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jandjlion · 5 years

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Lionheart Day 25 - Eguisheim to Villersexel and Jose’s Birthday

Today was a long day at 131km and the weather forecast was for another very hot day. So it was decided we would roll out at 7.30am.

Pretty much straight away we started to climb. At one point I thought my legs had completely given up as it looked almost flat when Francesca (our guide) told me it was 7% - I’ve never been so relieved to hear those words.

An absolutely stunning start to the day through the vineyards and the big climb of the day was great - not too steep, in the forest, my kind of climb. The Tour will be doing the same climb on 11 July (not a great photo but that is what the sign said). They’ll absolutely eat it up!

We stopped at a beautiful town for coffee and then my photos drop off as it was lumpy, head winds and definitely getting warm and we knew we had a long way to go.

Lunch was meant to be on a lake and everyone was primed to jump in but they were setting up for a music festival or something, so we couldn’t get near the lake.

For about 30km after lunch the road was literally melting. We’ve ridden hotter conditions in Adelaide but at 37-38 degrees this was no picnic. I now have tar all over the bottom of my bike shoes!

I forgot to mention that at the start of the day Jose had a flat (not a great start on your birthday). He also got a second flat along the way. Sharon and I thought he was just waiting in the shade to take a photo and then we saw the wheel in his hand.

At about 102km Jose spotted a bar that was open (being a Sunday this was a rarity). The owner was absolutely lovely but they were playing Christmas Carols - bizarre. Anyway we all got cold drinks and filled up our water bottles with water and ice.

Any fountain we spotted everyone was dunking heads, hats, arms. Finally we rolled into Villersexel and into our Château for the night. First order was to jump in the pool and pinochets (the French term for radlers or shandies).

As it’s Jose’s birthday we’ve been given a very nice room. The Chateau is amazing and we had a tour with the owner this evening. It’s been in the family for about a thousand years. It was burnt nearly to the ground in 1741 in the war with Prussia. It was taken over by the Germans in the Second World War and straight after became a hospital where many Australian soldiers were tended to.

A lovely meal and Jose got s couple or pressies for his birthday and then the grappa club and guides had a couple of last drinks. Now I’m in my underwear sweating as I write this post. Tomorrow is supposed to be about 5-7 degrees cooler. I hope so as we’ve got another long day.

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winsister91 · 7 years

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Le Mal Du Pays

Word Count: 1325 Warnings: Some mild angst, heavy fluffage, have google translate at the ready

A/N: This was a challenge. I love it! Something different to turn into fluffy wonderful goodness. Thank you for the request @samisimportant ! I hope it’s okay :)

My Masterlist

~ Sam and forever tags are open! ~

Y/N sat on the roof of the Impala, watching the sunset over the lake. Watching the blood orange hue of the sun’s light reflecting from the water made her miss home...and her family. Picnics by the Saint Lawrence River, full of laughter and smiles. Walking down the cobbled streets of Old Quebec at night, the stunning Château Frontenac looming over, illuminated beautifully like the town’s own personal star. The Cathedral-Basilica just a stone’s throw away. It was so stunning, and she took all those things for granted when she was there. She’d give anything to go back.

Dean cursed. Bringing her back to reality. He was tinkering away under the hood of the car, evidently pissed that his baby had broken down. She never broke down. Y/N knew well enough not to comment and stay away while he worked. So she sat, looking over the picturesque lake that Baby had decided to conk out next to.

She thought about her friends. Her mum. They probably all thought she was dead. When hunting took over her life she kept it secret to protect them from it all. Then she went and pissed off some high ranking vamp and went on the run, cutting all ties. She didn’t want them dragging into it. She could never forgive herself if they got hurt because of her.

Now here she was. Riding life out with the Winchesters. “Saving people, hunting things, the family business”. Homesickness aside, she truly loved her new dysfunctional family. Dean was like a protective older brother, and Sam...he was a wonderful friend. He was stood down on the lake’s edge, looking out, lost in thought just like Y/N. He turned on his heels and headed back over. Catching her eye, they shared a smile. Some wavelength telling each other that they needed some positivity in the form of a simple, facial gesture.

“Son of a bitch!!!” Dean barked, throwing his tools like a child in a tantrum.

“Dean, calm down,” Sam chuckled, patting his brother on the back before climbing up to join you on the Chevy’s roof.

“Hey!” Dean yelled, “One of you sat up there I can deal with. Two of you? You scratch or dent anything I swear to god I will dent you in the heads!” “Well let one of us help you then,” Sam laughed. “No!” the older Winchester pouted, “It’s fine, I got this.” “Vous avez dit qu'il y a deux heures et nous attendons toujours!” Y/N chuckled. The boys stared. Dean with a raised eyebrow and Sam with a look of concern.

“Uh…” Dean mumbled in confusion, “In anglais please?”

“Sorry…” Y/N said, confused herself as to why she switched language, “I just said...it’s been two hours and...you know just forget it.”

She jumped down off the roof and moved to the lakeside. Standing where had stood previously. She rubbed her forehead, Where the hell did that come from?

°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。

Dean eventually got Baby back up and running. Proclaiming his awesomeness, he drove them all to the nearest dive motel to crash for the night. Y/N didn’t say a word for the entire drive. More flashes of home kept plaguing her mind. Her Mum’s smile. Arriving at her room, Y/N threw herself onto the bed, clenching her eyes closed. She wanted to hear her Mum’s voice. She could easily pick up that phone and do it. Just call. Tell her everything’s okay. Ask how everyone was. Tell her she missed them. But she couldn’t do it. She’d already turned their lives upside down once by vanishing. Randomly calling two years later? She’d just flip it again. The confusion, the questions, putting them back in danger just by being associated with her. No. It was out of the question.

