Photo by Kelsey Knight

How long have you been giving wine tours in Mendoza?

I have been giving wine tours for more than 15 years. I started back before wine tourism was popular in Argentina. My background is in journalism, and people used to contact me through a wine magazine called Wine Republic looking to get into the wineries as nobody answered the phones. Suddenly I was driving people to wineries and thinking, “this is fun!” So, I started one of the first wine tour companies in Argentina. Now there are about 200.

How many wineries are in Mendoza?

There are at least 1,000 wineries in the Mendoza region. Nearly 300 now do visits but the reality is that maybe a core 30 wineries do great tours as they have that magic formula of excellent wines, charismatic guides and beautiful locations. Unfortunately, some of Argentina’s most famous wineries do terrible tours with stiff, robotic guides and, God forbid, corporate videos.

Which grape varieties are grown in Mendoza?

Everybody wants Malbec but the truth is Mendoza has a great variety of grapes including Bonarda, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This is traditionally red wine country but better vineyard techniques mean Argentina is now producing nice crisp Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. A big surprise is the white Torrontés, the only local fine wine that has aromas of Turkish Delight.

Are there classifications for Argentinian wine, similar to premier cru in parts of France?

No, there are very few DOC appellations and the region is better for it. One of the reasons French winemakers love making wine in Argentina is their hands are not tied and options are not restricted. New grapes are being planted all the time.

What are some things to keep in mind when tasting wine in Mendoza?

Keep in mind the temperature of course and a neutral environment with no strong aromas such as perfumes. One winery here spent a fortune on leather furniture in their tasting room and had to get rid of it. Glasses are important and a decanter is essential for big wines. Make sure to have breakfast before a tour. On our tours, you can try on average 17 wines in one day, and here, they are very generous with their pours.

What foods are traditionally served with Argentinian wines?

Beef and Malbec are a lucky combination, which is just as well as Argentines love both.  Empanadas are always good as is the excellent goat cheese that is locally produced in Mendoza. There are more goats in Mendoza than people! Here you can get Malbec-flavored ice cream, and the local chardonnay goes well with sweet jam desserts, hazelnuts and almonds – all local products.

What is something about wine tours in Mendoza that might surprise visitors?

All the better wineries have strict security. There is a guard at the gate, and if your name is not on his clipboard, you cannot get in. You have to book ahead. Here there is no cellar door where you just roll up and put your belly to the bar. You have to plan.

What is the best time of year to visit Mendoza?

November is one of the best times to visit Mendoza. The Andes are covered in snow and the vineyards are bursting into green.

Which wine tour in Mendoza would you recommend to first-time visitors?

Lujan de Cuyo is a great tour. It has everything: beautiful old romantic wineries, modern state-of-the-art establishments and beautiful mountain views. The best thing you can do in Mendoza is a multi-course lunch with wine pairings in a winery. The wine is great but the food is creative and extravagant.

Do you have a favorite Argentinian wine?

My favorite local wines are Carinae Syrah, Monteviejo Petite Fleur and Atamisque Chardonnay.

Thank you, Charlie!

Trout & Wine Tours
Phone: (+ 54 ) 261 4255613
Email: ask@troutandwine.com

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How long have you been giving food tours in Japan?

I have been giving tours since 2017.

Courtesy of Ninja Food Tours

What might surprise travelers about Japanese cuisine?

The variation of food would surprise travelers. Japanese cuisine has a wide range of food to offer from vegan Shojin cuisine from Buddhist temples to raw chicken sashimi and poisonous puffer fish. You will never get bored trying new types of food in Japan.

What are some of your favorite Japanese dishes? 

Sushi! People would say they love tuna and salmon. Of course, they are good, but I love Anago eel – a seawater eel, different from Uangi. It is rather lean meat and if it is fresh and cooked well, it has a very fluffy texture, which goes very well with tare sauce (Japanese BBQ sauce).

Photo by Thomas Marban

Photo by Helga Christina

Which traditional Japanese dish should every visitor try in Tokyo?

You should try okonomiyaki, which is a Japanese savory pancake. It is a regional dish, so you can find many different styles in Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima, for example. If you are a first-timer to Tokyo, visit a neighborhood called Tsukishima. You can find countless restaurants serving okonomiyaki.

Okonomiyaki

What is sake? And, do you have any tips for drinking it like a local?

Sake is Japanese rice wine. We take sips of sake (not shots!) with some snacks. In the winter, try to order hot sake at up-scale restaurants. Good warm sake might change the stereotype of sake.

Courtesy of Ninja Food Tours

What are some of the best food markets in Tokyo?

