“Wine is a passport to the world.”

– Thom Elkjer

This year’s most glorious vineyard experience has just been announced, according to the World’s Best Vineyards awards, and the 2023 winner is...


🥁 *drumroll please* 🥁


Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina. If you like Malbec wine,

Mayan-inspired architecture and multisensory masterclasses,

then this could be the vacation for you.


We shine a spotlight on some other winners below.


#cheers #salud #prost #santé #cincin #gesondheid #saúde

Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal

Rioja, Spain


Founded in 1858, this is where the first ever Rioja wines were bottled, with the then Marquis’

first vintage in 1862.


The twisted aluminium ribbons swathed over the Hotel Marqués de Riscal gleam in the Spanish sunlight, their purple, gold and silver hues mirroring the wines and their bottles made in the bodega below. The Frank Gehry masterpiece is now a familiar sight on the Rioja landscape, a

futuristic aesthetic belying

the history it encases.

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Bordeaux, France


Roaming the vineyards, you’ll see Shire horses plowing fields

surrounded by woodland, orchards and beehives. They’re all cultivated to enhance biodiversity, not just for more complex wines but to ensure the estate’s longevity and minimize its carbon footprint.


 In 1990, the estate was bought by former French Olympic skier Daniel Cathiard and his wife Florence, who have embraced biodynamic farming and brought a certain je ne sais quoi to hosting, turning this quintessential Bordeaux winery into a luxury destination.

Schloss Johannisberg

Rheingau, Germany


A typical day kicks off with a guided tour of the eighteenth century palace before lunch in the Schlossschänke restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows afford views across the Rheingau.


Spend the afternoon delving into the cellars, and you might just be lucky enough to sneak through the iron gate into the 900-year-old subterranean Bibliotheca, which houses the estate’s most precious wines, the oldest from 1748.


Come nightfall, there is a packed roster of events, with al fresco jazz and classical concerts throughout the summer months.

Rippon

Central Otago, New Zealand


 The Rippon Estate produces a highly lauded range of Pinot Noir from this magnificent landscape and its biodynamically-farmed vineyards. Breathtaking though it may be, every aspect – from the ground up – contributes to

making the Rippon vineyard

and its wines unique.


The winery is open to visitors every day by appointment. Meanwhile, also at the property is Rippon Hall, which hosts concerts, events

and pop-up restaurants

throughout the year.


The Rippon Estate is the perfect location for an evening of music and merrymaking beneath the southern stars.

Quinta do Crasto

Douro Valley, Portugal


With the same diligence with which it crafts its wines, guests can expect service of the utmost excellence. Visits take in the vineyard, olive grove, winery with its original stone 'lagares' and modern barrel room, the house and, finally, the sensational views, which serve as the perfect accompaniment to a tasting, or for a lunch or dinner served on the terrace.


Those lucky enough to stay the night in the guest wing of the estate can take advantage of the infinity pool with its views looking down at the River Douro flowing right past you. Don't forget to visit the small 17th-century chapel at the highest point of the estate amid a small grove of trees.


Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Sonoma County, United States


Reservations are essential at Jordan thanks to the intimate nature of its experiences. Tours of the winery or vineyards are each followed by seated tastings, while full estate tours kick off with a champagne breakfast and continue by Mercedes Sprinter. Seasonal events are hotly anticipated so be sure to keep abreast of what’s on.


The dream is to spend the night in the seclusion of the self-catered, two-bedroomed Wildwood Cottage, with a forest setting & private decks for relaxing & enjoying a glass of wine.


Jordan produces one red and one white wine, designed to have rich yet balanced flavor profiles and long aging potentials.

Ceretto

Piedmont, Italy


The winery is run by the third generation of the Ceretto family, cousins Lisa, Roberta, Alessandro and Federico, who together ensure the quality and sustainability of the

family’s wines through their commitment to organic and biodynamic farming and

non-invasive practices in the vineyards.


The Ceretto Estate in Alba guarantees visitors sensational Nebbiolo and superlative views of the practically symphonic Langhe hills. The latter can be enjoyed from The Berry (l’Acino), a glass structure perched on the front of the property and overlooking beautiful vineyards as far as the eye can see. There may be no better spot in the whole of Langhe from which to appreciate the rustic beauty of the region.

Delaire Graff Estate

Stellenbosch, South Africa


Set against the stunning backdrop of the vineyards and mountains of Stellenbosch, Delaire-Graff Estate offers a quintessentially South African luxury wine experience. Scattered among its gardens are exclusive boutiques, elegant restaurants and original artworks. It is a hidden paradise of unrivalled beauty and tranquillity.


 Whether you're a couple or a family, the estate's gorgeous lodges offer the perfect getaways. Each comes with a private deck and pool – some with a private garden – with stunning views of the landscape, including Simonsberg and Table Mountain. The largest lodge has four bedrooms, an infinity pool and a private chef. Guests at the lodges are also invited to take full advantage of the wellness center and spa on site.

Travel Leaders Network

President's Circle


We are proud to be members of the

TLN President's Circle, an honor which provides us with exclusive offers that

we can pass on to you!


#TravelBetter

When you are ready to go, we are ready to help!

Passport Reminder

 Double check the expiration date

on your passport.


Make sure your travel documents are valid for at least six months past the dates of any planned international trips.


More details are available at this link.

What is ETIAS?


The rules of travel to Europe are changing.


The new regulations are called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).


When the system launches in early 2024,

all visitors who currently travel to Europe visa-free, such as citizens from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, will need to apply for travel authorization and receive approval prior to their departure.


♦️ ETIAS is currently not in operation and applications are not yet collected.♦️


You can find more information at this link.


#StayTuned

#Anticipation #EndlessPossibilities #Getaway #Relax #Explore #TravelBetter #LetsGo

It's Travel Trivia Time!

What word is commonly used to market wine tourism?

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