Wine Touring in Tuscany – Chianti

To enjoy a wine tour on your own, bring along a lot of time and a little sense of adventure. In a world full of deadlines and schedules, enjoy the freedom of not having an itinerary. Now and then, take some small diversions from the main road to some minor ones. Just do what you…

Wine Touring in Tuscany – Montepulciano

Degustazione is the word to watch for on the winery signposts along the various wine routes in Tuscany. This means that you can taste the wine produced at that vineyard and if you like it, you can buy a few bottles. You might also want to keep your eyes open for an enoteca – this is an establishment, usually in a town, where you can sample wines from a wide variety of local wine estates. Here’s our take on what is the best way to discover Montepulciano and how to go wine touring.

Heidelberg – a romantic intellectual

Heidelberg is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and will spellbind you from the moment you drive towards it from the other side of the Neckar river. Located in southwest Germany in the region of Baden-Württemberg, this charming city is surrounded by steep hills and stunning nature, underscored by a winding river…

Albi – in the country of Cathars, Bastides and Wine

Albi rises as a majestic red brick giant over the Tarn river in the Occitanie region of France. It has given name to the horrifying Albigensian Crusade on its own people – the heretic Cathars. It has given birth to great artists and explorers. And it has given rise to the largest brick cathedral in the World.

Here’s our Top 10 things to see in Albi:

Best of Northern Portugal in Pictures

Porto is the best base for exploring northern Portugal. Not only is the historical centre of Porto a UNESCO World heritage, so is the Douro Valley to the east, Guimaraes – the birthplace of Portugal and Braga – city of archbishops. Let us take you on a photo tour of the most beautiful places in the Norte region:

Vendanges – Grape picking in France

Tessa Laroche stands in the fermentation room, surrounded by stainless steel tanks and pours us a glass of the 2015 Domaine aux Moines. The pneumatic press behinds us makes some peculiar sounds. She raises her arms, like a conductor, moves her hands in time with the noise and with a slight bow emphasises the last commotion of the press.

Tessa is the maestro and the wine is her symphony.

The Art of Pintxos

From Donostia (Basque for San Sebastián) to Iruña (Basque for Pamplona), in every posh bar or local tavern, they’re lined up in the bar. Some more lavishly decorated than others, but all with the same purpose: to satisfy the small or big appetite. Maybe even in a happy marriage with some local wine.

Pintxos!