A knock came from the door, and a voice from behind. “Y/N?”

“Sammy?” she replied, “The door’s open…”

The doorknob clicked and Sam tentatively stepped in, a sympathetic smile on his face.

“Hey,” he said, sitting on the bed next to you, “Dean’s got to the bar.”

“Obviously,” Y/N snorted.

“So I…” Sam scratched his head, “Wondered if you wanted to rent a movie or something?” “I’m…” she sighed, “I’m not sure if I’m feeling it. Just want to go to sleep.” “That’s a shame,” he shrugged, pulling his whole body onto the bed. He folded his arms behind his head and laid back on the pillow next to her, “Because I know something’s wrong, and I’m not going anywhere until you talk to me.”

“It’s fine Sammy,” she chuckled, “I’m okay, just...feeling a little homesick.” “Le mal du pays,” he nodded, “I thought so.”

“What did you just say?”

“Le mal du pays...that’s French for homesick right?”

“Yeah…” Y/N smiled, “Since when did you know French?”

“J'ai suivi un cours en ligne. Un nouveau passe-temps,” Sam winked.

“Pourquoi?” she asked, her cheeks flushing.

“Pour toi,” he explained, “En outre, cela dérangerait vraiment Dean si nous avions nos propres conversations secrètes juste devant lui.”

Y/N laughed, playfully elbowing Sam in the ribs. He laughed with her, catching her elbow before it came in for a second jab. Silence fell as they stared, sharing a moment of nothing but smiles.

“Why don’t we take some time off?” he asked, “Go to Quebec, see your family.”

“Our job’s don't exactly warrant us time off Sammy,” Y/N sighed, “I can’t go back. It’d only cause more pain rather than joy now. It’s been too long.”

“Absurdité!” Sam protested, “We dealt with the Vamp you were worried about. There’ll be questions sure, but just be honest with them and they’ll understand.”

“They’ll think I’m crazy!” she scoffed, “Mum would probably never let me out of her sight again.”

“Just think about it,” Sam insisted, flashing his trademark puppy dog eyes, “S'il vous plaît?”

“Fine,” Y/N answered reluctantly, “But only because you’re being so damn adorable.”

They rented a movie. Y/N wasn’t lying when she said she was tired though. The motel room was cold and Sam was warm and inviting. His arm draped across the headboard provided a nice cubby hole for her to nuzzle into. Not a half hour had passed before the weight of her eyes got the better of her.

Movement woke her. A shift in the mattress. Opening her eyes, she could see Sam getting up. He delicately pulled the sheets and laid them on her.

“N'allez pas Sammy,” she mumbled sleepily, “restez avec moi?”

He smiled, laying back down on the bed next to her. She nudged herself closer as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“Je suis ici,” he whispered, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

“Merci Sam,” she hushed, “Tu es si gentil.” She felt his chest heave out with a chuckle, then the warmth of his lips pressing on her forehead.

“Et vous êtes belle,” he said after a pause.

Y/N was awake now. She lifted her head to look up at him, confusion in her eyes.

“You know what you just said, right?” “Positive.”

She tilted her head to process. Losing herself in his hazel eyes. She was speechless. Heart thumping in her rib cage like it was trying to break free. He was the one that let her ride along with him and Dean. He was the one that helped her track down the Vamp that got her into this mess. He was the one who had been secretly learning her home language behind her back because he was sweet. He was the one looking out for her. He was...Sam, her rock.

“Sam…” she whispered as she moved up to look him directly in the eyes, “Fils de pute…”

They smirked at each other, staring once again. Y/N leant into him as he held her cheek, and she let him guide her. Guide her lips into his.

Tags! Forever Posse: @sofreddie @chelsea072498 @ria132love @untitled39887 @chicagolove88 @akshi8278 @sis-tafics @younoeatcheeseyounobefat @mandilion76 @teamfreewill92 @supernaturalmagicfolk @emoryhemsworth @musicistobeheard-blog @pheonyxstorm @mrswhozeewhatsis @turnttover @itspronouncedsatanbitch @the--real-wombat @xagateophobiax @samisimportant @jensen-gal @castiel11235

#supernatural #spn #fanfiction #spn fanfic #sam x reader #sam fluff

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bulletjourneyy · 5 years

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Paris: The City of Lights

“We’ve exited the Palace of Versailles, we cannot go back in for macarons from Ladurée, Aanya :(”

“Arre, what’s the big deal, I’ll go get them, don’t worry”

“But there’s a really long queue to enter again, even with our passes.”

“Watch me!”

I managed to wiggle through by convincing a member of security at one of the restaurants in Versailles and we got our macarons. There were a lot of failed attempts before that though– my okay French got me decently far; I also picked up some stray members of our group on the way!

Trip length: 10 days

General Tips:

· Be polite: Though the stereotypical Parisians are said to be rude, they are often very polite – so don’t forget your thank you (merci), please (s’il vous plâit), excuse me (pardon/ excusez-moi s’il vous plâit)

· Watch out for scams and pickpockets: This might seem obvious, but it is a good idea to look up and beware of the scams and where they are most prevalent. As for pickpockets, make sure never to leave your items unattended, avoid putting valuables in your back pockets, make sure the zipper of your tote bag is in front, and if you have something particularly valuable that is large, maybe cover it with a scarf inside the bag.

