Eve Visits Chateauneuf du Pape: The Teaser

October 21, 2022 by evebushman

If you’ve been watching any of my social media you have figured out that we recently cruised the Adriatic, but once we landed at our final destination – we decided not to make it our final destination. Our good friends, Steve and Vashti Roebuck, invited us to spend a week with them wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape. This post, especially the tags, give a clue as to what we were going to do:

Anybody got any great vacation plans? We have an Adriatic cruise credit from 2019 to use up and also got invited to share a Chateau with our good friends the Roebucks in France! They even booked us some great wine tastings! Stay tuned for photos – they will pop up at some point – and more details soon!

#HollandAmerica #AdriaticCruise #Italy #Venice #Rome #Sicily #Naples #Greece #GreekIslands #Croatia #Malta #Albania #France #DomaineDueChat #RhoneValley #ChateauneufDuPape #Travel #Vacation #DomaineSaintPrefert @Roger.Sabon @Domaine_Du_Pegau @Domaine_Mordoree @BosquetdesPapes @Domaine_AndreBrunel @ClosDuCaillou @VieuxTelegraphe @DomaineDuGrandTinel @DomaineLaBarroche @ChateauMontRedon @DomainePierreUsseglio @PrincessIslandVashti @StreetSommVegas

More details on the Chateau: Welcome to the Domaine du Chat (formerly Chapt, pronounced Le Domaine du Chatte), You are very close to tourist sites and top-tier attractions (castle ruins, museums, steam train, caves, botanical gardens, sea of rocks …). The property extends over 120 hectares in the foothills of the Cévennes. The house dates from the 17th century is surrounded by an olive grove, an orchard, a vegetable garden, oak woods, fig trees and pines, and a beautiful meadow…

The owners of Domaine du Chat are Cécile (Chabrol) Fainsilber and Simon Chabrol. Their parents, Guy and Linette Chabrol, had transformed and furnished the estate in the 80s. The property, of which we have deeds that date back to 1638, is in the family since Jules Rossel (born in 1833: his portrait is above the radiator in the living room and his diplomas adorn the dining room). As is traditional in the Protestant families of the Cevennes, ancestors lay to rest on the estate. Cécile and Simon, with their respective spouses, Olivier Fainsilber and Katou (Haapasalo) Chabrol, have restored Le Domaine to current comfort standards and equipped it to receive you. Cécile and Olivier live in Paris and Simon and Katou live in Chatel Guyon, near Clermont Ferrand. Many cousins still live nearby. You will meet Arlette and Jacques, cousins by marriage, who help us maintain the estate and welcome you.

See it for yourself here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9969458

And stay tuned for more on all of the fantastic winery visits on Eve Wine 101 as well as: https://dailyovation.com/

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Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Gracianna Winery Again Rated Top California Winery

October 17, 2022 by evebushman

HEALDSBURG, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — The summer of 2022 has been very kind to Gracianna! Not only has the winery has been receiving a multitude of gold medals from wine competitions and admirations from the wine press for its release of the stunning and collectible 2019 Stagecoach Vineyard^® Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, but beyond those honors, Gracianna has also been racking up hospitality accolades across multiple platforms, including Tripadvisor, Yelp and Airbnb. As a small family-owned and operated winery, Gracianna counts on reviews left on these industry standard hospitality sites (along with others such as Facebook and Google) to help maintain awareness of their brand among a veritable sea of winery choices. “Welcoming guests is our focus, we are so grateful for the numerous distinctions recently won and redouble our effort to continue building on these reviews and continue to offer intimate tasting experiences from the Miracle Mile of the lauded Westside Road in Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California.”

On Tripadvisor, Gracianna was named again as a Travelers’ Choice Award Winner, placing it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. This is a multi-year continuation of Gracianna’s hosting accolades, consistently placing Gracianna as #1 on the list of “Top Things To Do In Healdsburg” and overall among the over 2,000 wineries and vineyards in California, Gracianna ranks in the top 2-3% as sorted by traveler favorites. Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor says, “The Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: guests.”

KRON Channel 4 in San Francisco recently featured Gracianna in an article, “Find out the top 10 wineries of California.” The list was created with a methodology that evaluated all of the California wineries on Yelp using several factors, including the number and quality of ratings. All top 10 wineries have a five-star overall rating and held that score as of June 2022. “We were quite excited that Gracianna was included on this important list. We work hard to earn this sort of acknowledgement, and though we have thousands of wineries competing with us in California alone, this gesture is a testament to the qualities we strive for when serving guests: grace, graciousness and gratitude that drive connections with our guests that can last a lifetime,” says Fernando Arellano, Gracianna Hospitality Manager.

To read the post, visit: https://www.kron4.com/news/california/the-must-try-wineries-in-california-according-to-yelp/

And for six years running, Gracianna has been named an Airbnb SuperHost for their two spectacular properties, the Gracianna Estate Loft and the Sea Ranch Lodge & Bunkhouse. See these properties here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14088383 and https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/38461275.

