Sent on a mission from the emperor, an expert wine-taster travels the countryside, seemingly oblivious to the war and death around him.

While citizens ponder whether or not to dig up an unmarked grave, one of them shares a tale passed down for generations about a mysterious wine merchant and what was found in one of his casks.

In New York, a young woman goes to a dinner party with her boss’s friend. After a tense game of charades, too many drinks and a decision to spend the night, she wonders why people make the choices they do and if anyone else will remember them.

A liquor seller living in Rock City tries to explain why he is home so late after making a delivery to the observatory at an unusual hour.

When a middle-aged lawyer in contemporary Indiana discovers that he has a powerfully sensitive palate, he suddenly finds himself with riches, fame, and a mid-life crisis.

Interesting figures—and intertwined histories—pass through a bar one night.