· Dress smart casual: Everyone in Paris is well-dressed. You might feel very touristy and out-of-place in jeans and a tee-shirt, so dress up a bit, but still make sure to be comfortable because you will walk around quite a bit!

· Don’t take taxis, take the trains/metros instead: Paris and its suburbs are so well networked, and traveling by public transport is much cheaper than taking the taxis, and it gives you a true feel of Paris! Beware of pickpockets though!

· Be centrally located: Walking around Paris is the best way to experience it

· Try an apartment instead of a hotel for potential better rates (AirBnB)

· Carry your own water bottles to avoid paying for expensive water – there are often water fountains, especially near public washrooms

Top 10 Places to Click Instagram Worthy Shots

1. Trocadéro: Best photos against the Eiffel Tower

2. In front of Sacré-Cœur (against the panorama)

3. The Louvre: Click inside the Pyramid

4. Arc de Triomphe

5. Ladurée (or any macaron shop)

6. The bridges on the Seine (especially Pont Alexandre III)

7. Les Quais Along the river Seine

8. Latin Quarter

9. Notre Dame

10. Inside a narrow street

Honestly, everything in Paris is Instagrammable

Paris

Places to Visit and Things to Do:

As clichéd as these suggestions might seem, do read them, as you will see certain tips and tricks that will make your trip!

· The Eiffel Tower: Go up, right to the top, and click lots of pictures. With the help of a map, try and identify all that you can see from the top. From the first floor, there’s also a zip line that you can take across.

· Arc De Triomphe: Located on Champs-Élysées, this is one famous monument. But what most people miss (including me) is going up top. It is said that you get one of the best views of Paris, and of course the Eiffel Tower, from there.

· Sacré-Cœur: This serendipitous church is an absolute stunner, inside out. Its walls echo the sounds of silence despite the sheer number of people inside, lending peace to the ambiance, while the external façade is an architectural marvel. And as soon as you turn your back to the church, you face a beautiful panorama of Paris – do not miss this! The sunset here is really very beautiful!

· Montmartre: The little locality at the base of Sacré-Cœur, one must spend some time here – there are quaint shops, street artists and caricaturists, and cute cafés.

· Notre Dame: The hype about the stainless glass windows? Yeah, it’s not a hype. An art lover's dream come true – the sheer grandeur of the structure will bring you to your knees in awe (the insides are closed now for renovation due to the fire)

· Louvre (and its gardens): Everyone knows about the Mona Lisa, but what else is interesting in the Louvre? (Especially if you’re not really an art person and would like to be in an out in an hour or two, here’s a list of the stuff you should still see)

o Level -1: Chevaux de Marly (Massive horse sculptures)

o Level 0: Vénus de Milo

o Level 1: Apartments of Napoleon, French paintings, Mona Lisa, The Scribe, Greek sculptures

· Cruise along the Seine: It speaks for itself – you cannot miss this!

· Cycle through Paris: Best. Experience. Ever! It’s been 5+ years since I cycled in the night through Paris – one of the best ways to see the city, especially if you have a short timeframe

· Versailles: Honestly, though the palace is beautiful, for me, the gardens stole the show. They’re absolutely beautiful, and the perfect place for a picnic (and even a date!). There’s a little lake as well, where you can paddle-boat, which is a lot of fun! The gardens are quite expansive, so you may want to rent a golf cart, though I don’t recommend it.

· Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde: My first stop during my first trip to Paris, I recommend starting at Place de la Concorde and walking down Champs-Élysées toward Arc de Triomphe. Even if shopping at Champs-Élysées is out of your budget, it’s still worth a visit!

· Museé de l’orangerie: Monet’s water lilies. That was my favorite part of this museum. They also have some shifting exhibitions that are fairly fascinating.

· Panthéon and Sorbonne area (Latin Quarter): I’ve missed going here in both my short trips to Paris, but I’ve heard that it’s a truly wonderful area to immerse yourself in the culture

Places to Shop

Shops Local (or Local-ish) to Paris

· Galérie-Lafayettes

· Printemps

· Le Bon Marché

· Camiou

· Flying Tiger Copenhagen

· Fnac

Malls/Streets in Paris

· Souvenir shops near Notre Dame (bargain here!)

· Street vendors along the Seine (bargain here too!)

· Rue du Rivoli

· Rue du Commerce

· Boulevard St-Germain

· La Defense (this is a really huge mall)

The Standard Shops, Must-Go-In-Europe

· H&M

· Topshop

· ASOS (online only)

· Urban Outfitters

· Forever21

· Anthropologie

· Pimkie

For Cute Stationery (Most of these are at Rue de Rivoli and Rue de Commerce)

· Papier Tigre

· Merci

· Atelier Nota

· Lavrut

· Tout note

· Papier Plus

Places to Eat

· Berthillion: Gélato heaven

· Angelina: Hot chocolate dreams

· Ladurée: Macarons

· Streetside Crepes

· Local boulangeries and patisseries

· Le Pain Quotidien: This was sentimental for me as LPQ has shut down in most of Mumbai

Foods to Eat (Select personal favorites, otherwise this post would never end)

· Crêpes

· Éclairs

· Baguette

· Pain au chocolat

· Croissants

· Croque Monsieur

· Cheese (as many as you can try – it’s normal if you don’t like all of them)

· Hot chocolate

· Gélato

· Profiteroles

· Onion soup

· Éscargot (I never thought I’d eat this, and funny enough, I loved it!)

