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Concierge Tips, Cuisine

Luxury Travel Secrets: How to Talk to a Sommelier

March 14, 2024 by Lucy Thackray No Comments
Female sommelier holding up a wine glass containing red wine

Picture the scene: a sommelier comes over as you flick through the wine list. There are dozens, maybe hundreds, of options to choose from. You feel overwhelmed: you know what you like, but you’re interested in trying something new. It can be hard to know what to ask a wine professional, or how to talk their language. We caught up with Aisling Bury, sommelier and Restaurant Manager at The Olive Tree in Bath, UK ‒ the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, which as a Luxury Gold guest you’ll visit on our British Royale journey ‒ to learn how to talk to a sommelier on your travels.

What is a sommelier?

First things first: what is a sommelier? Essentially, it’s the wine expert employed by a restaurant to help select wines for the venue. They talk guests through the wine list, helping them choose a good match for their dish. Depending on the country, a sommelier usually has a diploma or qualifications from an institution such as the Court of Master Sommeliers. Much of their role happens behind the scenes: designing a restaurant’s wine list ‒ which can run into the tens of thousands of bottles ‒ and working with head chefs to plan food and drink pairings. But they’re also here to guide you. If you’re wondering how to talk to a sommelier, think of what you want from the chat: usually, to help them understand your tastes while also learning a bit about the evening’s wines and getting some new recommendations. Go in confidently with this bluffer’s guide to sommelier talk.

For further reading: From Prosecco to Pecorino: a Guide to the Best Italian White Wines For 2024

Dishes and varieties

Overhead image of fine dining plates of food

The Olive Tree specializes in seasonal fine dining (credit: @olivetreebath on Instagram)

By the time a sommelier comes over to your table, you’ll likely have had time to peruse the menu, and this is vital. You might like a Pinot Noir or a Sauvignon Blanc at home, but your choice of dish is the biggest influence on the wines they will choose. This is especially true of dishes involving red meat, fish, chocolate or cheese, but everything from herbs to char-grilling can influence their choice. So before your chat, note the dishes you’re most interested in ordering. Try to communicate what you like: even if you think you don’t the terminology of wine tasting, you’ll certainly know which flavors your palate responds to. Think of it like ordering a cocktail: you might tell a barman you prefer bright, acidic, citrus flavors, or mellow, sweet or fruity flavors. Those same preferences can be transferred to wine, so don’t be afraid to describe your favorite things to your sommelier.

A sommelier will often talk to you about dryness versus sweetness and the options of full-bodied, medium-bodied or lighter wines. These choices enhance different textures and flavors in your food: so a fatty meat might need a juicy, acidic wine to cut through that fattiness, while an off-dry white wine has the sweetness to complement spicy dishes.

For food lovers: Why South Africa is the Ultimate Setting For a Gourmet Road Trip

Scent and clarity

Mature male smelling a glass of red wine

Once a first wine has been selected, your sommelier will pour you a small glass to try. But don’t knock it back just yet. “The first thing you’re going to do is swirl the wine,” explains Aisling Bury, who encourages diners to get a deep noseful of the wine’s aroma. “You’re looking for things that smell out of place; so scents of wet cellar, damp cardboard, a caramel note or just generally an unpleasant vinegar smell.” Next, you should hold the wine up to the light, taking note of the color and transparency of the liquid. “You’re looking for clarity,” explains Aisling. “Unless it’s a natural wine, you want it to be clear and not foggy.” Natural wines aren’t filtered or fined, due to their low-intervention style of winemaking, hence a slight cloudiness when you hold them to the light. Feel free to talk to a sommelier about how the wine was produced and any unusual techniques. 

Your sommelier may also talk to you about the “legs” on your wine. Aisling explains: “When you swirl a wine and it goes up the glass, it’s how slowly the little rivulets of liquid stream down the inside of a glass. The slower they move down suggests a higher alcohol content or sugar content in the wine.” Think of it as syrup running slowly down a glass surface, but water running quickly, hardly leaving any trace. The sweeter the wine, the slower the “legs”.  “Most people think that it’s either to do with the age of the wine or the quality of the wine, but it’s actually a lot simpler than that,” says Aisling.

Tasting the wine

Now, time to taste. Expert tasters swish a mouthful of wine around their mouths, identifying any sour, sweet, mineral, fruity or tannic notes. Tannins are substances from the wine skins and seeds that give your mouth a dry, coated feel, and are most common in red wines. You might take a small sip of air through your mouthful of wine to oxygenate the liquid and bring out different flavors.

