Wine lovers all over the country have reason to celebrate tomorrow: December 5, 1933, marked the end of the 13-year Prohibition on alcohol in the U.S. (Of course the resulting state-by-state laws are still confusing, cumbersome, and laden with politics, but individuals can speak up to their legislative representatives through the nonprofit organization Free the Grapes.)

During those long thirteen years of Prohibition, the California wine industry suffered. Most wineries were forced to close their doors, and those who remained open produced wines for medicinal and religious use. Farmers willing to ride out Prohibition fared a little better: each male was allowed to make 200 gallons of wine each year for personal use, so the demand for grapes around the country was fairly high, even as commercial winemaking all but disappeared.

This year, a new line of wines called Festival 34 was released to commemorate California's first harvest following the repeal of Prohibition 75 years ago. The wines include a Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all sourced from California's Central Coast and made by C & B Vintage Cellars in Napa.

I'm usually skeptical of fancy marketing ploys when it comes to wine, because there's often an inverse relationship between the quality of the wine and the cleverness of the label. Festival 34 is an exception for three reasons. One, the concept is truly clever, as it calls attention to and celebrates the end of a terrible era for wine lovers; two, the label art is gorgeous and practically collectible; and three, the wines are quite good. The Chardonnay was too oaky for my taste, but I loved the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are a great value for around $12-15.

I absolutely believe that moderation (called "temperance" in the old days), not prohibition, should be the buzzword with alcohol, and on the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition in the United States, I raise my glass to the liberation of the vineyards.

This week, the Los Angeles Times dedicates its entire Food section to white wines, very appropriate for summer!

• White wine isn't all about oak. For summer, the new bouquets are jasmine, peach blossoms, verbena, and thyme
• White wine works well with cheese
• As far as wine regions, the Central Coast of California uses unusual grapes and SIV praises a hot wine, Le Picpoul from the Languedoc region in France.
• You must have A/C in your house if you can stand to be in the kitchen! White wine gelees are a refreshing addition to the summer table and the Times hunts down the recipe for Grilled Cheese from restaurant Lucques.

Joel Peterson sold the winery he founded, Ravenswood, for $148 million, but he didn't just take the money and run. He stayed on with Constellation, the world's largest wine company, and manages the Ravenswood brand.

The Wine Selection of the Week is Cabernet Sauvignon from the Central Coast, with 2003 Smith & Hook Grand Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Cabernet Sauvignon from Monterey County earning the highest rating of the listed wines, three stars. To pair with any of the Cabs, make Marinated Skirt Steak and Onion Wraps. On the bargain side, there's a list of Sauvignon Blanc, most under $10.

Old-fashioned cottage cheese is a rare find, but they found Nancy's Lowfat Cultured Cottage Cheese.

If blondes have more fun, than the golden yellow tomato take on the Bloody Mary, the Blondie Mary, is having a blast.