Innholdsfortegnelse for 02/2022 i Falstaff International

DEAR READERS! Summer, joy, life! We live in times that are anything but carefree. On the contrary, a plethora of worrying developments – from the potential resurgence of the pandemic to the threat of war on our continent and the spectre of inflation – cast a shadow over our everyday lives. Against this backdrop, there is a palpable sense of a yearning to escape, even if only for a few weeks, days or just one evening. We at Falstaff WINE FOOD TRAVEL have made it our mission to inspire your travels and culinary outings, and to share with you some of the world’s most stunning destinations, best restaurants and honest wine recommendations. In this edition of our WINE FOOD TRAVEL magazine we celebrate summer in all its glory. We set…

Together with ecotourism pioneer Costas Christ, luxury lodge operator And Beyond is setting new standards in sustainable tourism with its joint e-booking platform staybeyondgreen.com. “We are committed to protecting our planet’s natural and cultural heritage, while enhancing the wellbeing of local communities,” they state. The offer currently comprises hotels in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific Islands. . Even their loyalty programme is designed to give back to local communities. staybeyondgreen.com…

The iconic sporting and country estate launched its first ever city outpost at 37-39 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh. The building was originally home to the British Linen Company which later became the Bank of Scotland. The historic building has now been re-imagined to present “the perfect urban getaway.” Gleneagles Townhouse will feature 33 bedrooms, a vibrant all-day restaurant and two “striking bars, including a rooftop terrace with views over the city.” Gleneagles Townhouse will also be home to a members’ club with exclusive private spaces. The owners envision it to be “a community of brilliant minds where creative ideas can be exchanged, and passions shared.” They want to bring “countryside flair to life on a city square.” gleneagles.com/townhouse…

AT PARADERO TODOS SANTOS, THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES FARMING AND STARGAZING The Mexican peninsula of Baja California now boasts a luxury resort dedicated to sustainable tourism. Rather than depending on its proximity to the beach for custom, the resort woos travellers with its barren desert backdrop and interiors that pair rough concrete with cosy boho chic. The hotel is spread between 35 buildings grouped around a central garden – an arrangement that evokes the historic missions of California. But there is an important difference: rather than being dedicated to religion, the resort aims to provide a place of contemplation and an authentic natural experience – a retreat for nature-loving bohemians. Covering more than two hectares, the grounds border several small farms, the mountains of the Sierra de la Laguna loom on…

RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION EVRIMA WILL SET OFF ON ITS INAUGURAL VOYAGE IN AUGUST. Ritz-Carlton will soon be the very first hotel chain to start moonlighting as a cruise line. The group’s EVRIMA, one of three brand-new luxury yachts, launches in August. This new fleet closes the gap between cruising and private yachting. The yacht’s five restaurants will serve gourmet cuisine, with one headed by three-Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua. One of many highlights is the marina at the rear, where guests have direct access to the sea with a wide range of sporting options. During a one-week cruise, the yacht will stop off at a maximum of five destinations, at each of them, the focus is on curated, fully immersive on-shore experiences. The EVRIMA will cruise the Mediterranean during…

STAYING MENORCA EXPERIMENTAL A fresh lick of paint and artistic interiors have given new lease of life to this 19th-century finca. The fashionable boutique hotel with 43 colourful rooms channels the spirit of a holiday cottage where a local artist would spend the summer and search for inspiration. Every square metre of this 30-acre property is unbelievably photogenic, with Instagram-worthy moments wherever you look. The rustic outdoor restaurant and the spa, kept in in pale pink hues throughout, are just as stylish as the hotel itself. A range of adventure-filled activities ensure you get the most out of your island getaway. Doubles from £280 per night. menorcaexperimental.com FAUSTINO GRAN RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX Understated luxury and Mediterranean heritage unite to create an incomparable experience. The hotel which consists of three palaces…

While other hotel groups struggled throughout the pandemic, Six Senses evolved into a global player setting new standards in wellness and sustainability. CEO Neil B. Jacobs explains how they did it. FALSTAFF How would you describe Six Senses to somebody who does not know the hotel group? NEIL B. JACOBS We are a brand with an individual approach to design and locations. Today we have a global presence, but that only developed over the past 10 years; before that, people only knew us from Southeast Asia. By now, you no longer just find our properties on tropical beaches but in mountains, deserts and cities as well. How do you establish a common denominator across the world to ensure your brand is recognised? When we were expanding, it was clear that while…