Tsukiji Fish Market! Even after the relocation of the wholesale market, Tsukiji has a lot to offer as far as food to see and eat. If you like to shop for Japanese knives and cookware, go to Kappabashi, which is next to Asakusa.

Photo by Michael DeMarco

Are there any social errors to avoid when dining out?

You will most likely be trying a lot of Izakaya restaurants, which are Japanese gastropub. They are restaurants, not bars. At Izakayas, it is considered as a good manner to order food or some small snacks in addition to your drinks.

How does Tokyo’s food culture differ from other parts of Japan?

This is a tough one! Tokyo is always the center of food trends and some say Tokyo gathers good parts of regional food from many parts of Japan and does not have a unique food culture by itself. We believe Tokyo has a powerful food culture to bring new waves of food and restaurant scenes compared to other cities.

In addition to the food, what do you enjoy most about living in Japan?

Japan offers so many domestic travel options from beaches in Okinawa to powder snow snowboarding in Hokkaido! There are tons of nature and outdoor activities and sightseeing across the country, and you will never get bored!

Thank you, Yuma!

Ninja Food Tours
Locations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
Website: https://www.ninjafoodtours.com/
Email: support@ninjafoodtours.com
Telephone: +81-50-5240-8828

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Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

There are four national parks in Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park. These parks offer an ideal habitat for hundreds of animal species, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras and many more. Rwanda is also a hotspot for bird watching with more than 700 known species. Rwanda has the oldest rainforest in Africa, as well as lakes, waterfalls, mountains, valleys and forests.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Rwanda has the second fastest growing economy in Africa, partly due to tourism and its focus on sustainability and conservation. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, the number of tourist arrivals almost doubled from 2010 to 2014 bringing the annual total to more than 1.2 million people. In 2018, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) awarded Rwanda with its first Global Leadership Award.

To learn more about traveling in Rwanda, a local expert from the Rwanda Development Board shares information about gorilla trekking, responsible tourism, packing list suggestions and more.

What is Rwanda like?

From the breathtaking landscape to the friendly and welcoming smiles of Rwandans, there is a lot that travelers will get to see when they travel to Rwanda. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

In your opinion, what are some common misconceptions about Rwanda?

We are constantly working to change the negative narratives and perspectives by marketing Rwanda as a ‘must visit’ travel destination for business and leisure. We have so much to offer the world. Rwanda has transformed from a nation known for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis to one vibrating with creativity and innovation.

What animals can be found in Rwanda?

There are many animal species found here. Rwanda is an up-and-coming safari destination with central Africa’s largest protected wetland in the Akagera National Park on the country’s eastern border with Tanzania. Following the reintroduction of lions and rhinos, we are now home to the Big Five. Rwanda is known for its gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, as well as chimpanzees and other monkey species, including colobus,  golden, L’Hoest’s, owl faced, Dent’s, blue and vervet, among others. Birding is also very popular in Rwanda. We have one of the highest bird counts on the continent despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

How many gorillas live in Rwanda? 

At the latest count (year 2020), there are approximately 1,004 mountain gorillas in the wild, with 604 in the Virunga Massif region (Rwanda, Uganda & DRC). Of the 604, over 340 live in Rwanda. Visitors that want to experience gorilla trekking will be with guides who know where to find them in the wild. Visitors get to go on a hike and witness what gorillas are like in their natural habitat. Check out the Visit Rwanda webpage about gorilla tracking for more details.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Can you describe Rwanda’s commitment to responsible tourism?

As guardians of many iconic species, Rwanda is committed to safeguarding their existence, particularly within the four National Parks. We are constantly working to ensure that we can live in sustainable harmony with our environment and have a clean and green mindset. We banned plastic bags in 2008, and our lands are possibly the cleanest in Africa thanks to efforts made in every community throughout Rwanda. Ten percent of the revenue from permits is channeled towards local communities to build schools and health centers, as well as roads. There is a compensation fund for local farmers should wild animals damage their crops, which helps to ensure a peaceful co-existence.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Are there any special events happening in Rwanda this year?

We have many flagship events throughout the year that attract different visitors from around the globe. Most of the events include conferences, sporting events and the annual Kwita Izina ceremony that is held to celebrate Rwanda’s conservation milestones.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Where can I go to learn more about Rwanda’s cultural heritage?

To learn more about Rwanda’s cultural heritage, travelers can go to museums, including, but not limited to, the King’s Palace and the National Museum in Nyanza. Creativity is something to be celebrated through traditional dance, unique architecture and works of art – our heritage is all around us.

