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How to best enjoy calçots – an open air affair – perfect for Covid times

calçots

It’s February, which means calçot season here in northern Spain! Eating these delicacies is a messy affair, so best enjoyed outside in the open air – a typical Catalan Calçotada is perfect for Covid times!

What is a calçot?

The glorious calçot, one of Catalonia’s unique foods and highly regarded as a local delicacy, is a native onion similar to a leek or spring onion & very tasty when barbecued, oftentimes accompanied with Romesco sauce. Calçots have become such a beloved staple of local Catalan cuisine that they’ve earned a Protected Geographic Indication label from the European Union!

How to best cook calçots…

When in Catalonia you will buy calçots in a large bundle. No need to clean them, they will be well cleaned by the heat of the barbecue flames – because flames are essential when cooking calçots properly. Place them in a row on the grill and turn your calçots every few minutes until they are blackened all over apart from the green stalk.  You will know when your calçots are ready, when a little of their juice starts to bubble from their blackened roots. Whip them off the barbecue and wrap them in several layers of newspaper. The newspaper allows calçots to steam a little as they cool, so that the outer leaves come off easily for eating. Now you can enjoy them! 

How to eat calçots

Peel off the blackened outer layer, by  then dip the inner part of your calçot in Romesco sauce. Romesco sauce is a spicy tomato-based garlicky sauce; which is perfect when matched with the subtle taste of calçots. Lift the calçot above your head so it hangs down vertically, tip your head back and lower the calçot into your mouth. Be warned that this can be messy business!

If you are interested in learning more about traditional Catalan foods, we offer private cooking classes with charming Catalan chefs, as well as genuine Catalan local experiences, like open air calçotadas, when in season. Our gourmet culinary vacations, be it in Catalonia, other parts of Spain, Portugal,France or Italy, will allow you to to indulge in all kinds of authentic local flavours, in the safety of your own private bubble. 

If you want to know the current travel situation in Europe, we are here to offer travel advice, always keeping your best interests in mind. Just drop us a line: [email protected] and we will provide all the pertinent information.

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Private tours in the times of Covid: Spain, Portugal, France & Italy

Travelling to Spain in Covid times you will get a warm welcome from everyone in the travel industry :-)

 

As you can imagine, all of us in the travel industry are waiting expectantly for the European borders to open again now in 2021, so we are able to welcome you, our dear guests from the USA, Australia and Canada :-)

As everywhere, in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy the anti-Covid travel rules update constantly, so we have included links to your countries embassies in the countries of our tours at the bottom, for your future reference.

What will your Post-Pandemic Gourmand Breaks tour look like?

The customs and immigration lines at the airports in times of Covid travel may take longer than usual. To prevent new possible infections from entering the country, in addition to checking your documents, immigration officials may check your temperatures, conduct swab testing, etc.

The current Covid regulations in Spain, Italy, Portugal and many areas of France state that you have to wear masks at all times except when you are in your room/house or private car, when eating or drinking, swimming or sunbathing. At all other times when in public, you need to wear a mask. No ifs or buts. Hygienic sanitizer gel is available and recommended at entering any establishment and usually everybody abides the 2 m social distance rule.

As for the tours themselves, we are very lucky that the type of tours we have offered for 25 years – small private groups where our guests are attended to personally, allow you to travel in your own private bubble to tranquil locations – prove to be the safest way to travel in Covid times.

Our itineraries usually take you to vineyards, lovely medieval villages in the countryside, and authentic local spots away from the crowds. Now more than ever, we carefully check all the venues we take you to, but the quaint rural locations themselves remove some of the risks when travelling during Covid.

How will we ensure your safety when you travel with us in Covid times?

Accommodation wise, we work with boutique hotels and private residences, with personalized anti-Covid social distancing protocols and many of these places can be booked for you alone. You might wish to include a stop in a city, in which case we carefully choose the best tour options, to enhance anti-Covid travel safety.

Transportation – our tours have always included private transportation only. Our chauffeurs and guides throughout your tour will look out for your safety, whilst following strict anti-covid travel safety protocols themselves. Occasionally, in the past we have used the excellent European network of high speed trains. Of course, like planes, trains are more frequently cleaned and masks are compulsory, but now we will normally substitute them with services of our excellent chauffeurs or provide you with a luxury rental car, should you prefer.

Oh, wine! In our post-pandemic world, would you agree that a glass of a really good wine should be classified as part of your essential survival kit? :-)  We are lucky to have worked for over 25 years with fantastic boutique wineries, many of them family owned, where you will be able to have a tour and tasting in absolute privacy and of course, anti-covid measures in place. The winery owners will wear their masks, but their charisma and smile will always sparkle in their eyes!

Food is also intrinsic to what we do and we have worked hard to ensure your tastings are only at small venues that will exclusively serve your private “travel bubble”. We still offer our fantastic cooking classes, but also for private “travel bubbles” only. We will only recommend the restaurants that offer ample space between tables and preferably have a nice outdoor eating area. We are lucky that the Mediterranean climate enhances terrace culture in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal and there are many lovely outdoor eateries to enjoy in safety. Of course, the top Michelin starred restaurants also observe very strict anti-Covid measures.

Scenery is a big part of our tours as well. Many include scenic drives in historic rural areas and along breathtaking coastline. Walking the hidden coves and coastal paths (maybe even taking a dip!) proves to be so therapeutic :-)  At the height of summer, the access to the beach is controlled to comply with anti-Covid health protocols.

Cultural visits with our fantastic licensed guides have always been a highlight of our tours as well. Now, if you wish, we can still take you inside the museums, but there is so much fascinating history and culture to admire outdoors, while listening to our guide’s engaging tale! Almost all museums are open, except for tiny ones, where safety distance could be compromised. Most limit the amount of visitors and spaces which are too small, are not visitable.

We hope that you stay safe and healthy and we look forward to welcoming you on one of our private relaxing tours, when possible!

If you want to know the current travel situation in Europe, we are here to offer travel advice, always keeping your best interests in mind. Just drop us a line: [email protected] and we will provide all the pertinent information.

