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December 13, 2011

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2011

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, California, Champagne, Corsica, Croatia, Dolomites, France, Hotels, Ireland, Mallorca, Portugal, Provence, Sicily, Top 10 lists — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:40 pm

Bike. Eat. Drink. Sleep. That’s the DuVine way whether you are on a luxury bike tour or expanding your horizons with an adventure travel trip. But none of it would be truly DuVine if you didn’t get the perfect night’s sleep (and evening’s rest and relaxation) every single day.

So, I give you my Top 10 Hotels of 2011. The only way to be sure that the hotels we bring you to are up to DuVine standards is to stay in them ourselves. So, I sucked it up and bedded down in each of them myself, just for a little quality control. It was hard work, putting my feet up and lounging in the incredible luxury, but someone had to do it. Now here they are for you, to either dream about if you haven’t been or to relive if you have. (These are in no particular order.)

Château Les Crayères

Château Les Crayères

Château Les Crayères in Champagne, France

Complete and utter elegance. That  is the only way to describe Château Les Crayères, which is the definition of French-style art de vivre if there ever was one. It is this majestic, 100-plus year-old chateau in Reims that we call home for two nights on our bicycle tour in Champagne, France. The work of Pierre-Yves Rochon, the stunning interior is a prototype of French classicism, and the ideal spot to contemplate a flute of Champagne after a spectacular day roaming the vineyards and countryside on your bike. The only thing that tops it may be the terrace outside, which offers a breath-taking view of the estate’s park. And if you haven’t had enough Champagne yet (could you ever, really?), Les Crayères features the finest in dining at its in-house restaurant, Le Parc, where French haute cuisine is exquisitely married with a comprehensive selection of vintages from the most prestigious growers. From the ride, to the room, to the dinner table, your experience at Château Les Crayères will be nothing short of exceptional.

Relais et Chateaux la Signoria in Corsica

After a day tackling the ceaselessly undulating terrain on the isle of Corsica, come to rest at night at the foot of the Corsican mountains at La Signoria, which will be more than a welcome site for your tired legs and hungry stomach. Looking out over the azure Mediterranean Sea, Hotel Signoria is a magical Genoese estate from the 18th century, whose private beach and pool offer chance for complete seclusion from the outside world while you fulfill he eating, drinking, and sleeping requirements on your DuVine bicycle tour in Corsica.

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2011

Lešić Dimitri Palace

The Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korcula, Croatia

Intimate is a word that cannot be stressed enough when you are looking for true refinement. In the 18th century bishop’s palace that is the the Lešić Dimitri Palace, that is just what you will get. Stashed away behind the medieval walls in the town of Korcula, this palace features a mere six residences. Rather than carve up this historic building into traditional hotel rooms, the owners have instead chosen to form each story of the palace into a residence, each with no more than four bedrooms. When you do emerge from the confines of your private residency, the full treatment of a Thai therapy spa awaits, along with an astoundingly fresh meal at LD Terrace, the palace’s own first-class restaurant. On your bicycle tour in Croatia, this will certainly be a highlight.

Château de Roussan in Provence

Welcome to the home of Bertrand de Nostredame, brother of the famed Nostradamus. If only his brother could have predicted how much you are going to adore your stay at the former family chateau. Step inside and marvel at the flawless preservation of centuries of Provencal history. From its library that houses the collective works of names like Socrates and Montesquieu to the luxurious lounges where guests find a cozy seat to chat away, the Château de Roussan feels like paradise in Provence. And if you aren’t tired from you invigorating day of riding on your bicycle tour in Provence, the hotel’s park, greenhouse, and ponds offer a gorgeous landscape to explore on foot before heading off to dinner.

Cap Rocat

Cap Rocat in Mallorca, Spain

Be ready to be shocked when you first step into the island fortress that is Cap Rocat. Once a military outpost, this fortress on the Spanish island of Mallorca has been transformed into a palace of true grandeur. Tucked into the Bay of Palma and featuring a magnificent view, the hotel is one of the most unique we have seen, and has retained many of its defining features from its days of military service while adding all the amenities you could ever desire. Home for two nights on your bicycle tour in Mallorca, Cap Rocat offers the chance for serene relaxation in complete peace, removed from the crowds on the beaches and out in town. And as is the Spanish way, the hotel is just as food-centric as it is luxurious. With two outstanding restaurants on the premises, you will be wined and dined to your heart’s content (and your stomach’s), ready for the next leg of your DuVine adventure.

Convento do Espinheiro in Evora, Portugal

Staying with the theme of transformation, this gem in the Alentejo region of Portugal has been the home of serenity for over half a millennium. Originally a 15th century convent and now a UNCESCO world heritage site, the Convento has set the standard for luxury as long as anywhere we know of. Home for two nights on you bicycle tour in Portugal, the Convento do Epinheiro features not only marvelous guest rooms in which to recharge after an exhilarating ride, but also the first-class Diana Spa, where you can fully immerse yourself in the depths of relaxation. And after two days of outstanding cycling, Divinus Restaurant, which sits in the hotel’s ancient and charming wine cellar, offers an intimate experience with the sophisticated yet authentic local cuisine.

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle in Ireland

Steeped in tradition in more ways than one, Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland is also a part of one of the most well-known Irish institutions today: Guinness. While the original structure was erected in 1228, in 1852 Ashford fell into the hands of  Sir Benjamin lee Guinness, who extended the estate to 26,000 acres and added thousands of trees and two large Victorian style extensions. Today, it is a five star hotel and recognized by many as one of the top 50 resorts in Europe. In addition to the magnificent rooms that have been meticulously preserved over time, the resort features a golf course, equestrian center, and countless lakes and rivers for fishing, any of which are the perfect way to pass an afternoon after a day spent tackling the Irish the countryside on your bicycle tour of Ireland. That is, of course, after you’ve indulged in a celebratory pint at the cocktail bar.

Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa Relais & Châteaux in Badia (Dolomites ski tour)

Set in the village of San Cassiano in Badia, right in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina is renowned for a discrete and refined hospitality. It belongs to the tourist district of Alta Badia, which was voted “Queen of the Alps” by the prestigious Italian Touring Club. Home for the first leg of your Dolomites ski tour, Rosa Alpina is the ideal spot to warm up by the fire and loosen your muscles at the spa or in the hot tub after a day carving turns in the Dolomiti.

Castello Cememi

Castello Camemi in Sicily

Shouldn’t a hotel leave you feeling like royalty when you finally settle in for the night? Nestled deep in the Sicilian countryside, Castello Camemi is sure to do just that. Tucked away in this spectacular 15th century castle that has since been converted to a 5-star hotel, it will be easy to believe that you are Italian nobility, enjoying a summer retreat in the Ilbei mountains of Sicily — that is, of course, until you step back on your back the next day, when you’ll realize that life is even better than that on your DuVine bicycle tour in Sicily. With just fourteen rooms, the Castello Camemi will feel for all the world like your own private castle, with your own private dining room and wine cellar to boot.

Solage in Calistoga, California

Is 22 acres enough to call your own? We’d like to think so, and at Solage in Calistoga, California, those are 22 of the finest acres that Napa Valley has to offer, flanked on either side by the Mayacamas and Palisades mountain ranges and which offer only the most stunning of viewpoints from which to watch the sunset, glass of chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon in hand. Solage is home to far more than just breath-taking views and world-class guest rooms, though. The epitome of over the top, it boasts in the number one rated spa in the Americas, as voted for by Conde Naste Traveller, as well as the Michelin-starred restaurant Solbar, where we will refuel our engines after a day of scenic wine country riding on your bicycle tour in Napa Valley and Sonoma.

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April 29, 2011

DuVine Alpine Pro Series Bike Tour

Filed under: Alpine Pro Series, Bike, Challenging Rides, France, Pro Series — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 10:22 am
The Alps Pro Series Bike Tour

Riding a valley in the Alps

DuVine Pro Series Bike Tours are ready to set your heart all a-pitter-patter, even before you get on a bike.  It might just take one word.  ALPS.  That’s enough for us; we’re already that excited about our new Alps Pro Bike Tour.   But maybe you need a few details…

We will meet you in Annecy, the reflections of mountains shimmering on its lake.  But we prefer to get you out of the traffic, so we’ll drive you to Thônes.  Quiet roads from there, up the Col de la Croix Fry.  It was here in 2004 that Lance Armstrong twisted the screws into T-Mobile a day after solidifying his win on the famous Alp d’Huez time trial.  It’s here we’ll warm up, stretch out, start to feel the blood flowing and the sweat dripping.  And the reward is not so far away, le Vieux Chateau in La Clusaz.   This is a stunning chalet overlooking the ski town.  Bruno and Marie-Pierre know how to cook a great meal, and Bruno knows how to open a few rare bottles of Savoyard wines.  We will be in the best hands.

Day 2 starts with an easy climb up the Col de Aravis.  But the descent!  Some psychologists define happiness as flow – the descent from Aravis has it in spades, hairpin after beautiful hairpin.  From there we roll up to Megève and above to the famous Chalet Flocons de Sel.  The day will allow you some time to stroll in the town of Megève, get a massage at the chalet, or bike another 30 km down and up to Chamonix with its awesome views of Mt. Blanc.  But dinner that evening is back at the Two-Michelin star Flocons de Sel.  My experience there last year was one of the finest dining experiences of my life.   And the cool, night mountain air might mean we’ll have to use the fireplaces in each room!

The Alps Pro Series Bike Tour

Climbing the Cormet de Roselend

I like Day 3 a lot. A lot.  It has one of my favorite mountains anywhere.  The Cormet de Roseland.  To get there you have to bike through some pretty stunning scenery on the Col de Saisies, descend a fast road, and eat lunch through the town of Beaufort.  There’s enough beauty on the first climb to fill a camera’s memory card, but The Cormet – MMM.   The roads weave through forests that cede to deep valley views that meld into crystal waters of an Alpine reservoir that halt at the slopes that we climb to achieve the mountain’s pass of 1967m.  For whatever the superlatives I’ve used to describe the descents before, well, for this descent I use superlatives of superlatives.  Falling into simile, the descent of the Cormet into Bourg St. Maurice unfolds like the chapters of a beautiful book in my mind or like the verses of a love song.

The Alps Pro Series Bike Tour

At the top...

Day 4 is a little bit more vicious.  After a short transfer, we start in La Lechere at the base of the Col de la Madeleine.  Such a nice name for such a mean mountain, like calling an ogre “Franny.”  This is a monstrous climb that winds past farms above deep valleys, on roads so small one wonders how the hoopla of the Tour de France has enough room.  At 2000 meters, the Col will greet us before another stunning descent; feel free to imagine you are Andy Schleck or Alberto Contador, descending a furious pace to gain seconds on their other rivals in the 2010 tour.   At the mountain’s base, the town of La Chambre will provide a brief respite before we attack our other climb of the day, the Col du Glandon.  The last time I attacked this mountain, well, it attacked back.  Like it always does over its 21.3km – softens a cyclist with its 7 and a 8 percents,  lulls the body into relaxing with three km of 2, 4, and 5 percents, and uppercuts with the last 2.5km above 10 percent.  Cruel.  But, for those who want just a little more pain, the Col de la Croix de Fer is just a few kilometers away.  Afterwards it is downhill to our chalet, Solneige, and a delicious meal.

All roads lead up...

Day 5 is just for the glory; only one climb, but quelle monté!  The Alp d’Huez.  The most storied Alp of all.  This is your chance to squeeze out any adrenaline left,  and leave it all on the road.  Will you attack like Marco Pantani, in the big ring, or spin it out like Armstrong?  Will you even survive to recount the glories at dinner?  There’s only one way to find out.