Sales of English and Welsh wines have risen by nearly 70% since 2019. WineGB reports 9.3 million bottles were sold in 2021, vis-à-vis 7.1 million bottles in 2020 and 5.5 million in 2019. Exports rose by 21%, but only represent 4% of sales, pointing to a buoyant domestic market. More than 7.5 million new vines were planted in the UK over the past four years alone, taking the total hectarage to 1,646 hectares. CEO Simon Thorpe MW says: “It really is boom time for the English wine sector – our wines are attracting more and more fans, proven by the fantastic growth in wine sales in the home market. There has never been a better time to celebrate our flourishing home wine industry.” winegb.co.uk…

It was a bottle of Gérard Boulay’s Sancerre Le Monts Damnés 2008 that was the revelation. It was drunk in late 2020 after having slumbered in my cellar since 2010. The wine had lost its primary flavours of fruit, instead there was and incredible concentration and depth, expressing deepest chalkiness. Of course, Boulay is one of Sancerre’s best winemakers and the vineyard, a steep and south-facing hillside on Kimmeridgian limestone in the village of Chavignol, is one of Sancerre’s best sites – so it should have the concentration and ability to age and evolve. And here is the rub: while wine collectors age fine white Burgundies, Chablis and other Chardonnays, they are much less likely to age Sauvignon Blanc-based whites. White Bordeaux is the exception that proves this rule. With…

During the last four decades, I’ve had the time of my life building a multi-generational family wine business and global portfolio of wine estates. Travelling up and down the Pacific coastline of California and Oregon and across the world’s winegrowing regions keeps me on the move. I am constantly looking for the next opportunity or the perfect vineyard to make the next 100-point wine. Slowing down doesn’t always come easy when there are things to do or calls to make, but when you love what you do, it never feels like work. Summer is togetherness with my children Katie, Julia and Chris and my seven grandchildren. Time to unwind with my family in special places is my greatest joy. Although life still moves quickly, summertime gives me a chance to…

BEST OF LEFT BANK 96–98 CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2021 Pauillac, £2,904.00/six bottles in bond 96–98 CHÂTEAU MARGAUX 2021 Margaux, £2,550.00/six bottles in bond 95–97 CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 2021 Pessac-Léognan, £2,550.00/six bottles in bond 95–97 CHÂTEAU LATOUR 2021 Pauillac, not sold en primeur 95–97 CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE-LAS-CASES 2021 Saint-Julien, £975.00/six bottles in bond 94–96 CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU 2021 Saint-Julien, £954.00/six bottles in bond 94–96 CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 2021 Pessac-Léognan, £1,350.00/six bottles in bond 94–96 CHÂTEAU LES CARMES HAUT-BRION 2021 Pessac-Léognan, £474.00/six bottles in bond 94–96 CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 2021 Pauillac, £2,550.00/six bottles in bond BEST OF RIGHT BANK 96–98 CHÂTEAU AUSONE 2021 Saint-Émilion, £3,000.00/six bottles in bond 95–97 CHÂTEAU CHEVAL BLANC 2021 Saint-Émilion, £2,370.00/six bottles in bond 95–97 CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR 2021 Pomerol, £3,254.00/six bottles in bond 95–97 VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 2021 Pomerol, £1,368.00/six…

With the appointment of executive chef Riccardo Canella and the introduction of a new menu, the famous Venetian hotel re-opened its 70-seater open-air restaurant and oyster bar in late June, overlooking the island of San Giorgio. Fresh fish and shellfish from the Adriatic Sea will be on the daily seafood-focused menu that “melds Italian and Venetian traditions.” Vintage Champagnes from Dom Pérignon, Krug and Ruinart will be served by the glass. belmond.com…

Michelin-starred chef Alex Dilling will open his first standalone restaurant this summer in London’s Hotel Café Royal. Dilling, who has cooked with luminaries like Alain Ducasse and Hélène Darroze, was formerly the head chef at the two-Michelin star Greenhouse restaurant in Mayfair until it closed during the Covid pandemic in 2020. “This gastronomic restaurant will be one built around generosity, impeccable product and French technique.” The 34-seat dining room will be located on the first floor of the luxury hotel. hotelcaferoyal.com & alexdilling.com…