Current  Travel Situation

At the time of writing in early 2021, there are restrictions in place for American, Canadian and Australian citizens traveling to Spain, Portugal, France and Italy. An update can be accessed from the following websites:

Americans

FRANCE: https://fr.usembassy.gov/
ITALY: https://it.usembassy.gov/
PORTUGAL: https://pt.usembassy.gov/
SPAIN: https://es.usembassy.gov/

Australians

FRANCE: https://france.embassy.gov.au/pari/home.html

ITALY: https://italy.embassy.gov.au/rome/home.html

PORTUGAL: https://portugal.embassy.gov.au/
SPAIN: https://spain.embassy.gov.au/

Canadians

FRANCE: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/france/index.aspx?lang=eng
ITALY: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/italy-italie/index.aspx?lang=eng
PORTUGAL: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/portugal/index.aspx?lang=eng
SPAIN: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/spain-espagne/

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10 best wine destinations in Southern Europe for 2021

If you’re a wine buff, then there are many French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese wines you will have tasted. Whether you have enjoyed the rich reds of Bordeaux wines, the tannins of a hearty Rioja or the crisp whites of a Veneto Soave, the buoyant wine regions of Southern Europe offer a vibrant array of wineries, the most well known in constant evolution, the up-and-coming offering the thrill of discovery. Have a look at our 10 favourite wine destinations in Spain, Portugal, France or Italy, perfect for your 2021 wine tour in Southern Europe. Relax at beautiful rural ‘Covid Clean Certified’ accommodations, enjoy private wine tours adapted to Covid restrictions or, if you prefer to wait until the Covid madness has calmed, get inspired for when you are ready to travel again :-)

 

Wine tours to go beyond the typical …. 

It goes without saying that some of the most revered and famous of Southern Europe’s wine regions are located in France and Italy, such as the Loire, Bordeaux and Chianti Classico appellations. If you are keen to learn more about wine, you will also want to try some of the lesser-known wines of southern Europe, which are still absolutely world-class. Our specialist private wine tours in Spain, Portugal, France & Italy will take you to the best (and most beautiful) wine producing regions in Europe, covering some of the most famous names in the wine-making world, as well as the more intimate and artisan wineries; all producing delicious drops!

 

Priorat wine tours – discovering (and tasting!) the small scale mind-blowing Spanish reds

An underrated and beautiful European wine destination is that of the Priorat wine region, famous for its exceptional cherry-like reds, mostly produced from Grenache & Carinena. Here in the 12th century, Carthusian Monks planted vines and gave birth to the heritage of Priorat wines. Recognizing a unique terroir, and a one thousand year old wine-making tradition, a wine revolution was born here in the early 1980s to re-awaken the spirit of Carthusian oenologists; rebuild the steep, slatey terraces and replant vines. Priorat wine region is known for producing highly concentrated, well-rounded reds, and yields in this DOC are incredibly small. Different to the well-versed reds produced in France or Italy, the complex flavours of Priorat wines are sure to please your palate and this Spanish wine region intrigue you with its history and landscape. We offer a fabulous wine getaway that allows you an insider’s look at the Priorat wine region, in our Priorat Grape Harvest Tour for Wine Lovers. This wine tour is an opportunity to get down and dirty with the delicious local grapes of Priorat!

 

 

Douro Valley – the most scenic wine destination 

One cannot talk about Portugal without thinking of its most famous drop, Port Wine. Port Wines are made from grapes picked by hand in the magnificent Douro Valley. This same area of Portugal also produces some fine and underrated reds well worth the journey, as well as viewing the spectacular Douro Valley scenery! Wine-making has existed along the Douro Valley river for 2000 years, so the locals certainly know a thing or two about producing good grapes! Touriga Nacional is the most used varietal for Douro Valley wines. Full-bodied with high tannins, this very same grape is experimentally also being grown in the Priorat wine region as the terroirs are similar. One of our most beloved wine tours takes in the sweeping landscapes of Spain and Portugal’s best wine regions, on our Wine Lovers Tour of Spain & Portugal. Starting just outside of Barcelona and ending in Portugal, this wine tour takes in some truly incredible southern European wine regions, many of which are unique and artisanal in quality.

 

 

Châteauneuf du Pape – the King of the Rhône wine region

Tiny and intimate, but producing some of France’s most prestigious wines, Châteauneuf du Pape is deep-seated in history. Its name refers to the era during the 13th century when the seat of the Roman Catholic church was based in Avignon (a mere 12km away). Much like the Priorat wine region, Châteauneuf  du Pape is small and has a 1000 year-long history of wine-making. It was only in 1936 that it was made France’s first wine appellation. Being such a small region, it is worth adding to a longer wine tour, incorporating either the Spanish Emporda, Priorat and Penedes wine regions across the border, or heading north to the Atlantic and tasting more incredible wines in Bordeaux! Our France & Spain Food, Wine & Cultural Tour includes stops in Avignon and the surrounding picturesque villages; so a day or two spent exploring the best of Châteauneuf du Pape wineries is always an easy detour!

 

 

Bordeaux – drinking some of France’s best wine

It would not be right to talk about Southern Europe’s stand-out wine regions without including the Queen region of Bordeaux, home of the most sought-after and expensive red wines in the world. The Bordeaux wine region has 57 appellations, with about 7,000 wine-producing chateaux and 13,000 wine growers! Bordeaux’s reputation as a great wine region rests on its most superb reds, legendary and long-lived wines made by historic French wine estates which improve for several decades. The Romans cultivated the first vines here, so the history of wine-making along the Garonne river is rich indeed! If you’re looking for further insight and inspiration, why not take a look at our Grand Wine Tour of Spain & France to see our carefully chosen Bordeaux wine routes.

 

 

La Rioja – the must see wine region of Spain

Located partly within the Basque country, la Rioja is known for its rich reds generally made from the native Tempranillo grape. This Spanish wine region is not only known for its sophisticated red wines, but also an array of surprising whites, including some fine barrel-fermented and oak-aged styles and roses. Along with the Priorat wine region, la Rioja also has DOC classification; the only two Spanish wine regions that have been granted this prestigious wine category. Much like the wine destination of Bordeaux, la Rioja has had vines growing on its landscape for 2000 years, thanks to the Romans. La Rioja wine destination is worth a visit on your next wine tour not only because of the delicious array of wines available, but also because the scenery is spectacular. The la Rioja landscape is a flat plain of thousands of vineyards, on either side of which rugged mountains overlook the valley and towns below. If you are fortunate enough to plan your wine tour here for fall, not only will you be greeted by grape harvest season, but the honey and auburn coloured vines are sure to lure you in for more wine tastings! See our Essential Wine Tour of Spain & France for ideas! 