In order to extend the warm and gracious feeling of being at the winery, Gracianna recently launched a new hospitality initiative. This offering, the Grateful Gathering virtual tasting, is designed for team building and client engagement using the winery’s intimate wine tasting model, but now as a portable wine tasting kit that can be shipped anywhere, joined with a one-hour online tasting conducted by Gracianna’s industry-leading wine experts.Businesses or individuals wishing to host their own Grateful Gathering virtual tasting may do so at https://www.gracianna.com/gratefulgathering/.ABOUT GRACIANNA WINERY

The Amador Family of Sonoma County are the owners of the resilient award-winning Gracianna Winery, a “fruit-first” craftsman’s winery on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in Healdsburg, CA. Gracianna wines are for those with something to be grateful for.

WALLA WALLA VALLEY THREE-PEATS AS ‘BEST WINE REGION,’ LONG SHADOWS TAKES ‘BEST WINE TASTING ROOM’

September 18, 2022 by evebushman

(WALLA WALLA, Wash.) — What do “America’s Best Wine Region” and “America’s Best Wine Tasting Room” have in common? Both are in Walla Walla, at least according to the 2022 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. For Walla Walla, three times really is the charm. The Walla Walla Valley was voted America’s Best Wine Region for an unprecedented third consecutive year, an enormous accomplishment for the region, according to Visit Walla Walla and Walla Walla Valley Wine.

Even more, Long Shadows Vintners won the Best Wine Tasting Room category for the first time. The winery finished in third place in 2021, following two consecutive fourth-place finishes in 2020 and 2019.

“We congratulate all of the wine regions on earning their rightful place as finalists in the category, but it’s extremely gratifying to see the Walla Walla Valley finish at the top of the list for an unprecedented third consecutive year,” said Robert Hansen, executive director of Visit Walla Walla and Walla Walla Valley Wine. “From the arts, history, and culture, to the dining, agriculture, and scenery, to of course the wine, there are a lot of pieces to the puzzle that makes the Walla Walla Valley America’s Best Wine Region.”

The annual USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are decided entirely through public voting. The Walla Walla Valley prevailed from a field of 20 finalists, including some of the most famous wine regions in the U.S. Long Shadows was the top vote-getter among 10 finalists in the Best Wine Tasting Room category.

Nestled on Walla Walla’s Westside, Long Shadows’ Chihuly Tasting Room has long been among the most unique and stunning found anywhere. A result of a friendship between Long Shadows’ founder Allen Shoup and famed glass artist Dale Chihuly, the tasting room represents a perfect marriage of art and wine, accentuated by a collection of Chihuly glass including a dramatic custom chandelier.

“We established Long Shadows in Walla Walla 20 years ago because we were drawn to its small-town charm and inspired by its pioneering winemakers,” said Dane Narbaitz, president of Long Shadows. “They established Walla Walla as a destination for world-class wines and hospitality. It is a tradition that inspires our winemaking and the experience our team seeks to offer guests. We are honored to be named America’s best tasting room at the same time Walla Walla is recognized as the country’s best wine region.”

The Walla Walla Valley has earned a groundswell of nationwide acclaim in recent years. Not only is it a three-time pick for Best Wine Region in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the region was named one of Forbes’ 22 Best Places To Travel In The U.S. In 2022, the West’s best Emerging Wine Route in the 2021 Sunset Travel Awards, and one of Fodor’s Top places to go in the west in 2022.

To learn more about the Walla Walla Valley and its award-winning wines and wineries, visit www.wallawalla.org or www.wallawallawine.com

About Walla Walla:

As the unofficial capital of Washington wine country, Walla Walla is home to more than 120 wineries, a nationally recognized culinary scene, access to an abundance of outdoor recreation, and an arts & entertainment scene that rivals cities many times its size. This community of just over 30,000 residents is known for many things, including its friendliness and hospitality, the quality of its wine, and of course the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. An easy and scenic four-hour drive from Seattle, Portland, or Boise, Walla Walla can also be accessed via Alaska Airlines daily non-stop flights from Seattle. For more information and to begin planning a trip to Walla Walla, visit www.wallawalla.org.

About Walla Walla Valley Wine:

Walla Walla Valley Wine is a nonprofit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is to build an internationally acclaimed Walla Walla Valley wine brand among consumers, media, and trade by providing marketing programs on behalf of member wineries, vineyards, and partners. Walla Walla Valley Wine functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media, and trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry. For more information visit www.wallawallawine.com.

About Long Shadows Vintners:

Washington wine visionary Allen Shoup founded Long Shadows in 2002. His idea for Long Shadows was as simple as it was complex. Recruit seven internationally acclaimed winemakers; give each access to Washington State’s best grapes, and outfit a winery to the vintners’ exacting cellar specifications. Seven stand-alone wineries are the result and comprise the Long Shadows’ portfolio: Chester-Kidder, Feather, Pedestal, Pirouette, Poet’s Leap, Saggi, and Sequel. Since the beginning, Long Shadows’ director of winemaking and viticulture, Gilles Nicault, has brought each winemaker’s vision to completion. The wines are made at a state-of-the-art winery in Walla Walla, home to Long Shadows’ Chihuly Tasting Room. The wines are also available for tasting at Long Shadows’ Woodinville location. More information is available at longshadows.com.