One myth Aisling wants to bust is that this first taste is a chance for diners to give a wine the thumbs-up. “You’re not checking whether you like the wine,” she says. “At this point you’ve made your choice, so you’re checking to see if the wine is faulty, not whether or not you like it.” If either you or the sommelier detects a dank, musty, wet cardboard smell, or unpleasant taste, they may conclude the wine is “corked” and decide to open another bottle. Being corked simply means the bottle has become contaminated with cork taint, creating a chemical reaction. A sommelier may show you the wine’s cork, which will also smell if the wine is corked. 

Assuming the wine is of a good standard, take this opportunity to ask your sommelier questions about the country of origin and the winemakers who created it. They can tell you which grape varieties it is made from, what the terroir (earth) is like at the vineyard, any unusual methods that were employed, and which other foods it pairs best with.

We also think you’ll like: For Fine Dining in Spain, This City Sets the Gold Standard

Three experiences to put your knowledge to the test

A rose tasting in France

Fashionable mature women having fun toasting and drinking wine at luxurious restaurant in France

Rosés in Provence, France

On Luxury Gold’s 12-day Ultimate Southern France tour, you’ll stop by the prestigious Château La Coste winery outside Aix-en-Provence, to see its outdoor art and sculpture collection, stroll among the vines and try the acclaimed rosés. It’s had an “Organic Agriculture” label since 2009 thanks to its biodynamic methods of farming and production.

Cool-climate reds in Chile

Boutique winery Kingston Family Vineyards handcraft small-production batches of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in the cool climate of Chile’s Casablanca Valley, pioneering cool-climate reds as well as the white wines Chile is most famous for. Visit while touring the continent on Luxury Gold’s epic, 23-day Grand South America journey.

Scenic tastings in South Africa

On a nine-day Spectacular South Africa tour, you’ll meander through the luscious green countryside north of Cape Town, enjoying a scenic drive through the wineland towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek, packed with incredible vineyards. South Africa’s diverse wines are also a big part of your delicious Farm-to-Table meal at the award-winning Werf Restaurant, which is renowned for its sustainability.

Dine with us at The Olive Tree in Bath when you join our 10-day British Royale Journey 

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Africa, Luxury Journeys

Why South Africa is the Ultimate Setting for a Gourmet Road Trip 

November 27, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments
Table Mountain in South Africa at sunset, with the sea in front and a cloudy evening sky

Down at the southernmost tip of Africa, expansive farms converge with vine-friendly slopes and teeming seas – not to mention dishes shaped by arrivals from all over the globe. The resulting rich and unexpected food scene makes South Africa the ultimate destination for a gourmet foodie road trip, whether you’re sampling a 10-course tasting menu on a wine estate, or tucking into a rustic braai (barbecue) in the bush. 

Guests on Luxury Gold’s nine-day Spectacular South Africa tour, for example, will tuck into seafood at the sea-view Harbour Restaurant in Kalk Bay, before enjoying a locally-sourced dinner at the world-renowned Boschendal Wine Estate – then dine under the stars in Kruger National Park.  

The sheer beauty of South Africa’s scenery – from wave-lashed coastline to green mountain slopes and dry savanna – means dramatic views from many of its most famous restaurants, while the contents of your plate are often firmly rooted in the terrain around you. Here are some of the culinary stops that have made this country the food destination it is today. 

Fine dining capital 

Table Mountain with sandy beach, breaking waves and foreground aloe succulent plants, Cape Town, South Africa

The perfect place to start any foodie road trip is Cape Town. One of the world’s great gourmet cities, Cape Town is teeming with innovative chefs both homegrown and imported making headlines with their menus. Here, Luxury Gold guests enjoy a visit the Old Biscuit Mill, once a series of factories but now transformed into trendy bakeries, boutiques, jewelers and cult restaurants. One such eatery, The Potluck Club, is an upmarket local favourite, with modern, arty small plates from star chef Luke Dale Roberts (most famous for the now-shuttered Test Kitchen). Expect dishes like springbok tataki and mussels with braised beef tongue, with a down-to-earth atmosphere and great sunset views over the Lion’s Head peak. The Old Biscuit Mill’s food market, Neighbourgoods Market, is a hit with trendy locals, and a must-see on your visit. 

