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Cyprus: Luxury wine tour

We start in Paphos on the western coast. The medieval castle from the days of the Crusades is at the entrance of its beautiful harbor.

So is 4 star Almyra Hotel built right on the water facing it.

The Church of the Holy Chrisopolitissa dates from the 13th century. Many pillars still standing are believed to be part of the old roman forum. Here is the pillar of St Paul where according to tradition St Paul was chained and flogged for preaching Christianity

At night Paphos comes alive. The Paphos castle once the fort of the knights of St John welcomes culture. During the summer operas are performed there it with the open seas as a backdrop. This is a windy setting for music but uniquely dramatic.

The Kato Pafhos archaeological site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site 1980.

Spread over a vast area, The Tombs of the Kings are these impressive underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating back to the 4th century BC.

Archeologists are busy uncovering remarkable mosaics. Every Roman villa built here in the 2nd, 3rd and to 4th century had elaborate mosaic floor, which have been amazingly preserved. The mosaics tell us that Cyprus has been cultivating wine for 2,500 years.

In a village near Paphos at the Aphrodite delight factory one can see the making of a typical Cyprus sweet called loukkoumi. Although loukumi is made all over the world the only protected geographical area of the European union is Yeroskipou, home to the authentic Cypriot sweet.

The western coast is full of coves and secluded beaches with some of the most pristine waters in the Mediterranean. Further up is the port of Latchi. This is a fishing town with some great seafood to taste at its outdoor restaurant.
Nearby is the Hotel Anassa a 5 star luxury hotel with sweeping views of the bay

North of Paphos is the mountain village of Kathika which has an ideal climate for grape growing The Sterna winery a small artisan like winery typical of the area which use local varieties of grapes Mavro and Xynistery

South of Pafhos is the Rock of Aphrodite, where according to legend Aphrodite the goddess of love sprung out of the water.

On the way to Limassol is the temple of Apollo Hylates one of the best-preserved archeological sites on the island. What remains of the temple is impressive as well as theater of nearby Kourion and its mosaics

The Trodos mountains are the main wine-growing region of Cyprus due to the elevation and the quality of the soil. The village of Kakopetria is a main tourist attraction

It’s vintage time and OLYMPUS winery in the Trodos mountains is busy picking grapes.

The Kolossi castle in the middle of vineyards and sugar cane plantations was occupied by the Knights of St John after the Crusades. The knights produced here for the first time the well-known dessert wine called commanderia.

In Limassol it wine festival time, where wineries from all over Cyprus come to pitch their wines. Cyprus although a very small island ranks 37th in wine production in the world.

Luxury Wine Tour of Apulia

The region of Apulia at the heel of Italy has 1000 hours more sunlight a year than the rest of the country and its local sun drenched grapes make superb wines. On this trip you will meet some of the top winemakers of the region, taste their wines and be dazzled by Apulia’s undiscovered richness of wine, food and art . Join us on this spectacular tour.

Castel del Monte in Andria is a 13th Century castle and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Carlo de Corato, Rivera’s owner says the unique terrain around the Castle combined with the cool breezes coming down from the Balkans are the reason for outstanding wines like Falcone. You’ll also taste other top wines like Cappellacio and Rupicolo.

Mr. Cocevola oversees the working farm, and winery near Castel del Monte producing superior wines likeVandalo. Other good wines are Rosso Cocevola, Pampanuto and Il Tratto.

La Corte in Fiore, Trani. Housed in a 16th Century building, this restaurant has won many awards for its seafood specialties. You will love it.

Trani is a medieval town built on the Adriatic Sea with one of the most spectacular 13th Century Cathedrals right on the water. You’ll have special access to the cript with splendid frescoes and mosaics.

Hidden in the midst of an ancient olive grove this 500 year old Masseria where you will be staying has been a fortress, a farm and a refuge for pilgrims. Today Masseria Torre Coccaro is a 5 star resort, a sublime mixture of Apulian rusticity and world class luxury where you’ll begin to understand the magical allure of Puglia.

Alberobello is famous for its 1,500 conical trulli homes. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy strolling through the hilltop town of Martina Franca, a beautiful baroque city full of great churches and palazzos from the 17th and 18th century.

Small fishing boats deliver the fish daily to the door of L’Ancora Restaurant built on the rocks right on the sea in Monopoli. Enjoy “crudo”, the Italian equivalent of sushi or their cooked specialties.

Enjoy a free afternoon at Masseria Torre Coccaro with its own private beach on the Adriatic sea. For further pampering retreat to a cool spa built in in an underground cave.

Ostuni known as "the White Town" is an architectural jewel with a striking medieval cathedral and endless winding streets to get lost in before your first glass of wine.

At Torre Coccaro the Chef displays his remarkable skills at blending tradition with innovation using just picked seasonal foods grown locally on Coccaro’s land.

A private yacht takes guests for swims in the crystal-water coves of Monopoli.