Carpe Travel Releases Comprehensive Collection of Wine Travel Guides for United States Wine Regions

September 7, 2022 by evebushman

DENVER (PRWEB) – Carpe Travel, an online resource dedicated to wine travel, has created guides for more than 30 United State’s wine regions, making it easier than ever to plan wine travel. For more than two years the pandemic has paused vacation plans, but now gas prices and inflation are becoming a greater concern for travel. Carpe Travel’s comprehensive collection of wine country travel guides enable travelers to explore wine regions throughout the U.S. – while staying within their travel and wine buying budgets.

“Most people don’t realize that every state in the U.S. produces wine – even Hawaii and Alaska. We’ve been working to build out our U.S. wine travel guides to support domestic travelers – and producers – in an effort to introduce lesser known U.S. wine regions to wine loving travelers,” said Elaine Schoch, founder and editor of Carpe Travel. “With gas prices and inflation creeping up, wine travel to Napa Valley, Bordeaux or Tuscany might be off the table. But a weekend in wine regions that are closer to home, such as Virginia, Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin might not be.”

Schoch and a team of wine and travel experts have put together guides for more than 30 wine regions within the U.S., with more scheduled to release in 2022. The guides share each wine region’s history, an overview of the area, its grapes and wines as well as insider tips, wine tasting itineraries and things to do beyond the vines so travelers can curate their own wine vacation. For those seeking additional help in planning wine vacations, the company has introduced a new Wine Travel Design Program for Custom-Curated U.S. Wine Trips helping wine loving travelers create their next grape escape.

Carpe Travel also has guides for British Columbia in Canada, Mexico, Bordeaux and a variety of prominent regions in Italy. The company plans to expand its international presence in the fourth quarter of 2022.

“With the help of these guides, an individual does not have to be – or even know – a sommelier to enjoy a wine country vacation, or a stop into a winery,” said Schoch. “Our guides feature insights from local wine experts to help our readers curate their own grape escape with information on where to sip, where to stay and things to do beyond the vines.”

ABOUT CARPE TRAVEL
The goal of Carpe Travel is to provide an invaluable resource for wine lovers – from novices to experienced pros – to support them on their wine country adventures. To arm them with details on the regions, insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines so they can curate their perfect grape escape.
For more information, please visit https://carpe-travel.com.

Paso Robles Wine Country Partners With Wine Folly To Create A Digital Paso Robles Region Guide

August 3, 2022 by evebushman

VILLA ROYALE’S WEEKDAY WONDER PACKAGE

July 21, 2022 by evebushman

WITH DRINKS AND DINNER AT DEL REY

MAKE FOR THE ULTIMATE PALM SPRINGS ESCAPE

Inspired by cocktail parties that original owner Evelyn Pell hosted here in the 1940’s, the Villa Royale Weekday Wonder offers guests the chance to play in the desert sun and revel in the magic of a Palm Springs evening or two. After spending the day either poolside or perhaps biking or hiking, ease into the evening with a signature Gin & Tonic or unique house cocktail. Follow it up with dinner at the Spanish-inspired Del Rey helmed by Chef Hector Salvatierra, one of the most passionate, talented, and well-traveled chefs in the desert.

The WEEKDAY WONDER package includes:

● 15% off Sunday through Thursday stay (requires a two-night minimum stay)

● 2 drink tokens

● Swag Bag

WHERE TO START:

WEBSITE

www.villaroyale.com

TO BOOK

Reservations: 833-536-7189

ABOUT VILLA ROYALE:

Set at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, Villa Royale is a 3.5-acre free-spirited, adults-only hideaway amidst the desert palms of the Coachella Valley. Opened in 1947, the hotel’s rich history included being a getaway spot for the Hollywood elite. Now a secluded stomping ground reimagined where Spanish influence and architectural nuances of the Post-War period stand side-by-side with modern design appeal for which Palm Springs is known today. Within the Mission Revival Style villas and geometric tiled courtyards, Villa Royale channels the eccentric history of the destination and mesmerism of the landscape that has long lured wild, free-thinking and creative spirits to the Southern California desert. Studded with flowering desert flora and imbued with mid century decor and vintage furnishings, Villa Royale beckons travelers to the desert for raw beauty and escape.

The hotel is comprised of two spaces: the main complex houses 30 of Villa Royale’s 37 villa rooms. Across South Indian Trail Road sits Villa Rosa, seven California ranch style villas around a pool that mirror the design cues of Villa Royale.

ABOUT DEL REY:

Cut from the same cloth as Golden Era Hollywood lounges, Del Rey evokes a Spanish-inspired speakeasy hidden away in the heart of Palm Springs. Guests gravitate towards the twelve-seat oak and marble bar and then dine in any of the discoverable nooks throughout – tufted vinyl booths or on the patio where on chillier nights fireside is an option.

Chef Hector Salvatierra’s locally sourced menus featuring authentic Spanish tapas evoke conviviality. Served in small plate format, the food is perfect for sharing and aligns with the intimate atmosphere. Del Rey’s bar focuses on a Spanish-leaning wine, an eclectic cocktail program and a refreshing Gin & Tonic menu.

Hours:

Dinner nightly from 5-10 p.m.