Give us a call at 1-888-396-5583 and set up your own Alpine Pro Series Bike Tour!  Phew.  My heart’s over 130 bpm just writing about this stuff!

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February 28, 2011

Dreaming of Alsace?

Filed under: Alsace, Bike, European bike tours, France, Wine Tasting — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:16 pm

Biking in late winter:  It’s cold and there’s slush on the road. So I’m dreaming of Colmar in the north of France. NOT because Colmar is cold!

Because it’s dry, the second driest city in France.  Drier than Nimes, Avignon, or Nice type dry. I’m dreaming of the massive bells of St. Martin singing out in warm tones, the quintessential coffee at the outdoor café, the open timbers and dark volcanic rock of the town’s well-preserved medieval buildings. The vision is expanding.

The rows of vines that glide up the foothills of the Vosges Mountains

The sun is out on the rows of vines that glide up the foothills of the Vosges Mountains.  One can imagine the warm day, on a bike with dry feet, pedaling towards a tasting of Grand Cru wines in Riquewhir, getting the pulse rate up on a climb through deciduous forests.  The evening is reserved for a feast in Kayersburg, and the cool night is perfect for an after-dinner stroll and a restorative sleep. I’m dreaming of a bicycle tour in Alsace.

At DuVine Adventures, we offer bicycle tours in France including; Burgundy, Bordeaux, Provence, and so many more to fulfill and exceed your dreams – we offer the Alsace to reveal those still undiscovered.  The beauty of half-timbered villages decorated in flowers, the mountaintop castles looking over views of the Black Forest on the German side of the Rhine, the peaceful silence hidden in the thick woods, we at DuVine Adventures want to invite you to this all. And of course much more.

The Alsace is a contradictory place – not quite French, not quite German – nestled into the high Vosges on one side, defined by the Rhine River and its valley on the other.

One of the charming villages nestled into the Alsatian countryside

Strasbourg, its capital city, is the cosmopolitan home to the European Parliament (part of the legislative branch of the European Union); but its elderly still prefer to speak the regional dialect, Alsatian.  It is the home of stocky, homey meals like choucroute (sauerkraut and pork) and also Olivier Nasti, France’s best chef of 2007 – and darn right we eat at his restaurant!

And the wine! Oh my gosh!  I’m about to crumble into a whole bunch of wine-nerdism but for those of you just needing assurance about the wines I’ve one word – BEAUTIFUL.  If wine talk bores you, go to the next paragraph.  For the rest of you…  THE WINES OF THE ALSACE ARE SOME OF THE BEST TASTING, AND SOME OF THE BEST DEALS, IN THE WORLD.  Arguably the best pinot in the world, La Romanée Conté goes for around $6000 a bottle on a lucky day. Clos St. Hume, arguably the best dry riesling in the world, goes for around $200 (Still not cheap – but, the best). And reisling is more expressive of “terroir” than pinot noir. Speaking of terroir, the Alsace is cooler than Burgundy.

Yeah, I said that.  COOLER THAN BURGUNDY.  Burgundy has limestone and clay.  Alsace has those and basalt and volcanic sands and granite.  Burgundy’s big guns are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Alsace comes at you with Riesling and Gewürtztraminer and Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris and and Muscat and Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc and they grow the Chardonnay on the flats to make their delicious sparkling wine.  So you combine all those different soils, with all the different expositions on the hillsides, with all those different grapes, and you’ve got nearly limitless possibilities of wines.

The wines of Alsace

… And the wines are usually dry, unless you ask for their amazing production of sweet wines.  Ok, so we are all back together, wine lovers and maybe those interested in biking more than wine.  The biking!  The Vosges Mountains are the forgotten range of France.  When the Tour de France first looked for a mountain stage in 1905, it was in the Vosges.  When Henrich Haussler escaped the peloton in unseasonably cold rainy weather for a day of glory in 2009, it was in the Vosges.

They are not the Alps or the Pyrénées but the rides work up an appetite.  There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from biking a mountain to see the Rhine Valley from an eagle’s view.  And there is a sense of serenity that one finds biking through the cloister of trees in the Vosges that sets them apart from their larger counterparts.

Haute-Koenigsbourg castle

My legs are a little tired.  I might have imagined the climb up to Haute-Koenigsbourg castle too vividly.

There is still slush on the ground outside, here in Boston.  In a few short months DuVine Adventures will be on the Alsatian slopes pedaling under a canopy of trees; or in a winemaker’s home, tasting a dry Riesling; and in an awarded restaurant, eating a thoughtfully prepared meal.  We want you to be there with us on an Alsatian bicycle tour!

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February 24, 2011

DuVine Bordeaux vs Piedmont Wine tasting video blog

Filed under: Bordeaux, France, Piedmont, Wine Tasting — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 4:43 pm

Well the DuVine Guides are at it again, sharpening their wine tasting skills and sharing some great finds with our DuVine guests.  In this Bordeaux versus Piedmont wine tasting, Tommy Pace our France bike tours expert and Tom Coppock our Italy bike tours expert introduce us to 2 different wines, one from our Bordeaux bicycle tour and the other from our Piedmont bicycle tour, both very popular regions.

Check out this video and sharpen your nose in advance of the upcoming European bicycle tour season.

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February 21, 2011

The Wines of Bordeaux

Filed under: Bike, Bordeaux, France, Wine Tasting — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:13 pm

It doesn’t matter where you are, or where you’re from, when the name “Bordeaux” is uttered, you immediately think of wine. Of course at DuVine we also think of bicycle tours in Bordeaux.  This region, graced by phenomenal soils and an oceanic climate, is all about our favorite beverage. Almost everyone thinks immediately of red wines but the region also produces large quantities of white.