MOZZARELLA By definition, the queen of fresh cheeses has to be made from buffalo’s milk – because otherwise it should be called Fior di Latte – thus the term buffalo Mozzarella is a tautology. FIOR DI LATTE This is Mozzarella made from cow’s milk. In southern Italy, unlike Mozzarella, it is not often shaped into a ball but into a square loaf that contains less whey which makes it better suited to pizza and cooking. The most famous Fior di Latte of Campania comes from Agerola and Vico Equense, two communes in the aptly named Monti Lattari – which literally translates as ‘milk mountains.’ PROVOLA/PROVOLONE Matured Mozzarella, also made from buffalo’s milk, has a different, firmer consistency and often comes in a cone or skittle shape that is tied with…

1 SORREL 77 South Street Dorking, Surrey RH4 2JU 2 BARATXURI 10 Square Street Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9BE 3 FIEND 301 Portobello Road London W10 5TD 4 THE COVE 53 Waites Lane Fairlight, TN35 4AX 5 THE WOOLPACK INN Church Lane, Warehorne Ashford, Kent, TN26 2LL 6 LISBOETA 30 Charlotte Street London W1T 2NG SORREL Dorking, Surrey 1 Steve Drake is a chef I have followed for many years since encountering his cooking at Drake’s in Ripley, where he held a Michelin star for 14 years. A former Roux Scholarship winner, his CV is a glittering roll call of top restaurants from the last 25 years, including Chez Nico at Ninety Park Lane and L’Arpège in Paris. Sorrel opened in 2017, housed in a beautiful 300-year-old Grade II listed building…

PICTURESQUE PLACE Bellagio is situated between the two southern branches of Lake Como. The town is famous for the historic mansions Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. Its old town with the Basilica of San Giacomo is a sight to behold. bellagiolakecomo.com MANDARIN ORIENTAL Like a haven of tranquillity, the hotel – with the 19th-century Villa Roccabruna at its core – is situated right on the waterfront and has the largest spa in the region. L˜ARIA, one of its excellent restaurants, serves up Michelin-starred food. Doubles including breakfast from approx. £552 per night. mandarinoriental.com VILLA LÀRIO When classic Italian architecture meets modern luxury, the result is a harmonious ensemble, as demonstrated by the all-suites estate Villa Làrio in Pognana Lario. Young chef Alex Visconti brings his vision to the in-house restaurant,…

Austria is a country that sets great store by tradition. As a result, it boasts a large number of historic sights and monuments that still convey a tangible sense of pomp and ceremony. In many places, the spirit of the former Habsburg monarchy still feels close to the touch – like in the Salzkammergut region close to Salzburg. Emperor Franz Joseph I was a fan of this idyllic lake landscape – every year he would decamp with his household to a summer residence on the lake, taking a break from the exertions of ruling. In those days, summer holidays were a new fashion, swiftly emulated by the bourgeoisie who started eyeing the countryside with new interest. The Salzkammergut region and the spa town of Bad Ischgl, just 20 kilometres from…

Sturdy footwear is a must if you want to get up close to wildlife and be active outdoors. But don’t forget to pack a few glam ensembles for that sophisticated dinner look.…

DAS ACHENTAL NESTLED BETWEEN CHIEMSEE AND KAMPENWAND, THIS RESORT COMBINES RELAXATION AND PLEASURE FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Achental Resort offers sublime wellbeing, effortless luxury and first-rate service. Since opening 70 years ago, the hotel has grown from a small equestrian centre to an exclusive resort with 179 fabulous bedrooms and suites. It has an 18-hole golf course, extensive wellness and spa area and a wide choice of restaurants. These range from exclusive fine dining to a mountain lodge serving rustic treats and Germany’s loveliest halfway lodge at the 10th hole, all of which provide culinary delights for all tastes and at all hours of the day. Golfers can tee off right on the hotel’s doorstep at the adjoining championship golf course, one of the Leading Golf…

