What does Amarone have to do with a Pierre Hardy sandal? Read on, my friends.

It’s true that overly alcoholic wines are no fun to drink — but are we too focused on alcohol levels? Does it really all come down to the number?

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

What exactly is a “Genius Wine Master”? And is it possible–or even desirable–to become one?

Brand-spanking new to wine and not sure what you like? Here’s my handy guide to pointing you in the right direction, based on beverages you already know and love (and with a nod to those great Designer Imposter ads of the 1980s.)

Want to get a serious wine lover’s knickers in a twist? Just ask him what he thinks of the 100-point scoring system. Nothing is quite so controversial — and ubiquitous — as the 100-point scale.

Wherein I raise my glass to a versatile summer wine that’s like Reese Witherspoon in a glass.

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.

Here’s my promised Chilean tasting note, in video form. A great value wine — $10! — that’s like spring in a glass.

Sorry for the lofty title, but it’s been a culturally edifying few days here at STBNY. On Sunday I went to the Metropolitan Museum and on Monday, we saw our friend perform in an opera. Delightful experiences both, they got me thinking about — what else? — wine. Specifically, about the importance of paying attention.