The one word that could make me give up my pregnancy-induced sabbatical? Champagne.

Drinking wine is easy. Tasting it is hard. That’s why I’m introducing The Tastemaker, an occasional series on STBNY about the challenges, joys and mysteries of wine tasting.

Sam Argetsinger was one of the highlights of the TasteCamp experience. Argetsinger is a grower who oversees his eponymous family vineyard on the east side of Seneca Lake. I’m not sure if he would approve of me calling it “his” vineyard, however.

My first installment of Behind the Label, wherein I discuss wine labels, the story behind them, and what they can tell you about the juice inside the bottle.

Winemaker Stu Smith is a Northern California original — direct, approachable, down-to-earth, and, yes, a real straight-shooter.

Some beautiful wines from Spring Mountain, which is quickly becoming my favorite region in Napa.