THE MOST IMPRESSIVE TRAILS BERLIN HIGH TRAIL Starting point: Finkenberg, Zillertal valley (Tyrol/Austria) Duration: up to 8 days Distance: 85 kilometres Difficulty: medium Highlight: deep blue lakes, easy sections of rock climbs, stunning glaciers, cosy mountain huts, not to mention many captivating vistas. SEISER ALM / ALPE DI SIUSI Starting point: Compatsch (Alto Adige/Italy) Duration: 3 days Distance: 33 kilometres Difficulty: medium Highlight: Europe’s biggest alpine meadow gets 300 days of sun. The tour past the mountain huts Schlern, Plattkofel and Murmeltierhütte takes hikers past fantastic rock formations. DOLOMITES ALPINE RIDGEWAY 1 Starting point: Lago di Braies (Alto Adige/Italy) Duration: 8–12 days Distance: 150 kilometres Difficulty: easy, short climb at the beginning Highlights: one of the most beautiful and also one of the easier mountain trails in the Dolomites. The…

CASA COOK RHODES Each of the 96 one- or two-storey suites at the beachside hotel comes with an individual swim-up pool. There is a gym, along with yoga classes and personal trainers plus comfort food made with fresh herbs grown in the hotel’s garden. CASA COOK EL GOUNA, EGYPT The hotel has 100 rooms and villas in total, some of which come with shared pools. Guests can look forward to a gym, spa and exciting cuisine. CASA COOK NORTH COAST, EGYPT The hotel, by a sandy beach, has over 38 rooms and offers yoga, pilates, aromatherapy and an outdoor gym. CASA COOK SAMOS The 128-room hotel overlooks the endless beaches of the Aegean coast. Six pools, a yoga shala, wellness centre and spa suites with a hammam and massages ensure…

This summer, the Ikos Resort Andalusia in Spain and the Ikos Olivia in Greece are very much on the ball: the luxury resorts invite up-and-coming footballers aged between five and 15 to five-day soccer camps with “daily coaching from legendary players” and UEFA-licensed coaches. Some big names featuring this year are Robbie Keane, Ashley Williams, Joe Cole, Anton Ferdinand, Billy Wingrove and Steve Sidwell. Parents can cheer from the sidelines or chill by the pool while the kids have the experience of a lifetime. ikosresorts.com…

STAYING MASSERIA SAN DOMENICO Once a mediaeval watchpost, this lovely farmhouse hotel is steeped in history – and the perfect sanctuary for those seeking ultimate rest and relaxation amid gorgeous scenery. A mere 500 metres from the sea, this luxury mansion boasts a premium Thalasso spa, two sizable pools and its own 18-hole golf course. Four restaurants and two bars offer the best that Puglian cuisine has to offer, including unbelievably flavourful spaghetti alle vongole. Doubles from £465 per night. masseriasandomenico.com BORGO EGNAZIA The immaculately designed resort is considered to be the best in all of Puglia, and rightfully so: it is the perfect replica of a traditional Puglian village, with all the charm, beauty and warm hospitality that the region is so famous for. Nestled between an ancient olive…

First published in 2005 under the title Wine, A Life Uncorked, the book has now been updated by Johnson himself “to take in two decades of change in the wine world.” The new edition will reveal “the wines that give him the most pleasure.” There also is a new chapter on sparkling wine, especially “the new fizz of our own English vineyards.” Retailing at £30, it will be published in July by Académie du Vin Library. With over 20 million books sold in his 60-year career, Johnson is the world’s best-selling wine writer. academieduvinlibrary.com…

After the 2021 vintage was 19% down on the previous year and spelled a global shortage of Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand is relieved to report increased volumes for the 2022 vintage that will “help the industry rebuild stocks.” Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, said: “There is no doubt we urgently needed an improved harvest this year after cool weather and frosts impacted 2021. The improved harvest is good news for the industry and customers. Producers will be able to rebuild depleted stocks and sales.” nzwine.com…

Dr. Mike Trought, adjunct associate professor at New Zealand’s Lincoln University and honorary fellow of Plant and Food Research New Zealand, notes that any discussion of Sauvignon Blanc’s adaptability to climate change, “depends on the interpretation of adaptable.” He points out that while Sauvignon Blanc grows in a range of climates, its aromatic expression is directly linked to climate. Marlborough’s ground-breaking style with its mix of green and tropical flavours is thus endangered by a warming climate. Sauvignon Blanc is indeed suited to warmer climates, like California, but particular aspects of its aromatic expression may be lost. Trought says that preserving the intriguing mix of green and tropical notes can be managed, to a degree, by “a number of alternative management strategies” like “vineyard development in cooler, higher latitudes and/or…