Brindisi was a major port city during Roman times and a column still marks the end of the Appian way.

Rubino is a family owned winemaker in Brindisi growing local varieties in vinyeards near the Adriatic sea. Luigi Rubino holds his wine tasting at the restaurant Penny, a hot spot on the harbour, housed in a 12th Century building in order to highlight food pairing. Enjoy a lunch with orecchiette, a local pasta specialty with fresh tomatoes and basil that works well with the red negroamaro. Then artichoke ravioli with shrimps sauteed in garlic and slivers of parmesan and tagliolini sauteed with squid and crabmeat, both served with the white malvasia called Giancola. Giancola is a beach on the Adriatic and the sea breezes give it its unique character. Rubino revived a 2000 year old indigenous vine called Sussumaniello producing a superb red called Torre Testa to be paired with red meat and aged cheeses.

Cantine Due Palme in Cellino San Marco, is a co-operative of 1,000 growers specializing in local grape varieties like Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera and Primitivo. The Top wines Primitivo Ettamiano, Red Salice Talentino, Canonico Negroamaro, have consistently been winning awards. Taste their top wine Selvarossa with the enologyst and Winery Director Angelo Maci.

Lecce is nicknamed "The Florence of the South" Because of the rich Baroque architectural monuments carved out of the local white stone.

In Lecce you’ll stay at the Hotel Risorgimento, a five star Luxury Hotel in a spectacular 18th Century Palace in the heart of town .

Have lunch at Atenze a landmark restaurant housed in a baroque palace with superb Apulian specialties.

Go out on the town. Lecce at nite is a throbbing city in a magical setting.

The original Leone de Castris was a Spanish nobleman who bought 10 thousand acres in 1665 planting olive trees and vines. The most famous is Five Roses born during World War II in discarded GI’s beer bottles when the wine became popular with U.S. top military brass. Taste the top wine of the collection: the Salice Salentino Donna Lisa.

You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the harbour from your Palazzo Papaleo, a 5 star hotel in a 17th Century palazzo next to the Cathedral.

Walk around Otranto, a bustling sea side town with remarkable monuments from the Middle Ages.

Meet the fishing boats as they unload their catch at the harbour with Chef Massimo of Vico Lopez Restaurant. You will pick the fish to eat at his restaurant that night.

After this magical tour Apulia will have carved out a place in your heart forever.

copyright Christinatours,LLC

Umbria Wine Tour promo

Umbria , untouched by mass tourism , has preserved the magic and richness of its past. So Let iexplore guide you on this magical Luxury wine tour where you’ll meet the great winemakers, the great chefs and the great artists of this land….
Your trip start in the middle of stunning vineyards right outside Perugia at the luxurious start Borgo Brufa resort.
Tasting at the Goretti winery is in their 14th century tower where you’ll drink their colliperugini and sagrantino and have lunch in full view of Perugia.
Perugia will stun you with its perfect renaissance architecture.
Chef Imperio will introduce you to Umbrian cooking at his cooking school.
You’ll visit Lungarotti, a pioneer in winemaking in Umbria and taste its excellent Rubesco.
You’ll love its world class wine museum.
Taste Sportoletti great red Assisi Rosso.
Assisi is a dazzling city that will draw you into an enchanted time warp experience.
Right across from beautiful Todi you’ll stay at the Roccafiore Luxury Resort
with its own winery and a cuisine that is a blend of home made and sophistication.
At Cantina Peppucci housed in a 13th century abbey you’ll taste their excellent Petroro Red.
Taste the superb Nero della Cervara with Mr Todini then have lunch at his resort with a view.
Todi is so picturesque it feels like a movie set.
Taste the simple foods of Umbria where ingredients and preparation have remained traditional and flavours are brought out singing with their wines to in perfect harmony.
Orvieto’s wine history goes back to the Etruscan and the cathedral carvings of vines from the 13th century bear witness to this tradition.
You’ll be staying at Locanda Palazzone owned by the Dubini brothers is a 13th century palazzo turned into a luxry resort surrounded by vineyards. The brothers make superb whites like Terre Vineate.
Decugnano dei Barbi makes a unique Decugnano brut and ages it in cellar exacavetd in the lava rock.
Castello della sala owned by the antinoris is a 1000 acres estate with top wines like cervaro della sala.
Sagrantino is only grown in Montefalco area and marco Capri is one of the architects of its success with its warded Sagrantino Collepiano.
Taste the food and wine of Montefalco and then view the remarkable frescos by Benozzo Gozzoli in the Museum of St Francis.
Paolo Bea’s family has been on these hills since the 1500’s and he makes sagrantino with a great commitment to environmental standards.
Meet Salvatore Denaro, a true fellinian chef who grows all of his own food and parties with his patrons.
After this magical tour with iexplore.com, Umbria will stay with you forever. For more information on this privately guided, dream luxury wine tour call us at 1-800 iexplore or visit iexplore.com

Tuscany Luxury Wine Tour Part 2

Authentic Italian cowboys, tending to the cattle farms that produce the renown Florentine steak have been a tradition in Maremma, Western Tuscany.

