I must diverge from our general theme of wine for a moment and give cider its proper due. I first encountered cider at a pub in England (which ideally, is where everyone should have her first taste).  I remember that glorious moment in The Crytsal Palace very well.  A friend was drinking a half pint of an intriguingly colored beverage and, knowing I was not a beer drinker, urged me to give it a try.  What joy!