98 BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS RAUL PEREZ La Vizcaina La Vitoriana Mencia 2019, Bierzo Elegant bouquet with notes of dark and red forest fruit, sour cherry and blackberry, with mineral-spicy hints and some clove as well as pepper. Juicy and aromatic on the palate with sour cherry and blood orange. Fine-grained tannin and long finish with a spicy touch. Has a salty-mineral effect. 96 TELMO RODRIGUEZ LADEIRAS DO XIL Valdeorras As Caborcas 2018 Valdeorras Fruity-spicy bouquet with notes of raspberry, sour cherry, dark forest fruit with hints of liquorice and herbal spice as well as floral nuances. Fresh and wild in its own way on the palate with aromas of dark berries and a herbal savouriness. Elegant acidity and tannins, long finish. 95 TELMO RODRIGUEZ PEGASO VINAS VIEJAS Arrebatacapas 2018 Sierra…

Relationships and writing projects have one thing in common; they take trial and error to get right, to find that balance between mutual understanding and need, maturity and knowing what you want. Road trips are the same. I have written and directed two feature films and they were both road movies. Difficult-to-make road movies. I can’t say I got it right. There’s something about the road. Every mile racked up launches you to a new adventure. But it wasn’t until I discovered road trips and wine tasting that I knew I had found the acme of travel. And wine tasting road trips, which more or less originated in California, are meant to be taken in the summer when the vines are leafed out in all their verdancy, when the air…

Inventors at Finnish startup Superground claim their “one-of-a-kind food technology” will enable manufacturers of chicken products to get “30% more from poultry by harnessing the full nutritional potential of bones.” Their concept is based on a new way of processing chicken bones so they can be used in chicken products like kebabs, nuggets and meatballs, apparently “without compromising on taste”. They claim this will “help to lower emissions and food waste.” superground.com…

Running through the summer months, Louis Vuitton’s latest opening is on the terrace of the White 1921 Hotel right in the centre of Saint Tropez. The restaurant will be led by Parisian chef and TV star Mory Sacko who took Paris by storm at his MoSuke restaurant. His unique fusion of West African, Japanese and French gastronomic influences also informs this menu. louisvuitton.com…

Eight months a year, I enjoy playing a little game with my English friends. “What temperature do you think it is in my hometown now?” I ask. Knowing I was raised in Greece, but not knowing much of the country’s climate year round, I invariably get some very wishful thinking. Most recently, I got a Caribbean-sounding 30 degrees Celsius; the actual temperature was just above the water-freezing mark. Indeed, northern Greece can get quite cold, snow is no stranger and neither is heavy rain. As for Britain, despite southern European lore, the weather is actually rather mild. So eight months a year, I amuse myself by pointing out to Brits how Ioannina is colder than Manchester, Thessaloniki wetter than London – and how this feels just like home, only milder.…

When spring finally appears I usually breathe a sigh of relief that my hibernation is over. I can start looking forward to the smell of freshly cut grass and the sound of bees harvesting nectar, to my garden bursting forth into blossom and scent. I simply love summer. Summer for me is about fresh, light flavours. I take inspiration from far flung countries that enjoy the luxury of heat all year round, where limes, lemons, coriander and mint are king, where spices are used to great effect and flavours are strong but not heavy. Summer is also about spending time with friends and family in the garden, on the beach or in a park. And what works best here is ‘interactive’ food as I like to call it for my…

In spring, fruit and almond trees burst into bloom, their delicate pink and white blossoms exuding a beguiling fragrance. In summer, palm trees sway gently in the wind, while banana trees thrive well into the autumn. This seemingly Mediterranean paradise is created by the special microclimate around Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland. With its four branches and a series of twists and turns, this unusually shaped lake straddles four Swiss cantons: Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne lie along its shores. Tourists have flocked here for centuries to cool off in its clear waters and relax on its shores. None other than Mark Twain contributed significantly to the region’s fame, especially internationally. Back in 1879, the American writer described a climb up Mount Rigi in the most glowing terms and raved…

