As I write, we’ve just completed the return of our Wines on the Wing airline wine survey. Our last blind judging and afterparty took place in 2020, and 2024 felt like the right year to revive the only tasting of its kind in the United States. The event was a success: an afternoon blind tasting judged by some of New York City’s most respected wine experts, followed by an evening reception for industry guests that offered a behind-the-scenes look — and a few more sips — of our process. The survey brought us back to City Winery, which hosted two previous events. In this issue you’ll read more from City Winery’s founder; I’m especially excited about the company’s forthcoming Milk Factory hotel in New York’s Hudson Valley. And while we’re on wine, join Steve Jermanok for a bucket-list tasting tour through Portugal featured in this edition.
Mark your calendar for August to see which airlines topped our Wines on the Wing survey. This month’s Leisure Travel Issue also announces the honorees of our 12th annual Leisure Travel Awards. Did you vote? If so, do your favorites appear among the winners listed inside? Join us on May 16 at Philadelphia’s historic Union League as we celebrate these leisure travel standouts. With summer approaching, where will your leisure travel take you? If Europe is on your list, don’t miss Barbara Rogers’s guide to the continent’s best beaches included in this issue.
© Kimberly Inlander
April’s solar eclipse proved to be a notable draw for leisure travelers, with many people heading to locations within the path of totality. Here in Pennsylvania, we experienced roughly 90 percent totality. Associate editor Aoife O’Riordan visited our headquarters on April 8 and joined Mary Melnick, our social media and editorial coordinator, and me for a viewing party outside the office. Have you planned travel around an event such as a solar eclipse, or did you travel for this year’s milestone? We’d love to hear your stories at [email protected].
What else is in this Leisure Travel Issue? We travel to Croatia, Bali, Vietnam, Aruba and Costa Rica. We also examine the growing bleisure trend and how professionals are blending business and leisure trips. Look for our June issue, which will cover loyalty programs, the world’s top shopping streets and the process cities undergo to become Olympic hosts.
Kimberly Inlander, Editor-in-chief