Mr. Spingarn told me that his top-selling German wine today isn't a Riesling at all, but a Pinot Noir.

WSJ: Demystifying German Riesling White Wines | On Wine by Lettie Teague

Another case was against Hardy Rodenstock, a German wine connoisseur who claimed to have discovered a cache of wine in Paris that once belonged to President Thomas Jefferson.

FORBES: In Billionaire's Legal Crusade Against Counterfeit Wine, Money Is The Least Of It

Amanti Vino was one of several places where I shopped for the wines for my tasting (Crush Wine on 57th Street in Manhattan is another top German wine source).

WSJ: Demystifying German Riesling White Wines | On Wine by Lettie Teague

Two decades ago, a couple of Canadian vineyards began producing ice wine, a German invention in which frost-bitten grapes are left on the vine until temperatures drop to as low as minus 13 degrees Celsius.

ECONOMIST: A new beverage prompts a battle

"It's not just sommeliers, but high-end retailers who are making the market, " said Evan Spingarn, German-brand manager for New York-based wine importer David Bowles.

WSJ: Demystifying German Riesling White Wines | On Wine by Lettie Teague

"Chenin is France's answer to German Riesling, " said Daniel Johnnes, the wine director of Daniel Boulud's restaurant group, at a recent gathering of New York sommeliers in my living room as we prepared to taste some 25 Chenins.

WSJ: Singing of France's Unsung Chenin Blanc | On Wine by Jay McInerney

One final white wine that I will resolve to support is German Riesling.

WSJ: My Wine Goals for the Year, More and Less | On Wine by Lettie Teague

Although united in matters of cantonal pride such as wine and cheese, the French- and German-speaking towns reveal idiosyncrasies: elegant Zermatt attracts champagnesipping dignitaries, while Martigny hides Henry Moore sculptures and Brig puts on a baroque show.

BBC: Mini guide to the Valais, Switzerland

Modern lifts, primed ski slopes from "Sesame Street" to "Death Wish", solitary cross-country trails through untouched nature, cosy mountain huts, steaming mulled wine, hearty dinners by a crackling fire - all are hallmarks of a German skiing holiday.

BBC: Getting fresh in Germany: Cycling, hiking and skiing