 

Wine Lovers Tour of Portugal, Spain & France

Ribera del Duero – home of the most exclusive Spanish wineries

If you are a fan of the Tempranillo grape, then Ribera del Duero is another wine destination which should be on your list. Here you will taste the more modern, full-bodied and slightly more sophisticated of Spanish Tempranillo wines, as Ribera del Duero’s wine-makers love to experiment and push the envelope of wine-making tradition, defining their individual style. Part of Ribera del Duero wines’ uniqueness is due to Tinto Fino (the local name for Tempranillo), but other grapes are grown here, such as Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. The most mythical and inaccessible Spanish wineries are here, laid along the flat expanse of Spain’s legendary Ribera del Duero Golden Mile. If you’re keen to explore more of Spain’s wine regions, why not take a look at our Wine Lovers Tour of Spain for ideas and inspiration?

 

 

Barolo & Barbaresco wine regions – amazing Italian red wines

Not as well-trod as Tuscany, but with scenery that is just as spectacular is the Italian wine region of Piedmont. Here, wine-making is an activity which dates back 2500 years! As far as wine is concerned, the Piedmont has more DOCGs and DOCs than any other Italian region, and is challenged only by Veneto and Tuscany for the top spot among Italian wine regions. Piedmont is a region which has identified its star grapes, while continuing to experiment with new varieties in the background. There are several areas within the region worth a visit, but the two top wine destinations would have to be Barolo and Barbaresco. Located a mere 20kms apart, these two towns produce some of the best and most sought-after wine in the world. But don’t be filled into thinking the wines produced taste similar! The star grape of these wines is Nebbiolo, prized for its rich anise aromas and mouth-drying tannins, but Barolo wines are much higher in tannins than the softer Barbaresco wines. Barolo’s colour is a pale garnet, but its bold flavours and high alcohol content can be compared to the wines of Bordeaux. Enjoying wine and food is synonymous with Italian culture, so if you want to delve deeper into Italian wine destinations, Barolo & Barbaresco, home to great truffle and other Piedmond delicacies, to be savoured in relaxing rural setting, away from Tuscan crowds, are both a perfect place to start. To continue with rural vibe, but with amazing sea views too, you could easily combine Piedmond with the nearby Cote d Azur and Provence villages, home to great wines, delicious food and amazing views. Take a look at our Food, Wine & Culture Tour of Italy and France for further inspiration. 

 

 

Valpolicella wine region – sip the best Amarone with friendly wine-makers 

Located in northeastern Italy’s Veneto wine region, Valpolicella is another ‘wow’ of a wine destination. This winemaking area is nestled against the low mountains of the spectacular Dolomites and a stone’s throw away from Italy’s biggest lake of Garda; which means the temperature for vines is kept more constant despite the nearby mountains.  It’s not hard to understand why this wine destination is beloved, given the easy-drinking appeal of Valpolicella’s reds, coupled with the prestige of its powerful and intensely flavored counterpart Amarone della Valpolicella. The valley also produces white wines – both dry and sweet – under the various Soave titles. The grape varieties used to make Valpolicella are Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara. Corvina is understood to be the finest of the four varietals, and is also the most traditional. Our Authentic Italy Bespoke Food & Wine Tour takes in the Valpolicella rural and picturesque wine destination, as well as the villages of Barolo and Barbaresco.

 

 

Alentejo – up-and-coming bold Portuguese wines

The Portuguese wine region of Alentejo is sun-drenched with low rolling hills of wheat, even hot temperatures, cork and olive groves, which covers ⅓ of Portugal.  There are many progressive and modern wineries here making red wines that offer generous fruit and mocha flavors with refined tannins from careful wood aging strategies. White wines from the Alentejo range are medium-bodied refreshers to full-bodied, similar to Chardonnay. Portugal is an often overlooked destination for a European vacation, but its depth of culture and varied landscapes, proximity to the sea and sunny weather make it an ideal country for exploration. Wines of Alentejo were born when (you guessed it!) the Romans settled here. (they really did love their wine) In recent years the Alentejo region has become a wine destination to those seeking a very authentic and pared-back wine vacation; as Portugal offers an idyll away from the typical hustle and bustle of holiday-seekers in France and Italy. Alentejo red wines are typically blends, often made with Tempranillo as well as native Portuguese grapes of Trincadeira, Castelão, Alfrocheiro and Alicante Bouschet. Our Independent Wine & Culture Tour of Portugal will inspire you with the wine destination of Alentejo as well as the other wine destinations that Portugal offers.

 

 

Montalcino & Montepulciano wine regions -the belowed not to be missed classics

Tuscany is home to Italy’s most scenic vineyards, verdant rolling hills and likely the country’s best known wine internationally, Chianti. But as I mentioned already, there is much more to southern European wine destinations than this one! Tuscany is Italy’s most ancient wine-producing region, starting with the Etruscans in the 8th century BC, and its wines are often blends that incorporate its native Sangiovese grape. Sangiovese produces tannic, acidic wines that span a range of flavors depending on the local terroir: from earthy to fruity. The towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino are separated by 30km at the edge of the Val d’Orcia, but both wine destinations are upheld for their wines made from the Sangiovese Grosso grape. 

Here in this majestic and sweeping rural landscape of Italy, you can roam from winery to wine bar; quaffing and tasting the intricacies of the local drops. Brunello di Montalcino is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes and has Italy’s highest DOCG classification.  Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, on the other hand, is made with 70% of Sangiovese grapes, Canaiolo Nero for up to 20% and the remaining part other locally grown varietals. Despite being regarded as ‘easy-drinking’, Sangiovese is a savoury wine which has elements of cherry and oftentimes, tomato. Both Montalcino and Montepulciano wine destinations are the perfect relaxing addition to your next Italian vacation, see our Wine Tour of Italy – Campania & Tuscany for more info to whet your palate!