A Tasting in Bordeaux

The reds are beautiful, luscious, rich and complex with black fruit flavors. The dry whites highlight Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon & Muscadelle grape varieties which, when blended, create light, fruity and crisp wines. And then there is the Botrytis Cinerea (a.k.a. Noble Rot) infected grapes which produce the fabulous sweet wine bottled as Sauternes.

Blessed by Bacchus, the region boasts, arguably, the most famous wines in the world: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Petrus, Château Cheval Blanc, Château d’Yquem.

Chateau Margaux

Recently, it appears as though the wine keeps getting better. The 2009 vintage has been hailed as the “vintage of the century.” Bottles from both, 2000 and 2005, have also received extremely high scores from wine critics throughout the world. Although not receiving as much press as the aforementioned years, wonderful wines have been made in 2006, as well as in the difficult years of 2003 and 2007.

Over the past year, DuVine guests have had the privilege of tasting exquisite wines from small, local producers as well as from large famous Châteaux. Listing all of the wines would be nearly impossible but there are many that stand out.

Chateau Figeac

Highlighted wines:
2000 Château Angelus
2003 Château Gazin
1996 Château Palmer
1985, 2003, 2005 Couvent des Jacobins
1975 Petit Cheval
2000, 2003 Château Figeac
2000, 2004 Château Lynch-Bages
2004, 2009 (barrel sample) Rauzan-Ségla
1978 Château Kirwan

What makes this Bordeaux wine tour special isn’t just the quality of wine, but the people that we meet at the vineyards and Châteaux. By beginning the tour with smaller producers, we are able to get personalized visits and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the winemaking facilities.

Robert, the owner of Le Moulin de Moustelat, is very proud of his quaint operation. He makes a very traditional Claret, a Bordeaux style rosé, not sweet, slightly tannic – an excellent summer wine. He performs lots of vineyard work for his neighbors as well. Recently, he displayed his machine harvesters to a group of DuVine guests, providing detailed explanations of the functioning of these revolutionary machines.

Up the road, Wilfrid & Jackie have a stunning château where they produce acclaimed red wines, some aged in American oak barrels, as well as a delicate Sauvignon Blanc. Their passion for the region, for farming and for wine is incredibly contagious. We like to start the visit of Château Carbonneau in the fields, amongst the vines. Here we learn the techniques of vineyard management, grape selection and winemaking. We then finish our visit in the dinning room with a delightful home cooked meal. If you travel to Bordeaux during the harvest season, Wilfrid will gladly offer a taste from his fermentation vats or grapes fresh off the vines.

Wilfrid giving a tour at Chateau Carbonneau

Even in famed Saint Emilion we are able to get an “all-access pass” to the wineries. At DuVine we prefer to feature family owned estates – Châteaux where the owners are eager to share their knowledge with visitors. At Château Guadet, Guy-Petrus Lignac offers a visit of his family’s cave, carved in the limestone bedrock below. At Château Figeac, one of the few Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint Emilion, a DuVine tour was able to meet Thierry Manoncourt, a legendary figure in the Bordeaux winemaking world, before he passed away this summer. Interestingly enough, he was showing off his collection of American wines, extremely proud of his friendship with Robert Mondavi.

And, as luck may have it, 2010 also featured a welcome by Jean-Charles Cazes who recently took over the helm, from his father, Jean-Michel, of Château Lynch-Bages. As a side note, Cordeillan-Bages, a luxury hotel that will be featured on the final night of our DuVine Bordeaux bicycle tour is right next door to the historic wine estate.

With inside knowledge of the region and connections to winemakers, DuVine Adventures is the ultimate way to travel in Bordeaux. We have great new bikes for the 2011 season, beautiful cycling routes and guides that are willing to go the extra mile to make your vacation as relaxing as possible.

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February 8, 2011

Bonne Annee from Burgundy! – a mid-winter’s welcome from DuVine Guide Keith Klein

Filed under: Bike, France, Guide posts, burgundy — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 12:47 pm

DuVine Guide Keith Klein writes from France, looking forward to having everyone come to visit him this season on a bicycle tour in Burgundy.

Its the middle of winter here. The vineyards are full of people pruning off last year’s growth, being careful to leave one or two good shoots to bear the new crop. The days are short, and the temperature is hovering around freezing, and my thoughts are turning to ……. BIKING! And eating, drinking and sleeping too, of course.  The warm days will be here in a couple of short months, and none too soon for my liking.  Spring is one of my favorite times of year here among the Grand Crus. The spring flowers in the hills are fantastic; there are over 100 different species of wild orchids alone, and some can be found on every spring ride. The work in the fields will continue of course, but the wine in the barrels will be mellowing away until bottling time later in the year.  And best of all, our friends in the cellars will have time to show us around and offer some of their finest wines to taste. The sensational vintage of 2009 will at last be in bottles, although we will want to be patient as it slowly matures.

Why not book a spring bicycle tour in France to this lovely region, Burgundy, which I call home? The days will be warm enough to enjoy, although the nights can be brisk. But we can deal with cool nights, sitting before a roaring fire eating Boeuf Bougignon and washing it down with a Savigny-les-Beaune  premiere cru. Or how about wild boar, or Coq-au-Vin? And don’t forget Oeufs en Muerette, our Burgundian way to make eggs a dish fit for a Duke.  We’ll have time to visit a few friends, admire stunning views (on a clear day you can see the Alps), ride past enchanting castles, sample the local cheeses (Epoisses, yum!), and of course drink the finest wines in the world  ( I may be biased, but I’m right!).

I was out riding today and I happened upon our friend Bertrand Ambroise cutting firewood behind his winery. Those of you who have had the good luck to have tasted his wines know what he can do with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes of Burgundy. We don’t always visit there, he’s a very busy man, but when we do it’s sublime.  And Bertrand, for all his virtuosity is not the only winemaker in Burgundy; Far from it!