Near Grosseto in the South is the Saturnia Resort and Spa whose thermal waters have been known known since Roman times. The moisturizing thermal plankton is the active ingredient.

The Thyrrhenian Coast is rugged and beautiful. The Pellicano, a five star luxury resort has villas hidden in the cliff overlooking a secluded bay near trendy Porto Ercole.The cuisine is also 5 star run by a Michel awarded chef.

The Coast is also home to glamorous wineries which in the race to stand out among the competition have contracted famous architects to design their headquarters.

Like Rocca di Frassinello in Zavorrano a partnership with Les Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite designed by Renzo Piano. The winery as a cathedral.

And the Petra Winery in Suvereto designed by Mario Botta.

L’Andana co-owned by Chef Alain Ducasses is another five star resort in Castiglione della Pescaia. It also raises cattle on its 1000 acres Estate.

The Bolgheri area is known for wineries like Grattamacco, making “Supertuscans”, higher quality wines made from Sangiovese, Merlot and Shiraz.

San Giminiano the walled Medieval city in the province of Siena holds regular Medieval festivals and re-enactments.

The next resort is Borgo di Colleoli near Palaia built entirely around a medieval castle and carefully restored. It ha san innovative Tuscan kitchen and an extensive wine cellar.

Pisa: beyond the leaning tower lies an historic city with great churches, monumento and charming piazzas.

Bagni di Lucca was known for its thermal bath since Etruscan and Roman times. The mountain community and spa by the same name are hidden in the hills surrounding Lucca.

Lucca is not to be missed. Home to composer Giacomo Puccini it is an historical city with sophisticated dining, great markets and vibrant night life.

Cantine Bernardini, housed in a 16th century palazzo owned by the Bernardini family, is a Lucca landmark serving local specialties and wines.

Several wineries are scattered in the hills surrounding the town. In Montecarlo we find the awarded winery Montechiari producing excellent reds on its 20 acres estate.

Luxury Wine Tour of Croatia

Zagreb is a bustling modern city with a thousand year history. The 20th century blends without effort with its great buildings and monuments from the 17th 18th and 19th century.

Samobor is where people from Zagreb come to relax. The town with its beautifully preserved medieval plan looks almost unreal. When here must try the famous aperitif called Bermet and its very special custard cake which the people of Samobor claim has no calories.

30 minutes from Zagreb is a small winery called Korak. The family has been in the wine business for centuries. The current winery has been producing superior wines for 20 years Rieslings and Sauvignons are exceptional.

Opatje is a popular Summer and Winter resort on the Adriatic. The emperor of Austria loved this place. It was the Austrian nobility favorite spot in the 19th centuries and it shows. This place is all about indulging and pampering.

Motuvun is an old medieval town on top of a hill is in the heart of Istria. Population 500 tradition lives on in Motuvun.

In Li’vade there is an outstanding restaurant called Zigante, the cathedral of the Istrian truffle . The Chef prepares a pasta with black truffles, the Summer variety. A white truffle found by Zigante is in the Guinness Book of Records. And of course the store is all about …what else?

Great food needs great olive oil. In Buje one can taste what has been a specialty of Istria for centuries: the many varieties of olive oil.

In Brtonigla is Astarea one can taste traditional recipes of Istrian grandmothers prepared to perfection by loving traditional hands

In the rich wine country of Umag, is another outstanding winery: Kabola with its awarded wines like Malvasia and Grey Pinot.

Fusion spa in the hotel Melia has experts from Thailand and India practicing a range of sophisticated massages from Thai to Ayruvedic, to Tibetan Chi Nei Tsang massage

In Umag another major winery: Coronica . The wines of Istria are shaped by the red soil rich in iron and the salty sea air. Coronica uses no fertilizers and focuses on its native grapes producing mostly Malvasia for whites and Teran red.

Rovinj is a beautiful Adriatic town with a beautiful harbor and a charming an old town which owes its goods looks to the long presence of the Venetians. With a big influx of tourists from nearby Italy and northern Europe it has great hotels and restaurants

Pula was an administrative center of Istria since Roman times and the roman arena still stands as a sign of old roman glory. And an old culinary traditions which shows in its great markets.

Valsabbion is a sophisticated boutique hotel and a much awarded restaurant with very innovative cuisine both in content and presentation.

Down toward the central region of Licka are the Plitvize lakes. Surrounded by 3 mountains feeding the lakes this world heritage site is a grand collection of amazing waterfalls and 16 lakes known for their unusual changing colors colors ranging from blue to aqua to turquoise

Then through the ancient village of Mlinize with looks to have stepped out right out of the Middle Ages.

Nearby in Kuterevo in the Licka region there is a shelter for bear cubs run by volunteers and worth a visit.