Pool Bar open from 11 a.m. on daily for guests; lunch served at Pool Bar

ABOUT EXECUTIVE CHEF HECTOR SALVATIERRA:

Helming the Del Rey kitchen since September 2020, Executive Chef Hector Salvatierra is no stranger to Palm Springs. Having traveled extensively through Europe and Australia and after working for a time in Alaska, Chef Hector returned to the desert to serve as Executive Chef at a number of well-known local establishments. As a corporate chef, owner of a large catering business, and passionate explorer of cuisines, he was perfectly poised to begin his role at Del Rey, where he oversees the more intimate menus of the restaurant and the large scale weddings and events that often take over the entire property. He loves doing a deep dive into a culture and his understanding of the cuisine is evident in the rich and authentic Spanish menu he has created for Del Rey. Specialties include Croquetas de Bacalao, Short Rib Empanadas, Albondigas, Spanish Mussels and more.

ADDRESS AND PHONE:

1620 S. Indian Trail

Palm Springs, CA 92264

Phone: 760-327-2314

SOCIAL HANDLES:

@villaroyale_palmsprings

@delrey_ps

Perlises Pick: Visiting Santa Rosa and Healdsburg

July 9, 2022 by Michael Perlis

If you are reading Eve’s Wine 101, the main reason for you to visit the Santa Rosa/Healdsburg area in Sonoma County is presumably for the wine. While we are not going to pick an absolutely favorite wine region, we’d be hard-pressed to select an area that we enjoy more.

We will name a favorite place to stay though. Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa tops our list. We’ve watched it grow from its originally named Vintners Inn under the watchful eyes of owner Rhonda Carano and GM Percy Brandon. Sadly for us, Percy has just moved on to become General Manager of the Allison Inn & Spa in Newburg, Oregon. We were fortunate enough to see him one last time to say our goodbyes. Who knows, maybe it is time for us to report on Oregon wine country? In the meantime, as Eve Wine 101 has already reported, Brian Sommer has been named General Manager and we look forward to meeting with him on our next visit.

Fortunately, our favorite restaurant in Santa Rosa is on the Vintners Resort property. John Ash and Company opened in 1980[!] and was the first Sonoma County restaurant to introduce the concept of cooking with seasonal, locally sourced foods and produce – AKA wine country cuisine. The original chef was, of course, John Ash and the current chef Tom Schmidt is continuing the concept.

The atmosphere is of an elegant country inn, with views of the vineyards on the resort property. Choose from indoor or al fresco dining on the open-air terrace with available heaters if needed. The staff is very knowledgeable and attentive, yet unobtrusive. From our appetizers of Tuna Poke and Beef Carpaccio to our entrees of Bone-In Pork Chop [which Karen said was the best she ever had] and Duck Breast, everything flowed seamlessly. As did our wine, starting with glasses of Roederer Estate Brut and then our BYOB 2013 Bedrock Winery Zinfandel from the Carlisle Vineyard. We were too full for dessert, but not too full for the complimentary dark chocolate truffles.

A little further north in Healdsburg is a wonderful restaurant that somehow we had not managed to visit on previous trips to the area, even though it opened back in 2015: Valette, which is only a block away from the Healdsburg Square. Brothers Dustin Valette and Aaron Garzini grew up in Geyserville and envisioned working together using local Sonoma products. Dustin got his culinary training at the CIA in New York and then worked at Bouchon in Napa and Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, among others. Aaron worked as sommelier and front of the house at John Ash [see above!] and at Rustic Restaurant, Francis Ford Coppola’s restaurant at his Geyserville winery. General Manager Harry Bryan recently returned to Valette from a stint at Timber Cove Resort, bringing with him over two decades of industry experience.

From top-tier professionals on down through the entire team, Valette is in a very select group of restaurants where it is clear that everybody wants to be there and enjoys what they do.

With our appetizers of Ahi Poke and Fruit Compote Special with Foie Gras, we enjoyed glasses of the 2020 Valette Rose of Pinot Noir. Yes, they do have their own wine label to complement the selections on their amazing wine list – this rose is made by Bob Cabral [formerly with Williams Selyem, among others] and was delicious. We brought a bottle of 2013 Bedrock Winery Zinfandel from the Bedrock Vineyard to accompany our entrees of Crispy Skinned Steelhead Trout for Karen and Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut for Michael. All the dishes were wonderful, both visually and gustatorily. And this time, we did save room for the peanut and chocolate dessert, “It’s Not A ‘Snickers Bar’, which topped off the evening.

We highly recommended Valette for a special occasion or just to make any occasions special.

Finally, if you find yourself out and about on a Sunday, Monday or Wednesday morning before the wineries open, pay a visit to the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens in downtown Santa Rosa. We really enjoyed strolling the grounds of the home and gardens of this world-renowned pioneering horticulturist who experimented with plants for more than 50 years. We took the easy, self-guided tour of gardens ranging from crops, fruits, herbs, flowers, wildlife habit and cactus with informative displays, pictures and mini quiz boxes. Check out the pic of the spineless cactus as big as a small house!

Vintners Resort and John Ash & Company

www.vintnersresort.com

4350 Barnes Road

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Valette

www.valettehealdsburg.com

344 Center Street

Healdsburg, CA 95448

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

www.lutherburbank.org

204 Santa Rosa Ave

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

La Raia in Gavi, Italy Launches Experiential “Summer Stay” Package

July 7, 2022 by evebushman

Gavi, Italy: La Raia, home to the 12-room boutique hotel “Locanda La Raia,” introduces a new experiential “summer stay” package that showcases the best of the 180-hectare estate, from meals at the in-house fine dining restaurant by Chef Tommasso Arrigoni, to tours of the biodynamic farm, Fondazione La Raia, as well as wine tastings led by the property’s sommelier.