 

So there you have it, the top 10 not-to-be-missed wine destinations in Southern Europe for your 2021 wine tour!

Our specialist wine lovers’ tours in Spain, Portugal, France & Italy  will take you to the best wine producing regions in Europe, covering some of the most famous names, as well as the incredible and lesser-known in the wine-making world! These spectacular wine regions take wine making very seriously, so you know you’re in great hands on your European wine tour with us! Take advantage of our extensive wine expertise and discover the most fascinating and delicious wines in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy on your private wine tour with us!

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Why do Basque Gastronomic Societies exist?

While many of the world’s top chefs are male, we can certainly agree that most of the cooking done on a daily basis is left to women. This is not the case in the Basque region of Spain, where Basque gastronomic societies play a large part of their food culture. In Basque gastronomic societies, also known as ‘txokos’, men use cooking as a way to get together; eat, drink and discuss – often without women around. This culinary tradition allows men to experiment in the kitchen on their own terms.

If you are planning a trip to the Basque Country and would like to experience some of the local food traditions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We can happily help you create a tour of the Basque country which includes exceptional food experiences. 

 

Why do Basque gastronomic societies exist?

The very first Basque gastronomic societies were instigated by fishermen in the 1870s. The fishermen would catch their fish in the early morning, and then rather than return home; would use part of the day to cook a meal and get together freely, forgetting for a few hours their home duties. As the idea of Basque food societies gathered momentum, it passed around to various Basque cities and villages; where other members of society, such as craftsmen and intellectuals, also used Basque gastronomic societies as a forum for discussion and male camaraderie. This way these men could get together to cook, eat, drink and discuss ideas, without being annoyed or distracted by women; or told what to do! Over the past 150 years, over 1000 Basque txokos now exist, all over the region.

In the kitchen of a Basque gastronomic society

 

How do Basque food societies operate?

The very first seeds of Basque txokos were all about men preparing food and having time away from their families to discuss personal issues, culture, political views, etc. Today Basque gastronomic societies have an assumed code of conduct where there is strong mutual respect amongst all the members. In this way, freedom of opinion and ability to discuss whatever it is you want, is on the table. It is understood that this is always done in a respectful and considerate way. Even though some of the subjects discussed are controversial, club members feel that the mixture of good food and conviviality loosens the tension in the air!

As the culture of cooking in the Basque Country is incredibly strong (hence why there are so may exceptional restaurants), younger men are always looking to join established Basque food societies. Despite the number of Basque gastronomic societies numbering over 1000, the waiting lists to enter are long. On average, a typical Basque txoko has 80 members, but some have a member count of over 100 men. Having so many members means that men cook in groups, on differently allocated days of the week: this way, every member gets to cook, and every member is able to enjoy being cooked for as well. Women can be invited as guests, they just aren’t allowed in the kitchen! The kitchens are designated to men; as this is their free space to discuss openly, without having to act differently; as they probably would around women. 

 

Why men only?

In the Basque Country, women have always been highly regarded and respected, having opinions and a right to speak their own minds (different to many other places in the world!). This has meant that because society in the Basque country has been relatively equal, men decided to form their own exclusive places to discuss what they wished to; away from the women in their lives.

Though women are not allowed in the kitchen of Basque food societies, most members acknowledge that they have been inspired to cook, buy food and serve it from their mothers; so women still have a place in contributing to these gastronomic societies.

An evening at a Basque txoko – women have been invited!

Many men insist that because men and women are different and act differently, men can really relax and ‘be themselves’ in the company of a male-only kitchen. In a way very different to other cultures, men gather at these gastronomic societies to discuss personal issues and to generally let off steam, meaning that they return home in a more upbeat manner: better for both husbands and wives!

 

If you are intrigued to visit the Basque Country and want to gain insight into their gastronomic societies and food culture, do not hesitate to get in touch and see what kind of Spanish Gastronomy Tour we can create for you! You might like to include some Basque Michelin starred restaurants, or include a local cooking class, or visit artisan producers of cheese or olive oil, tasting directly on the farm. Whatever type of food tour you are after, we have got it covered for your next customized trip to Spain, Portugal, Italy or France!

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Best wine movies and wine documentaries to watch while self-isolating

The long period of self-isolating we are experiencing worldwide means that travelling is proving more difficult than ever at the moment, with most of us at home and trying to stay upbeat while our medical professionals are working so hard to support our communities. Better times will come, but in the meantime, here is our list of the best wine movies to inspire your future wine travels and contribute to a positive mindset; a glass a good red or white in hand!

Not only does good wine taste great, but it comes from some of the most scenic places on earth, many of them featured in our wine tours; imagine picture-postcard vineyards of Italy, Spain, France or Portugal; rolling hills set to the backdrop of beautiful sunsets, add the mystery of winemaking, the glamour of wine châteaux, the drama of winemakers, intense sommeliers and delicious wine tastings – watch some of the best wine movies ever for a perfect virtual wine getaway!

 

Best wine movies for the wine aficionado

Red Obsession is a wine documentary narrated by Russell Crowe, which delves into how the demand for France’s finest Bordeaux by the Chinese market has caused the price of these wonderful reds to skyrocket, forcing the ‘traditional’ buyers out of the market. This wine movie is not only an interesting story, perfect to learn about how France’s finest wine region operates, but also a good chance to discover which Bordeaux you may well want to try and taste yourself! A brief history of French and Chinese history is also covered. Compelling viewing.

The wine documentary Red Obsession

Somm is a wine documentary about four wine stewards who are attempting to learn everything about wine as they prepare for the master sommelier exam, one of the world’s most challenging tests, of which only 170 people in the world over the past forty years have passed. The information included in this wine movie is incredible, really delving into how to understand wine and how wine obsessives become sommeliers of this calibre. If you want to understand more about grape varietals, wine categories, wine regions, appellations, etc; this is one wine movie you cannot miss while self-isolating. Maybe grab a glass while you’re watching..?

 

 

Best wine movies to cheer you up

Sideways is a wine movie about two middle-aged men (one a wine lover, the other is soon-to-be-married) who take a road trip through the Santa Ynez wine region. What starts as a kind of bachelor party converts into a journey full of surprises and many laughs! Set amongst some beautiful vineyards as well as seeing the process behind wine tastings, and the difference between those who want to understand wine, and those who just want to drink it! 

