Latest news with #vineyards
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
David Cameron was like a big MAN-BABY after the Brexit vote, says SARAH VINE in her new bombshell memoir. Here she reveals when the ex-PM said with clenched teeth: ‘For f***'s sake, Sarah…you have to get your husband under control'
Back when Michael Gove and I got engaged, friends expressed surprise that my fiance, arch-Eurosceptic that he was known to be, should have fallen for a girl like me, who grew up in Italy. The answer then, as now, was that Michael wasn't a sceptic in a Little Englander sense, believing that British was best. He loved Europe – especially its vineyards – but just didn't want Britain to be run by an unelected cabal in Brussels.
Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Telegraph
I discovered the soul of Portugal in the sun-drenched Douro Valley wine region
The first thing I notice is the stillness. As the Spirit of Chartwell, a regal ship once used by Queen Elizabeth II herself, slips under the arch of the Dom Luís I bridge and eases its way along the Douro River, the hustle and bustle of tourist-laden Porto fades into the distance. The terraced hills of Porto are stacked in vibrant, weather-worn buildings that cascade towards the river's edge, but as we travel from the mouth of Douro towards its source in Spain, I'm surprised by how quickly the hillsides surrender to nature. Soon we are immersed in wilderness and a welcome peacefulness pervades. As I bask in the bright sun on the top deck, glass of port in hand, I soak up the views of lichen-licked boulders ambling up from the shoreline and towering oak trees reaching skywards. Every so often the tumble of ancient ruins peek out from behind the emerald foliage, conjuring up dreams of running away to restore a home and start life anew. The river asks nothing of me but pure relaxation and wonder. It's my first-ever river cruise, but already I've fallen happily into its slow and steady tempo. Life on a Douro River cruise is about taking things at a gentler pace, where long lunches, vineyard visits and jaunts to cultural sites on shore replace the rush of the every day. It's a chance to savour the simple pleasures of good wine, fine food and ever-changing views. And the best part? I only have to unpack once after stepping on board. The meandering Douro River cuts its way through the fertile Douro Valley – one of Portugal's major wine-producing regions and the birthplace of port. In 2024, Portugal's wine industry celebrated one of its best years yet. At the same time, Portugal saw a substantial rise in tourism – the country welcomed a record 30 million visitors last year, generating €27 billion in revenue, with the UK representing the largest source of non-resident overnight stays. The Douro River plays a key role in the country's thriving tourism sector, with a nearly 11 per cent increase in passenger numbers on river cruises year on year. Porto, the nearest major city to the Douro Valley, is also attracting more visitors than ever, recording 5.9 million overnight stays in 2023, up from 4.8 million in 2022, while 7 million are expected to descend on the city in 2025. Fortunately, not all at once. I start my river sojourn in Porto, the gateway to the Douro Valley, by checking into the newly renovated Hospes Infantes Sagres. Opened in 1951 as the first five-star hotel in Porto, its halls have hosted luminaries from Bob Dylan to the Dalai Lama and Prince Edward. Now each of its 85 rooms and suites have been lovingly refurbished, along with its public spaces, such as the moody jewel box of a lobby that welcomes guests to sink down into velvet sofas in front of the gilded fireplace. Its restaurant, Scarlett, is a gastronomic gem serving local delicacies – and I swoon for the happy hour special of €1 oysters. A newer hotel on the Porto scene also worthy of attention is Casa de Companhia, which opened in 2023. A hidden sanctuary within the buzzy heart of Porto, you'd nearly wander past its ornate doors if you didn't know it was there. Yet inside the light-filled courtyard, all is calm – a sensation that's only enhanced by a visit to the hotel's L'Occitane spa for a reviving massage, followed by some time in the indoor pool, sauna and steam room. My room has an enviable view of the Porto Cathedral, which watches over the city from its hilltop perch. Porto's beguiling blend of architectural styles sees a collision of Baroque, neoclassical and modernist lines. Buildings bear outrageously tall doors and multi-coloured tiled facades – historically speaking, the finer the tiles, the bigger the bank account. After a few days, I'm ready to trade the hum of the city for