Maisons-Laffitte

Maisons-Laffitte is a quaint little neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris, about an hour away by train. It is perfect for a day trip with a picnic, relaxed vibe.

Places to Visit

· Château de Maisons-Laffitte: A baroque architectural beauty, this castle adds beauty and more character to the suburb. Its 1600s architecture creates a feeling of stepping back in time.

· Parks and gardens (any and all): Maisons-Laffitte is full of quintessential picnic spots, and you’ll often even find the stereotyped French person eating a bit of a plain baguette from the whole

· Hippodrome: Known as the horse-riding city, one must see the gorgeous stadium, and if you’re lucky enough to be there during the farmer’s/local market, shop to your heart’s desire!

Places to Shop

· Fellini: This boutique has shoes and clothes that are reasonably priced and extremely cute!

· Casino Supermarché: Though this might seem odd, this supermarket (this chain of supermarkets) has this an organic version of Nutella (no palm oil), called ‘noisette,’ and it’s absolutely delectable

Places to Eat

· La Pâtisserie de Longeueil: French Pastry. Need I say more? (Éclairs are my whole entire life<3)

· La Bonne Humeur: Crêpes, and more crêpes, and some more crêpes

· Le Ballon Voyageur: Semi-formal dining, but delicious European food

#paris #tourism #travelblog #travel #memories #ideas #bulletjourney

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wineanddinosaur · 5 years

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The 25 Best Rosé Wines of 2019

It’s a great time to drink rosé in America. We came late to the pink wine game, to be sure; for decades the category was dominated by the saccharine blush of White Zinfandel. Now, however, thanks to consumers’ seemingly bottomless thirst for all things pink, beautifully balanced rosés are flooding the market from winemakers around the world.

It took us by surprise. While we’ve come to expect great rosé from, say, Provence, some of our favorites this year hail from Sicily, California, and Bordeaux. We were similarly excited to taste excellent rosés made from Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, and indigenous Italian varieties, in addition to traditional Provencal blends.

Prices are reasonable, too. Our top rosé of 2019 comes in at just $21, and most cost less than that. Only two wines on this list surpass $30.

To compile our list of the 25 best rosé wines available in 2019, we gathered a panel of drinks professionals and tasted a lot (no, seriously, a lot) of pink wines over several weeks. We rated them based on quality, of course, but our final ranking also considered availability and value. All prices are courtesy of wine-searcher.com.

Here are VinePair’s 25 best rosés of 2019.

25. Biohof Pratsch Rosé

This slightly spritzy Austrian rosé is made from Zweigelt grapes, and features juicy watermelon and strawberries on the nose followed by citrus for balance. Like an Aperol Spritz, it’s not overwhelmingly complex — but that’s the point. Average price: $12.

24. Tormaresca Calafuria Negroamaro Rosato 2018

From Italy’s evolving Puglia region comes this friendly, well-priced rosato with carbonic, bubblegum notes on the nose followed by a bright, crisp palate. “It’s like an artisanal candy made with all-natural ingredients that costs $6 at Whole Foods,” one taster said. They meant it as a compliment. Average price: $13.

23. Sokol Blosser Rosé of Pinot Noir

Funky and crisp, this dry rosé from a family-run, pioneering Oregon label has a somewhat divisive nose (“Does anyone else get soy sauce?”) and rich, juicy palate. It would be an excellent foil for seafood, salads, and even burgers. Average price: $20.

22. Château d’Esclans Côtes de Provence ‘Les Clans’

An outlier in all the best ways, this pale honey wine has Riesling-esque aromas (rubber tire, beeswax) and savory and oxidative flavors reminiscent of sherry or skillfully oaked Chardonnay. If you’re hoping to impressive your wine-snob friends with a cerebral, unusually delicious rosé, look no further. Average price: $44.

21. Château La Gordonne Verité du Terroir Rosé

“It smells like strawberry shortcake,” one panelist said. Others got notes of peach cobbler. A second-label release from a quality producer, this wine has balanced acid on the palate and an accessible price point. Average price: $19.

20. Tortoise Creek ‘Le Charmel’ Côtes de Provence Rosé

Lean and minerally, like a glass of ice water on a granite countertop, this rosé has classic Provencal aromas of peaches, strawberries, and juicy citrus, as well as a sharp, savory palate. Average price: $14.

19. Henri Bourgeois Sancerre La Porte du Caillou

“It’s the color of my childhood bedroom,” commented one panelist upon seeing this Barbie-pink rosé. Made in Sancerre from Pinot Noir, the wine has cherries and strawberries on the nose, plus a rich, round palate and lasting finish. Average price: $23.

18. Maison Saint Aix Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence ‘AIX’ Rosé 2018

Bone-dry tannins and acidity, plus floral and strawberry aromatics, give this easy breezy Provencal widespread appeal. It would be a great addition to a summer picnic, pool party, or aperitif spread. Average price: $17.

17. Bertani Bertarose Chiaretto Veneto IGT

With white pepper, white peach, and ginger on the nose, this salmon-colored Italian wine made from Chiaretto is crisp and expressive — and an absolute steal. “Put me on Lake Garda with a bottle of this and I’ll be good,” one panelist said. Average price: $14.

16. Winter’s Hill Rosé of Pinot Noir 2018

“You can taste and smell the terroir,” said one taster of this sophisticated, Pinot Noir-based rosé from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It has a floral nose with ripe notes of melon and guava, followed by a round, beautifully balanced palate. Average price: $25.

