WELCOME TO OUR SECOND ANNUAL Wine Issue! While it’s only the second time we’ve done a themed wine issue, we celebrate our 15th annual Wines on the Wing airline wine competition on the following pages. As I’ve been part of the FXExpress Publications, Inc., team for nearly 12 years and I’ve assumed many roles over that time, I’ve been intimately involved with the wine survey — from assisting Eunice Fried, our competition director, to coordinating wine delivery with the airlines to collecting the judges’ forms at the tasting. I can tell you from experience the Wines on the Wing competition is a massive undertaking each year but one we continue to deliver because we know it’s all the amenities — like a quality Champagne to greet you on board or the perfect red to pair with your in-flight meal — that make or break a premium-class flight. We host the only blind tasting of this type on U.S. soil. Turn to page 36 for more on this year’s event, hosted by the iconic Pierre, A Taj Hotel, in New York City.

I remember my first visit to The Pierre, A Taj Hotel. A colleague was staying at the luxury property, and I met her for a drink at Two E Bar & Lounge. Whether or not you’ve had a chance to personally visit, you know the property. Symbolic of the city and enjoying an enviable position across from Central Park, it appeared in numerous movies and television shows, from Trainwreck with Amy Schumer to M*A*S*H, Scent of a Woman, Grey Gardens and more. I enjoyed a tour of the hotel about a year ago and was in awe of the views of Central Park afforded by many of the guestrooms. If you’re looking for your next Manhattan hotel, look no further.

We delve deeper into some of the world’s most famous wine-producing regions in this issue. Get a taste for the following destinations: Alentejo, Portugal; Québec Province in Canada; Wellington, New Zealand; Mendoza, Argentina; the grape harvest in France; Santiago, Chile; Florence, Italy; Stellenbosch, South Africa; and Napa Valley and Sonoma, Calif. Learn more about making any trip wine-related on page 44.

Join us next month when we take a closer look at family travel with a special insert from our sister publication, whereverfamily.com. Until then, cheers!