Usually when I'm picking a wine, I stare at the rack of selections mindlessly for a few minutes until I eventually pick something either cheap or on sale. Today, there was no mindless staring, no sale or cheap purchases. Today, two labels jumped out at me, the Latitude 50 white and the Painted Turtle shiraz. They stood out because I've seen them on Air North's Boeing 737 where I had my service training and my first two flights as a flight attendant.

I've already been stumped by a passenger asking how strong the coffee was. I had no idea, having never tried the Yukon roasted Midnight Sun coffee. (It's strong, by the way, but delicious.)

I have two night flights coming up next week, so it's time to do my wine research. I know, I am, like, the best employee, ever.

In our service manual, the Latitude 50 is described as "a blend of vinifera grape varieties specifically chosen for their unique characteristics." According to the label, this blend is unique to the microclimate in the area where Lake Okanagan meets a certain latitude... and that would be latitude 50.

The Painted Turtle shiraz, another B.C. wine, is described as full bodied and smooth. The label suggests sipping it with "bacon wrapped pork or cedar plank Pacific salmon." Now that just makes me hungry. Now I'm picturing salmon wrapped in bacon, ooh or scallops wrapped in bacon. I'm trying to drum up the same enthusiasm for tonight's salad. Hmmm.

I'm not the best wine connoisseur. My critique of wine usually consists of "I like it" or "I don't like it" and let's face it, after a few glasses I like pretty much everything. My husband, however, is British and comes from a long line of British and Scottish drinkers. Richard often detects a "hint of elderberry" or comments that a wine is "slightly oaky" in that delicious posh British accent. Usually I nod wisely while the information immediately falls out of my brain, but tonight I will be taking notes. That stuff will be pure gold.