oil reserves or technological advancements that made nations important.

    Now, there's one delectable product that puts a nation on the map (according to my personal, alcohol-themed sense of topography).

    That, my friends, is wine.

    France and Italy used to rule, but the U.S., Australia, Spain and Argentina have become real contenders. Now it looks like Austria wants a piece of the pie. Or a glass from the bottle, if you will.

    Shirlington's quaint wine shop The Curious Grape will be hosting a special Austrian wine seminar with guest Klaus Wittauer presenting wines from up-and-coming Austrian producers.