The peninsual of Primosten is one of the most photogenic places on the Adriatic. This is also a rich wine country.

Further south is Trogir a World Heritage site with great architecture and the feeling of having stepped right into the Renaissance.

Split is another World heritage site with a very old history: it has an amazing old city built inside the huge palace built by on Roman Emperors’ Diocletian.

Split is a lively city with large markets and great outdoor life

Ston was a small town built to defend nearby Dubrovnik and its 5 kilometers wall it has the longest fortiefied walls in Europe. Ston is also the center of oyster growing in Dalmatia. Freshness does not come any closer.

Korchula is another spectacular island settled since Neolithic time Its most famous citizen Marco Polo is supposed to have been born here.

The Matusko winery is right outside Dubrovnik and it produces excellent full bodied reds like Dingac and Plavac.

And then there is Dubrovnik .
This is the city of all cities a fortress town a port a living museum the jewel of the Adriatic with great beaches history and a feel of having entered a magic place.

Langhe:corkscrew obssessed

The Barolo area in Langhe, Italy boasts some of the most prestigious wines and wineries in the world. It also counts among its many reason to visit the area the existence of the "Museum of corkscrews".
Paolo Annoni was once a pharmacist but abandoned his old profession to dedicate himself to his passion for corkscrews. Over the years he has travelled the world and auction houses searching for the most unusual corkscrews, collecting 1,300 rare ones and exhibiting them in the town of Barolo.
Christie's in London devotes 2 sales a year to corkscrews. If you attend you'll be sure to find Paolo there.

Tuscany Luxury Wine Tour Part 1

Castello di Tornano in the heart of Chianti (Gaiole in Chianti) makes an outstanding wine from the vineyards surrounding it. The complex was a medieval castle from the 10th century, lavishly restored.

The Ricasoli family of Castello di Brolio dates back to the 7th Century. An ancestor of the current owner Francesco, Bettino Ricasoli, was prime Minister of Italy in the 19th Century and invented the Chianti formula. The winery is the oldest in Italy.

Badia a Coltibuono once an Abbey from the 11th century is now a charming hotel, restaurant, winery and cooking school run by the Stucchi Prinetti family dedicated to the preservation of the oldest traditions of the Chianti region.

Poggio Antico in Montalcino is the highest elevation winery growing Brunello. An excellent Restaurant run by Chef Roberto Minnetti is on the premises preparing dishes steeped in Tuscan history.

Castello Banfi at Sant’Agelo Scalo is owned by the Mariani family dedicated to producing superior wines on their large 6,000 acres estate, marked by technological innovation. An old farm complex in nearby Collupino serves as residence for guests of the Banfi winery.

Montepulciano is a Medieval Renaissance town on top of a mountain in the province of Siena known for its “Nobile wine” only produced here.

Valdipiatta, an awarded winery, produces the vino Nobile from Prugnolo and Lanaiolo grapes. The owner Mr Caporali runs a wine school educating visitors about wine varieties and growing techniques. He also runs Il Grifon D’Oro, a trendy restaurant and Il Poliziano, an historic cafe in the center of town.

Contucci is the oldest wine cellar in Montepulciano holding tastings since Renaissance times. It is located in the main piazza overlooking Palazzo Comunale.

Avignonesi is a combination of 4 estates growing awarded wines. It is also a farmhouse growing its own products for its kitchen and its store. The open farm kitchen serves local specialties.

Relais San Bruno is an elegant boutique Hotel set among an olive grove and fruit orchard under the walls of Montepulciano.

Luxury Wine Tour of Piedmont

The area in Piedmont called Langhe Roero has given the world the gift of truffles, the Nebbiolo grape, from which Barolo and Barbaresco come from and a dazzling cuisine that is both aristocratic and simple. On this luxury wine tour among castles and vineyards you’ll meet the makers of these great wines and the chefs working their luscious cuisine in some of the most charming medieval towns in Italy.

Your trip starts at the Villa Tiboldi, luxuriously renovated Villa and Farmhouse surrounded by Nebbiolo and Arneis vineyards with views that go on forever. The estate produces its own excellent Arneis Malvira.

Alba has a beautiful Cathedral from the XIth Century and a rich historic center. However Alba’s heart beats to the tune of the truffle.

Renato Agnello, truffle hunter of of 60 years leads a walk through the woods with his dog Diana, looking for truffles.
Tartufi Morra is a truffle emporium Established in 1930 working with all the truffle hunters in the area. It has the ultimate selection of everything truffles from chocolate to oils

The restaurant Piazza Duomo owned by the Ceretto winemaking family is a shocking pink space with frescoes by Francesco Clemente .The avantguarde cuisine of Chef Enrico Crippa has earned the restaurant a one Michelin star.

This is a café and pastry shop created by chef Luca Mentersino uses no sugar, milk or flour. Everything is made with substitute. So go ahead and splurge.