the hush of the river. Boarding the Spirit of Chartwell is like stepping back in time to the golden age of cruising. With gleaming joinery and art deco touches, the classic vessel has a bygone glamour befitting royalty, and photos adorning the walls pay homage to the ship's role in Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, when Her Majesty was joined on board by Prince Philip, King Charles and Queen Camilla. Perfectly boutique in size, the ship only takes a maximum of 30 guests, providing a more intimate experience than larger ships that carry a hundred passengers or more. When we pass these relative behemoths on the river, all eyes are on the Spirit of Chartwell, and I can't help but feel a bit smug to be on such a classic beauty. At the welcome cocktail the first evening, I sample a white port with tonic, a refreshing twist on a G&T. Dining aboard the Spirit of Chartwell is an immersive journey into the roots of Portuguese culinary tradition, from savoury stews to expertly cooked fish, and every night we are tempted by local wines and port to accompany dinner. I've never had a taste for port, but, as I learn, it's because most of us have been drinking it all wrong. It's a wine that deserves better than being pulled off a dusty bar cart for special occasions. Once opened, port has a shelf life and should be consumed in between one and four weeks, depending on the variety – I shudder to think I've been drinking port past its best, and now, sipping a glass of smooth tawny liquid while taking in the view of the Portuguese countryside, I understand its appeal entirely. In the morning, I wake up to a scene of green rolling by outside, the hillsides laden in emerald leaves and the jade of the jewel-toned river lapping against the porthole of my comfortable cabin. The scenery slowly transforms with quiet villages and vineyards coming into view. When we transit one of the river's five navigable locks, it's an event in itself, and guests clamour to the top deck to take in the spectacle. Shore excursions are designed to immerse guests in the Douro Valley's rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. Highlights include a visit to Lamego, where I scale the 686 steps that lead up to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, passing grand fountains and tiled facades on my ascent. Standing guard over Lamego, the ornately adorned Baroque-style church has an almost mythical feel. We also step ashore for dinner and wine tasting at a traditional 'quinta' wine estate. At night, lively Portuguese folk musicians have us all dancing on board the ship. For those who want to dip their toes into river cruising or get away for a long-weekend, the three-night cruise on the Spirit of Chartwell is just the ticket. On a longer five-night trip, occasions such as a formal captain's dinner and opening of a vintage port wine opening ceremony add a sense of pomp and circumstance to the voyage. Running April to August, the cruises take in the height of Portugal's warm summers. The Douro Valley is a sun-trap, often warmer than Porto, yet the gentle movement of the ship keeps you from feeling stifled by the heat. The river has cast its spell on me, and as we make our way back to Porto I realise I'm not quite ready to leave it behind. Instead of rushing back to city life, I extend my stay with a visit to the Six Senses Douro Valley – a riverfront sanctuary nestled among lush gardens. Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century manor house, the hotel is cocooned by terraced vineyards and sun-dappled woodland, with views that spill across the river like a painting come to life. With a thoughtfully curated menu of activities – from yoga and full moon fire rituals to wine tasting and cooking classes – days here are filled with as much or as little as you please. Mornings begin with the scent of citrus and lavender in the air and end with sunset-soaked glasses of tawny port, and plentiful forest walks, spa treatments and wine tastings at local quintas in between. Drifting past vineyard-cloaked hills on the Spirit of Chartwell isn't just a holiday, it's a gentle unravelling. Here, the noise of the modern world falls away, replaced by the hush of water lapping against the hull, the rustle of wind through the trees, the ritual of pouring a ruby red glass of port. It's a place where time stretches, thoughts settle and the frantic pace of modern life feels blissfully far away. In this sun-drenched corner of Portugal, stillness isn't something you have to search for – it gently finds you. Essentials Douro Azul operates three- and five-night cruises on Spirit of Chartwell from April to August, with prices from £595pp.