What should I pack for Rwanda?

The dress code in Rwanda is usually informal yet respectful. For example, men tend to wear trousers but shorts are fine, although walking around without a shirt is frowned upon. It’s best to check the weather forecast before arrival but daytime temperatures in Rwanda are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, a hat and sunglasses to protect against the sun. A lightweight waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains. Avoid wearing blue in Akagera National Park, which attracts tse tse flies, and take sensible precautions against mosquitos and other inserts. When tracking gorillas, wear sturdy clothing to protect against stinging nettles and solid walking shoes. Depending on your plans, you may want to consider bringing gardening or leather gloves, as well as gaiters.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Thank you!

To learn more about conservation efforts, check out the following organizations currently working in Rwanda: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the Gorilla Organization, International Gorilla Conservation Programme and Gorilla Doctors and Wildlife Conservation Society.

Check here for practical travel information, such as transportation, accessibility, currency, connectivity, visas and more.

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What do you think attracted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to the Isle of Wight?

The quiet and privacy of the Isle of Wight attracted Victoria and Albert. It was away from the official worries and cares of state that they had to deal with in London or Windsor. It was another world, somewhere apart. The development of the railways in the mid-nineteenth century meant that they could get to the island from London in about 4 hours. The use of their own private train and yacht did help to shorten the journey time … no boarding a public ferry for them!

Detail of Portrait of Queen Victoria on Papier Mâché Face Screen, 1840. Courtesy of Birmingham Museums Trust.

What makes Osborne House unique compared to other royal residences in the UK?

Osborne is unique as a royal residence because it was created from scratch by Victoria and Albert. It was the first home they made together, when they were both in their mid-twenties, already with a young, growing family. Victoria and Albert spent around 4 months a year at Osborne and it is a monument to their love, taste as collectors and a vibrant insight into their lives.

Courtesy of English Heritage

Can you describe Osborne House and its size?

Osborne was designed by Prince Albert and built by Thomas Cubitt. It is in the Italianate style and with its terraced, formal gardens, it takes advantage of a spectacular setting, overlooking the Solent. It has around 250 rooms and has four distinct, though connected, parts; the Pavilion in which Victoria and Albert had their own rooms; the Household Wing used by the member of the royal household who travelled with Victoria and Albert; the Main Wing where the royal children had their rooms; and the Durbar Wing which was a late addition to the house which was built to provide a large entertaining space. The outside of the house has two distinct towers, very much as one would see in any old public square in Italy, one for the clock and one for flying the royal standard. The Osborne estate was around 2,500 acres – it is now around 600 acres after parts of the estate were sold after Victoria’s death.

Courtesy of English Heritage

How much time did Queen Victoria and her family spend at Osborne House?

Queen Victoria and her family spent around 4 months of each year at Osborne. They always celebrated their birthdays at Osborne and after Prince Albert’s death in 1861, Victoria always went to Osborne for Christmas.

Can you describe design trends that influenced the style and evolution of Osborne House?

The Italianate style of architecture – a style inspired by the architecture of the classical world – was popular in the mid-nineteenth century and this was Albert’s choice.

Courtesy of English Heritage

Can you describe a few major changes made to Osborne House during Queen Victoria’s lifetime?

The most noticeable change was the addition of the Durbar Wing in the 1890s. This was built to provide Queen Victoria with a large dining/entertaining space as well as an apartment for her daughter Princess Beatrice, her husband and children. The size of the estate and the number of buildings (farm buildings, servants’ cottages, etc.) increased during Victoria’s time.

Courtesy of English Heritage

What is your favorite room at Osborne House? And, why?

My favourite room is the Queen’s Sitting Room with its floor to ceiling windows that open out onto a balcony where there are spectacular views across the terraced gardens, down to the private beach and over the Solent towards Portsmouth. It is quite a thought that in this modest room Queen Victoria and her ministers controlled a mighty empire.

Courtesy of English Heritage

How did Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their nine children prefer to pass the time at Osborne House?

The royal family preferred to spend as much of their time out of doors in the fresh air. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert swam off their private beach (Queen Victoria using her bathing machine which can still be seen on the beach today) and all their children were taught to swim in a large floating bath that Prince Albert designed. They walked and rode a lot around the estate and went on excursions on the water around the island on their yachts. Queen Victoria did a lot of painting in watercolours in the gardens and around Osborne, many of which are still in the Royal Collection.

Courtesy of English Heritage

What is your favorite piece of artwork on display at Osborne House? And, why?