We think you’ll also like: Wild at Heart: Why winter is the best time to visit South Africa  

A taste of the Winelands 

A wooden table filled with elegant plates on a foodie road trip and people either side with a wine bottle and two wine glasses shimmering in the sun

Credit: @boschendal on Instagram

Sitting among acres of vines glowing gold in the sunlight, you swirl your first jewel-bright taster of wine around the glass. A vineyard visit is a standout moment of any South Africa tour, and its Cape Winelands are not only a ravishing place to do it – all imposing mountains, undulating vineyards and quaint towns of boutiques and restaurants – they’re also a hub of exciting chef activity. Take Boschendal Estate, a working farm between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek where you can go horse riding, tour the kitchen gardens, indulge in a picnic or just come for the main event: a glorious farm-to-table lunch. Sitting out at the Werf Restaurant, a highlight of any foodie road trip with its incredible views of the countryside, you’ll taste the likes of flame-cooked asparagus, forest-reared Duroc pork and tandoor cauliflower – all part of what chef Eric Bulpitt calls “soil to fork” cuisine.  

We think you’ll also like: A look inside South Africa’s most beautiful and exclusive wineries  

Destination restaurants  

Two elegant seafood dishes shot from above, with fish, bright coloured garnish, flowers petals and wine glasses by the side.

Credit: @harbourhouse on Instagram

South Africa is a country of destination restaurants worth the detour. Venturing outside of Cape Town, you might head to the coastal suburbs for a slap-up seafood meal. The iconic Harbour House restaurant in Kalk Bay is on your South Africa itinerary, where head chef Ryan Lee Van Rooyen dishes up elegant sushi rolls, dressed oysters and show-stopping seafood platters. But you might also linger for La Colombe in Constantia, one of the world’s best fine dining restaurants where you’ll try intriguing dishes such as the Dove’s Nest, featuring eggshells you uncork to eat with a straw, and a tuna starter served in a tuna tin with the lid peeled back. Or travel to pretty Franschhoek in the winelands for salt-sugar-cured pork belly and amarula panna cotta at stylish local’s favourite, Reuben’s.  

We think you’ll also like: Mind the culture gap: The chefs who make worlds collide through food 

A braai in the bush 

Tables are set with the glow of candles, outside on safari with a dark blue night sky and bushland behind

Credit: @lionsandsgamereserve on Instagram

Safari trips aren’t renowned for their food, but a luxurious reserve like Kruger National Park’s Lion Sands will host some of the most memorable meals of your trip. One highlight at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge – the base for game drives on the Spectacular South Africa tour – is the Celebration Dinner, an atmospheric barbecue grilled up in the wilderness near the camp.

As part of a full-board stay, you and the other guests at this upmarket lodge will follow staff to a lantern-lit spot in the reserve, where expert chefs will grill game and fish over a traditional South African barbecue while you chat in the light of a roaring log fire. It’s served in the traditional style, with pap (polenta), salad and sheba (a traditional tomato-and-onion sauce). And don’t worry about big cats or wild dogs intruding on the feast – staff are discreetly positioned to look out for any carnivorous visitors attracted by the aroma.  

To enjoy a gourmet foodie road trip and taste the best of South Africa, along with magnificent hotels and exclusive experiences take a look at our Spectacular South Africa luxury journey.

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Africa, Asia, Europe, Luxury Journeys, USA and Canada

These Luxury Travel Experiences Will Never Go Out of Style

July 26, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Fulfilling the innate human desire for exploration and indulgence, there are some luxury travel experiences will never go out of style.

From exclusive encounters with people and wildlife, to spellbinding train journeys. A step into the wild or a step into history. Each leaves a lasting impression that enriches one’s perspective.

Our passport moments are the golden threads that make up our journeys. We invite you to take a look at some of our most timeless travel experiences.

A private stately castle visit

Image of the first of Castle Howard, ornate and decadent with the sun shining and green lawns in front

@castle_howard

Stepping into Castle Howard is like entering a time capsule, offering a glimpse into centuries of aristocratic life and a remarkable era in English history.

A magnificent stately home built in the 18th century, the stately home is renowned for its Baroque architecture, extensive gardens and impressive interior. This cultural treasure has been featured in films and TV shows – you’ll feel like a film star in a period drama as you step inside.

Travel with Luxury Gold and this grand estate is yours after-hours. Enjoy a traditional English high tea and a private tour of the house. Take a walk in the gardens designed by renowned landscaper Capability Brown. Ornate statues, fountains and a tranquil walled garden, make them a true horticultural delight.

Explore this treasure on: British Royale

You might also be interested in: A day in the life of a Travelling Concierge

A private concert from a renowned singer

The Imperial Citadel of Hue, with its yellow and red brick and green urns in front

The power of music and song to create a deep connection to your destination is unmatched. A private concert offers even more, a truly intimate connection between the artist and the audience. Allowing for a more personal experience and a deeper appreciation of the music it creates an unforgettable memory, cherished for years to come.