Katja and Ivan Rivetti are the third generation of Rivetti making barbaresco here. Tops wines are Bricco Barbaresco and Bricco de Neveis.

Housed in a sprawling and movie-set-like 18th century castle owned by the Stupino brothers, the winery focuses on specialty wines. In the 70’s the Stupino’s cloned an old variety of Arneis vine producing a remarkable sparkling Pinot Noir. Among their wide range of wines they produce a top Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano.

The restaurant La Ciau del Tornavento in Treiso sits on top of sprawling vineyards is owned by chef Maurilio Garola. It. The Chef has consistently received one Michelin star for his ground breaking dishes such as “ Plin de Seirass”, ravioli stuffed with ricotta and served in an actual nest made out of hay.

The fortified Castle erected in the XIth Century on top of a hill once belonged to Count Camillo Benso of Cavour, one of the architects of the Unification of Italy. The castle has a very large Enoteca representing the best of Piedmont wines and grappas.

Barolo is a charming medieval town surrounded by wineries. Therefore opening a corkscrew museum was a no brainer for Paolo Annoni who was once a pharmacist but abandoned his old profession to pursue his obsession. Over the years he has travelled the world and auction houses searching for the most unusual corkscrews, collecting 1,300 rare ones .

Barolo was first created by the Marchesi Falletti in the middle of the 19th century around the village of Barolo.
A bottle of the first Barolo, "Cannubbio 1859” is on permanent display, while vintages from 1938 on are available to collectors.
The Enoteca has the most complete collection of Barolo in the world with 35.000 bottles of Barolo and the yearly addition of 400 bottles.
Giant 19 century chestnut barrels have been reconditioned to age outstanding Barolo like the Barolo Cannubi or various Barolo Riserva.

Locanda nel Borgo Antico is set in an hamlet outside Barolo. In this elegant restaurant Chef Camia prepares his signature traditional classic dishes which have earned him a Michelin star.

In little more than thirty years, the Ceretto brothers created a 300 acres network of small independent estates producing some outstanding labels. They have sponsored major art projects like the Clemente frescos for their restaurant, the Sol Lewitt Chapel among the vineyards and for their winery in the town of Castiglione Falletto they have created their futuristic wine-tasting glass cube. Top wines are Bricco Rocche, Brunate and Prapo’.

You will stay in the Hotel Villa Beccaris an 18th century palazzo surrounded by vineyards near the historic town of Monforte DAlba.

3 Burlotto sisters run the Castle which their grandfather bought from the first King of Italy. The family restored and maintains the original frescos and furniture. Here cooking lesson in classic Piedmontese dishes are conducted.
The winery has some of the oldest vintages in the region dating back from 1850. Top wines are Verduno Basadone, Barbaresco Rabaja’ and the Dolcetto D’Alba Campot. A truly royal lunch is served in the castle courtyard.

Pietro Ratti runs the business founded by his father in the 60’s. Today this state of the arts winery produces an outstanding Barolo Marcenasco.

In the medieval town of La Morra on top of a hillside sits an old castle, now the restaurant Belvedere with spectacular views of the Barolo hills all the way to the alps. The Bovio family that owns it produces an outstanding Barolo.

Copyright Christina Tours, LLC

Rubino pairs his Puglia wines with local cuisine

Brindisi is an old roman port in Puglia, at the heel of Italy. In fact it still has a column marking the end of the Appian way.
During Roman times Puglia used to be the major wine producer of the empire. Today it is still the major wine producer in Italy hosting some ambitious wine producers .like the Rubino's.
Luigi Rubino showcases his 3 best wines with interesting food pairing at the restaurant Penny in Brindisi.
Penny is an old favorite in town housed in a 12th century building and serving some of the most authentic local dishes prepared by Chef cosimo Orfano .
The wines Negroamaro Red, Malvasia Giancola and Torre Testa have all unique characteristics given Puglia's 1000 hours more sun than any other region of Italy.
Torre Testa is made from a grape called Susumaniello which came from Dalmatia in the 7th century bc. It is exclusively cultivated in Puglia and only in the Brindisi area.
The Rubino Estate produces 800,000 bottles a year with 70 % of the production exported to 20 countries.

Apulia Wine Tour promo

The region of Apulia with 1000 hours more sunlight a year than the rest of the country make superb wines.Let iexplore guide you on this magical Luxury wine tour. You ‘ll toast with top winemakers and will be dazzled by Apulia’s richness of wine, art and food….

Right next to Castel del Monte is the Rivera winery and the unique terrain here is the reason for outstanding wines like Falcone.

Mr. Cocevola with a working farm near the Castle produces also a superior wines likeVandalo.

The restaurant Corte in Fiore in Trani has won many awards.You will love it.

Trani boasts a spectacular 13th Century Cathedrals right on the Adriatic sea water with splendid frescoes and mosaics.