Stylish and experienced sun worshippers know the drill: their beach bags hold chic sports equipment, elegant entertainment and colour-coordinated UV protection for the eyes. Watch out for the rhinos, zebras and wildebeests! These handy items will have you prepared to take on the wilderness – and look gorgeous in the process.…

THE MOST IMPRESSIVE TRAILS FROMMES TRAIL Starting point: Fisser Joch (Serfaus Fiss Ladis, Tyrol, Austria) Duration: 3 hours Distance: 19.5 kilometres Grade: moderate Highlights: flagship trail in an alpine setting with beautiful views. Includes difficult technical sections for the more adventurous. ALPS EPIC TRAIL Starting point: Jakobshorn near Davos (Graubünden, Switzerland) Duration: 4.5 hours Distance: 40.1 kilometres Suitable for: experienced (e-)mountain bikers Highlights: designated an IMBA Epic Trail and thus one of the best in the world. Has a spectacular downhill ride. MATZALM TRAIL Starting point: centre of Leogang (Saalfelden-Leogang, Salzburg, Austria) Duration: 3 hours Distance: 16.4 kilometres Grade: difficult Highlight: unspoiled, varied single trail with fantastic views of the Leogang Mountains, the Steinernes Meer and the Hochkönig. STILFSERJOCH Starting point: Prad am Stilfserjoch / Prato Allo Stelvio (Alto Adige,…

THE MOST SPECTACULAR COURSES GOLFCLUB ST. VIGIL SEIS Location: St. Vigil in Seis (Alto Adige/Italy) Length: 5,017 metres (men’s tee) Course: 18-hole, par 69 Course rating: 67.2 (men) Suitable for: all handicaps Highlights: unrivalled location at the foot of the famous Seiser Alm; par 3 with the greatest altitude difference in Europe at hole 15. GOLFCLUB SEEFELD-WILDMOOS Location: Wildmoos in Seefeld (Tyrol/Austria) Length: 5,221 metres (men’s tee) Course: 18-hole, par 70 Course rating: 69 (men) Suitable for: all handicaps Highlight: exhilarating location with views over the peaks and mountain ranges of the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains. GOLF ASCONA Location: Ascona (Ticino/Switzerland) Length: 5,578 metres (men’s tee) Course: 18-hole, par 72 Course rating: 69.4 (men) Suitable for: scratch and bogey players Highlight: magnificent mature trees and a beautiful natural setting; a…

FALSTAFF From luxury hotels to a thermal spa and an exclusive clinic, you produce a constant stream of much-admired buildings, as well as designing ground-breaking products and receiving awards by the dozen. What are you working on at the moment? MATTHEO THUN My current projects include buildings on the shores of Lake Chiemsee, Lake Starnberg and Lake Tegernsee in Bavaria, Germany. What all these projects have in common is that they focus on physical and mental wellbeing: everything revolves around fasting, simple, healthy food and self-discovery. These projects elevate the patient to the status of a guest. The pandemic had a huge impact on the hospitality and tourism sector. What are the biggest changes? The winner has very clearly been health and wellbeing tourism. Conscious design is taking over from one-dimensional…

Held at the Kyrö distillery in the small town of Isokyrö near Vaasa in Finland, the one-day festival taking place on 20 August 2022, “celebrates good drinks, good food and live music.” Local artists feature and “visitors can enjoy whisky tastings, distillery tours, and a whole host of BBQ,” as well as the Kyröspirits. Knowing Finnish summers, the organisers recommend bringing “a woolly shirt.” kyrodistillery.co.uk…

STAYING VILA VITA PARC RESORT This timeless resort has been the epitome of outstanding service and subtle elegance in the Algarve for more than 30 years. The lush green complex overlooking the sea has a village-like charm and offers guests a relaxed retreat with exceptional restaurants (including the sophisticated Ocean restaurant), a fabulous beach club and a luxurious spa. The comfortable apartments provide plenty of space for families, and the boutiques in the resort’s shopping plaza are full of exclusive fashions, accessories and household items from Portugal. Doubles from £356 per night. vilavitaparc.com PINE CLIFFS RESORT The elegant resort on a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic is a paragon of authentic luxury and is closely tied to Portuguese culture. The exquisite rooms are extremely well-appointed and leave nothing to be desired.…