In Hue, Vietnam guests of Luxury Gold are invited for a private dinner and concert at the home of celebrated painter and singer, Camille Huyen. Share in a memorable meal and traditional song. Stroll around the traditional home she shares with her husband and hear about their fascinating lives, and the dream that brought them home.

Get inspired by: Sensational Vietnam & Laos, Vietnam Luxury Travel

You may also enjoy: Fine dining, dressed down: the cuisine of Vietnam and Cambodia

VIP Wine Tasting experience

close up of red wine in a glass with a platter of cheese and fruit in the background

@chateaudescharmes

Always a decadent experience, wine tasting offers an explosion of diverse flavors, aromas, and textures, tantalizing the senses with each sip. The opportunity to share in the art of wine production and appreciation is one of those unique travel experiences that ignites a passion for the finest things in life.

Nestled in the scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake region of Canada, Château des Charmes is a renowned winery producing some sublime vintages. On your VIP visit with Luxury Gold, you’re welcomed with a limited production rosé sparkling wine, followed by a tour and tasting of wines from St. David’s Bench Vineyard. Admire the charming French-inspired architecture and pair your sips with hand-made local ice cream, cheeses and chocolates.

Savor the vintages on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

You may also like: A look inside South Africa’s most beautiful – and exclusive – wineries

Sailing on a Felucca on the Nile

A Felucca boat sails on the nile, with golden tones across the water and landscape, from the sun 

Exploring a destination from the water is a timeless travel experience. Embrace the beauty and tranquility of the open waters, escape from the bustling world and ignite a sense of freedom and adventure.

To see Egypt in style, we invite you to board a traditional wooden Felucca to explore parts of the sacred river Nile. Sustaining life and symbolizing the cradle of ancient civilizations, the Nile has served as a lifeline for its communities throughout the ages.

Ease around the botanical vistas of Kitchener’s Island and admire the greenery of the Island of Plants. Drift through the afternoon and relax with the soothing rhythm of the waves and the gentle breeze.

Sail the waters on: Elegance of the Nile

You may also enjoy reading: Riches of the Nile: Why Egypt’s icon is the grandest river in the world

A timeless train journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

A bright mountain landscape with mountains, trees and water is the setting for the Rocky Mountaineer train which snakes around the edge of the picture

@rockymountaineer

Evoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure, train travel embodies the romanticism of a bygone era, offering an unhurried and scenic journey through diverse landscapes. Combining elegance, comfort, and natural wonders, a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf Service is one of the truly exceptional timeless travel experiences.

Opulent train cars provide unobstructed views of stunning landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to lush valleys. Immersive storytelling enriches the voyage with captivating tales of the region’s history and culture. Combined with exceptional onboard service and gourmet dining, this is a luxurious train ride you will never forget.

Admire the vistas on: Majesty of the Rockies

You may also enjoy: Get to the Heart of Your Destination With These Boutique Train Journeys

A luxury safari

Close up image of a golden lion in a safari landscape

From the vast African savannahs to the national parks of India, a luxury safari offers a profound connection with the natural world. The sense of adventure and witnessing majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Combined with exclusive lodges, gourmet dining and personal guides, this is a luxurious journey into the untouched world of the past.

Join us for the safari of a lifetime in South Africa. Covering nearly two million hectares, Kruger National Park is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with iconic wildlife, including the Big Five. Join expert rangers for thrilling game drives and stay in exquisite accommodations, blending luxury with nature. Dine as the sunsets over the African plains, while the distant roar of lions echoes through the night.

Seek the Big 5 on: Spectacular South Africa

Read more: Private Game Drives and Five-Star Stays: How Luxury Gold Does Safari Differently

Exquisite Michelin-starred dining with spectacular views

The view from a Mamma restaurant table on the Isle of Capri, a table is set against a window with a view over the gulf of Naples, as the sun sets

@mammarestaurant

Michelin-starred dining on a stunning Italian island is one of the timeless travel experiences you must experience. Nestled in the Gulf of Naples, the Isle of Capri exudes glamour, elegance and Mediterranean charm. And its restaurants are exceptional.

On our Ultimate Italy tour, enjoy lunch at the Michelin-starred Mamma restaurant. Savor a delectable meal of Mediterranean flavors in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce by chef Salvatore La Ragione. From its perch, you’ll enjoy mesmerizing views over the Gulf of Naples. A truly timeless way to dine.

Dine here on: Ultimate Italy

You may also like: The Isle of Dreams: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Capri

Timeless luxury travel experiences are at the heart of each of our small group journeys. Take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition tours.

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