French Wine Can Cost Over 1000 Per Bottle – Part 1
December 18, 2009 by rum lounge
Filed under Wines And Spirits
Although you can find many great value wines and numerous different varieties to choose from whatever your palette, there are also some of the most expensive wines in the world that are produced in France, and the vast majority of people will never be able to experience in their lifetime.Both Bordeaux and Burgundy have always contested that they produce the best wines and in their own ways the are probably both correct, and yet apart from the Champagne region, famous for the sparkling wine of the same name, Bordeaux wines are far more widely known than those from Burgundy.Going to a wine tasting session can be great fun trying out different varieties, yet for some it can also be a little daunting, especially if it is not on an arranged tour of which there are plenty to choose from. However, there are some general pointers that will get you through.You should swill the wine round in the glass a couple of times, which will help aerate it and provide you with the full aroma. Plus it is customary to spit out most wine, rather than swallow it, although you can swallow a small amount on occasions to experience what it is like after it has gone down.Yet for hundreds of years Bordeaux has had a long and internationally famous history of high quality wines and is also a very popular place to go, although you can still pick up a good value Bordeaux wine if you travel to the outskirts of the region. The Languedoc region in France is one of the biggest wine producing regions and to put this into perspective, it has over two times more land planted to vines than the whole of Australia! Even though in the past, they concentrated more on quantity rather than quality, this is changing where you can pick up a reasonably priced wine that can match up to some at double or even triple the cost.Obviously, white wine has long been associated with fish and chicken, whereas red wine is normally paired with red meats and game. Yet when you are in France experiencing the fantastic culinary delights of the regions speciality French food, take the time to choose a wine that will enhance the experience or ask for advice and enjoy.
Cape Winelands: a Feast for the Eyes and the Spirit
May 31, 2009 by rum lounge
Filed under Alcohol Shots
Cape Town’s Cape Winelands is a must-see place for tourists, not for the wines alone but for the majestic panorama of sweeping vineyards and soft rolling hills. The hues of this wonderful stage change with the time of day, flaunting the vibrancy of nature’s palette, crimson and lavender of dusk to the velvety soft hues of deep starry nights. In the daytime, the startling blue of the skies lends a lovely contrast to the colors of mother earth.
Top Wine Routes
In the western province of South Africa lies the Cape Winelands region. This is only an hour drive from Cape Town, so there is no excuse why you cannot spend a night in the wine-producing region. Cape Town accommodation in this part of the province are varied and cater to the big shots in politics and Hollywood, yuppies, and backpackers who crave a respite from their extreme adventures.
The region produces the world’s best wines, 10 billion liters annually. The grape wines flood the coffers of the economy and employ 300,000 workers. The famous wine-producing places here are Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. But other places like Constantia, Robertson, and Wellington should not be dismissed. These are equally picturesque and produce quality wines—Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the two oldest vineyards with their history dating back to the seventeenth century when the Dutch and the French settled in the area and started growing grapes for wine. The industry grew to become one of the top export earners for the country today.
From July to August, Stellenbosch celebrates the wine festival. This is a big festival attracting hordes of tourists from all over the world. Among the other must-join activities are the mountain biking challenge, trail trekking, and visiting the vast vineyards. Just walking the tree-lined avenues can send you to nirvana.
Paarl is another Dutch settlement and the third oldest in Cape Winelands. Other than its vineyards, Paarl offers mountain climbers and bikers the thrill of conquering Paarl Rock or trek the lovely trails in the woods just below the mountain. Just make sure you are loaded with drinking water because the excursion can get you thirsty.
Constantia is another place you must not ignore. Facing the False Bay, and just 20 minutes from the city center, the place is teeming with sights to see and explore. Still standing and as beautiful as they were first built, stand the manors constructed Dutch style. Picnic under the shade of ancient oak trees in the lawns or have sumptuous meals in the numerous restaurants or shop in the center. There is always something for tourists of all inclinations.
Tourists and guest laze around and drop in the estates, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, sip wine, or have a grand tour of the places. It takes a day or two to see all of one place so be ready to camp out in one of those wonderful boutique hotels and guesthouses that provide the same comfort and convenience of Cape Town hotels.
Do not strike out the Cape Winelands in your list when you get to Cape Town or you will miss paradise on earth.