Moët & Chandon opened its biggest standalone Champagne bar in Europe in late June at Harrods. The Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar is an intimate 34-seat bar offering the full range of Moët & Chandon Champagnes. “We look forward to delivering extraordinary experiences and creating lasting memories in the world’s most iconic department store, honouring the vision of our founder Claude Moët,” says Moët & Chandon President & CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier. moet.com & harrods.com…

Vinifying Sauvignon Blanc at controlled, cool temperatures in stainless steel – rather than in wooden or cement vats as it was traditionally done in the variety’s homeland of France – unleashed a range of aromas the world went mad for. Flavour chemistry has clearly identified the compounds responsible for the aromas that make this grape so distinctive. The good news: if you smell boxwood or jalapeño in your Sauvignon Blanc, you are not dreaming. The main aroma compounds can be divided into two camps: methoxy-pyrazines and thiols. METHOXY PYRAZINES: Green bell pepper or jalapeño: 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine (MIBP) Green/tinned asparagus, pea shoots: 2-methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine (MIPP) THIOLS: Boxwood and spicy greenery: 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one (4MMP) Citrus zest like lime and grapefruit: 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) Passion fruit: 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA) THE WHOLE SPECTRUM How can there be such…

98 GÉRARD BERTRAND CLOS DU TEMPLE ROSÉ 2020 CABRIÈRES, LANGUEDOC, FRANCE On the nose redcurrant, complex, slightly floral, and a first hint of spice. The palate shows dense phenolic-mineral complexity. Viscous, layered, cool impression with naturally integrated acidity. An immense extract slumbers while alcohol remains inconspicuous. Compact, condensed, with a long lasting finish. Great phenolic expression. Close to perfection. US 97 CHAMPAGNE KRUG KRUG ROSÉ 26ÈME ÉDITION CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE A subtle nose opens with a hint of rose petal and rosehip tisane, supported by a lemony lift. Zesty brightness, finely ground white pepper and pink grapefruit. The palate has all the verve and freshness one could wish for, almost electric. Incisive and precise, flirting shyly and still closed but giving away just enough depth and a sense of glorious, peppery…

Slow Food’s Terra Madre Salone del Gusto will return to its live format in Turin, Italy from 22-26 September 2022. Organised by Slow Food, the region of Piedmont and the city of Turin, this will be the 14th edition of the multi-national event “dedicated to good, clean and fair food, to biodiversity, education and advocacy.” More than 3,000 farmers, cooks and food activists from 150 countries will gather to stage a programme of taste workshops, “dinner dates” and conferences. 2022.terramadresalonedelgusto.com…

WEBER That original Kettle is a staple of family gardens worldwide, with even professional chefs declaring a soft spot for its unflashy competence. Accessibly priced, easy to move and with that crucial lid for controlled, slower cooking, the Weber won’t let you down or break the bank. Need something small and portable? The 5.5kg Smokey Joe model is your friend. weber.com BIG GREEN EGG The very best barbecue results depend on maintaining a precise, steady temperature. That means a ceramic model and, if you’re a professional or serious foodie, it almost certainly means a Big Green Egg. Justify the cost by using this versatile beast for everything from roast chicken to pizza or baking. biggreenegg.com KAMADO JOE Hot on the heels of the Big Green Egg is its ceramic rival…

Handmade in Lucerne, these delicious organic syrups add a little extra something to every cocktail or even a glass of water. Approx. £13. zuckerpeitsche.ch CULTURE ABOUNDS Magnificent townhouses and guildhalls from the late Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods take you on a history tour of Lucerne. In the old town, modernity has found its way into the shops, where chic international brands and charming small boutiques vie for attention. SPLENDID STEAMSHIP TOURS The paddle steamer Die Schiller has been operating on Lake Lucerne since 1906. Unlike other fin-de-siècle steamships on the lake, its exterior appearance has barely changed over the years. The most beautiful spot on the ship is its art nouveau salon, which is furnished with ebony and mother-of-pearl inlays in lemon wood and is a protected historic…

The coast can be wild, rough and changeable – taking a toll on your face and body. On your seaside holiday, opt for these essentials for long-lasting beauty and flawless skin. As Meryl Streep put it: “Having wrinkles is at once strange and exciting.” At 72, the Out of Africa actress shows us all how to age gracefully. With these new products, you will too.…