No journey to Italy is complete without walking sun drenched vineyards and sipping limited edition vintages. For a taste of Tuscany to savor forever you’re invited to the charming Guardastelle Estate in San Gimignino to join the owners for a personal and private wine tasting tour.

We had the privilege to speak with Fausto, owner and wine producer of the Guardastelle Estate to learn what goes into producing a certified wine, harvest predictions and how to perfect the art of wine tasting.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Exclusive wine, with a personal touch

“Guardastelle Estate is considered one of the smallest establishments in the area,” Fausto explains. “We have 12 acres of vineyards plus five acres of olive trees from which we also produce extra virgin olive oil.

“We produce five wines in small quantities so, we are very exclusive. For two of our vintages, we produce about 6000 bottles each, and only 3000 for the other three types. And they are only available here – you won’t find our wines in stores, restaurants or the nearest town.

“At Guardastelle, as a boutique winery we’ve always been focused on people coming to our farm, to see firsthand the vineyards and try the wines. Each bears the DOCG certification, a sign of excellence and the most important certification of Italian wines.”

For travel inspiration read our Italy destination guide

DOCG – the elite classification

DOCG or Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita is the is the highest classification Italian wines can be awarded. The classification means that there are controlled production methods (controllata) and guaranteed wine quality (garantita) with each bottle.

This includes regulations such as no irrigation, maximum vineyard elevation, and regulations on ageing and maximum alcohol levels.

A private tour

As a guest of Luxury Gold, you’ll enjoy a private tour of the vineyards and the wine cellar. You’ll hear all about the production process and enjoy a taste of Tuscany. “We’ll explain what kind of varieties we have, and why we have these varieties relating to the certification to the DOCG and part of the production.

“For the tasting we present three wines from the current the vintage. These are usually the three DOCGs – the vernaccia white wine which is the local specialty, and the chiantis.”

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A boutique family business

“This is a family business, so we are involved in all the processes since from the winemaking to the tasting,” says Fausto. “This also dictates how to make the wines. We are a very small farm, so it is not possible to harvest the grapes with the machine for example, so we do it by hand.”

“We’ve no official record but architects say that the farmhouse is probably from the middle of the 1400’s. This is because that the walls were made with a specific technique which is the same used to build the famous towers of San Gimignano town.

“My wife’s family purchased it in the middle of the 1980’s. From the young age of 21, she restarted the vineyard and wine production with three classic DOCG wines that she has now produced for almost 30 years. The estate has also produced extra virgin olive oil from the start.

“In 2017 we started to work on a couple of new wines which were born in 2021. So now we have the five typologies of wines.”

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True Chianti and Vernaccia

“San Gimignano is in the chianti wine region, a wine which has been produced in Italy for about five centuries,” says Fausto. “To preserve the original characteristics of Italian winemaking and its wines, the government introduced regulations to keep a high standard quality product. This is the DOCG and is the certification that allows us to call our wine chianti.”

“Chianti must be made with a minimum of 75% of Sangiovese (a grape), and then there are few other varieties that we are allowed to use to blend. Even though it is possible to make a chianti from 100% Sangiovese, usually they are made with a blend of grapes.”

All the wines produced by Tenuta Guardastelle bear this important DOCG certification. Some 78 red wines across Italy (including chianti) are on the list. There is however only one white wine included, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a native grape variety with ancient historical origins. Renowned for its remarkable ageing capacity, it makes an excellent aperitif, pairs well with legumes and is exquisite with white meats.

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Manual harvest

“The DOCG regulations do not dictate how to harvest, whether by hand or machinery, or how to press the grapes. So, these methods depend entirely on the size of the farm,” Fausto explains.

“As we are small, we do a manual harvest, which is also better anyway for the grape’s quality. This helps to produce a natural, rather high sugar content in the berries, so that the DOCG standards are easily met.”

