At Brits’ end

For centuries, the British have carried on a love affair with wine, with their finest authors waxing poetic (or prose-etic) on the joys fermented grape juice. To wit:

• “And wine can of their wits the wise beguile, make the sage frolic, and the serious smile.” “” Alexander Pope

• “This wine should be eaten, for it is much too good to be drunk.” “” Jonathan Swift (left)

• “Give me books, fruit, French wine and fine weather and a little music out of doors, played by somebody I do not know. “” John Keats

• “Wine, one sip of this will bathe the drooping spirits in delight beyond the bliss of dreams. Be wise and taste. “” John Milton