I also stopped at Drouin-Laroze where the holiday atmosphere persists, at least for a while; Christine was busy, so I didn’t ask for photos (one should never put an elegant lady in a position not, uh, elegant so the decorations in the entrée to the domaine must tell the story. Come visit when the times are warmer and the lunch, prepared by ma chere amie, is ready to eat!

Let’s not neglect eating and sleeping! Chez Simon remains one of the little secrets we keep for our guests. The Chef (ALWAYS capitalized) keeps us excited by his preparations, and Carole, the lady of the house, is most welcoming. I LOVE the fact that one of the best restauranteurs in Burgundy (and in all of France) is married to the cousin of one of my cycling buddies . Not that this makes me in any way lenient in my critique of the food; NON! The cuisine is simply excellent, as you will discover. Its always market fresh, but I remember with fondness (longing?) his St. Jaques poele avec truffes d’ete. Sigh. And the hotels we use couldn’t be finer. I stopped by the Cep hotel in Beaune to wish everyone a happy new year (a tradition in France) and I am always thrilled to see the staff. So professional, so, well, perfect.

There is nothing in the world I enjoy more than cycling through Burgundy, a beautiful corner of the world, and I’d love to show it to you. Come visit us soon, or when the weather warms up!

BTW, leave a comment below on your favorite wine from Burgundy and maybe I will take a ride over to the winery and give it a try and post a picture of me enjoying a glass!

Cheers,

Keith

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January 25, 2011

Bordeaux…more than just a Wine Tour

Filed under: Bike, Bordeaux, France, Wine Tasting — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 6:01 pm

Bordeaux is, arguably, the wine capital of the world. Almost everybody who travels here is into wine. However, the good news about traveling with DuVine is that you don’t need to be a complete wine geek to come to Bordeaux. The food is great and the riding is accessible to all abilities.

The famous vines...

While our Bordeaux bicycle trip, like the region, is obsessed with the nectar of the vines, we make sure to balance our trip with some enjoyable moments that do not involve wine.

This tour is known for delicious meals that, very often, include duck and foie gras. Foodies rejoice over the home cooking by Jackie at Château Carbonneau; everyone is impressed by the delicate preparations by the chefs at Château de Sanse and Château Grand Barrail. The DuVine guides, equally in love with biking and eating, love to prepare exquisite picnics in phenomenal locations. With local specialties, healthy salads and ripe cheese, it is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!

Chances to enjoy pastries abound. We regularly visit a little known bakery during the Bordeaux tour. Every morsel is hand-made before being baked in an antique wood fire oven. With a chance to learn about bread making first hand by the baker, it is the perfect place to stop for a snack. Once in Saint Emilion, you’ll rapidly discover the regional specialties of macaroons and canelés. While most people have already enjoyed macaroons in their travels, canelés are still elusive. They are made with egg yolks and the egg whites, traditionally, were used to clarify the wines. You won’t go hungry on your DuVine bike trip to Bordeaux.

The breads of the little known bakery...

DuVine guests often choose to spend their free night in Saint Emilion. Here they can explore a variety of wine shops and historic monuments. Most notable is the Monolithic Church that was carved by Benedictine monks into the limestone cliff in the 11th century. The cloisters of L’Eglise collégiale de Saint Emilion are also worth exploring.

More than just wine...great cycling routes in Bordeaux

The Bordeaux cycling routes are great for less experienced riders. There are some hills, but the majority of the riding is mellow and enjoyable. The mileage is low, but for those interested, optional rides provide extensions for more avid riders. Each day includes extremely scenic rides, many along the edges of the Dordogne river.

This coming season, 2011, we’ve added an all new ride and hotel to further improve this tour. On the fifth day, guests will depart from Saint Emilion, riding through Pomerol and along the Gironde Estuary to Paulliac. On the way, there are many wonderful picnic spots and scenic vistas as well as a relaxing ferry ride. That afternoon, in the famed Haut-Médoc, opportunities for tasting wine abound. Once arriving at Cordeillan Bages, our hotel for the evening, guests will enjoy relaxing in luxury over a Michelin starred meal.

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January 21, 2011

The Best of Provence in 2011

Filed under: Bike, Ecuador, European bike tours, France, Galapagos Islands, Provence, Sardinia — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:08 pm

DuVine has done it again! In 2011, we’ve altered and improved our Bicycle Tour Provence Itinerary to make it the best trip we’ve ever offered in the region. “How is it possible?” you might ask. We’ve taken the highlights from our Provence Classic and combined it with the Guide’s favorite moments from our Provence Lavender tour. Not sure what this means? Here is a rundown of what to expect in 2011.

Pont du Gard aqueduct

 

The trip starts at the stunning Vieux Castillon hotel in Le Gard Provençal. From here our trip cruises down hill and across the historic Pont-du-Gard, a Roman aqueduct built in 19 BC. In the summer months, it is a wonderful place to stop for a quick swim in le gard, the river below. From here we enjoy a beautiful ride around the garrigue, a typical Provençal landscape. Upon our return to the hotel, there is an opportunity for a dip in the pool before we enjoy a refreshing glass of rosé and carefully crafted dinner.

Our next day continues the exploration of the region, this time by heading over towards Uzès. The riding is more difficult than the previous day but every pedal stroke is worth the effort. Enjoying a pastis in the town square, you’ll learn to embrace to local lifestyle. As you leave Uzès, you’ll cycle along tree-lined streets – the ultimate image of the French countryside. Past vineyards and sunflowers, you’ll arrive at your hotel to be entertained by Mario at his gem of a restaurant. The local dishes will blow you away.