Bottle Shock wine movie is the true story of how a British wine snob living in Paris, comes to understand that Californian wines are just as good as those from France. The brilliant Alan Rickman plays Spurrier, a Briton who owns a specialty wine shop and plans to show Parisians that the quality of wines from outside of France is also very high. Showcasing the difference in cultures between laidback and unpretentious Californians and the snobbish and elitist Europeans is priceless! Many beautiful wine regions are showcased here.

Corked is a mockumentary wine movie based on four distinctly different wineries vying for approval from international wine critics. If you  are after a good laugh, don’t miss this movie, which showcases the beautiful wine regions of California. A true spoof portraying the stereotypes we all think of when it comes to wine elitism.

 

Best wine movies for the romantic viewer

Conte d’automne (Autumn tale) is a wine movie set amidst the lush vineyards of France. This iconic Eric Rohmer’s wine movie is a celebratory tale of matchmaking and misunderstandings! If you want to dream about your next trip to France, indulge in viewing the sunkissed French wine regions, adorable villages and quintessentially French protagonists. Vive du vin!

The beautiful vineyards of the Rhône Valley wine region featured in Autumn Tale wine movie

French Kiss is the comedic story of a woman who goes to Paris to win back her fiancé who has run away with a beautiful Parisienne. The hilarious antics of Meg Ryan and Kevin Klein are the big claim to this wine movie if you want to have an entertaining time without pretentiousness. Wine and vineyards are present all the time in this romantic comedy.

The Strange Case of Angelica is a magical realism romance set in amongst the landscape of Portugal’s incredible Douro Valley. Manoel de Oliveira’s film is about a photographer haunted by a deceased bride, and the love that plays out between them, with hilarious consequences! As well as being a wonderful story, it is a fabulous excuse to be enticed by the beauty of this Portuguese wine region.

El Año y la viña (The Year and the Vineyard) is a gently whimsical time-travel yarn that starts with Andrea Pesce, a Sicilian member of the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, falling through the sky and landing in a vineyard in a small village in contemporary Spain. Set amongst the vineyards in Salamanca province, the film is about coming to terms with loss, and making the best of what you have around you, even if it seems unlikely. The score is a reason to watch, in itself.

A Good Year is a wine movie starring the unlikely duo of Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard. Crowe plays a London-based investment banker who learns that his uncle has died and left him a chateau and vineyard in Provence. A little cheesy, but certainly warm and light-hearted! A love story about starting over, set amidst the glorious backdrop of Provence’s villages and vineyard landscapes.

 

A wine movie for the more serious viewer 

Tu seras mon fils (You will be my son) is a French film about the tension between a wine-making father and the son he has never accepted, who so desperately wants to follow in his father’s footsteps; run the vineyard and gain his father’s love. An intense wine film set amongst the magnificent vineyards of Bordeaux. 

The compelling wine movie of You Will Be My Son, set in the Bordeaux wine region

Blood & wine is another intense wine movie with the ever-superb Jack Nicholson, who plays the role of a well-to-do wine merchant. In reality, however, he is ruined and will attempt to steal a diamond necklace to save his family’s future. A fantastic cast which includes Jennifer Lopez and Michael Caine.

Please enjoy watching these wine movies while you are cuddled up at home during this period of self-isolating. Make sure to take notes of some of the wonderful wine regions you may wish to visit; and if you want some more inspiration, look no further than our wine experiences – you are sure to find a wine region you wish to visit on a private wine tour with us!

 

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Wine Tour of Spain & Portugal – the best wine regions to visit

For a wine lover, a wine tour of Spain & Portugal  is an easy way to experience the best wine regions of both countries. For us, the ideal Iberian wine route starts in Barcelona and ends in Porto or Lisbon. The cava cellars of Penedes and mythical reds of the Priorat wine region are highly accessible from Barcelona. Then from Priorat head to the source of Spanish red wine, the famous la Rioja. Just 3 hours away is the most exclusive wine region of Spain, Ribera del Duero, where the Tempranillo grape is king. From here, one crosses the border from Spain into Portugal, and enjoys the scenic beauty of the Douro Valley,  the most iconic wine region of Portugal. If you end your Spain & Portugal wine tour in Porto a visit to one of the many historic lodges along the Douro river with Port tastings is a must! Continuing to Lisbon, the undiscovered Vinho Verde and authentic rural Alentejo wine regions are mandatory stops.

For those wishing to experience the best of Spanish and Portuguese wine regions, we have carefully crafted our Wine Lovers Tour of Spain & Portugal. This 10 day wine tour covers the best regions of Spain & Portugal, the most interesting wineries and the most beautiful scenery.

Vinyes del celler Clos Figures, DOQ Priorat, darrera, el poble del Lloar, Gratallops, Priorat, Tarragona

Fly to Barcelona and start your wine trip in the Penedes Wine Region of Spain, famed as Cava country. Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine produced in the Traditional Method, just like Champagne. This Spanish bubbly was awarded it’s own D.O. (Wine Appellation) in 1986 and, although there are a few Spanish wine regions that produce Cava, the wine region of Penedes is the main area of production, over 90%. The Penedes wine region flagship grape variety is Xarel.lo making it the Penedes cava icon. Your visit to Penedes should include at least one of the spectacular modernist cava cellars as well as one of the emerging high- quality organic producers.

Your wine lovers tour continues to the Priorat Wine Region of Spain, where exceptional quality, red wines await you. These limited production reds are labelled DOC (Qualified Appellation of Origin) a denomination reserved to only Priorat and la Rioja. The Priorat wine region is famous for its mineral-rich soil and terraced hillsides of slate (called licorella by the locals), which create a unique humidity for the vines. Priorat wines blend the wine varietals of Garnacha and Cariñena and are substantial, inky wines of distinct character and reputation.

