We've all heard the adage, "a good wine improves with time". This summer I read what I would call, two "timeless" wine books. Both were published nearly a decade ago, yet the content is still as entertaining, informative and satisfying as ever.

The House of Mondavi by Julie Flynn Siler takes an up close and personal and VERY well researched, interviewed, and fact checked look at the life and legacy of Robert Mondavi, his brother Peter, their parents, siblings, and great grand children who carry on the family wine name, despite decades of turmoil, hurt and discovery. It is truly a remarkable story of the ups and downs of life and puts ANY reality TV show to shame. If you are a wine country visitor, you will marvel as the author retraces the beginnings of wine tourism in the area. For me, it was even more intriguing as I KNOW many of the people in the story, and had the great pleasure of meeting and dining with Robert and Margrit Mondavi while judging California wine competitions, and interviewing Peter Mondavi Jr. several times for my PBS TV show.

I listened to the CD in my car so if your August includes a mobile journey, this story makes a compelling travel companion.

Notes on a Life by Eleanor Coppola-Yes, she is Francis Ford's wife and Sofia's mother but the elegant, Eleanor is a talented writer and artist as well. This book takes a look back at 30 years of life. Once again the tragedies (death of her son) the triumphs (Sofia's directing career) and an assortment of sincere, 'every day " happenings that take Eleanor and her family all over the world. It was a fascinating, joyful yet deeply touching memoir. You won't look at life the same after reading, and I mean that in a very good way.

August Wine & Food: Happy 10th Birthday New Day! New Day Meadery started in Elwood in 2005. In 2010 they moved to Fountain Square, changed the name to New Day Craft and added hard cider to their "mead wine" (made from honey) line-up. Husband and wife Brett Canaday and Tia Agnew continue to add a 21st century spin to the world's oldest form of wine. Not sweet, more savory, and the Tasting Room at the corner of Shelby and Virginia in Fountain Square is a must visit.

Don't miss:

Gold Rush Hard Cider-like drinking apple kissed champagne; dry, crisp and PERFECT drink for those end of the summer garden salads (think zucchini!), grilled chicken, and fish.

Breakfast Magpie-OH MY! Limited so if they've got it, get it. Raspberry mead blended with espresso creates a heady, rich, zippity do da palate adventure with notes of cocoa, coffee and dark red fruit. Use it to marinate ribs if you can keep your self from emptying the growler.

www.newdaycraft.com

Indiana State Fair August 7-23, 2015. Once again, if you are over 21, you can indulge daily at the Indiana Beer and Wine Expo inside the Grand Hall. Reviews to come.