Vine and Wine
Take a leisurely morning stroll through Château Socherie’s historic 28 hectare wine estate, before tasting the wine of the Loire in their old wine cellar, or out on the sun covered terrace looking out over the Layon Valley with vineyard after vineyard stretching out into the distance. You’ll sip your way through a refreshing and light Chenin Blanc, a traditional Anjou, Savennières – a sweet wine that’s the hallmark of the region, and their most famous (and a must-try) the Coteaux du Layon. Explore the knowledgable Olivier Poussier’s tasting notes made for all of the estates’ wine. After 20 years of work and devotion, he was voted the Best Sommelier in the World in October 2000 in Montreal – so he knows his stuff.
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Château Soucherie is all about the little details, and their charming guest rooms have plenty. Designed by Roger and Pascale Beguinot, with total relaxation in mind, their Chenin bedroom has a magnificent freestanding bathtub ideal for zoning out, glass of wine in one hand and book in the other. If you’re in the mood to explore, the Chateau de Brézé, which is just a short drive away, houses the largest underground fortress in Europe. Inside there are pressing machines and wine cellars: where you can make the most of more Loire Valley wine tastings and an exciting tour.
Vine and Wine
In the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, this award-winning vineyard is a wonderful place to visit. They offer a walk and talk with one of the expert winemakers who’ll guide you through the organic winemaking process. Each grape is hand-picked from their six-acre vineyard, on south-facing slopes at the foot of the North York Moors – and pressed to make wine for you try onsite. Wandering the vineyards will whet your appetite to try more of the expertly-made wine. Inside, help yourself to a bottle of wine from the honesty bar. Choose from the Dalesman, a sweet sparkling rosé, Yorkshire Lass, a fragrant dry white, or a Strickland Estate red to sip while you sit back and enjoy views of the sun setting over the hills. That’s not all, there are orchards onsite where they pluck apples for pressed apple juice in the morning and refreshing cider to sip in the afternoon.
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Barn owls, brown hares and lapwings are some of the wildlife you’ll spot as you take a walk around the rustic Ryedale Vineyards, and you can stay amidst all this nature on the cusp of the North York Moors in one of their rustic farm houses, and have a delicious breakfast brought to your room. With Malton just six miles away, enjoy the best of both worlds in the most peaceful and luxurious retreat, with the option to explore shops and more activities in the nearby market town.
Vine and Wine
Wander through rows of vines with a glass of chilled Yorkshire wine in hand. There’s a light and dry rosé, a robust deep red and a medium to dry white to sample here, as you discover fine British wines alongside the colourful history of the vineyard. A walk through the grounds will introduce you to the hybrid grape varieties in the Holme Valley and tell the tale of how the vineyard is managed. Work up an appetite and pair the Holmfirth wine experience with something from the restaurant’s seasonal menu, offering artistically-presented dishes to enjoy as you sit back on the terrace overlooking the hills in the distance.
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Nestled into the beauty of the Holme Valley, and with stunning views stretching over the Peak District National Park, this winery is the most magical place to wake up. With a complex of apartments at the foot of the vines, there’s never been a better excuse to make the most of their three award-winning Sheveling wines. The luxury apartments, which range from one to three bedrooms, are all designed to be as carbon neutral as possible with the power provided by an onsite wind turbine. Each apartment has a kitchen, log-burning stove, ensuite bathrooms and TVs with DVD players in all the bedrooms. Relax in the spa, work off the extra glasses in the gym, and enjoy the luxury of a sauna, jacuzzi and swim jet pool.
Vine and Wine
All good holidays start with a glass of vino. Toast this one with a refreshing flute of ice-cold, sparkling Blanc de Blanc, enjoyed outside on their grand terrace on the gently sloping vineyard with views looking out to sea. The pressed Chardonnay grapes deliver the creamiest apricot and acacia notes on the nose and nuances of sweet lemon meringue on the palate that make for an ideal summer wine. There’s also a fruity and fizzy rosé and a robust sparkling Blanc de Noirs to try. The climate and chalk soil makes the estate ideal for producing the award-winning English sparkling wines, which are carefully developed over a minimum of 15 months. The setting here is as beautiful as the wine. You won’t want to leave the stunning vineyard, which has been farmed since medieval times.
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You don’t have to worry about driving – enjoy a relaxing night’s stay at the quaint Flint Barns on the estate that’ve been beautifully restored for that home-away-from-home feel. These historic buildings in the Cradle Valley lie at the western end of the estate; wake up and take a Bloody Mary and a spot of light brunch out onto the courtyard, which should set you up for a day working your way around any of the wines you missed out on yesterday. Tour the grounds, graze on delicious locally-sourced dishes in the restaurant, go birdwatching or cycle off all you’ve indulged while you’re here.
Vine and Wine
As the second largest wine growing region in France, the Rhône Valley vineyards thrive on both sides of the river. Some of the most famous wines in the world come from here and its beauty is renowned across France. Visit the Château Pesquié estate, located in the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful Ventoux Mountains. They’ve been producing world-class wines for many years, passing the passion for winemaking from generation to generation. Try the dry rosé, bright Chardonnay, a gorgeous Ascensio and a sweet Muscat dessert wine. The Grenache grape is pressed to make their Artemia red and comes from the most elevated point on the estate, boasting rich and fruity flavours and red berry notes. It goes down even better with their homemade olive oil and warm, freshly-baked bread available on the estate.
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Sadly you can’t stay here, but that’s fine with us because Château de Rochegude is just around the corner, with amazing views over the Rhône Valley vineyards, an outdoor pool for morning swims and tennis courts to play into the afternoon. What’s more, you’ll feel like royalty – the grand fortress was the residence of Marquis de Rochegude in the 12th century. It combines luxury comfort and complete relaxation in the 25 bedrooms, each distinctively decorated. With authentic antique furniture that harmonises with contemporary fixtures, linen curtains and coverings, it’s the perfect place to rest your head and enjoy the romance of France.