My favourite art work is a life-size marble statue by J. Edgar Boehm of “Noble”, one of Queen Victoria’s favourite collie dogs. The sculpture was done when the dog was 14 years old and it sits in the Grand Corridor alongside many sculptures in the classical style. The fact that it is so prominently displayed shows Victoria’s great love of her pets. She commissioned many images of them, just as many in fact as she did of her family. A bronze cast of the marble sculpture at Osborne was put over Noble’s grave at Balmoral, Victoria’s home in Scotland.

Are there any items on display that offer clues about the royal couple’s relationship and/or parenting style?

By all accounts Victoria and Albert had a passionate relationship and many of the artworks at Osborne have an erotic charge. For example, the large painting by France Xaver Winterhalter that Victoria gave Albert as a birthday present one year shows an abundance of naked female flesh … and it hangs directly opposite their writing desks in Victoria’s sitting room. The bronze statue of Andromeda that stands in the middle of a fountain in the garden shows a beautiful young girl, in a very sensual pose, chained to a rock waiting to be rescued by Perseus. The statue was bought by Victoria and Albert at the Great Exhibition in 1851 and placed at Osborne soon afterward. Queen Victoria has a bad reputation as a mother but the fact that the nurseries at Osborne are immediately above her own rooms indicates that she wanted to have the children close by rather than pushed off into a completely separate part of the house. Although the children were in the care of staff nevertheless she and Prince Albert were able to see as much of their children when at Osborne as possible.

Courtesy of English Heritage

What might surprise visitors about Osborne House?

Visitors might be surprised by the intimate, family feeling that Osborne still has. The rooms are comparatively modest by royal standards. Unlike other residences associated with Victoria and Albert that are open, Osborne is the one that gives an intimate glimpse into their lives.

Have there been any recent updates to the visitor experience at Osborne House?

The most recent major addition to the visitor experience was the opening a few years ago of the private beach. There is also a recent exhibition about Victoria and Albert’s birthdays at Osborne and the gifts they gave to each other, many of which can be seen in the house.

Courtesy of English Heritage

Visitor Information
Click here for more information.

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To learn more about the Red Light District, a representative from the Prostitution Information Center in Amsterdam offered to share useful tips to help prepare travelers for a visit. In addition to providing practical information, the center sheds some light on issues facing the neighborhood today.

Prostitution Information Center (PIC) in Amsterdam

Why is it called the Red Light District?

Prostitution has been in the area for centuries since Amsterdam is a harbor city and the harbor is only a five-minute walk away. Historically, sailors who have been at sea for months want to get drunk and have sex, so there is a similar area in most harbors. Red lights are used to signal there’s prostitution. Red light is also very becoming; it takes years off your appearance.

What is the mission of the Prostitution Information Center (PIC)?

The Prostitution Information Center’s mission is to inform anyone who wants to know more about sex work and how it works. PIC representatives know what they’re talking about since many of them have been sex workers themselves. PIC’s message is important because the media tends to only highlight all the rotten things about the sex industry. There are cases of forced prostitution and human trafficking, but not nearly as many as the media makes people believe. Most women in Amsterdam are just doing their job and doing it voluntarily. That is a story that also needs to be told. Sex work is work, human trafficking is a crime and those two things are not the same.

What are some issues facing the Red Light District?

One issue is overcrowding. Tourists have been known to annoy the people who live in the Red Light District since it’s a residential area as well. People tend to blame the sex workers for the tsunami of drunk and loud groups, but banning the sex workers from the area, as some people have proposed, is not the solution in our view. There are still pubs and coffee shops that would attract them.

What might surprise travelers about prostitution being legal in Amsterdam?

According to municipal health care statistics, female sex workers in Amsterdam are healthier regarding STDs or STIs compared to the female student population in Amsterdam. Also, since sex work is legal, sex workers are all registered at the Chamber of Commerce as independent entrepreneurs, and they pay taxes.

Are there any rules that visitors should follow in the Red Light District?

The thing that bothers sex workers the most is people filming them or taking pictures. Please do not do that, not only is it disrespectful but it may actually harm them since most ladies are from countries where sex work is illegal. NO PICTURES, please. You may look at them, but please treat them with respect, just like you would treat any human being. No pointing at them, laughing and calling them names. And, please do not block the windows, that’s bad for business.

How has prostitution in Amsterdam changed over the years?

The biggest change is the number of tourists visiting the area, which results in residents complaining. Also, the Amsterdam municipal council’s 1012 project has done a lot of harm with the closing of 100 windows, which means that 100 safe and permitted working places were removed. Due to regulations in the Red Light District, it is one of the safest areas to work. