Food, Wine and Travel Blog

Where to Dine while Touring in Provence. “The French think mainly about two things – their two main meals,” a Parisian was once heard to say, and nowhere is this truer than in Provence. The undisputed European capital of summer tourism and arguably France’s most celebrated region, Provencal cuisine is now among the country’s best, […]

If anyone wants an example of how a wine-producing nation can completely reinvent itself, they should look to Spain. Once renowned for Rioja, Sherry, and indeed, little else, Spain now boasts a plethora of fashionable regions and modern wineries, sustained by continuing investment from both local entrepreneurs and global visionaries. Moreover, massive investment in regions […]

In the space of just over fifteen years, a remarkable resurgence in the quality and quantity of luxury wine hotels has left the discerning oenophile seriously spoilt for choice. Pioneers like Rioja’s Marques de Riscal and Jean-Michel Cages, owner of Cordeillan Bages in Bordeaux, have given the industry a much-needed boost with their natural talent […]

[Updated Nov 2017] Want to Splash out on Posh Bubbles? Here is a list of our suggested top (and most expensive) Champagnes… There is no questioning the marketing genius of the major Champagne houses. They have ensured that Champagne’s name continues to carry almost mystical properties for the vast majority of us, and it is […]

There can be few grape varieties more famous and world-renowned than Malbec. Essentially another of Bordeaux’s rejects, the peppery, black-fruited Malbec has found favor in all corners of the globe and is today one of the most popular wine styles. The world, it seems, has fallen in love with Malbec’s density, its considerable flesh, and […]

Madrid, despite being the Capital that never sleeps is surprisingly difficult when it comes to finding top eateries on Sundays and even Mondays. Some quite careful planning is required to avoid being disappointed. As our guests naturally need to dine 7 days a week and are always seeking excellence, we have drawn up this list […]

For many years, connoisseurs have been arguing over who makes the perfect macaron. What is ‘merely’ a moreish concoction of egg whites, sugar, ground almonds, and icing sugar has become something of a massive cult food item among patisserie lovers in recent times. Some would argue that this exquisitely formed, bite-size ‘meringue sandwich’ finds its […]

Why visit the Douro Valley? There can be few more awe-inspiring sights than a visitor’s first glimpse of the steep, terraced vineyards of the Douro. Ancient vines cover the hills, which roll down to the magnificent Douro River creating a timeless scene of small villages and whitewashed houses perched high above the valley. It is […]

Port wine traditionally comes from the Douro Valley in beautiful Northern Portugal. The wineries are called Quintas” and they line the terraced hills rising up from the Douro river, east of Oporto nearly reaching the border of Spain. The name “Port Wine” is protected by the Appellation system (Denomination of Origin), just as “Champagne” can […]

The Best Sherry’s from Jerez There can be few wine connoisseurs who are totally immune to the Sherry region’s considerable charms – a unique wine style that has been produced for centuries. Indeed, it remains one of the best value fine wines available in the world today – a superlative bottle of Fino will often […]

Which restaurants open in Barcelona on Sundays and Mondays? Sundays and Mondays are traditional closing days in Spain for restaurants, and Barcelona is no exception. It is notoriously hard to find nice places to eat on these days. If you don’t plan it properly, you can end up in terrifyingly bad tourist dives, very disappointed. […]

There can be no finer way to explore the incredibly diverse and captivating Iberian Peninsula than by train. Relax in comfort, take in the scenery, sip Rioja, and wait for the next adventure. For it must be said that Spain’s much-improved rail network is now one of the most efficient and modern in the world […]