15. Erath Pinot Noir Rosé

Pinot Noir also headlines this pale pink bottle from Oregon. It’s crisp and fruity, with white pepper on the nose, a shimmering golden color, and a complex palate with juicy honeydew, crisp mint, and tropical coconut. Average price: $16.

14. Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cerasuolo

This dark-hued rosato from Montepulciano packs a punch at an unbeatable price point. It looks and smells like black cherries and tastes big and juicy, with refreshing notes of lime oil and mint. Average price: $12.

13. Hugl Wimmer Zweigelt Rosé 2018

Austria’s Zweigelt grape provides tannic structure in this very refreshing, slightly sweeter rosé that also offers fantastic value. “It tastes like liquid strawberries,” one panelist said approvingly. Average price: $12.

12. Domaine de Jacourette Côtes de Provence ‘L’Ange et Luce’ Rosé

“This is literally mouthwatering,” a VinePair taster said of this stellar aperitif wine. Made by a family-owned winery in the Ste. Victoire Mountain sub-appellation of Provence, it has orange blossom, peach, and subtle pepper aromas, plus a tart, cranberry-esque palate. Average price: $12.

11. Planeta Rosé 2018

A well-priced Sicilian option, Planeta Rosé features a blend of Nero d’Avola and Syrah and a pale, “almost platinum” color. The very fruity nose is followed by a strong, acidic bite that begs for a cheese plate or bowl of salty Marcona almonds. Average price: $13.

10. Domaines Royal de Jarras ‘Pink Flamingo’ Tête de Cuvée Gris

It’s all about incredible value with this easy-drinking wine. A sweet, fruity nose gives way to a very dry palate, and some tasters noted a slight petrol taste on the considerable finish. Average price: $13.

9. Long Meadow Ranch Rosé of Pinot Noir

Another quality American rosé made from Pinot Noir, this Anderson Valley wine has a peachy nose balanced by herbs (“I get fresh bay leaves” commented one taster). Its sweet-tart balance reminded one panelist of “Greek yogurt mixed with strawberries — a breakfast rosé.” Average price: $24.

8. Fleurs de Prairie Côtes de Provence Rosé

“Straight up rose petal,” said one taster, sniffing a glass of this expressive Provencal rosé. It’s a pale salmon color and has strawberry, citrus, and herbal notes on its slightly spritzy palate. We would love to pour this alongside a cheese plate, charcuterie board, or Caprese salad. Average price: $18.

7. Les Maitres Vignerons de la Presqu’ile de Saint-Tropez ‘Fleur de Mer’ Rosé 2018

This dry Provencal rosé has earthy aromas (“There’s some weed on that nose!”) followed by berries, citrus, and white-pepper zing on the palate. It’s made of a blend of southern Rhône grapes (Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Syrah) and pours a lovely, pale-pink color. Average price: $18.

6. Clos Du Val 2018 Estate Pinot Noir Rosé

A bright, light-bodied palate is followed by a punchy finish with sweet strawberry notes in this richly flavored rosé from Carneros, Calif. Made from Napa Valley Pinot Noir, it has concentrated, fruity flavors that never edge into cloying territory. Average price: $30.

5. Inman Family Wines OGV Endless Crush Rosé

Napa winemaker Kathleen Inman was inspired to make her consistently impressive Endless Crush line after tasting elegant rosés on her honeymoon in Provence. Made from organically farmed Pinot Noir, the 2018 release has lots of acid balanced by ripe, juicy watermelon flavors and scents. It’s one of the most expensive bottles on our list, but it’s worth it. Act fast if you’re looking to splurge — production is limited to just 1,215 cases. Average price: $38.

4. Beckmen Vineyards Grenache Rosé 2018

This Grenache blend from California’s Central Coast (specifically, Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Valley) has a somewhat boozy, fruity nose, followed by lean and lovely structure. Its medium body and bright acid make it an excellent food wine at a reasonable price. “You can drink any rosé by the pool, but this I would bring to dinner,” one of our panelists said. Average price: $18.

3. Domaine de Cala Coteaux Varois en Provence

Ballet-pink and bone-dry, this classic Provencal rosé provides a lot of glamour for less than $20. Its floral, honeyed nose meets lime, peach, and pear flavors on the palate, and it’s tasty and accessible without sacrificing sophistication. Pair it with crudos, salads, and rolling fields of lavender. Average price: $17.

2. Château La Rame Bordeaux 2018

From the banks of Bordeaux comes this super-savory, high-acid rosé with what one panelist called “a really good concentration of flavor.” Translation? It smells vegetal and spicy (bell peppers, bonjour!), and tastes bright and zippy, like jalapeno-spiked melon. It would be a stellar accompaniment to those big green salads you keep meaning to eat, and is friendly enough to enjoy without food, too. Average price: $15.

1. Graci Etna Rosato 2018

“This is what I want in a rosé,” a VinePair panelist sighed as they sipped this small-production Sicilian wine. Made from Nerello Mascalese, a dark-skinned red wine grape grown in Etna’s volcanic soil, this copper-colored rosato has the perfect balance of fruit, acid, and tannins. Our tasters loved the spiced berries on the nose, and the palate has satisfying acid with a lengthy finish. Pick up one more bottle than you think you’ll need — this tasty, affordable rosé is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Average price: $21.