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It’s all in the timing

“The DOGC does regulate the days that you can harvest, although the time frame is very large. The time to harvest is dependent on the varieties and it depends a lot on the weather,” Fausto says. “We know by the experience that the harvest time is around the beginning of September for the white grapes and middle third week of September for the red varieties.

“So, a few days before the planned harvest we start to control the grapes. We go in the vineyards and pick a few from all over the field. The grapes are then mixed together, because different parts of the vineyards can have slightly different maturation, before making an average of the sugar content.”

“We also taste them – with experience you know from their softness if they’re ready. Then we look at the weather forecast to see that maybe these grapes need a week but if the weather is going to be bad, then we may need to harvest them in a couple of days.

“This, a taste of Tuscany, is probably one of the best parts. Because it’s almost ready. It’s such a great feeling – every year is a new project with a new vintage.”

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Time to mature – a unique minerality

“Some of these wines take up to three years to be ready,” Fausto explains. “So, we will harvest the year’s vintages around the start of October, and the white will start to serve as a wine tasting in almost two years. And the Chianti about four years.

“This is our personal choice because of the composition of the soil. Here the soil has a high minerality that gives a very high freshness to the wine, so it needs longer to mature.

“So, for example, not all the vernacchio’s of the area are the same, and we usually don’t have the youngest of the vernacchio possible to taste. Because the other Tuscan wineries and vineyards don’t have such a high minerality, the life of their vernaccio is much shorter.”

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Tasting tips

“We always guide guests through the tasting, a taste of Tuscany” says Fausto. “We explain the three types of analysis. First is the visual, to check the color if the wine is clear or cloudy, and we show you how to do it with the white napkin on the back of the glass.

“Then comes smell. Here we don’t say everything because we could stay a full day talking about it! We do tell you the categories that you can smell in a wine, depending on the variety. For example, vegetables or fruit. Then lastly, we have taste and we help you get deeper into the analysis. Every wine actually had different characteristics, or even if similar there are always some slight differences.

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Practice makes perfect

“Wine tasting is like learning a new language,” Fausto concludes. “You need to train and to try many different wines to try to understand the different flavors and tastes that different varieties can produce. The characteristics of, for example, a Chardonnay grape, when grown in Tuscany or other parts of Italy or the world are not the same. So keep practicing!”

To delight in a taste of Tuscany for yourself in this stunning chianti wine region, take a look at our Ultimate Italy small group journey

There are several bars across the world that carry the Harry’s Bar name, but only two of them are true originals – Harry’s Bar in Venice and Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. While the two bars were both opened in the early 20th century, created several iconic cocktails, and have been frequented by some of the 20th century’s biggest icons, that’s where their similarities end. The two bars are actually not connected in any way, besides sharing a name – and the love of Ernest Hemingway. 

We delve into the different stories of the original Harry’s Bars, and how they came to be two of Europe’s most glamorous watering holes. 

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Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Photo credit: @cipriani

Harry’s New York Bar – Paris, France

Disregard the misleading name – Harry’s New York Bar is a true Parisian institution. Nestled in the heart of Paris, not far from the iconic Opéra Garnier, Harry’s New York Bar stands as a monument to history, culture, and the fine art of mixology. 

Founded in 1911 by American jockey Tod Sloan, the bar was originally called “The New York Bar.” Sloan had the interior shipped over from a bar in New York, giving it an authentic American feel right in the heart of Paris. Harry MacElhone, a young barman, took over in 1923 and added his first name to the title. The legendary “Harry’s New York Bar” was born, and it’s still owned and run by the MacElhone family.

Over the years, it became the glamorous watering hole of choice for expatriates, tourists, and locals who appreciated the taste of classic cocktails and the allure of American jazz. Today, visiting this century-old establishment is like stepping back in time. The ambient lighting, original wooden panels, over 400 classic drinks, and the familiar tinkling of cocktail glasses transport you to an era when Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Porter were regular patrons.

Visit Harry’s New York Bar in Paris on: Ultimate Southern France

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

A cocktail atelier

Harry’s New York Bar was the birthplace of several iconic drinks. The most famous among them is the Bloody Mary, said to have been concocted in the 1920s by Fernand Petiot, a bartender at Harry’s. Their impressive cocktail repertoire also includes the White Lady, the French 75 and the Side Car, legacies of the skill and creativity of the bartenders who’ve graced Harry’s counters.

Read more: 9 essential cocktails to drink (and where to drink them) in New Orleans

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Cultural epicenter

This Parisian institution was a jazz oasis and something of a second home for the Lost Generation. Throughout the roaring ‘20s, the bar played host to a stream of literary and artistic figures, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and Humphrey Bogart. 

With a crowd like that, it’s little wonder Harry’s New York Bar has been immortalized in popular culture. Hemingway mentioned the bar in “A Moveable Feast” and “The Sun Also Rises.” The famous song “I Love Paris” by Cole Porter was supposedly penned in the downstairs piano bar.

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Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Harry’s Bar – Venice, Italy

Ten years later and 690 miles away, another institution was born under the same name. Located just a few steps away from Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice, stands the historic establishment, Harry’s Bar. Founded in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, Harry’s Bar isn’t just a watering hole; it’s a legend of 20th-century history, literature and art, and Venetian culinary traditions. 

The story of Harry’s Bar in Venice began with a chance encounter. A young Giuseppe Cipriani, then a bartender at Venice’s Hotel Europa, extended a loan to a stranded American named Harry Pickering. When Pickering returned a few years later to repay Cipriani with interest, the two decided to invest in a small bar – and Harry’s Bar was born.

Discover Harry’s Bar in Venice on: Ultimate Italy

Photo credit: @cipriani

Photo credit: @cipriani

Birthplace of the Bellini

While many come to Harry’s Bar for its history, others come for a taste of its legendary Bellini. A mix of Prosecco and peach purée, this refreshing cocktail was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani himself in the 1940s. Inspired by a 15th-century Venetian painting by Giovanni Bellini, the drink’s pink glow reminded Cipriani of the artist’s palette. The Bellini has since become an iconic cocktail, enjoyed worldwide but never quite as special as when sipped in its birthplace.

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Photo credit: @cipriani

Photo credit: @cipriani

Cultural icon

Since its inception, Harry’s Bar attracted a roster of artists, writers, and celebrities. The likes of Ernest Hemingway, Katherine Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Orson Welles were regular patrons. Hemingway, in particular, considered it his favorite watering hole, often describing its intimate atmosphere in his works. The bar’s drawcard wasn’t just the alcohol or the delicious meals, but the sense of camaraderie and creativity. Conversations sparked here would often find their way into novels, films, and art.

Despite its celebrity visitors and renowned cocktails, the beauty of Harry’s Bar today lies in its simplicity. With crisp linen tablecloths and wooden chairs, the original decor allows its rich history to shine. The food remains a winner too, with sumptuous risottos and fresh seafood paying tribute to the city’s culinary scene. 

In 2001, the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs declared Harry’s Bar a national landmark. While the designation is a nod to its historical significance, the true testament is the endless crowd of visitors who flock to its doors year after year. 

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Photo credit: @cipriani

Photo credit: @cipriani

The Legacy of Harry’s Bars

While the two bars had completely different origins, they shared many of the same values (and patrons!) arising from the Lost Generation of the early 20th century; music, art, literature, and good company and stories shared over excellent food and drinks. 

These bars aren’t just places to grab a cocktail. They’re historic institutions that inspired literary and artistic giants and global gastronomic traditions. They’re a portal to a bygone era, where the walls tell tales of Jazz Age soirees, literary debates and the art of a well-made drink. 

As both Paris and Venice continue to involve, Harry’s Bars remain true to their roots, reminding us of the timeless glamor of a great bar. The next time you’re in Paris or Venice, be sure to swing by Harry’s, order a classic cocktail, and soak up a century’s worth of stories.