You’ll be staying at a 500 year old farmhouse locally called Masseria hidden in the midst of an ancient olive grove. Today Masseria Torre Coccaro is a 5 star resort where you’ll begin to understand the magical allure of Puglia.

Alberobello is famous for its 1,500 conical trulli homes. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Stroll through the hilltop town of Martina Franca, a beautiful baroque city full of great churches and palazzos.

Enjoy Masseria Torre Coccaro’s private beach on the Adriatic sea. Or retreat to their cool spa built in a cave.

Ostuni known as "the White Town" is an architectural jewel with a striking medieval cathedral and endless winding streets to get lost in.

At Torre Coccaro the Chef will seduce you with his delicious cuisine.

Be wisked by private boat for a swim in the crystal-water coves of Monopoli.

Brindisi has been a major wine grower since roman times. Luigi Rubino holds his wine tasting at the restaurant Penny in a 12th Century building in order to highlight food pairing. Be swept away by his superb red called Torre Testa .

Cantine Due Palme, is a co-operative of 1,000 growers specializing in local grape varieties. Taste their top wine Selvarossa with the enologyst and Director Angelo Maci.

Lecce is nicknamed "The Florence of the South" because of the rich Baroque architectural monuments carved out of the local white stone.

In Lecce you’ll stay at the Hotel Risorgimento, a five star Luxury Hotel in a spectacular 18th Century Palace in the heart of town .

Have lunch at Atenze a landmark restaurant housed in a baroque palace with superb Apulian specialties.

Taste Leone de Castris Salice Salentino Donna Lisa, the top wine of the collection.

You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the harbour from Palazzo Papaleo, your own 5 star palazzo .

Explore Otranto and its medieval monuments.

After this magical tour with iexplore.com, Apulia will have carved out a place in your heart forever. For more information on this privately guided, dream luxury wine tour call us at 1-800 iexplore or visit iexplore.com

Caprai, one of Umbria's wine innovators

Sagrantino is a unique grape only grown in the Montefalco Assisi area. It was probably brought here in the 1400’s by Franciscan monks followers of St Francis. The sweet wine has been drunk by locals on weddings and Easter ever since.
In the 70’s Arnaldo Caprai bought 10 acres of land and decided to focus on this old vine and for the first time make a dry red wine.
In the 80 his son Marco who had graduated as an enologyst brought to the winery a desire to experiment and innovate. The Caprai’s convinced the University of Milan to come on board on a research project to clone the various strains of old Sagrantino vines which were on the verge of disappearing. The experiment was very successful and the rest is history. In 1992 the top appellation DPCG was awarded to sagrantino winning Caprai international recognition and many awards.
Under strict Italian law, "Montefalco Sagrantino Secco" DOCG defines a wine guaranteed to come exclusively from Sagrantino grapes, exclusively from the Province of Perugia
Secco means dry. The wine ages for 30 months, of which at least 12 in oak barrels. This wine is a DOCG, the highest-ranking category of Italian wine denominations
Sagrantino di Montefalco, is a DOCG wine that must be made from 100 percent Sagrantino. Most wines in the world are made from the same 5-6 different types of grapes. Sagrantino di Montefalco is unique because it is made from a single grape and only made here.
Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiani first produced in 1979 is possibly the star of the collection.
Caprai still produces Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito (also DOCG), the sweet wine that gave birth to the modern sagrantino . Today thanks to Caprai this wine once almost forgotten is drunk the world over.

Ceretto: art, food and Barolo

Alba in Piedmont is a very small town but it’s big in 3 areas: Art…. Food, being the world capital of black and white truffles and Wine, producing world reknown Barolo right here.
The Ceretto family in Alba is literally and seriously involved in all 3 area.
Established wine growers for 70 years they also own their own upscale restaurants and have enlisted major world artists to decorate their building.
This never consecrated psychedelic chapel was painted by Saul Lewitt in 1999.
Their winery is in nearby Castiglione Falletto, an old medieval town. However true to their adventurous spirit they picked Turin architect De Abate to design their modern building with a glass cube for the tasting room.
On these hils on 20 acres they produce 3 outstanding Barolos which have won the company many awards:
Bricco Rocche, Prapo and Brunate.
So for their Piazza Duomo restaurant they picked Enrico Crippa, an awarded chef who paints beautiful dishes in the kitchen and the artist Francesco Clemente who painted the walls.
Of course their Barolo is always on the table.
The Chef explains that the fresco it represents happiness, the vineyard, nature and freedom.
He also remembers that Clemente was painting with natural colors, made with flowers and natural herbs so while painting the room always filled up with insects and bees which were following the scent as if they were in an open field instead of a room in the center of town.

Lungarotti: wine,olive oil and Chef Imperio

Torgiano Umbria. This is the Lungarotti kigdom. With an estate of 700 acres the Lungarotti family is a leading wine producer in Italy and the region. Its wines are distributed to 35 countries around the world. In Torgiano they operates a wine Museum considered one of the best in the world, an olive oil Museum rich with the history of this Mediterranean staple. They also own a 4 star Hotel restaurant called Le 3 Vaselle. Here chef Domenico Imperio with many national awards to his name creates outstanding dishes for the restaurant. Here at the 3 Vaselle he shares his knowledge and recipes .