Perfectly situated in the pastoral region of Gavi, located conveniently between Milan and Genoa, La Raia is a labor of love of the Milanese Rossi Cairo family, who transformed the lush and verdant estate and mansion into a “slow hospitality” ecosystem where sustainability, biodiversity, contemporary art, elevated regional cuisine and heartfelt hospitality meet.

The Rossi Cairo family bought La Raia in 2003 with the aim of recovering and rejuvenating the original ecosystem through an ambitious rehabilitation project inspired by biodynamic principles. The estate includes vineyards, pastures, and chestnut, elderflower and acacia woodlands protecting numerous species of wild animals.

As part of its commitment to the surrounding environment, the biodynamic La Raia Winery produces three kinds of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G. – Gavi, Gavi Riserva Vigna della Madonnina and Gavi Pisé – and two kinds of Piemonte D.O.C. Barbera.

“The launch of the new experiential summer-stay package is rooted in our committment to offering our guests authentic experiences that get under the skin of Gavi’s local culture”, says Piero Rossi Cairo, owner of La Raia.

The Experiential Stay Package starts at 395 euros per person, and includes:

________________________________________

Two nights with breakfast at Locanda La Raia (Guests may reserve a room category of their choosing)

Luxurious country boutique hotel with 12 rooms, each unique, furnished with 17th-19th century Piedmont pieces paired with contemporary design furniture.

________________________________________

Two tasting dinner menus at the in-house restaurant (beverages excluded)

Locanda La Raia, Gavi also has a restaurant, curated by chef Tommaso Arrigoni, who created a menu that combines Piedmontese tradition with Ligurian influences, all made with local produce from the estate’s garden, such as wines, honey, garden herbs, and Fassona meat.

________________________________________

A guided tour of the unique artworks in the permanent collection of Fondazione La Raia

For almost a decade, Fondazione La Raia has invited artists of different disciplines to take a critical look at the Gavi landscape. The artworks created on the property are permanently placed in La Raia’s vineyards and fields, examining the relationship between the land, nature, and art.

________________________________________

Wine Tasting at La Raia winery

La Raia Winery produces three kinds of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G. – Gavi, Gavi Riserva Vigna della Madonnina and Gavi Pisé – and two kinds of Piemonte D.O.C. Barbera.

________________________________________

Additional additional benefits include afternoon tea and aperitivo, as well as access to the property’s sauna, steam bath, and heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

For more information about La Raia, visit www.la-raia.it/en/locanda

About La Raia: La Raia is a Demeter certified biodynamic farm located in the Piedmont region’s Gavi hills. The Rossi Cairo family bought La Raia in 2002 with the intention of restoring and valuing the original ecosystem through a massive biodynamic intervention and project. The farm and winery currently span 180 hectares of vineyards, pastures, and forest, and include a 12-room boutique hotel “Locanda La Raia,” an art foundation, and a winery where sustainability, biodiversity, locavore cuisine, and homey hospitality collide. La Raia now produces three types of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G. – Gavi, Gavi Riserva Vigna della Madonnina, and Gavi Pisé – as well as two types of Piemonte D.O.C. Barbera.

About Locanda La Raia In 2017, the Rossi Cairo Family transformed a former post station on the estate into a chic countryside retreat for the luxury traveler. The space was reimagined as a 12-room luxury boutique hotel, including ten unique guest rooms, two apartments, an estate-to-table restaurant, an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, and a tennis court. The ‘green mansion in the Gavi hills’ was restored by the Milanese firm, demicisarchitetti, driven by the vision to create a dialogue between the inside and the outside world.

Eat Local in the Nordics: Top Culinary Experiences For All

June 28, 2022 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Nordics, a coalition of the seven Nordic tourism boards of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, represent a region known internationally for its gastronomy. In addition to creative cuisine, The Nordics are committed to offering sustainable culinary experiences. This was solidified in 2004 when each country signed the Nordic Food Manifesto which contains 10 principles on purity, season, ethics, health, sustainability, and quality that are embodied by hotels and restaurants across the seven countries. Currently, The Nordics boast 65 Michelin starred restaurants, 20 of which have been recognized with a Michelin Green Star for their sustainable practices, and more than 260 Michelin-recommended restaurants.

In The Nordics, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to eat like a local, whether at a restaurant or in a truly immersive experience out in nature.

OYSTER SAFARIS IN DENMARK
The UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea National Park is one of the world’s most important tidal zones and also the site of oyster safaris. Visitors at low tide can strap on waterproof boots and follow a guide to the oyster banks to gather the plentiful Danish delicacy for a tasting while learning the history of oysters in the area along the way. Tours last approximately 2.5 – 3 hours and take place in February through May and September through December. Sort Safari offers oyster safaris at DKK 275 (approximately US$40) which can be booked here. Those who want a full gastronomy trip should look at one of Denmark’s 26 Michelin-starred restaurants, vineyard visits to Europe’s northernmost grape-growing area, foraging tours, and a food walk in Copenhagen. In 2020, Michelin awarded 11 Danish restaurants with the Michelin Green Star. In 2021, World’s 50 Best Restaurants awarded the first and second spot to Denmark restaurants Noma, a Michelin Green Star recipient, and Geranium.

