My father once told me that there is a first time and a last time for everything. My first wine column appeared in the Journal Newspaper almost 10 years ago to this date. Three years later, the paper was acquired by The Washington Examiner and, thankfully, so was my column. For the last seven years, I have had the pleasure and privilege of writing this column each week. And now, this is the last time.

I have genuinely enjoyed every moment spent over the last 10 years writing wine reviews. During that time, two of my three children have gone off to college, my hairline has receded, my waistline has expanded and my spouse has endured it all. We — I include my spouse/critic — have had a remarkable adventure. We have met wonderful people (some of whom have become my dearest friends), enjoyed amazing journeys and relished more than one remarkable meal with otherworldly wines, all in the pursuit of material for “the column.”