What began as a lark during last year’s Global Traveler annual meeting has morphed into tradition. We call it the “Napa Toast,” a circle of good cheer that kicks off with a single toast and continues in a chain reaction of clinking glasses and glad tidings until everyone around the table has spoken. We repeat the ritual each time we’re together, welcoming newcomers and appreciating long-time colleagues.

Like many celebratory customs, our company toast usually involves good wine. While some of us are more knowledgeable oenophiles than others, we all enjoy sharing the experience and our opinions, but when it comes to official tastings, we bring in the big guns. Earlier this year, a panel of 16 wine experts gathered at The Westin New York at Times Square for a blind tasting of wines served in the first- and business-class cabins of airlines around the world. Which airline serves the best wine in the sky? What about the best Champagne poured in international first class? Turn to page 34 for the results.

And how about our cover? The stunning shot, “Sunrise Over Port Royal,” by Josh Whiteside of North Carolina, was one of hundreds submitted for consideration in a Facebook contest done in partnership with Tamron. Turn to page 82 for a look at some of the other beautiful shots we received.

Heartfelt felicitations to all of our winners!