural exchange and the shared joy of a bountiful Thanksgiving table create lasting memories and set the stage for this year's festivities. Transitioning from the personal to the professional, David shares his recent experience as a celebrity media host at the Palm Springs International Food and Wine Festival. The highlight of the festival? The grand introduction of the Vinum Hadrianum project, a fascinating endeavor that David has been consulting on for the past two years. The project's remarkable mission is the resurrection of the wines of ancient Rome, offering a unique and historical perspective on winemaking. The Vinum Hadrianum wines receive an overwhelmingly warm reception at the festival, prompting David to delve into the historical context of ancient Roman wine consumption. At the event, he drops a fascinating fact: 95 million citizens of the Roman Empire, 2,000 years ago, consumed an average of one liter of wine per day. That's twice the amount of wine produced in present-day America! Festival attendees were captivated by this lost piece of wine and human history, signaling a potential shift in consumer attitudes toward a deeper understanding of wine heritage. David contrasts this immersive experience with typical wine festivals, where attendees often rush to taste as many wines as possible without truly connecting with the stories behind them. In the case of Vinum Hadrianum, people engage in meaningful conversations, spending considerable time understanding and appreciating the unique project. The ancient techniques and tools used in the production of Vinum Hadrianum wines, such as fermentation and aging in terracotta amphoras made from the same clay the region's grapes are grown in, add a layer of purity and uniqueness to the wines that captivate the audience. David expresses hope that this newfound interest in the historical background of wines may lead to a broader appreciation for the origins and stories behind various wine varieties. As the festival experience unfolds, David manages multiple groups of enthusiastic attendees eager to learn about ancient Roman wines. The challenges of handling these engaging conversations highlight the genuine interest people show in exploring wine history and production. Transitioning to the upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations, David drops a surprise find at an Amazon grocery store: Premium turkeys for less than $7 for a whole 14 lb. bird. Even more astonishing is that providing Amazon Prime information at the register results in a 25 percent discount on the entire grocery bill. This unexpected deal adds a delightful twist to the Thanksgiving preparations and sets the stage for more surprises to come. The episode takes a delightful turn as David shares his expert wine recommendations for Thanksgiving. Bubbly takes center stage, deemed a versatile option that complements the entire meal. Zinfandel is suggested for its juiciness and fruitiness, a perfect match for classic cranberry sauce. David's wine suggestions span reds like Syrah and Grenache, whites like Sauvignon Blanc (especially from New Zealand), and even Beaujolais Nouveau, known for its freshness and youth.