A not-to-be-missed stop is the Rioja Wine Region of Spain. Here we love to showcase the contrasts between historic and traditional wineries, some of them still making their own barrels and the sleek, modern cellars with amazing state-of -the-art wine-making techniques.  In the Rioja wine region there is a heavy use of oak for long ageing, which is the signature Rioja style, resulting in polished reds based mainly on Tempranillo but also Graciano and Garnacha blends. Bodegas Roda nave fermantación

Continuing west, you arrive to the Ribera del Duero Wine Region of Spain. Here you will taste the more modern, full-bodied and slightly more sophisticated single-vineyard wines at two of our favourite cellars. Part of Ribera del Duero wines’ uniqueness is due to Tinto Fino, the indigenous type of Tempranillo grape. The most mythical and inaccessible Spanish wineries are here, along the legendary Ribera del Duero Golden Mile and you will be lucky to visit one.

Crossing the border now you arrive to the beautiful Douro Valley wine region in Portugal, considered one the most spectacular wine regions of the world! Its characteristic terraced vineyards on the sloping hills meet the meandering river below. The in-vogue again Port wine is made here at various quintas (port wine cellars) along a narrow river gorge that winds 100 miles through the mountain ranges. Historically, Port wine was shipped downriver to the city of Porto for ageing, aboard sail-boats called Rabelos. Nowadays, the Douro Valley wine region of Portugal produces not only Port wines but also excellent reds mainly using the Touriga Nacional grape.

Douro Valley

 

Following the route of Port wine, as the grape juice once did from the Douro, you arrive to Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for the Port Wine Lodges of historic port wine producers. Port houses have aged their wines in Vila Nova de Gaia for over three centuries and here, the ageing and blending of most of the world’s supply of Port wine takes place beneath a sea of red roofs emblazoned with some of the most famous names in wine-making.

If your Spain & Portugal wine tour is 10 days only, Porto is the perfect finale for this unique wine trip!  Take advantage of our expertise and let us take you to the very best wine regions and wineries of Spain and Portugal. We will ensure for you the best winery visits and wine tastings with expert in-house guides,  hand selected hotels and you will e able to make the most of your wine tastings as your chauffeur takes the driving strain!

You may like to include other wine regions of Spain and Portugal in your private wine tour, for example the up and coming Vinho Verde in northern Portugal and the rural, quaint and very authentic Alentejo wine region, half way between Andalucia and Lisbon. Just let us know and we can happily custom build your perfect wine tour based on your preferences. If you are looking for an ideal for the best route, have a look at our sample itinerary  Wine Lovers Tour of Spain & Portugal . Contact us for pricing or to start custom building your perfect wine tour of Spain and Portugal!

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Priorat Wine Region – the best places to visit on a Priorat wine tour

While on a wine tour in Spain, the beautiful Priorat wine region is a must of any serious wine lover! The Priorat red wines are world famous for their unique personality, attributed to the extreme climate and unique and breathtaking geography. Priorat experiences sharp temperature fluctuations between night and day, caused by the proximity of the Montsant mountain range. These spectacular mountains help create mist and moisture in the vineyard valleys, which dissipate to leave warm grape-ripening sun during the days. This slate-soiled land is full of majestic cliffs and steep hillsides where terraces have to be built in order to grow further vineyards.

The name, Priorat has been linked to wine since ancient times. A great place to start any Priorat wine tour is the birthplace of the Priorat wine,  the Carthusian Priory (or Priorat) of Scala Dei, the first carthusian monastery on the Iberian Peninsula, founded in the 12th century. This picturesque site, situated at the foot of the Montsant mountain range, is where the Priorat wine making tradition originated. The monastery thrived until 1835, when the church shut the operations down. Today the ruins of Scala Dei can still be explored on foot, the immensity of the Montsant range truly apparent.

 

The ruins of the Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei

 

With the sale of Scala Dei’s lands and vineyards and the phylloxera outbreak at the turn of the century,  the Priorat wine region went through economically hard times up until the wine-making revival of the 1980s.

One of the families whom we can thank for the revival of Priorat wine making is the Barbier-Meyer. Rene Barbier bought his first vines in Priorat in 1979, after many years of experience in Bordeaux and Borgogne. Returning to the area close to his birthplace of Tarragona, he and his family have grown up amongst the vineyards, loving the terroir and tending carefully to the earth which creates these incredible wines. His emblematic winery, Clos Mogador, is named after the single vineyard that Rene started to cultivate in the 1970’s in the now-famous wine village of Gratallops, heart of the Priorat wine making activity. Robert Parker was one of the first international critics to praise his incredible wines, which are nearly elixirs. The Priorat wines in general are already highly concentrated and “normal” yields are incredibly small, but Rene goes even further – at Clos Mogador winery they press the grapes using an olive press, which means they extract only half of the amount of juice that a typical wine press would, making the wine 50% more concentrated!

His wall by wall wine cellar neighbour, Carles Pastrana, is together with Rene  of the founders of the Priorat wine revolution. At his family owned and run winery, Clos d Obac, he produces some of the most iconic Priorat wines, Clos de l’Obac, Misere and Kyrie.  A visit to both Clos Mogador and Clos d Obac cellars is a must for any Spanish wine lover!

Another not to be missed winery is Clos Figueres, in the village centre, where the charming owners not only show our clients their unusual barrel room but also treat them to a great meal at their fantastic restaurant. Clos Figueres owns 18 hectares of some of the best Priorat vineyards, planted with Grenache, Carignan (some over 60 years old), Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Monastrell, Viognier and Chenin Blanc.

 

Clos Figures vineyards in DOQ Priorat wine region

As for the Priorat wine region most typical grape varieties, the native red grapes of Carinyena (Carignan) and Garnatxa (Grenache) are the absolute stars, in coupage and also in some incredible mono varietal single vineyard wines.

All the permitted grape varieties of the DOQ Priorat Wine Region are:

  • Red Priorat Grape Varieties: Grenache, Carignan, Hairy Grenache, Tempranillo, Piquepoul, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah
  • White Priorat Grape Varieties: Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Pedro Ximinez, Chenin Blanc, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Xarello, Piquepoul

While visiting the Priorat wine region, aside from refining your wine-palate, you may also want to taste Priorat world-class olive oils, which are also classified into DOs.

