Relais & Châteaux adds new members around the globe

In many parts of the world Relais & Châteaux is the "go to" guide for elegant accommodation.

The hospitality collection has just expanded its global portfolio with the addition of 10 new hotels, restaurants and a traditional Japanese ryokan in destinations across Europe, North America and Asia.

It says the latest members "reflect the association’s continued focus on exceptional hospitality, regional gastronomy and cultural heritage".The new additions span Portugal, France, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, Japan, Mexico and the US, news hub Travel Mole reports.

“Our association is committed to helping build a more respectful and sustainable world through hospitality and gastronomy,” said Laurent Gardinier, president of Relais & Châteaux. “It is an honour to welcome these new members, who share our values and passion for excellence.“

Among the newcomers is Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina (top image), in Lisbon, an 18-room boutique hotel housed in a restored 18th-century palace overlooking the Tagus River in the centre of the lovely Portuguese capital.

France gains two new members. La Maison des Cimes in Malbuisson is to open next month. It features eight guestrooms overlooking Lake Saint-Point with chef Matthias Marc returning to his native Jura region.

Megève Bois, meanwhile, offers an intimate alpine retreat with 13 rooms and suites, two restaurants, an extensive wine cellar and a mountain-inspired wellness spa.

Italy welcomes two additions. Masseria Aura Terrae in Puglia occupies an 18th-century estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves overlooking the Adriatic Sea, while in Abruzzo, Relais Villa Corallo combines an 11-room country house with the Michelin-starred Zunica 1880 restaurant.

In Mexico City, the Quintonil Restaurant joins the collection while Japan’s historic Hiiragiya ryokan in Kyoto also becomes part of Relais & Châteaux. Family-owned since 1818, the 23-room property offers traditional kaiseki dining, tatami accommodations and authentic Japanese hospitality.

Other new members include Villa Florhof in Zurich, a restored 15th-century boutique hotel operated under the Lalique brand; Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk, England, offering luxury countryside villas, and The Nell New York, a 134-room luxury hotel scheduled to open in autumn 2027 at Rockefeller Plaza.

* Founded in 1954 in France, Relais & Chateaux is an international collection of independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants that now represents close to 600 properties across over 50 countries.

Meet four new Barons of Barossa

The flamboyantly dressed members of the Barons of the Barossa welcomed four new members over the weekend.

At the same time as they celebrated their 50th birthday, the wine fraternity inducted four Barons at an event with a 1975 theme. Think a menu starring devilled eggs, prawn cocktails and vol au vents.

Amanda Mader, Darren Davis, Marie Clay and Ellie Neindorf Agnew were chosen by their peers in recognition of their considerable contributions to the Barossa.

“We are thrilled to honour these 4 new Barons, who have all contributed so much to the region," said Louisa Rose, Grand Master of the Barons.

"Their depth of passion for the Barossa across a range of roles - viticulture, winemaking, hospitality, food, agribusiness - brings a breath of fresh air to the Barons.

"Each has a deep love for Barossa and a strong commitment to its future.”

Amanda Mader is the Vine Scout, and is often found dissecting buds, advising on pruning or helping growers breathe new life into old vines. A former Barossa Viticulturist of the Year, she has patented an Australian-first ag tech device for measuring bunch weight in real time and is dedicated to help shape the future of Barossa viticulture.

Darren Davis has had a lifelong passion for the Barossa. In 2008 he opened Bar Barossa in Brisbane, making it the home away from home for Barossa winemakers. He continued the theme with his Barossa in Boardshorts event series and his Barossa Long Lunches.

A move to the Barossa to work for Wolf Blass in 2006 shaped Marie Clay’s winemaking path and today she is honoured to craft the storied Leo Buring rieslings. She was named Barossa Winemaker of the Year in 2024.

Ellie Neindorf Agnew has worked across the region’s food and wine scene with some of the Barossa’s most recognizable producers, was a graduate of the Barossa Young Ambassador program in 2017 and continued to work for the program for many years. In 2024, Ellie and her partner Owen Agnew became custodians of Gully Gardens in Angaston.

Family values: two new members join AFFW

Prestigious wine collective Australia's First Families of Wine (AFFW) has announced the admission of two new members: Best's Great Western and Clonakilla. 

The expansion elevates the AFFW membership to 12 family-owned and operated wine producers. 

Strict criteria govern membership to this group, of which multi-generational succession is the key factor. only the beginning. Also important are exceptional vineyard sites exemplifying the best of terroir as well as ‘iconic wines’ of lengthy pedigree. 

Environmental best practice and a long-term commitment to exporting their wines to the world are also paramount to the collective's objectives 

The membership now comprises Best's, Brown Brothers, Campbells, Clonakilla, d’Arenberg, Henschke, Howard Park, Jim Barry Wines, Tahbilk, Taylors, Tyrrell’s Wines and Yalumba. 

Best's Great Western (above) was established in 1866 and is one of Australia's oldest and most respected wineries.

 Located in Victoria's Great Western region, Best's boasts some of the world's oldest pre-phylloxera vines. The Thomson family have owned the winery since 1920. 

Ben Thomson, managing director and fifth-generation family member, said: "It’s an honour and privilege to join Australia’s First Families of Wine. 

"As a fifth-generation family business, we value the unique perspective that a family business offers and look forward to further opportunities to share our best-kept secrets. The families involved represent wineries with similar values and a shared understanding of the landscape and opportunities which makes us stronger as a collective group."

Canberra District star Clonakilla was founded by Irish research scientist John Kirk in 1971 and has grown from a small family venture into one of Australia's great family wineries. 

Clonakilla is celebrated for its signature Shiraz Viognier, a wine that has garnered numerous accolades and established the winery's reputation for excellence. 

Tim Kirk, John's fourth son and current chief winemaker (above with father), has been instrumental in the winery's success, and since August 2023, Tim's brother Stephen has taken on the role of CEO, ensuring the family legacy continues. 

"First Families of Wine’ is a powerful vision, highlighting a vital dimension of wine in Australia: the contribution of families," said Tim Kirk. 

"We are honoured to join such a brilliant community of passionate, like-minded wine families with a proven, multi-generational commitment to quality and innovation.” 

Speaking from Hong Kong’s Vinexpo - where members of the AFFW collective are currently sharing their stories with the world, Chester Osborn of d'Arenberg, the eighth chairman of AFFW, said: “We are delighted to have Best's Great Western and Clonakilla join AFFW. 

"Both wineries exemplify the dedication to quality, heritage, and family values that define our group.

"Their inclusion not only strengthens our collective mission to promote and celebrate the rich diversity of Australian wine but also enhances the depth of our shared stories and experiences. As we navigate these challenging times, the history and authenticity of our member families become our most valuable assets."