As we cross the Rhône, one of the longest rivers in Europe, you’ll leave behind Le Vieux Castillon in the direction of Saint Remy. Along the way, you’ll enjoy an expertly crafted picnic by your DuVine guide. We’ve selected an exclusive spot near the Abbey de St. Michel-de-Frigolet for you to relax midday. After a brief rest, you’ll enjoy a wonderful descent as you work your way to our next hotel, the Château de Roussan in Saint Rémy de Provence.

Market day in St. Remy

 

In this fabulous town, known for olive oil, Nostradomus and delicious Joël Durand chocolate, you’ll enjoy a relaxing night. Take a recommendation from your guide as you select your own restaurant for a private meal with someone special.

In the morning you’ll awake to the streets full of excitement. It’s market day in Saint Rémy! (check out our Market Day in Provence blog post) Wander around the square and you’ll find exceptional local produce, pungent cheeses, lavender, handmade soap, local olive oil and more. This is a great place to find a souvenir from your bicycle trip to Provence. Departing Saint Rémy, you’ll head along the Alpilles towards Gordes. The Alpilles, know as the little Alps, are breathtaking.  Ominous as they look, they’re only miniature versions of mountains – you’ll be able to bike along them without too much trouble. Crossing the Durance, you’ll see the beautiful landscape of Le Vaucluse. This is lavender country!

The famous olive oil

 

From our final hotel, La Bastide de Gordes, you’ll cycle past beautiful villages that sit perched upon hills. In this region, your senses will rejoice with the wonderful colors and scents of Provence. With a truffle and wine tasting scheduled for afternoon, as well as a visit to an olive mill, every discerning gourmand will be pleased. Round out your experience with a morning ride prior to your departure.

Cycling through the Provence countryside

 

There is no doubt that we’re offering the best that Provence has to give. Experience it all: the local culture, the wine, truffles, olive oil, chocolate, pastis, lavender and more. I couldn’t imagine a better location for your next DuVine Adventure.

Join me, Tommy Pace…your DuVine guide in France,  in 2011 on this newly refined itinerary. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget!

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December 21, 2010

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2010

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bike, Ecuador, France, Galapagos Islands, Italy, Jordan, Skiing, Switzerland, Top 10 lists, Tuscany, Umbria — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:33 pm

Welcome to our third installment in the DuVine Adventures Top 10 for 2010.  Our first two Top 10’s were Top 10 Bike Rides and Top 10 wines and now we bring you our Top 10 Hotels for 2010.

“SLEEP” is an equal and integral part of the DuVine equation for luxury bicycle tours and adventure travel…so when it comes to our choice of hotels, we select not only the “must-see” places of interest, but also properties that provide a real sense of local charm. Remember…DuVine style is all about the experience…be it on the bike, while dining, sampling the local potables, or relaxing for the evening. Hence, I take great care when deciding which properties measure up our standards. And although each may be special in its own right…I’d like to share where a few of my favorites places to stay have been this year.
I guess you could call these my top 10 hotels of the year…(in no particular order of preference…)

Orto degli Angeli

Orto degli Angeli in Umbria
Imagine lying back in bed after a wonderful day cycling through the Sagrantino vineyards and a delicious dinner in a restaurant located in the remains of a Roman amphitheater and looking up to see an original Frescoe painted on the ceiling above you? That’s right…our ancient villa, Orto degli Angeli, with the original noble family still in residence, is a museum in itself. This historic hotel where Francesco Antonini dei Conti Angeli Nieri Mongalli’s family has lived since 1788 integrates architectural elements and original building materials from the ancient world and overlooks the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre and temple. A vaulted underground room, which was a part of the two thousand year old theatre, serves as the dining room of the restaurant, creating an unforgettable dining experience. You will sleep like royalty in this unique property.  You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Umbria, Italy.

Flocon de Sel

Flocon de Sel in Megeve, France
What can I say? When I first read the mission statement from the owners of this hotel – “to stay unique, to give to our guests the possibility to make the most of the tranquility of the place, with luxury services offered in a convivial atmosphere, without ostentation and at the same time help with exploring the landscape, this unique environment which is ours” – I knew this place would be DuVine! The service is flawless, the location – set in the mountain pastures with commanding views of the valley below – is incredibly intimate and the 2 star rated Michelin restaurant definitely put this on the top 10 list! This is available on our bicycle tours in the Alps.

Villa Beccaris in Piedmont
What makes a hotel special? Is it the personal connections made with the staff, the incredible views out your window, the linens, the impeccable and attentive service, the amount of luxury services offered? Or is it a just a feeling you get when you enter a room? Perhaps sometimes that is all it takes! When you walk into the limonaia , the glassed-in Belle Epoque breakfast room with views over Barolo vineyards at Villa Beccaris, you will understand why this hotel ranks on the list! You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Umbria, Italy. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Piedmont, Italy.

Hotel Adriana

Hotel Adriana in Hvar
Not only is it Croatia’s first and only member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World… but the views from the Adriana  – a panorama that includes the Cathedral, the Arsenal, the Venetian piazza, the yacht harbor and the bay all in one – are absolutely stunning! Talk about an island paradise… and the Top bar is the place to be! Location, location, location. Oh…and a little bit of St. Tropez and Ibiza all in one. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Croatia.

 

Bastide de Gordes in Provence
Talk about the perfect perch! Bastide de Gordes sits high above the Luberon valley offering some absolutely gorgeous views. What better way to spend an afternoon post-ride than lounging by the pool admiring the scenery? or better yet…at the world-famous Spa Sisley located on the property? Yes, definitely a must on the list. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Provence, France.

Bastide de Gordes

Relais San Maurizio in Piedmont
There is no place that makes you feel as if you are on top of the world [literally and figuratively] like the San Maurizio! Surrounded by the Langhe hills with panoramic vineyards views, it is the perfect vantage point for a journey of the colors, fragrances and flavors of Piedmont. Originally a 17th century monastery, the property has been transformed into a stunning and discreet resort…one that gives new meaning the word exclusivity! Oh, and did I mention the vinotherapy spa Caudalie? It is epic zen - italiano style! You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Piedmont, Italy.