One of the best Priorat olive groves are in the area of the fairly tale hamlet of Siurana, which is set upon a cliff, surrounded by mountains, with views fit for an eagle! Set 1000m high atop a cliff, Siurana was the last Moorish stronghold in Catalonia, and the legend is that, wanting to evade capture by the Christians, the Moorish queen Abdelazia drove herself and her horse off the cliff into the valley below… Today this charming rural stone village is worth a slow wander, taking in the spectacular views and the marks of hundreds of years of history.

Priorat extra virgin olive oil

So, if you love fine red wines, aromatic olive oils and enjoy spectacular scenery; you can’t miss the Priorat wine region!

Join us on a private Wine Lovers Tour of Spain to explore the Priorat wine region, as well as other incredible Spanish wine regions of Ribera del Duero, La Rioja, Emporda and Penedes. We always want to show our clients the most scenic areas, with expert guided visits to fantastic wineries as well as great local restaurants and boutique accommodations. 

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The best wineries in the Spanish Emporda Wine Region

Mas Estela set amongst the incredible scenery of the Cap de Creus

The up and coming Empordà wine region in Catalonia, northern Spain is known for it’s high-quality wines, olive oil and beautiful scenery. The windswept Emporda landscape between the Costa Brava and Girona, does not only offer bucolic vineyards and olive trees vistas,  but fascinating medieval hamlets and gorgeous seaside villages as well. If you are a wine lover and like to discover exciting new wines, the Empordà wine region is a perfect wine travel destination.  Still undiscovered, but with great food, lovely rural hotels and charming vintners,  who are always ready for a chat with fellow wine buffs and of course, an Emporda wine tasting!

More and more local Emporda wine makers prefer to grow their grapes in a way which is in harmony with the local environment. One such Emporda winery is Terra Remota lying at the base of the mountains, close to the border of Spain with France.  This ecologically run vineyard is one of the best wineries in Catalonia and their fine organic Emporda wines have gained a fabulous reputation by being included on the wine lists of many Michelin 3 starred restaurants! Not only does this Catalan cellar produce organic wines, but they also aim for minimal impact on the surrounding nature. Their raw concrete “bodega” designed by architects Pépe Cortés & Nacho Ferrer is recently built, but in time will surely hide itself entirely in its natural surroundings, as  it is perfectly integrated in a side of a hill, lying long and low with the mauve Pyrenees high above, with its roofs covered with vegetation.  On our Spanish wine tours, covering the Emporda wine region, our guests also enjoy a picnic at this special winery!  It is lovely to relax and unwind, surrounded by vineyards,  where you can put your feet up and lounge in the shade of the tall trees on the sun beds provided. With the sun filtering through the tree tops, take time out to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Close by, another Emporda winery, Mas Estela,  is tucked within the Cap de Creus natural park and only 3 kms from the Mediterranean sea; its moderating influence protecting the valley of vines. Another of the best wineries in Catalonia, here not only do they produce highly-regarded wines but the location of the winery is sublime. The family came here in 1988 and bought a large ruin with some 20 hectares of valley and scrub land with steep slopes on either side. Having rebuilt their house, they planted the terraces with varieties like syrah, monastrell and garnatxa gris to complement the garnatxa, cariñena and muscat which already existed.  This Emporda winery is organic as well and applies biodynamic principles that obey the cycles of the moon in order to interact with the soil or when to work on the vines. Their use of natural fertilizer only, means that the environment is not polluted by any type of chemical which ensures that the biodiversity remains strong and creates a truly healthy environment.

 

 

Another of the best wineries in Catalonia is La Vinyeta, in the heart of the Empordà wine D.O region. A young winery, it was purchased in 2002 by an enthusiastic Catalan wine making couple and is the fruit of much effort and ambition. From that moment on, more and more vines were planted, up to the present 30 hectares. The project was consolidated in 2006 with the construction of the winery and the making of the first wines. In 2009, La Vinyeta became one of the first Spanish wineries to adopt Integrated Production, an environmentally-friendly cultivation system. Their signature Emporda wines are not only delicious but structured as if they were part of a unique story. From the starting “Once upon a time” for the Heus label, the freshest and youngest of their wines; which is produced in red, white and rosé varieties. Passing on to the Llavors (it can be translated as “then”), which signals an evolution after spending six months in oak casks. This Emporda wine story is completed with the distinct Punt i Apart (which translates to “new paragraph”); La Vinyeta’s flagship wine, and our definite favorite, which stays 13 months in oak casks.  

Our carefully designed Wine Lovers Tour of Spain covers not only the beautiful-up-and-coming Emporda wine region, but also many of our other favorite Spanish vineyards, some well known, others hidden gems waiting to be discovered. If you have just a few days, our Emporda Wine Region & Costa Brava Tour is a perfect opportunity to indulge in local wine, food and culture! Combining a few days of pure relaxation in medieval villages with a customized tour of the area including Emporda wine tastings, fine food and the best privately guided tours. Just drop us a line with your dates and budget and we will take it from there!

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Unique Christmas traditions of Spain

Christmas is a very religious and traditional time here in Spain, with truly unique events, such as live Nativity Scenes, bizarre local traditions like Caga-tio (or Pooping Log) and beautifully emotive Catholic celebrations. The Spanish Christmas season starts off with the Catholic bank holiday of Immaculate Conception on December 8th. In Seville each year, the day is celebrated in front of the Gothic cathedral (the largest in the world!)  with a moving dance ceremony performed by children and  called Baile de Los Seises (dance of six).

The guests who join us on a private tour in Spain during  the Christmas season, can experience first-hand the unique Spanish live nativity scenes, a sacred symbol of local Christmas tradition. Some of the most beautiful medieval villages in Spain magically convert for a few nights before Christmas into incredibly scenic live Nativity scenes, with locals playing the parts of Mary and Joseph, the three wise men, shepherds  etc. All illuminated with torches and replete with the necessary cast of live animals, to see this is a truly unique experience!

Traditional nativity scenes are set-up everywhere in Spain – in many plazas and areas where people might gather, even in storefront windows! Once we see these scenes in the streets, we can be aware that this special season is approaching!