The article The 25 Best Rosé Wines of 2019 appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/25-best-rose-wines-2019/

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movby-blog · 6 years

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New Post has been published on https://travel.movby.co/suggest-the-most-romantic-places-in-the-world/

Suggest the most romantic places in the world

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When it comes to planning your long-awaited proposal, choosing the perfect target is half the battle. Instead of settling for a generic environment, take a look at our list of the most breathtaking places around the world to ask!

15 of the most romantic places to suggest

1. Cinque Terre, Italy

Do you know these colorful cliff villages overlooking the ocean that you see in photos and travel sites everywhere? This is Cinque Terre, a cluster of small towns on the west coast of Italy. Cinque Terre is a sought after destination for old and young, adventurous and luxurious travelers – an ideal place to visit! Take a rowboat on the water, plan a romantic dinner in an open-air restaurant, or kneel right on the beach. No matter in which place, in one of the most picturesque areas of Italy you can not go wrong. Where to stay: Park Hotel Argento, Relais San Rocco, Grand Hotel Dei Castelli

2. New York, New York

If you have not been, nothing calls for a trip to NYC like a surprise suggestion. The beautifully lit skyline at sunset makes the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge an obvious choice, while the Central Park’s Bow Bridge – featured in almost every iconic New York movie – has a serene and magical feel. You can even find a saxophonist playing at the Empire State Building after 10pm (9pm in the winter) if you are really looking for a “go big” or “go home” moment! Where to stay: The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel, the Marlton Hotel

3. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is perhaps one of the most unique island destinations in the world – perfect for a truly unique proposal. I would recommend scouting wineries for the perfect location (Santo Wines Winery and Venetsanos Winery are two of my favorites), though private oceanfront villas and suites give you the perfect opportunity to cook a home-cooked meal and set the mood for an intimate and memorable moment. Where to stay: Strogili, Day Dream Luxury Suites

4. Venice, Italy

Venice could be somewhat predictable, but with good reason. With its narrow canals, Venetian Gothic architecture, and dreamy lanterns that illuminate the streets at dusk, it’s no wonder we could not keep it off our list! While opting for the timeless gondola ride, you can also get creative and explore the ideas of St. Mark’s Square in front of the Basilica, the entrance to the Church of San Georgio Maggiore or a traditional Venetian Michelin Star restaurant. Where to stay: Arcadia Boutique Hotel, Ca’Della Corte

5. Island Mljet, Croatia

Pack a picnic and sail from Dubrovnik to Croatia’s greenest island Mljet – a secluded national park rich in hiking trails and hidden coves. You can explore the island by bike (which I highly recommend!) And then swim in one of the two saltwater lakes. Any place on this lush, wooded island is worth a suggestion, so it’s best not to plan a precise location and find the perfect location! Where to stay: Villa Evita Apartments, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace (Dubrovnik), Hotel More (Dubrovnik)

6. Geirangerfjord, Norway

Geirangerfjord is something of a fantasy, a place you never thought could exist outside of your dreams; Nevertheless, this stunning place in Norway is easily reached on foot or by kayak and is the ultimate destination for nature lovers. Settling on one knee, surrounded by the bird’s eye views and falling waterfalls of the fjord, would be nothing short of impressive and so original that you never suspect it is coming! Where to stay: Valldal Fjordhotell

7th Sunset Cliffs, California California is an obvious candidate in the competition for “Best Proposal Destinations,” though Sunset Cliffs outside of San Diego is a sight that simply can not be compared to the rest. Year round perfect weather makes this a great location for even winter suggestions, and the magazine-worthy panorama scene overlooking the deep blue Pacific is as idyllic as it gets! Its central location also makes it easy to hire a hidden photographer to capture the moment. Where to Stay: The Inn at Sunset Cliffs

8. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

If you want to cross the pond to Ireland, there is only one option: in the Cliffs of Moher. Whether on the edge of the coastal cliffs themselves or at the O & # 39; Brien & # 39; s Tower, there could not be a wilder setting than the Irish coast! Where to stay: Cliffs of Moher Hotel, House Cappabhaile

9. Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

There are many tropical islands that would be enough for the special day, but the enchanting Anse Chastanet beach of St. Lucia is the definition of paradise! Scuba or snorkel the reef, enjoy the black sand and enjoy the lush landscape that is only accompanied by Indonesia. Better yet, book a few nights at the stunning Anse Chastanet Resort for a proposal you will never forget! Where To Stay: Anse Chastanet Resort, Fond Doux Plantation & Resort, Boucan of Hotel Chocolat

10. Paris, France

The city of love got its nickname somehow, right? The language alone is enough to melt you, but asking the question in a truly iconic place – like the Eiffel Tower or in front of the Louvre – is a story that is memorable enough to keep recreating it for a lifetime tell. Other equally worthy ideas could kneel beneath the Arc de Triomphe or beside the storybook, tree-lined Medici Fountain! Where to stay: Hotel Brighton, Hôtel de Joséphine BONAPARTE, Hotel Rendez Vous Batignolles

11. Kauai, Hawaii

A sunset proposal under Hanakāpī & # 39; ai Falls on the stunning Na Pali Coast? Unbeatable. In a versatile place like Kauai, you have the choice between hikes, swimming holes or even helicopter rides for the perfect moment! At the opposite end of the island is Fern Grotto, one of Hawaii’s hidden jewels and best-kept secrets – another breathtaking setting that’s only for the best encounters. Accommodation: Hotel Coral Reef (Farn Grotto), Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas (Na Pali Coast)

12. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon alone is impressive enough for a spectacular moment on one knee, though Havasu Falls offers you the best of both worlds – the beauty of the bright blue waters and the amazing natural wonders of the carved canyons. Note: To get a permit for the camp in the park, you must reserve a full year in advance. Camping without a permit may be tempting, but it’s not likely to be caught by Rangers and face heavy fines. Where to stay: Grand Canyon Western Ranch, the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

13. Barcelona, Spain

This European hub for vibrant culture, art, food and architecture offers endless choices. You can also find a very cheap flight to Barcelona from the States, making this a great, inexpensive international destination! A few well-respected places worthy of such an extraordinary event are the Parc Güell – known for its mosaics – the Tibidabo Basilica, the magical fountain of Montjuïc at night and, of course, the Sagrada Familia. Where To Stay: Iberostar Paseo de Gracia, Pulitzer Hotel

14. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Alberta has become a popular destination in recent years, and understandably; All it takes is a photo to see that your own Banff National Park really is heaven on earth. For a nature lover, the elegance of North America’s most picturesque lake – Lake Louise, surrounded by snow-capped Canadian Rocky Mountains – might be the quietest place to start a beautiful lifelong journey. Whether it’s an aerial photo trail, canoe or ice skating in its winter landscape, Lake Louise is a perfectly perfect location. Where To Stay: Baker Creek Mountain Resort, Fairmont Château Lake Louise

15. Queenstown, New Zealand

A Hot Air Balloon Engagement is one for the truly adventurous couple – one who can appreciate wrapping two unique experiences into an exciting ride! There are few places in the world where you can do this, and Queenstown is probably one of the best. The varied landscapes of land, sea and mountain create a surreal atmosphere two thousand feet in fresh New Zealand air, especially in the early morning hours of the sunrise! Where to stay: The Schluchten-B & B, the Rees-Hotel u. The luxury apartments

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touristguidebuzz · 7 years

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Wine Tourism Branches Out Beyond Tastings and Picnics

Vines at Rippon Vineyard on Lake Wanaka, Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand, represent one of a half-dozen lesser-known places for enjoying wine tourism that promise special thrills in 2018. Stuart Black / Bloomberg/robertharding/Robert Harding World Imagery

Skift Take: Like a helluva lot of other travelers, wine tourists want experiences and not just run-of-the vinery tastings. Sculptors, plunge pools, and lounges are just some of the relatively new samplings.

— Sean O'Neill

Wine tourism isn’t just expanding—it’s getting more creative in every corner of the globe, with more vine estates than ever wooing oenophiles with luxurious digs and experiences to indulge their grape-driven passions.

As always, superb wines and great estates are my first criteria for picking a region to escape to. But I try to look beyond wine cellar tastings and a chance to picnic in the vines; extra-special highlights include stunning and unusual landscapes to explore, delicious, creative, local cuisine to savor, and soothing rooms to sleep in when my taste buds need a break.

My crop of six destinations for 2018 delivers all of that – and more.

For Adventurers

Bodega Colomé, Salta, Argentina

Civilized Mendoza is the Napa Valley of Argentina, but adventure lurks in Salta Province, the high-altitude wine region tucked into the rugged northwest corner of the country—near Bolivia and Chile. It’s the epicenter for fragrant white torrontes, savory, concentrated malbecs, and a spectacular landscape of giant cacti, rust-colored rock formations, and the snow-topped Andes.

Remote Bodega Colomé, a 19th century winery purchased by Swiss multimillionaire and art collector Donald Hess in 2001 (he also owns Hess Collection in Napa), is the ultimate vine escape-from-it-all. A four-and-a-half hour drive from the city of Salta on teeth-rattling dirt roads, it’s a unique Shangri-La of wine, art, and 160,000 acres for hiking, biking, and oohing and aahing.

Besides producing a top malbec from a vineyard at an elevation of 10,207 feet, Hess has created a stunning museum devoted to the light installations of American artist James Turrell.

Starting Nov. 1, the winery is reopening Casa del Fundador, its 9-room luxury hotel (bodegacolome.com; [email protected]; $250) in a typical tile-roofed estancia building. The large, airy rooms in earth tones open on a courtyard with a Zen-like fountain, and yes, there’s a fine restaurant.

For Wine Hipsters

Jackalope Hotel at Willow Creek Vineyard

World famous pinot noir and chardonnay vineyards alternate with white sand beaches, natural hot springs, towering gum trees (and three of the country’s top 10 golf courses) in this easy-to-get-to wine region only an hour from Melbourne.

The new draw is the curated-cool Jackalope Hotel at Willow Creek Vineyard (jackalopehotels.com; from $500), which opened earlier this year and has already won awards for its sumptuous design. Picture a smart, urban vibe with eerie neon hallways, an electric blue billiard table, black infinity pool, and deep-soak stone Japanese baths—as well as delicious wines. Those wanting to be ahead of the pack take note: Many superb local wineries are little known outside Australia now, but their wines will arrive internationally soon.

Other wineries to visit: Moorooduc Estate, Paringa Estate, experimental Quealy Winemakers, and especially Two Minutes by Tractor, which also has an award-winning wine list in its restaurant.

For Drama Seekers

Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy

A romantic, smoking volcano to climb, unusual grapes, Greek temple ruins, pristine beaches, and some of today’s hottest great wines combine to make this vino destination packed with drama and history. Researchers have just discovered that wine has probably been made for 6,000 years in Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean just off the toe of Italy’s boot. Until recently, though, its reds, whites, and rosés got little respect.