Luxury Wine Tour of Umbria

Umbria , untouched by mass tourism , has preserved the magic of its past and the richness of its tradition. Etruscans and Romans made wine here 2,500 years ago. Today on this magical Luxury wine tour you’ll meet the great winemakers continuing the great tradition, its great chefs and the great artists of its past.
Your trip start in the middle of stunning vineyards outside Perugia at the luxurious Borgo Brufa resort Set in a highly panoramic position .
The Goretti estate has its wine tastings in an imposing 14th Century tower , symbol of the winery. Outstanding wines are the L’Arringatore and their awarded Sagrantino grown in Montefalco. Taste the wines with a lunch al fresco with great views of Perugia.
Starting from its central square with the cathedral, the Palace of the notaries and Fontana maggiore Perugia will stun you with its perfect Renaissance architecture.
At the Hotel 3 Vaselle owned by the lungarotti family Multi-award Chef Domenico D’Imperio holds his Umbrian Cooking Lessons.here he show show to make classic Frascarelli with tomato sauce and basil,
You’ll visit the Lungarotti winery, a pioneer in winemaking in Umbria.
The winery founded in the 60’s by Giorgio Lungarotti is run today by 3 Lungarotti sisters. taste its excellent , Rubesco Riserva ,
The Wine museum run by the Lungarotti Foundation is a history lesson on the making and drinking of wine with a world class collection of art works ranging from ancient books to ceramics.
The Sportoletti brothers own 40 acres on the hills of Spello and Assisi
Taste their great Assisi rosso and taste the food prepared by mrs sportoletti or the Villa Fidelia Bianco
Assisi is a dazzling city that will draw you into an enchanted time warp experience.
It has managed to preserved most of its medieval buildings andUnesco declared it a World Heritage site. Frescoes by Giottos adorn the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi.
you’ll stay at the Roccafiore Luxury Resort Right across from beautiful todi
This is a rich and comfortable rural farm house with its own winery where youll taste their Rosso Sangiovese.and a
cuisine thats a blend of home made and sophistication.

Cantina Peppucci is is a small family business housed in the 13th Century St Antimo Abbey in a spectacular settino and considered one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of Medieval Umbria Taste their excellent Petroro Red, Montorsolo Grechetto di Todi, Alter Ego Red.
Visit Mr Todini’s winery and Taste the superb Nero della Cervara then have lunch at his resort with great views of Colli Martani.
Todi is another medieval jewel. The Captain’s palace and the Prior’s Palace face the sloping main square, one of the most picturesque in Italy. Todi is regularly used as a film set.
Taste the simple foods of Umbria whose ingredients and preparation have remained traditional and flavours are brought out singing with their wines to in perfect harmony.
Orvieto’s wine history runs thu history from the Etruscan in 7th century bc. To the magnificent medieval cathedral from the 12th century with carvings of vines on its front
Inside enjoy great frescoes by fra angelico and signorelli
You’ll be staying at Locanda Palazzone, a 13th century palazzo turned luxury resort surrounded by vynyards with great views of Orvieto..
It is owned by Giovanni and Ludovico Dubini who also own the attached winery . They are the only producers who age Orvieto Taste their great food and wines like Terre Vineate, campo del Guardiano.
Owned by enologist brothers Enzo and Riccardo Cotarella the Falesco estate is home to great experimentation with old vinesTop wines are. Vitiano and Ferentano.
Wine was grown on the Decugnano Hills since the 13th century. Decugnano dei Barbi makes a unique sparkling wine for which they are famous and ages it in cellars exavated in the lava rock.
Taste the brut Decugnano Pinot Nero and have lunch al fresco around the pool.
Castello della sala owned by the antinoris is a 1000 acres estate centered on a restored Medieval Castle built in the 14th Century, The castle’s tasting room feels like Henry the VIII could come in any time.
Among their top wine is Cervaro della Sala.Tasting: Cervaro della Sala, , Muffato della Sala, e Pinot Nero
Sagrantino is exclusively grown in the Montefalco and Bevagna area by no more than 20 growers. Marco Capri is one of the architects of its success . In the 1970’s Caprai took an ancient dessert wine and experimenting with the vine created the first Sagrantino red. Top wine is its a warded Sagrantino Collepiano.
Wines: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano DOCG, Montefalco Rosso DOC, Grecante Grechetto Colli Martini DOC
In the midst of Montefalco’s main square the enoteca Alchimista is true to its name concoting inimagined flavours out of classic umbrian recipes.
In Montefalco visit the St. Francis Church and its remarkable frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli.
Paolo Bea’s family roots in Montefalco go back to the 1500’s.The small, still artisanal production focuses on organic farming barring chemicals in the vinyard.
Wines tasting: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC St Chiara, Rosso de Veo, , Montefalco DOC Rosso.
Meet Salvatore Denaro,a chef who grows all of his own food, does not have a menu and parties every night with his patrons. A true fellinian character and an unforgettable experience.

