The most beautiful vineyard destination in the world?

Is this the most beautiful vineyard in the world?  

One travel agency thinks so. And while regular readers will know of my disdain for the ever-increasing torrent of wine and tourism awards, I can confirm that Boschendal in South Africa's Western Cape is indeed a spectacular destination. 

For anyone fancying a journey to one of the best destinations for enjoying wine, the travel agency CV Villas recently released a new rankings list of the world’s top 20 wine regions, as well as its most beautiful vineyards.

As with all such lists, there is plenty of room for debate, but here are the best destinations on this one list. 

The top wine destinations are Champagne and Côtes de Provence in France, followed closely by Napa Valley, California in third place. Rounding out the top five were Bolgheri in Italy and Stellenbosch in South Africa. 

The rankings were determined by which region was home to the highest-ranked and best-reviewed bottles of wine sold on the online marketplace Vivino.

When it comes to the world’s most beautiful vineyards, a different set of factors were considered - including Instagram images. 

So not so scientific. 

The most aesthetically pleasing winery in the world was is Boschendal, followed by Penfolds Magill Estate in the suburbs of Adelaide. 

Located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, Boschendal is one of South Africa's oldest wine estates - dating back to 1685. 

The US claimed the world’s third-most beautiful vineyard with Castello di Amorosa in California, ahead of  Donnafugata Marsala in Sicily, Italy, and Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina. I'm happy to have visited three of the top five. 

Seppeltsfield in the Barossa was 27th, with Craggy Range in New Zealand 28th. 

Should you be interested, you can find out more here: www.cvvillas.com/blog/archive/worlds-best-wine-destinations/

Fourth generation steps up to Calabria family wine business

Calabria Family Wine Group has welcomed its first fourth-generation family member to the business.

Sophie Calabria, daughter of third generation Michael Calabria (pictured), is currently completing a Bachelor of Marketing & Communications degree through the University of South Australia,

The family said: "We look forward to seeing her grow and continuing to share our love of wine with our customers around the world."

Sophie's grandfather, Bill Calabria, is especially proud to see his grand-daughter join the family business.

He has always been a strong advocate for family values and passing on the traditions and knowledge of the company to the next generation.

“As a family-owned business, we are proud to have been producing award-winning wines for over 75 years," said Bill Calabria.

"We believe that our success is due to our commitment to quality, sustainability, and family values. With Sophie joining our team, we are excited to continue this legacy and to pass on our passion to the next generation.”

The Riverina-based business, previously known as Westend, also has substantial interests in the Barossa in South Australia. ⁠⁠

Meet a pool bar with a difference

Sometimes an image catches your eye as somewhere you'd like to spend some time.

This one did if for me. It is a new poolside bar at Meliá Chiang Mai Hotel.

The Tien Pool Bar has a design that pays tribute to some of Chiang Mai’s most famous landmarks including Tha Phae Gate.

Situated on the second floor of the hotel, on the Charoen Prathet Road by the River Ping and night bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city, Tien Pool bar is open daily from 10am-7pm.

With a 28-seat capacity, the bar’s stools, outdoor sofas and sunbeds with textile patterns the locals call “teen jok”. Similar patterns are also evident on the exterior façade of the hotel visible from the bar.

Arch-shaped mirrors behind the bar’s counter are nods to 700-year-old Buddhist temple Wat Umong.

As well as western-style dishes, the pool bar also serves fresh juices, smoothies and shakes, soft drinks, beers, mocktails, cocktails, and wines including organic and vegan wines.

I've never been to Chiang Mai so I have added this one to my "to do" list.

For more details see www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

Bunbury gets an international hotel brand

Australia’s largest hotel operator, Accor, has opened a new hotel in its portfolio in the seaside town of Bunbury in south-west Western Australia with the opening of Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse. 

Overlooking the Indian Ocean and the Bunbury Lighthouse, the former Quality Hotel will be revamped and is the newest addition to Accor’s portfolio. 

The hotel features 71 rooms and suites, Bunbury’s largest conference space for up to 425 guests, an on-site restaurant and bar, and leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa.

Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse is owned by Mandala Hospitality Group, with whom Accor share a long-standing partnership. Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse marks the fifth franchise agreement signed between Accor and Mandala Hospitality Group, joining Mercure Albury on the NSW-Victoria border, Mantra Mackay in central Queensland, Mercure Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, and Mantra Bathurst in Central New South Wales.



"We are excited to partner with Mandala Hospitality Group again to develop this landmark hotel," says Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry. 

"Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse represents an exciting opportunity for Accor to expand its network in Western Australia and focus on our strategy to deliver exceptional accommodation in all locations."

Mandala Hospitality Group Manager Murray Emerton said: "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Accor as we make our debut in Western Australia. 

"Bunbury, a dynamic destination for both business and leisure, presents an exciting opportunity for our hotel. Over the next 12 months, we eagerly anticipate breathing new life into this already remarkable property through a planned soft refurbishment. 

"Together with Accor, we aim to create incredible experiences for our valued guests."

Located two hours south of Perth, Bunbury is known for its coastline, fishing, swimming and sandy beaches. Guests can embark on whale watching tours or explore the nearby Tuart Forest National Park. 

Mantra is Australia’s largest hotel brand with 75 properties across the country. 

Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse has opening offers from $149 per night in a poolside room. To book, visit ALL.com. 

Scholarship opportunity for wine industry operatives

Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle co-founder Michael Hill-Smith and his family have launched a new scholarship to help support emerging talent in the Australian wine and hospitality industry.

The annual Tranche Scholarship will help individuals develop their professional careers by providing international and domestic travel opportunities within the industries.

The Tranche Scholarship is led by Master of Wine Hill-Smith as chairman, and his daughter Mathilda Hill-Smith as director.

The scholarship will have a national reach, with some of Australia's best wine and hospitality talent acting as state advisors, including Leanne Altmann, Erin Larkin, Amanda Yallop, Pip Anderson and Nick Stock. 

Applications will open via the Tranche website from July 1 and close on July 28. 

"We are thrilled to launch the Tranche Scholarship," said Mathilda Hill-Smith. 

"We are looking for bright, enthusiastic and talented applicants with a clear vision for their future. Age is not a barrier, although it is intended for those in the earlier stages of their career."

Michael Hill-Smith in 1988 became the first Australian to pass the Master of Wine examination. Michael is co-founder of Shaw + Smith, Tolpuddle Vineyard and MMAD Vineyard and has long been a champion of Australian fine wine. 

Mathilda Hill-Smith has worked in communications for Domaine Clarence Dillon, Château de Santenay, and two-Michelin starred Le Clarence in Paris, as well as a brand manager for Berry Bros. & Rudd in London. 

See www.tranchescholarship.com.au

Big week for hotel investment group

It has been a big week for the Elanor Investors Group, which boasts a hotel portfolio that includes Adelaide's popular Mayfair Hotel and Tasmania's iconic Cradle Mountain Lodge.

First its head of Hotels, Tourism and Leisure, Marianne Ossovani, announced the completion of the acquisition of Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley, located next to the Yering Station winery

"We are delighted to welcome Chateau Yering to the Elanor Hotel Accommodation Fund," Ossovani said. 

"This iconic property in the stunning Yarra Valley brings its rich history and timeless charm to our growing portfolio."

The 32-room hotel accommodation is surrounded by landscaped heritage gardens, which were in part overseen by Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens founder Baron Ferdinand von Mueller.

Then came news through HM that Elanor Investors Group has been given the green light for a new 142-room hotel in the Moreton Bay town of Redcliffe in south-east Queensland.

Moreton Bay Regional Council approved the proposal for an eight-storey hotel above Bluewater Square Shopping Centre.

The centre was purchased by the ASX-listed Sydney-based group in 2017.

Plans for the new hotel include a rooftop bar, dining and function space as well as a swimming pool with views of Moreton Island.

Established in 2009, Elanor Investors Group currently manages over AU$2.7 billion worth of real estate investments across Australia and New Zealand.