FAROE ISLANDS’ HOME HOSPITALITY
Traditional cuisine reigns in the 18-island archipelago of the Faroe Islands where Heimablídni, Faroese for home hospitality, is listed on the United Nations’ Sustainable Consumption and Production list.
The Faroese welcome travelers into their homes where they serve homemade dishes created from their own or their neighbors’ farms while sharing stories that relate to the country or local village. An array of experiences, from traditional dinners to day-long fishing and cooking excursions, can be booked online with rates starting at DKK 350 (approximately US$50). One restaurant that should be on the itinerary of any foodie is Ræst, which is Faroese for fermented. The menu is dedicated entirely to traditional Faroese fermented foods and combines modern gastronomic trends with ancient food traditions.

FINLAND FORAGING
Finland is actively creating sustainable solutions for food sourcing and production. Finns and visitors have “Everyman’s Rights,” a law that allows anyone the freedom to forage, fish (with a permit), and more. Finnish forests are brimming with nutrient-rich arctic superfoods in summer and early autumn that yield blueberries, chanterelles, and cloudberries. METTÄ’s Helsinki Wildfoods collective offers wild herb courses and foraging excursions, and guided mushroom-picking tours, like the ones offered at Hotel Punkaharju in eastern Finland, are also great for beginners. Those looking for something different and truly unique can travel to Lahti, the 2021 European Green Capital. There, Ant Brew’s latest “Wasted Potential” beer series includes Boreality Check which uses lichens from the north, Dumpster Diver brewed with orange peels from a local juicer, and Goosebumps that utilizes aromas from goose droppings. In Helsinki, Nolla was born out of a desire to serve great food with a waste-free ideology. Their in-house composter provides suppliers with composted soil to take back to their fields.

GREENLAND’S FRESH CATCHES
Every town in Greenland has a local fish and meat market called Kalaaliaraq (“little Greenlander”) where daily catches are sold. In addition to buying straight from the source, visitors can catch their own meal, dine with a local, or enjoy fine dining. Qooqqut Nuan, accessed by boat from Nuuk, is one of the most isolated restaurants in the world and features vegetables grown locally and fish from the nearby fjord. Visitors may catch their own fish which the restaurant will then prepare for them in one of several different ways. To dine with a local, the Greenlandic tradition of kaffemik, a large celebration hosted by a local, can be considered. Visitors can book a kaffemik experience which provides insight into Greenlandic homelife. The two Michelin-starred restaurant KOKS from the Faroe Islands is setting up shop in Ilimanaq north of Nuuk for the summers of 2022 and 2023. It will open in Ilimanaq Lodge, one of the oldest houses in Greenland, and have a focus on the clean, pure flavors of the ocean with plentiful seasonal herbs and wildflowers.

ICELAND’S GEOTHERMAL FARM-TO-TABLE
Geothermal energy is key for Icelandic cuisine and its organic produce. Icelandic farmers rely on greenhouse farming, which is heated and powered by readily available, 100% renewable geothermal energy. Visitors to Laugarvatn Fontana can see how Icelanders use geothermal energy to bake bread. For ISK 2300 (approximately US$18), participants can learn how the popular rye bread is baked underground near a hot spring, see the pot dug out of the hot black sand, and enjoy the bread while it’s still warm from the ground. Visitors can also enjoy farm-to-table experiences like a meal at Friðheimar’s greenhouse surrounded by tomato plants. With three different varieties grown on site, offerings include tomato soup, green tomato and apple pie, green tomato jam, tomato beer, or tomato schnapps (a hollow tomato filled with Icelandic Birch schnapps). Other places of note for farm-to-table cuisine include the Efstidalur farm hotel and Vogafjós farm café.

NORWAY UNDER THE SEA
Traditional Norwegian cuisine is largely a reflection of the environment, utilizing materials readily available in the country’s mountains, wilderness, and coast. Norway’s most unique dining experience combining marine research, architecture, and gastronomy can be found near the coast in Lindesnes. Under Restaurant allows travelers to dine underwater beneath a concrete shell created to act as an artificial reef. Half sunken 16 feet into the icy waters, Under provides visitors with an opportunity to view the rarely seen marine ecosystem of the North Atlantic Ocean while enjoying an 18-course, seafood-forward prix fixe menu with available wine pairings. Visitors can also time their visit with one of Norway’s popular food festivals, including the Gladmat food festival in Stavanger (June), Trøndelag Food Festival (July), and the Matstreif in Oslo (September).

SWEDEN’S BEST
Every year, the Nordic 360° Eat Guide recognizes establishments that showcase culinary excellence with sustainable practices. The 2021 standout nominees included Musselbaren which utilizes organic, locally-sourced ingredients with mussels as the star of the show. The restaurant offers a 4.5 hour mussels tour in a west Swedish fjord where participants will learn about the area, harvest their own catch, and prepare their meal. The grand finale is moule frites with fresh bread and aioli. Northwest of Stockholm, travelers can tour Sweden’s oldest orchard Köpings Musteri, an organically certified cider farm where a 1.5-hour tasting tour showcases 40 apple varieties and the cider production process. Set in the forests of Dalsland, Swedish Country Living offers guests a guided tour to learn about the property’s holistic approach to food, sustainable buildings, and regenerative agriculture. Standout Stockholm restaurants include Fotografiska which has a plant-based kitchen that received a Green Star from Michelin in 2021; Hermans, a vegetarian establishment where even the company car runs on biofuel; and K-märkt which focuses on reducing food waste by selling the food by weight.