In Catalonia and Aragòn, a beloved and typical character is the Tío de Nadal or Caga Tió. It is a hollow wooden log, about thirty centimeters long with a painted smiling face, enhanced by a little red sock hat and often a three-dimensional nose. In the days between the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas Eve, children are instructed to care for the log, giving Tió a little bit to “eat” every night and covering him with a little blanket so that he will not be cold at night. On Christmas day one puts the Tió partly into the fireplace and orders it to “poop” presents. To make him “poop”, one hits him with sticks, while singing various songs of Tió de Nadal. Before ordering the Tió to poop gifts, the adults ask children to leave the room in order for them to arrange for the small gifts from Tió to be put in place. The Tió does not drop larger objects, as those are considered to be brought by the Three Wise Men. It does leave candies, nuts, torrons and small toys: for what the Tió leaves is a communal gift rather than an individual one, to be shared by all.

 

Oh Christmas tree…

Christmas Eve in Spain is called Nochebuena and like many other parts of the world, is celebrated with two very important traditions; eating an enormous meal, and going to Christmas Midnight Mass .

There is a wide variety of typical Christmas dishes one might find on plates across Spain on this night.  Each region has its own distinct specialities. Among typical dishes served on Christmas Eve and during the days that follow are roast lamb and suckling pig (typically served in the regions of Castilla León, Castilla la Mancha, and Madrid), turkey or duck (commonly prepared in Andalucía), and an enormous variety of seafood, including shrimp, lobster, crab, and various types of fish like hake, trout, sea bream, sea bass, and salmon (common in many regions, but mostly on the coasts).  For dessert there is quite an array of delicacies; among them are turrón (a version of nougat), made of honey, egg and almonds that are Arabic in origin, as well as polvorones, an almond shortbread and a variety of nuts and dried fruits. All these wonderful foods contribute to Christmas celebrations in Spain.

To drink, one must have a glass of cava, the Spanish equivalent of champagne.  After the meal, many Spaniards get their second wind and go to midnight mass, known as “La misa del Gallo”, or “Rooster Mass”, named such because the Rooster  is known as the first to announce the birth of Christ. On Christmas day people spend time with their families and feast on another large meal. Some households have children enjoy the gifts that they have received from Papa Noel (Santa Claus).  The custom of giving gifts on this date is not as popular as it is in many countries, as Spaniards traditionally wait until Three King’s Day to exchange gifts. New Year’s Eve, or Nochevieja, in Spain, is quite an impressive spectacle.  In all plazas across the country, one can see a similar scene that includes church bells and grapes. When the clock strikes 12, the church bells sound 12 times, and at this moment all Spaniards eat 12 grapes, one for each toll of the bell. This lively celebration will go on until the wee hours of the morning!

 

Epiphany (or Three Kings Day) on January 6 signifies the end of Christmas, the long-awaited day for children to receive their presents. First, in the afternoon of January 5th, a grand Three Kings Parade takes place in every Spanish city, town and village, with thousands of participants and wide TV coverage. The kings carry loads of gifts on their carriages and throw sweets to the enthusiastic crowds. Before going to bed that night, children leave their shoes out on their balcony and hope that when they wake up they will find gifts left by Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar.  After festive lunch, families have the typical dessert of the day, the “Roscón de los Reyes”, a large ring shaped cake that is decorated with candied fruits, symbolic of the emeralds and rubies that adorned the robes of the three kings.  Somewhere inside the cake there is a surprise, and the person to find it will be crowned King or Queen of the house for the remainder of the day!

We hope you enjoy a wonderful festive season ahead! If you would like to witness and partake in these traditional Spanish festivities first-hand, join us for a private tour around Christmas and New Year: for example, if you choose our  Majestic Madrid & Authentic Andalucia Tour you too can watch first hand the ceremony of Los Seises from Seville Cathedral or soak up the atmosphere while eating grapes on New Year’s Eve in Spain’s glorious capital of Madrid!

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The best olive oil harvest festivals in Spain!

Spain, the largest producer of olive oil in the world, with the impressive average of 44% of the world’s supply of olive oil each year, is paradise for us olive oil lovers!  Over 250 varieties of olive trees in Spain produce twice as much olive oil as Italy and four times as much as Greece! The olive oil harvest time, from early November till mid January, with many olive oil festivals all over the country, is a perfect opportunity for an authentic Spanish food and wine tour! On your foodie trip with us you can visit charming local olive oil artisans, participate in lively olive oil festivals in local villages, see their olive mills in full swing and taste the freshly pressed olive oil – its aroma and taste are truly delicious!

Olive trees, though native to Asia Minor, have been grown around the Mediterranean since the 8th millennium BC. Cultivating and eating olives has existed before written language came to be! The Phoenicians brought olive trees to southern Spain almost 3000 years ago, so it is no wonder they are such an integral part of Spanish cuisine and agriculture.

The Spanish region of Andalucia grows most of the world’s olive oil, but Catalonia produces some of the world’s best and most distinct in flavour. The first official protected designation of origin for Spanish extra-virgin olive oil was bestowed on the Catalan Oli de Borges in 1975.

Nowadays, the most prestigious Olive Oil D.O. in Catalonia is Siurana, where the legendary OleAurum DOP Siurana oil was born. Here, on the outskirts of Reus every November, the Siurana Olive Oil Fair takes place, a lively event gathering the most important producers of the DOP Siurana. Olive and olive oil tastings abound, as well as a raffle whose winner succeeds in being given their ‘weight in oil’!

So many olive oils to choose from!

In Andalucia, Jaen is the iconic olive oil region, with miles and miles of olive orchards and many olive oil producers and co-operatives. During the olive harvest, between November and February,   you can enjoy here not only fantastic olive oil mills visits and tastings, but also lively traditional gatherings and gastronomic festivals, like the one in Martos, where you can participate in the harvesting of olives and see the extraction of olive oil from the olive. A delicious end to this festival is the handing out of ´hoyos´ by local olive growing families, a traditional dish of bread, oil, salt, cod and olives.

The beautiful Catalan region of Priorat, well-known amongst the wine lovers for its mind-blowing reds, also abounds in excellent olive oil. Here the Oil Festival of Cabacés takes place on the first weekend of December and includes olive oil tastings, guided tours of the local mills, displays of country produce, as well as music and a communal lunch.

We are passionate about our olive oil and would love to assist you with a Spanish foodie tour, so you can experience the ambience and conviviality of these very community-strong olive oil festivals here in Spain, be it south or north!