Now, despite the looming possibility of periodic eruptions, the Mt. Etna region has become the symbol of Sicily’s wine resurgence. The unique lava and ash terrain has drawn dozens of top winemakers from Italy and around the world. Key wineries to visit include Benanti, Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Vino di Anna, Planeta Sciara Nuova.

My pick for a place to stay is Monaci delle Terre Nere (monacidelleterrenere.it; $250 to $750), a romantic former monastery that’s now a chic, 40-acre eco-bio retreat on Mt. Etna’s slopes that offers yoga overlooking the vines, rooms with lava stone walls, and views of both Mt. Etna and the sea.

For Foodies

Single Thread Farm in Sonoma, California

Sonoma’s laid-back vibe is often overshadowed by Napa’s glitz and glamor. But Sonoma definitely tops its twin when it comes to diversity of wines, with superb chardonnays, pinot noirs, syrahs, and a dozen other varietals. Dozens of gourmet farms, craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries make it a paradise for good foodie living.

The reason to visit now is much buzzed-about Single Thread Farms, a combo restaurant, inn, farm, and tiny winery that opened last December in Healdsburg. It takes Sonoma’s relaxed wine luxury to a new level.

Set in a former post office building off Healdsburg’s charming central plaza, the restaurant and inn are also the perfect spot to explore nearby wineries in Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander valleys, and new sophisticated tasting “lounges” around the square.

The crown jewel of Single Thread is its restaurant, where chef Kyle Connaughton’s 11-course Japan-meets-California menu uses ingredients sourced from the Single Thread farm. The five rooms (singlethreadfarms.com; from $900; dinner $295) reflect a Japanese ryokan-inspired aesthetic, and include a Teforia Leaf tea infuser in your room.

Best nearby wineries to visit: Ridge Lytton Springs, J Vineyards, Ramey Wine Cellars, Jordan, Copain.

For Nature Lovers

Central Otago, New Zealand

Apparently everyone in the U.S. wants to travel to whistle-clean nature haven New Zealand—tourism visits in 2017 are up 24 percent over last year. But what visitors may not know is that there’s more to the country’s wines than sauvignon blanc, and there are so many gorgeous wine regions it’s tough to single out one. For sheer grandeur of scenery—stunning mountains, pristine blue lakes—and proximity to such extreme sports as bungee jumping or ziplining, it’s hard to beat pinot noir-centric Central Otago. Near Queenstown, it’s also the gateway to the famous Milford Track, rated the finest walk in the world.

This is the kind of place where a tiny winery, Mount Michael, offers private heli-tastings on a mountaintop instead of in a tasting room; last year the winery opened the region’s only luxury boutique B&B among the vines.

The ultimate luxury place to stay, though, is Azur Lodge, which has nine chic private villas with superb lake and mountain views. [From $850; www.azur.co.nz]

Squeeze in visits to these wineries: Peregrine, Rippon, Burn Cottage, Mt. Difficulty, Two Paddocks, Quartz Reef, and Felton Road.

For Fans of Art and Rosé

Chateau La Coste, Provence, France

If you think Provence and its rosés are ho-hum clichés, think again. The region is as movie-set beautiful as ever, and art and wine estate Château La Coste near Aix-en-Provence offers a new reason to go: sophisticated Villa La Coste, a 28-suite hotel with views of its organic vineyards that was finally finished this year (chateau-la-coste.com; from $800).

When Irish developer and art collector Patrick McKillen bought the 600-acre estate 15 years ago, he began inviting A-list sculptors and architects to create works for sites in the woods and alongside the vines. Big names include Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, Ai Weiwei, Renzo Piano, Damien Hirst, Jean Nouvel, Tracey Emin, and many more.

The hotel’s elegant minimalist rooms open onto spacious private terraces with expansive views of the vines. Live-fire cooking maestro Francis Mallmann opened a restaurant there this summer, while a three-star French chef cooks up French classics for a more formal dining room.

You could visit other local wineries, but with a “visionary” spa, art walks, private plunge pools, library bar, winetasting courses, films screened in the vineyard, and cutting-edge cuisine, face it: There’s really no reason to leave.

This article was written by Elin McCoy from Bloomberg and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].

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rollinbrigittenv8 · 7 years

Text

Wine Tourism Branches Out Beyond Tastings and Picnics

— Sean O'Neill

My crop of six destinations for 2018 delivers all of that – and more.

For Adventurers

Bodega Colomé, Salta, Argentina

Besides producing a top malbec from a vineyard at an elevation of 10,207 feet, Hess has created a stunning museum devoted to the light installations of American artist James Turrell.

For Wine Hipsters

Jackalope Hotel at Willow Creek Vineyard

Other wineries to visit: Moorooduc Estate, Paringa Estate, experimental Quealy Winemakers, and especially Two Minutes by Tractor, which also has an award-winning wine list in its restaurant.

For Drama Seekers

Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy

For Foodies

Single Thread Farm in Sonoma, California

Best nearby wineries to visit: Ridge Lytton Springs, J Vineyards, Ramey Wine Cellars, Jordan, Copain.

For Nature Lovers

Central Otago, New Zealand

The ultimate luxury place to stay, though, is Azur Lodge, which has nine chic private villas with superb lake and mountain views. [From $850; www.azur.co.nz]

Squeeze in visits to these wineries: Peregrine, Rippon, Burn Cottage, Mt. Difficulty, Two Paddocks, Quartz Reef, and Felton Road.

For Fans of Art and Rosé

Chateau La Coste, Provence, France

This article was written by Elin McCoy from Bloomberg and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].

0 notes