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Banner photo credit: @harrysbar_theoriginal

Set sail into the awe-inspiring landscapes of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast with this luxury European cruise as part of our Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast luxury tour. You’ll kick back on the lavish Rhapsody yacht as you float from stunning islands to ancient towns, with culinary delights, glamorous nightlife, and unique local experiences in between. Dive into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, dine in world-class restaurants at sunset, and soak in the hot tub on deck… This is Europe’s most glamorous cruise.

Experience it: Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast

Your cruise ship

You’ll cruise the Adriatic for a week aboard the new MV Rhapsody Deluxe Superior yacht-like cruiser. Built to the highest specifications with modern amenities such as air-conditioned cabins, the Rhapsody is a truly befitting vessel for what is Europe’s most glamorous cruise. Whether you want to relax in your cosy private cabin, or relax on the large sundeck in the hot tub or chaise loungers, you’ll feel right at home on the Rhapsody.

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Day 1: Split to Primošten

The cruise element of this tour begins in the ancient city of Split. Set on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, Split is renowned as the gateway to the stunning Dalmatian Islands, which you’ll visit on your cruise. But Split is more than just an entry point. It’s also famed for its beautiful beaches and ancient history dating all the way back to the 2nd and 3rd century BC.

Before boarding the cruise ship, you’ll join a Local Expert on a tour of Split. You’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. This grand, fortress-like palace was intended as a retirement residence for the emperor and today is one of the most important architectural ruins on the Adriatic Coast. You’ll then wander through the labyrinthine streets of Split’s Old Town, marvelling at the ancient Roman architecture. See the Golden Gate, St. Duje’s and the Temple of Jupiter before heading to the port.

After boarding the boat, we’ll cruise to the picture-perfect town of Primošten, enjoying a delicious dinner onboard and taking in the glorious sunset. It’s the most idyllic way to kickstart your week aboard Europe’s most glamorous cruise.

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Day 2: Primošten to Kornati National Park to Telašćica

Today we’ll sail through Kornati National Park’s spectacular maze of islands, cliffs, ruins and Roman villas. Kornati encompasses 89 islands across 85 square miles, making it the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. One of the park’s most striking features is its dramatic, towering cliffs, known locally as ‘crowns’. Some of these cliffs rise over 262 feet above the sea and drop down 295 feet below the surface. The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and you’ll see many ruins, such as the Tureta Fort on the island of Kornat, that date back to the Byzantine era. Keep your eyes peeled for ancient Illyrian fortresses, Roman villas, and medieval settlements. 

Beneath the surface of the water, the park is home to rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, colorful fish, and sponges, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. You’ll have time to take a dip in the crystal clear waters before we cruise to our next destination – the beautiful Telašćica Nature Park. 

The natural wonders of Telašćica are some of the most breathtaking in the Adriatic, from the famous White Cliffs to the intriguing Salt Lake. We’ll cruise through Telašćica Bay flanked by the White Cliffs soaring 532 feet above the ocean, and meet an expert guide to learn about the formation of the Salt Lake following the last Ice Age. This fascinating lake is filled through underground cracks and limestone channels fed by the sea.

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Day 3: Telašćica to Mali Losinj

Waving goodbye to Telašćica, we’ll cruise to the island of Lošinj, disembarking to explore Mali Lošinj town’s harbor and historic quarter. You’ll enjoy a private, VIP tour of the Museum of Apoxyomenos, home to the perfectly preserved 2000-year-old bronze statue. The statue of Apoxyomenos, an ancient Greek athlete, was found in the sea near the island in 1999, and today has become a symbol of the island’s cultural heritage. Get to know the story of the statue, and take your time admiring this treasure and other fascinating artifacts in the museum, without the crowds.

You may also like to visit other renowned sites such as the Church of St. Martin, the oldest church on the island, and the Lošinj Aromatic Garden, where you can learn about the island’s healing herbs. Known as the Island of Vitality, Lošinj is known for its beautiful landscapes, crystal waters, over 2,600 hours of sunshine annually, and lush Mediterranean vegetation, with over 1,200 aromatic and healing herbs.