La Chiusa

 La Chiusa in Tuscany
This charming little relais and restaurant holds a very special place in our hearts. La Chiusa is the product of the lifelong work of two of our dear friends, Dania and Umberto. It was Umberto’s vision that transformed his family’s medieval olive mill into a stunning luxury hotel. In many of the hotel’s fifteen rooms, you can find old millstones and other reminders of the building’s agricultural past.  Umberto is a true Tuscan man and makes sure his guests get anything they want. Every afternoon you can find him overseeing his splendid staff from his table under the pergola where he will be happy to share a bottle of prosecco, fresh grapes from his vineyards, and the story of how he brought running water to the town.Dania is a world-renowned Tuscan chef and the Ristorante La Chiusa, where we eat on the first night of the tour, is her baby. She has devoted a lifetime to preserving traditional Tuscan cuisine, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients and age- old methods. Her meals are unforgettable. She always makes a point of coming to our table after the meal and giving us a tour of the kitchen or autographing copies of her cookbook. There is also an extraordinary selection of local wines. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Tuscany, Italy.

Chalet Royalp

Chalet Royalp in Villars
Imagine being nestled in at your 1,300 ft ‘”base camp” of Villars sur Ollon in the heart of the Vaud Alps looking out from your private balcony at the idyllic setting that spans in front of you – featuring a spectacular panorama extending from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc.  This charming chalet is the perfect ski “lodge” …the perfect combination of a typical mountain lodge atmosphere with the exquisite elegance of an exclusive high end resort. Oh, and it’s also the first ski-in and ski-out hotel in the Vaudauoise Alpes – offering direct access to the ski resort. You will stay here on our ski trip in the Alps.

Iguana Crossing on Isabella Island, Galapagos
Staying here is like escaping to your own private island – scarcely populated except for the flora and incredible variety of fauna to be found – including, of course, the ubiquitous marine iguanas. Located in between the pristine white sand beaches with their emerald green water and directly behind a wildlife-filled lagoon, this spot couldn’t be more special. Even better, as  you relax in your room, you can listen to the soothing sound of surf and watch the volcano beyond the wetlands come alive.  Yes, a true island getaway awaits you at Iguana Crossing! This hotel is available on our adventure travel Galapagos Islands tour.

Beach at Iguana Crossing

Taybet Zaman in Petra, Jordan
Step back in time, but not in luxury at this uniquely modern interpretation of 19th century Jordan – complete with an exotic dash of Arab indulgence. As you walk through the village and its ancient stone structures, you feel transported back to the old village, complete with the scents and sounds of the market…a very sensory experience. Staying at Taybet Zama, with its unique blend of modern elegance and rustic charm, is unlike any other typical hotel stay…especially when you consider that just outside your window is a view unlike any other…one of the modern wonders of the world, Petra. You will stay here on our adventure travel tour in Jordan.

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December 10, 2010

Andy’s Top Ten Bicycle Rides of 2010

Filed under: Bike, Top 10 lists — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:35 pm

As our 2010 season approaches its conclusion and our 2011 adventure travel season is set to begin…I thought I’d take a few minutes to share some of my favorite rides of the past year (and perhaps, in the process, offer some DuVine inspiration to my fellow cycling enthusiasts?)

And, although I may be revealing some “DuVine secrets” by rating my top 10, nothing quite compares to actually riding these routes and experiencing them yourself. So while I may be divulging the “where” and some cursory information about the ride …I’d prefer to let you imagine and/or explore the “why” on your own!

My top 10 of 2010 (in no particular order…)

Views of the Matterhorn in Piedmont

Bicycle tour Piedmont, Italy: Acqui Terme to Relais & Chateaux San Maurizio…
What can I say? Just imagine cycling over the famous Langhe hills, an intimate landscape filled with vineyards, truffles, medieval towns like Montabone and Rocchetta Palafea, and stunning panoramas of an ancient landscape. As I rode along this route on a perfectly clear and sunny day this past August, the view was inarticulable…you could even see the Matterhorn in the Alps to the north!  The day just kept getting better and better…we stopped for lunch along the way with our local friends, Gianni and Mina for an intimate lunch featuring small hand-made ravioli called plin, and a really special treat – a raw-milk Roccaverano goat cheese – that Gianni gets from his friend, a small producer.  We continued on from this delicious lunch to our hotel for the evening, the converted monastery of San Maurizio, a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property. After a unique salt therapy treatment at the hotel’s Via del Sale Spa, we dined at the Michelin-starred Ristorante Da Guido, accompanied by an assortment of fine local wines.  Magical.

Along the coast in Puglia

Bicycle tour Puglia, Italy: The coastal roud to Leuca…
Ok…let me just preface by saying this is, hands down, one of the most stunning coastal roads in the world with breathtaking views of cliffs and bays. The ride meanders through the fishing village of Santa Cesarea Terme, famous for its Moorish architecture and thermal waters….and continues along the coast passing spectacular sea caves and the town of Castro, where Virgil claims the legendary Aeneas first made landfall in Italy. Our lunch (or rather…our heavenly picnic) was a stop along the way to Leuca,  in an amazingly scenic spot, suspended in the branches of an olive tree overlooking the sparkling cerulean sea. The beauty of this day is that you have the option to continue this epic day of cycling by riding back to Otranto – a 106 km roundtrip day of pure bliss.

