December 10, 2002 10:20 PM

What is classy?

What is classy? Classy is a method of being. Classy is the embodying and encompassing of the finer things in life — the elegant touches that leave the rabble far below. Classy is your name and picture stuck on a bottle of discount wine.

To the jealousy of the Ivy League, the Northwestern Alumni Association is announcing the production of a "collection of fine wines, handsomely outfitted with our custom-designed Northwestern label." The first edition of the series captures distinguished University Hall in the black-and-white slendor only an old photograph can portray. Also adorning each bottle is the Northestern "N" logo. It is draped with a leaf surely born out of Eden.

In a truly righteous world, such magnificence would be sipped by no one. But worry not, wine connoisseurs. You need not go to the lengths of Fortunato to obtain these spirits. Order online and receive $10 off each case. When you check out, simply enter the discount code sans pareil: NUHE1.

And whom do we have to thank? Mr. Michael Hupf, lord of the labellers, sovereign of the sticker staff. Hailing from the rich vineyards of the Nebraska countryside, Hupf is likely a man toasted often by friends and competitors alike. His victory at the National 4-H's 1986 Turkey Barbeque Contest remains a remarkable achivement, even by today's turkey barbecuing standards. His labels celebrating Webvan's IPO continue the standard of excellence into the 21st century.

And now Northwestern has joined with him to bring its alumni the finest wines ever gently poured throughout the vast space and time reaches of the known universe. Had this offer been available at the time of Christ, the wedding party at Cana would doubtlessly have touted its Wildcat pride. Remember to order online for your $10 discount.

Thoughts?