Condé Nast Traveler
25-05-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
11 Best Wineries Near New York City for a Vineyard Getaway
Just beyond New York City, a different pace takes hold—one where vineyard rows stretch into the horizon and tasting rooms hum with warmth and character. The wine regions surrounding the city are rich and varied, from the breezy North Fork of Long Island to the lush, rolling hills of the Hudson Valley and the quiet calm of Connecticut farmland. These escapes are close enough for a weekend getaway, yet feel worlds away. New Yorkers who have yet to plan an East Coast wine outing might not know just how many options are in their (extended) backyard: You can find standout vineyards like Macari with its sustainable edge, Millbrook and Rose Hill with their Hudson Valley roots, and Paradise Hills in Connecticut, where wholesome and charming countryside meets modern winemaking. These regions, a stone's throw away from NYC, are dotted with wineries offering everything from elevated Chardonnay and earthy Cab Franc to pét-nats and skin-contact blends. Whether you're sipping on a sunlit patio or cozying up fireside with a flight, these vineyards deliver a mix of sensory pleasure and scenic calm. Read on for 11 wineries near NYC that make a lovely backdrop for a wine-soaked weekend out of the city, all reachable by car or train in three hours or less. Plus, where to stay nearby to make a weekend trip out of it. Hudson Valley Millbrook Vineyards & Winery Where: Millbrook, New York Millbrook Vineyards and Winery is nestled in the Hudson Valley, and is one of the region's flagship award-winning wineries. While the menu rotates monthly, the winery produces up to 15,000 cases of wine annually, so that guests can guarantee delightful sips on high-rated varietals of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet France, Tocai Friulan, Riesling, and more. The 130-acre property is an old dairy farm converted into an estate, now part of the Dutchess Country Wine Trail. It includes a 30 acre vineyard and walking trails through orchards, woodlands, and farms. Visitors can expect regular events with food trucks and live music, as well as outdoor wine tastings on the weekends from May to October. Otherwise, indoor tastings are offered daily year-round. (For groups of 10 or more, call the tasting room to schedule a wine tasting.) To make a day—or perhaps a weekend—of it, visit Clinton Vineyards and Milea Estate Vineyard too; each a 15-minute drive away. Get there and around: The winery offers a transportation service called the Vineyard Express. The $25 shuttle meets those coming in from NYC's Grand Central station via the Hudson Line at Poughkeepsie train station. (Be sure to make a reservation as space is limited, especially during the warmer months.) Otherwise, the drive from NYC falls anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours. Where to stay nearby: For a romantic storybook stay: The Millbrook Inn For a lovingly restored country-home feel: Troutbeck The cheery outside seating area at Hudson Chatham Winery in Ghent, New York Hudson-Chatham Winery Where: Ghent, New York
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moldova to Host the 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine - in the Country with the Highest Vineyard Density per Capita
What You Should Know About This Wine Nation CHIȘINĂU, Moldova, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, the World Congress of Vine and Wine will take place for the first time in the Republic of Moldova – the country with the highest vineyard area per capita in the world, with 4 hectares for every 100 people. Moldova's total vineyard area reaches nearly 110,000 hectares. The country ranks among the top 20 wine producers globally and is the 14th largest wine exporter in the world. In 2024, Moldova exported 144 million liters of wine, worth over 234 million USD. Moldovan wines are shipped to 73 countries, with half of all exports going to European markets. In Moldova, wine is not just an industry – it is part of the country's identity, history, and economy. Over the past few years, the wine sector has grown significantly, thanks to high quality and improved wine tourism infrastructure. Moldova now has over 250 wineries, offering great wines and unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world. Moldova has built a strong reputation in the international wine world not only through its authentic terroir and ancient traditions, but also through the growing recognition it has earned in recent decades. In the past five years, Moldovan wines have won thousands of medals at top global competitions – including Berliner Wine Trophy, Mundus Vini, Decanter World Wine Awards, and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. These awards have helped Moldova become known as a serious producer of high-quality wines, able to compete internationally and impress even the most demanding wine experts. A major milestone in promoting Moldovan wines abroad was the creation of the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV) and the launch of the national brand "Wine of Moldova: Unexpectedly Great" in 2013. The 46th edition of the World Congress of Vine and Wine will take place from June 16 to 20, 2025, at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău, Moldova. The congress will bring together 300 experts, researchers, winemakers, oenologists, producers, and policymakers from 51 member countries of the OIV, to discuss the future of the global wine industry. Participants will also take part in 13 technical visits to Moldova's most renowned wineries, and enjoy a festive dinner hosted at Cricova – the world-famous underground wine city known for its vast tunnels and excellent wines. Participation packages are available for purchase on the official congress website: The event is organized by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova and the National Office for Vine and Wine (ONVV). Moldova has been a member of the OIV since April 3, 2001 – the first country from the CIS to join the organization. In 2024, the OIV celebrates its 100th anniversary, and the congress in Moldova marks the beginning of its second centenary. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE World Congress of Vine and Wine Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
This wine club offers wines delivered to your door from £4.50 a bottle - perfect for summer BBQs and family get-togethers!