Cycling the island of Hvar

Bicycle tour Hvar, Croatia: Around Hvar Island to Paklinski Otoci
Anything is possible on this incredible island! I joined one of our private groups this past June for another epic bicycle ride around the island of Hvar. And to be honest…it really does not get better than this! We cruised in our private yacht for an hour along the calm turquoise water, soaking up the sunshine, to reach the end of the island where our bikes  (which had travelled alongside us in a zodiac) were waiting at the dock ready for us to hop on and explore. A 80km ride ensued…a challenging yet beautiful 3 hour non-stop ride through lavender fields and up rolling hills. Did I mention that every vista is spectacular? Whether you are climbing, riding along the coast or wending your way through the villages…there is certainly no want for scenery!  Wow. It was absolutely picture perfect – not a cloud in the sky, warm sunshine, and a gentle breeze followed us as we rode the entire island. And, honestly, that’s the only thing that followed us. And when the ride was over, our yacht was waiting with 2 massage therapist…gelato and hot apple pie. Not a bad day on the ‘road’!

On the road to Sienna in Tuscany

Bicycle tour Tuscany, Italy: Through the Crete Senesi and the back roads into Siena
Have you ever been on a ride where you exclaim “this is the most beautiful view I have ever seen” and then your climb another hill, turn a corner and declare, “ok…no, actually this the most beautiful view I have ever seen”…and then you climb a little further, turn another corner and proclaim, “really…this is definitely the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen” ??  Well, that’s what this bicycle ride from Montalcino to Siena is like…especially the final 11k climb up these challenging hills into Siena. This route takes you along the bare ridges of the Crete Senesi through Asciano and Vescona to Arbia and then follows the timeless back roads up a series of challenging hills to enter Siena in truly evocative fashion. This is a definitely a ride worth taking!

Lac Leman in the Swiss Alps

Bicycle tour Switzerland: Lausanne – Montreux
This ride through the scenic Swiss vineyards, into historic Vevey, and finishing up in Montreux along Lac Leman is a must on the list. Picture this: with the majestic Alps as your backdrop, you ride from lush vineyards, coasting into enchanting villages dotted with charming chalets, to a crystal-clear lake…a little bit of everything rolled into one. Talk about mountains majesty! There is nothing quite like the feeling of being surrounding by these magnificent peaks… legendary in their own right…as you ride along the lake…definitely a WOW moment…a truly breathtaking experience!

Riding to Cap Formentor

Bicycle tour Mallorca, Spain: The ride to Cap Formentor
Prepare for some epic biking…and even more epic scenery on this Spanish ride! A warm up ride to Alaro begins your day as you pass through several quiet, rural villages before arriving in the cultural hotspot of Pollensa Port.  But this day of incredible vistas and challenging climbs is just beginning…as you ascend into the distance, dramatic and rocky cliffs drop off from both sides of the road and offer sweeping views of the sea. What’s even better is that your ride ends down on the Mediterranean Sea… where a well-deserved lunch awaits, as well as quality time to relax on the tranquil beach! Bike and beach…a winning combination!

Just one of the incredible views cycling the island of Korcula...

Bicycle tour Korcula, Croatia: Korcula Island
First and foremost, Korcula is an ancient Greek colony dating back to the 4th century BC and is also a seafood aficionado’s dream with its endless supply of octopus, local specialty-fish stew, and the freshest of ingredients picked directly from the sea! It is, of course, another top 10 ride as well!  I arrived via private boat to the town of Vela Luka on the west coast and headed out to cycle across the island to Korcula Town. Along the way, I encountered miles of vineyards – famous for their local white wines – and stopped into to taste regional specialties. After a delicious lunch at a local konobo, I arrived in Korcula Town, a fascinating fortified Venetian town that is just as irresistible to today’s visitor as it was to medieval travel writers like Marco Polo, who began his life’s journey here. All this makes for a gorgeous blend of ancient walled towns, the freshest seafood, and wonderful wines combined with fantastic cycling along the azure waters of the Adriatic!

The open road in Wadi Rum

Bicycle tour Jordan: Cycling the Wadi Rum
Ok…so what is Wadi Rum, you might ask?  Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in south-west Jordan. It has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times and is dotted with massive rock formations. It is virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. It is here where I set on an almost ‘other-worldly” ride through the desert this past March. Beginning in the mud flats of Disi – a vast flat field with hard ground in the middle of the desert – I headed out on an a ride like I had never experienced before…it felt almost as if being on another planet surrounded by the  beautiful scenery of the colorful sandstone massive desert mountains. As we rode along, we encountered nothing but one of the occasional Bedouin goat herders on donkeys. What a unique experience! Top that day off with a ‘Zarb’ – the traditional Bedouin dish of meat and vegetables cooked underneath the desert sand. Oh, and did I mention that it is also a great location to watch a truly magical sunset?!

The French countryside in Haute Cotes du Beaune

Bicycle tour Burgundy, France: Haute Cotes du Beaune
Imagine cycling through the picturesque villages of the undisturbed French countryside. On this ride you should be prepared to be stunned by extraordinary views of the town’s 13th century castle ruins. As you meander past Charolais cows and the gorgeously restored 15th century château at La Rochepot you will find yourself cruising down a leisurely downhill ride into Saint Aubin – home to a grand Romanesque church. It is here you will stop for a true gourmand delight of a picnic at Chassagne-Montrachet and then continue cycling through Puligny Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay and Pommard before arriving back in Beaune to sip wine and chat with the locals. This is the ride to experience the French wine countryside in its purest and most scenic form!

Coastal Connemara

Bicycle tour Connemara, Ireland: Cliften and the Boglands
Bikes, bogs, Guinness beers and whiskey…that’s what this epic ride in Ireland features! I remember the feeling I experienced as we followed the bog road to the quaint town of Clifden – there is nothing like witnessing the uber green Irish landscape in person.  Add to that, the breathtaking views from atop the rolling hills looking down upon the Atlantic Ocean from High Sky Road…and need I forget, the ubiquitous sheep. We popped into a local pub for some fresh fish and chips with a pint of Guinness and topped the day off with an Irish whiskey tasting by the fire in the library of the Ashford Castle with Seamus.  What a unique and memorable time!

Tell us about your top ride by posting below.

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