As the year draws to a close, I realize how incredibly fortunate I am to be a wine journalist. It is truly an amazing experience. This past year, I have had the good fortune to meet so many incredible people associated with the wine trade — from winemakers, vineyard owners and producers to public relations professionals and media personalities. I have also had the remarkable opportunity to taste a lot of wine. Some good, some not so good and a few that were so fantastic, they, as I am fond of saying, curled my toes. Each year I try to write one column about the best wine experience of the year. Unfortunately — or maybe very fortunately — looking back, it occurs to me that there was not just one noteworthy event, but, indeed, several. Best of all, most of these affairs involved friends, both inside and outside of the wine trade, but who are all as enthusiastic about wine as I am.

I hope that I will be as lucky next year during my wine-themed adventures to experience even half of the grape-based gems I did this year. Here is a brief overview of some of the highlights from 2010. Retail prices, if applicable, are approximate.