Would you like a cracking case of wine delivered straight to your doorstep without breaking the bank? Laithwaites has been going direct to winemakers to source great wines for more than 50 years. So they know a thing or two about delivering quality without a hefty price tag attached. And now, signing up for The Wine Club by Laithwaites bags you a case of a delightful dozen wines for just £54 - that's an unbelievable £4.50 per bottle. Cheers to that! The Wine Club offer If you become a Wine Club member with Laithwaites, you can enjoy significant savings. Use the code TWCOFFER* to get your initial case of 12 wines for just £54, which works out to an incredible £4.50 per bottle. Choose a case of 12 red, white, or mixed wines, all delivered to your door at no extra charge. You can also opt for a monthly delivery of eight bottles, with your first case priced at just £36, which also works out at £4.50. Or choose a delivery of four bottles for an introductory price of just £24, which is £6 per bottle. Don't miss out – join the Wine Club today and use the code TWCOFFER to claim this special offer. Brilliant wine, even better prices Fancy trying something a bit different with your wine selection? Whether you're looking to host a spontaneous barbecue or simply enjoy a greater selection of wines at home, you get better value and quality when you go direct to the winemakers. Laithwaites partners with smaller vineyards, meaning you get access to some truly interesting bottles you wouldn't typically find on the supermarket shelves. Think rich Portuguese vinha do fava reds from talented winemakers, a bold monastrell from Spain, perhaps, or perhaps a bold and spicy shiraz from Australia, perfect for a barbecue. On the white side, imagine a crisp, stone-fruit beauty from northern Italy or a distinctive South African albariño. The Wine Club is a chance to explore new flavours at prices that won't break the bank. But it's not just about the wine itself. Your online Laithwaites account unlocks a whole world of discovery. You'll find handy tips on pairing your new finds with food, along with detailed tasting notes to guide you. It's a great way to learn more about winemaking, delve into specific grape varieties, and get to grips with different wine regions. Consider it your personal passport to becoming a bit of a wine expert – all from the comfort of your own home. Let Laithwaites take you on a delicious adventure, one bottle at a time. Tailored to you Discover your ideal wines delivered right to your door. With The Wine Club, you're in control. Whether you're after a modest case of four (£24 for your first case), a handy eight (£36), or a generous dozen (£54), the choice is yours. And deciding what goes inside is just as flexible. All reds, only whites, or a bit of both? No problem. Don't like the look of a particular selection? You can easily swap them out for your personal favourites before delivery. Alternatively, if you fancy a delightful surprise, let our expert sommeliers curate a selection just for you. Laithwaites will bring your chosen wines directly to your doorstep, and what's even better, delivery is completely free. Need them in a hurry? With The Wine Club subscription, you can even opt for next-day delivery. And because we know plans can change, you can cancel your subscription whenever you like, or simply put your next delivery on hold if you're still working your way through your current case. It's all about enjoying great wine on your terms, without any fuss. Laithwaites' Wine Club offers a brilliant way to get your hands on some cracking wines without emptying your wallet. From just £4.50 a bottle to the sheer flexibility of choosing what you want (or letting the experts surprise you), it's all about enjoying a good vintage delivered straight to your door, no fuss involved – a proper taste adventure from the comfort of your sofa. Why not give the Wine Club a whirl? Use the code TWCOFFER to unlock this special introductory offer. You'll get your first case of 12 bottles for £54, eight bottles for £36, or four bottles for £24. Then after that, the price is £49 for four bottles, £69 for eight bottles and £99 for 12 bottles. 50 years of fabulous wines Fancy discovering incredible wines without spending a fortune? For more than 50 years, Laithwaites has been venturing directly to passionate winemakers, bringing back exceptional bottles to the UK at prices that might just surprise you. It all started in 1969 with Tony Laithwaite's geography field trip to Bordeaux, France. He found something more interesting than Roman ruins – real wine and the real people who make it. After a stint washing bottles in a Saint-Émilion winery, he began importing authentic wines to Britain. The kind you simply couldn't find here without paying a premium. By buying in bulk, he helped small vineyards share their stories and match the prices of bigger brands. Ever since, Laithwaites has championed family-run vineyards across the globe. Now, they partner with over 450 winemakers, bringing fantastic wines to more than 400,000 customers. Still a family business, Laithwaites is dedicated to offering you the excitement of discovering unique grapes and blends, always with guaranteed quality and excellent value. Find out more and sign up for The Wine Club at Remember to use the code TWCOFFER to secure your special offer. *TWCOFFER Voucher code can only be used once and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. 18+ years only. Valid until midnight 30/06/2025. Offer excludes Champagne, fine wine, beer, spirits, gift vouchers, WSET courses and gifts. See for full terms and conditions, and our privacy policy. Laithwaites is operated by Direct Wines Ltd. Registered in England and Wales (No 1095091). One Waterside Drive, Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading, RG7 4SW. Unless otherwise stated, all wines contain sulphites. Savings based on individual bottle price. Delivery takes 2-3 working days (delivery to offshore islands, NI, Scottish Highlands and some other areas of Scotland may take a few days longer). We reserve the right to reject any order for the repeated or fraudulent use of the voucher code.
