There’s nothing like walking the streets of New York City when the snow is blowing sideways in sheets of white. It gets me stoked to hang there when it’s just about as quiet as it ever gets. Not to say that things shut down—no way. But it definitely slows down for a bit.

Which, it turns out, is great when you’re there on a sales trip. I spent several days kissing babies and pressing the flesh with some super cool sales folks, sommeliers, restaurateurs and Manifesto! lovers—and getting some great feedback. Definitely head to Blue Ribbon’s wine bar or rock the patio at Oceana with a glass of SB and some shellfish. These are totally cool places that know what’s good and have a chill city vibe.

And, speaking of what’s good, I’m gonna throw it out there that John’s Pizzeria of Bleeker Street in the Village is a damn fine pie. Just remember to bring cash and your appetite, because they don’t take cards and will only make full pizzas.

Anyway, I know it’s a total cliché to say “If you can make it there…” but it’s kinda true. There are some serious winos in that town that are very into their wine. They totally have fun with it, of course, but they won’t drink crap. And, when you see the looks on folks’ faces when you’re doing a tasting you know you’ve got something that works, something that gives people great enjoyment.

That’s pretty awesome on a day when a relative quiet descends on such a pulsating place, when people stop and smile at nickel-sized snowflakes, when lights from a pub attract with their promise of warmth and connection, and when a glass of wine is all it takes to remind you that life is very, very good.