Host David Wilson takes you on a very special journey this week as the Grape Encounters microphones travel to the Nation’s Capital and a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour and conversation at the Smithsonian Institution’s exhibit on food and wine at the National Museum of American History. Paula Johnson is the curator of the ‘Food: 1950 to 2000’ exhibit, which includes artifacts like the award-winning bottle of Michael Grgich’s Chardonnay from the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris competition. She takes you through more than a half-decade of wine history in the U.S. Paula and David also discuss the booming Virginia winemaking scene. What gadgets might the Smithsonian consider including in its wine exhibit? That’s a question for our guru of such things. Matt Dubow of EpicStyle.com has a few solid suggestions! Plus, Sara Schneider, wine editor at Sunset magazine, takes five to talk about the evolution of Chenin Blanc.