ABADÍA RETUERTA LEDOMAINE CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

June 26, 2022 by evebushman

5^th June 2022, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine brought together friends and other esteemed guests for a special dinner to commemorate the hotel’s tenth anniversary.

It was a perfect moment to reflect on some of the highlights of their first decade in business.

RENOWNED HOSPITALITY

From the outset, the aim of Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine was to be able to invite guests to its striking enclave. Today, it is synonymous with unrivalled hospitality, authenticity and excellence in its treatment of guests and visitors, thanks to its butler service.

Amid an estate that spans 700 hectares, with a breathtaking 12^th-century monastery, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has become a must-visit for all those longing to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is ideal for those who wish to reconnect with nature, in a place where they can enjoy local and avant-garde cuisine, unwind in the Santuario Wellness&Spa, and revel in the estate’s exclusive, world-class wines.

This five-star hotel measures 8000 m², and it has thirty luxurious bedrooms, three of which are suites. The rooms are all exquisitely decorated, and they overlook a rippling sea of vineyards, providing the tranquillity and privacy that guests need.

Since 2020, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has been included in the exclusive list of Leading Hotels of the World.

IMPECCABLE, PRIZEWINNING GASTRONOMY

The cuisine offered by Abadía Retuerta is a true spectacle for the senses, and is sure to impress all those who visit. Its gastronomy has garnered numerous awards, most notably from the Michelin Guide and the Repsol Guide. The estate has four distinct eateries, each with a unique and surprising menu.

The estate’s flagship restaurant is Refectorio, which has held a Michelin Star since 2014, a Green Star since 2020, as well as two Repsol Suns. Under the guidance of head chef Marc Segarra, its menu is deeply rooted in the surrounding lands: Segarra uses locally sourced produce to capture the essence of the region and pay tribute to its people. He proudly showcases produce from over 50 local suppliers and 30 towns and villages, from all nine provinces of Castilla y León.

Vinoteca, Calicata Terroir Bar, Jardín del Claustro (the Cloister Garden) and Pool Bar (the latter two of which only open in summer) round off the resort’s offering for foodies. In all of them, the guiding philosophy is a focus on high-quality local and seasonal food.

AN ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE ATMOSPHERE

All those who choose Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine can feel safe in the knowledge that they are supporting a business that believes in sustainability, that looks after the environment, makes use of natural resources in an ethical way, and seeks to boost the local economy. This haven of experiences was awarded Green Globe certification in late 2021, proving its credentials as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. A mere 650 hotels have been granted this endorsement, only four of which are in Spain.

One of its key projects with regards to sustainability is the Monks’ Vegetable Garden. This allotment spans 1200 m² and sits on the banks of the River Duero, exactly where the monks used to grow their own produce centuries ago. The crops are cultivated with traditional methods, under the philosophy of biodynamics. This garden has become the natural pantry for all of the hotel’s restaurants, providing them with superb seasonal produce. With this project, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine once again proves its commitment to the local, as well as respecting nature and its seasons.

A LONG TRADITION OF WINEMAKING

With over 30 years of history and a winemaking tradition dating back more than eight centuries, Abadía Retuerta finds its true essence and raison d’être in its single-plot Pago wine, which reflects all the personality and uniqueness of the local terroir. The abbey’s monks were the first to grow grapes and make wine on this site, right on the banks of the Duero, with its long tradition of winemaking. Today, the winery is perfectly integrated into the stunning surroundings, and Abadía Retuerta is one of the most renowned wine producers in the area.

The estate spans 700 hectares, and its vineyards are divided into distinct plots or “pagos”: there is the Pago Negralada (100% Tempranillo); Pago Valdebellón (100% Cabernet Sauvingnon); Pago Garduña (100% Syrah) and Petit Verdot (100% Petit Verdot).

Abadía Retuerta is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced wineries in Europe. Designed by French wine expert Pascal Delbeck, its current consultant, and aided by the viticulturist and wine expert Ángel Anocíbar, it was one of the first facilities in Spain to move wine using gravity alone. Its system for lifting tanks with cranes, as well as its own patented system for transferring wine, are particularly noteworthy.

The estate’s unique wines have won numerous prizes and awards. For instance, Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 2001 won the prize for Best Red Wine in the World – Red Wine Trophy, at the 2005 International Wine Challenge in London (Wine Magazine, UK).

UNWIND AT SANTUARIO WELLNESS & SPA

A true oasis, right at the heart of nature. Santuario Wellness & Spa was opened in 2015, as a haven of wellbeing. It is built into an underground space where the abbey’s stables used to be, while several openings ensure 80% natural light, making a warm and cosy environment. It measures over 1000 m², and its water is extracted from a well at a depth of 120 metres, before being decalcified and, after undergoing reverse osmosis, stored in a 120,000-litre tank, thereby providing a quality of drinking water similar to natural mineral water.

