This afternoon was the annual Almaden Holiday Party (this year featuring the song stylings of The Gumbas and Gumbet). As always, there were good things to munch, and this year, there were also good things to drink. I had a little bit of the 2000 Valley of the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon; unfortunately, I didn’t win a bottle (or anything else!) in the raffle.

At home, we’ve been drinking the 2003 7 Deadly Zins, and have quite enjoyed it. I discovered this wine at Almaden, too, when it was served at the 2005 Almaden Institute.

I remember the old days, when alcohol was strictly forbidden at IBM. It’s still fairly unusual to have it served during the day (and you’re not supposed to go back and do work after quaffing), but it’s nice to be less rigid. And, of course, the cafeteria at the IBM HQ location in Paris serves wine every day — but that is a different culture.