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Day 4: Mali Losinj to Zadar

Today we head to Zadar, a vibrant city on the Dalmatian Coast, with a history dating back 3,000 years. You’ll dive into this ancient history with a Local Expert, visiting the remains of the 1st century Roman Forum, the largest on the eastern side of the Adriatic. You’ll also visit the 9th-century St. Donatus Basilica, a pre-Romanesque famed for its excellent acoustics, and stroll through the 16th-century Venetian city walls.

If you’re into contemporary attractions, be sure to visit the symphony of the Sea Organ. This architectural sound art object plays music when the sea waves interact with tubes located beneath large marble steps. You can also witness the Greeting to the Sun, a 72-foot diameter circle set into the pavement filled with 300 multilayered glass plates that collect the sun’s energy during the day and produce a stunning light show after sunset. Both of these installations were designed by local architect Nikola Bašić and have become iconic symbols of the city. Alfred Hitchcock famously said that Zadar had the most beautiful sunset in the world, so you don’t want to miss this. 

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Day 5: Zadar to Skradin to Šibenik

After a leisurely morning, we’ll visit the acclaimed Bibich Winery in Skradin for a delicious tapas lunch paired with the finest Croatian wines. The Bibich vineyards are over 500 years old and are run by a family of vintners who have worked on this land for generations.

We’ll then sail on to the spectacular Krka National Park where you’ll marvel at the enchanting waterfalls. Walk along the shaded paths as the cascades flow all around you. Formed from the Krka and Čikola Rivers, the cascades flow over a series of terraces and travertine steps, ending in the mighty Skradinski Buk waterfall, plunging 148 feet. Despite the power of the waterfall, the pool below remains serene, and you can swim right up to the base of the falls.

Next up, we’ll visit the historic city of Šibenik, one of the oldest native Croatian towns. We’ll take a walking tour with a Local Expert, visiting remarkable sites such as the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James. Built over a period of more than 100 years in the 15th and 16th centuries, the cathedral is a testament to Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Šibenik is also known for its four fortresses, each with its unique history, architecture, and panoramic views of the city and sea. As a city built on and with stone, the Old Town is another delight. Wander down the narrow, stone streets, alleyways, and archways and admire the beautiful stone houses.

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Day 6: Šibenik to Hvar

Today we sail to the gorgeous island of Hvar. Known as the “sunniest spot in Europe”, Hvar receives more than 2,700 hours of sunshine a year, and it’s an essential stop on Europe’s most glamorous cruise. From sprawling lavender fields, vineyards and olive trees, to sandy beaches, secluded coves, and historic towns, there are endless treasures to explore in Hvar.

Check out the 17th-century Hvar Theater, one of the oldest surviving theaters in Europe. Wander around St. Stephen’s Square, the largest piazza in Dalmatia. You can also visit the impressive Spanjola Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding islands. The UNESCO-listed town of Stari Grad, on the northern side, is one of the oldest towns in Europe.

With its reputation for summer luxury and vibrant bars and nightlife, Hvar also attracts an endless stream of celebrities. Prince Harry, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Sean Connery and many more have all graced the glitzy shores of Hvar. 

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Day 7: Hvar to Bol to Split

This morning we’ll cruise to Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Horn. It’s one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia and for good reason. This breathtaking beach has a unique horn-like shape that changes depending on the wind and tide. Snap some gorgeous photos of the turquoise water against the white sand and lush greenery. Then it’s back on deck to relax as we cruise back to Split. Here we disembark for our final three days exploring the wonders of Dubrovnik. 

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You can set sail on Europe’s most glamorous cruise on our Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast luxury tour. The cruise is just one week of this 2-week journey. You’ll experience other on-land highlights across Zagreb, Pula, Istria, Opatija and the Plitvice Lakes. Discover more through our luxury Croatia tours.