Copyright Christina Tours, LLC

South Island Wineries

New Zealand South Island counts more than 70 wineries in the Malborough area. These vinyards benefit for a stony alluvial soil that has superior drainage, perfect for growing the sauvignon blanc favored in this region.

Produced by Sidney and mary Lee Nolan for Compulsive Traveler.

Luxury Wine Tour of Piedmont promo

The area in Piedmont called Langhe Roero has given the world the gift of truffles, the Nebbiolo grape, from which Barolo and Barbaresco come from and a dazzling cuisine that is both aristocratic and simple. Let iexplore guide you on this luxury wine tour among castles and vineyards. There you’ll meet the makers of these great wines and the chefs working their dazzling cuisine in some of the most charming medieval towns in Italy.

Your trip starts at the Villa Tiboldi, luxuriously renovated Villa and Farmhouse surrounded by Nebbiolo and Arneis vineyards with views that go on forever.

Alba has a beautiful Cathedral from the XIth Century and a rich historic center. However Alba’s heart beats to the tune of the truffle.

Renato Agnello, truffle hunter of of 60 years leads a search for truffles in the woods with his dog Diana.

Tartufi Morra is a truffle emporium Established in 1930. It has the ultimate selection of everything truffle.

The restaurant Piazza Duomo owned by the Ceretto winemaking family is a shocking pink space with frescoes by Francesco Clemente.The avant-garde cuisine of Chef Enrico Crippa has earned the restaurant a one Michelin star.

The healthy pastry shop created by chef Luca Mentersino uses no sugar, milk or flour. So go ahead and splurge.

Neive is at the heart of Barbaresco. Katja and Ivan Rivetti are the third generation of Rivetti making this wine here. Tops labels are Bricco Barbaresco and Bricco de Neveis.

The Stupino brothers winery is housed in a sprawling 18th century castle. In the 70’s the Stupino’s cloned an old variety of Arneis vine producing a remarkable sparkling Pinot Noir besides their well known Barbaresco.

The restaurant La Ciau del Tornavento is owned by chef Maurilio Garola. The Chef has consistently received one Michelin star for his groundbreaking dishes.

The fortified Castle of Grinzane was erected in the XIth Century. Today it houses a very large Enoteca representing the best of Piedmont wines and grappas.

Barolo is a charming medieval town surrounded by wineries
The Marchesi Falletti created the first Barolo in this village.The first bottle, "Cannubbio 1861” is on permanent display.Today the original 19-century chestnut barrels have been reconditioned to age the Barolo Cannubi or Barolo Riserva.

Locanda nel Borgo Antico is set in an hamlet outside Barolo. In this elegant restaurant Chef Massimo Camia prepares the classic dishes which have earned the restaurant a Michelin star.

The Ceretto brothers have created a 300 acres network of small estates producing some outstanding labels. Top wines are Bricco Rocche, Brunate and Prapo’.

They have also sponsored major art projects the Sol Lewitt Chapel among the vineyards and in their winery their futuristic wine-tasting glass cube.

You will stay in the Hotel Villa Beccaris an 18th century palazzo surrounded by vineyards near the historic town of Monforte DAlba.

3 sisters from the Burlotto family run the Castle which their grandfather bought from the first King of Italy. The family restored the original frescos and furniture. Here you’ll attend cooking lesson in classic Piedmontese dishes.
Their winery has some of the oldest vintages going back to the 1850’s. Top wines are Verduno Basadone, Barbaresco Rabaja’ .
A truly royal lunch is served in the castle courtyard.

Pietro Ratti runs the business founded by his father in the 60’s. Today this state of the arts winery produces an outstanding Barolo Marcenasco.

After this magical tour with iexplore.com, Langhe Roero will stay with you forever. For more information on this privately guided, dream luxury wine tour call us at 1-800 iexplore or visit iexplore.com

Copyright Christina Tours, LLC

Hunter Valley wines

The famous Hunter Valley wine producing region begins 70 miles North of Sidney. This is the oldest wine producing area since 1825.Good soil and ample rains make this a perfect environment for growing a wide range of grapes. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are the most popular wines here.

Produced by Sidney and Mary Lee Nolan for Compulsive Traveler.

The Bordeaux wine region

In Bordeaux the word Chateaux can be applied to anything, from an imposing estate to a simple country house to a few rows of vines that constitute a small vineyard. There are over 3,000 Chateaux names in the Bordeaux area but they do not represent a corresponding number of palatial mansions.

The Champagne Region

Champagne was invented in the Marne area East of Paris by a monk called Dom Perignon in the 17th Century. The rest is history!