Santuario Wellness & Spa strives to innovate: it has its own Spa Sommelier, who designs a tailor-made experience that matches guests’ physical and emotional needs and expectations. The philosophy is based on traditional Tibetan medicine and its key elements, namely wind, fire, earth and air.

One of the exclusive holistic experiences, as offered by Santuario LeDomaine Wellness & Spa since 2020, is the session with Tibetan Singing Bowls, as part of the Balancing Ritual VibraHealing®. This rounded experience focuses on relaxation and reaching a state of balance in both body and mind.

A TASTE FOR ART

Fine art is important to Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine. The estate has its own open-air museum, by the German sculptor Ulrich Rückriem, as well as a private collection with over 170 works. These pieces range from the 12^th to the 21^st century, by artists including Palma il Giovane, Guardi, Panini, Joan Miró and Rückriem. There are also French tapestries, antique Spanish furniture, paintings, sculptures, reliefs and rugs. One of the latest additions to the collection is ‘Rumor de Límites V’ (1959) by Eduardo Chillida, a unique piece sculpted in steel, which is currently on loan to the Museo San Telmo in San Sebastián. In its place, guests can contemplate ‘Lotura’ in the Jardín de Hospedería, also by Chillida. Furthermore, in 2021, a new artists’ residency project was launched, in which national and international artists are invited to live and work at the resort. The first guest artist was Abderrahim Yamou (Casablanca, 1959).

The ancient Abbey of Santa María de Retuerta has become much more than a hotel and winery. It is a project that strives to uphold and enhance a legacy that goes back over nine centuries, with a sense of responsibility and generosity. This commitment to sharing the estate’s heritage with today’s generations, and ensuring that it lives on into the future, is the reason why Abadía Retuerta seeks to add ever more value to its own history. This is done by fostering creativity right now, in the 21^st century, and this can be seen in its gastronomy, winemaking and genuine engagement with art. A year ago, a new art project was launched with the aim of getting more out of the existing collection, and further expanding it. A fundamental aspect of this project is to collaborate with other cultural agents, understanding culture here as a vital social driving force that can lead to brighter futures.

AWARDS

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has received multiple accolades in the field of luxury and sustainable experiences. The most recent one is the Green Globe certification, which endorses this resort as one of the most sustainable in the world, thanks to the environmentally-friendly policies brought in over the years. Abadía Retuerta also featured in Travellers’ Choice 2021, by Trip Advisor, based on the exceptional reviews and opinions submitted to the travel platform over the past year. With this honour, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is deemed to be one of the best hotels in the world.

The hotel also won the 2021 “Best Wine Tourism Experience” from the International Wine Challenge, as well as the LHW Membership Award 2021 as “Best Hotel for Remarkable Experiences”, according to Leading Hotels of The World, the exclusive list of over 400 luxury destinations in 80 countries. Other awards include the Trip Advisor certificate of excellence, granted for the fifth year running; the Best Wine Tourism Management Award, presented at the 12th Edition of the Wine Markets and Distribution Business Awards in 2018; and the 2018 CN Traveler Award in the category of Best Hotel for Getaways in Spain. In 2019, the CN Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards voted Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine as Best Hotel #2 in Spain and Portugal. It was also chosen, in 2019, as the Best Luxury Hotel in Spain by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

The New York Times commended Abadía Retuerta as a must-visit destination, naming it one of its 52 places to go in 2018. Furthermore, TripAdvisor users chose it as the Best Hotel in Spain, 2018. In 2017, it was named Hideaway of the Year in the distinguished annual Andrew Harper awards and Best Hotel in Spain and Portugal at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Tatler Travel Guide selected it as one of the 101 best hotels in the world, and The Telegraph 50 as one of the best hotels in Spain for spring and summer.

Another noteworthy recognition was the Equality between Women and Men in the Workplace award by Óptima Castilla y León. Similarly, the Valladolid Provincial Council granted Abadía Retuerta the Equality between Women and Men in the Workplace, business category award.

In late 2019, the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) awarded Abadía Retuerta the certification of Wineries for Climate Protection (WfCP), which has since been renewed in 2020. This recognises Abadía Retuerta’s commitment to sustainable development and the environment, with only 31 wineries having been awarded this certification in Spain.

ABOUT ABADÍA RETUERTA

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is located less than a two-hours’ drive from the Spanish capital, Madrid, in the heart of the Duero Valley, on the outskirts of Sardón de Duero (Valladolid). It is home to a 5-star hotel and a world-class winery, set in the grounds of a 12th-century monastery originally founded by the Premonstratensian Order in Spain. The estate spans 700 hectares (including 200 hectares of vineyards), while the hotel itself is 8000 m², with 30 exclusive rooms (27 double rooms and three suites), eight of which are located in the old stables. It also offers a full butler service.

The resort offers a wide range of experiences, related to wine, gastronomy, nature, art and wellbeing. Its flagship restaurant, Refectorio, holds a Michelin Star, a Green Star and two Repsol Suns, and the estate now also has Green Globe certification, proving its credentials as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is the ideal destination for unwinding in the name of wellness, or where business and pleasure can come together. The estate’s winery is one of the most innovative in Europe, and its wine has won international accolades, even being featured in Wine Spectator’s list of the “100 Best Wines in the World”.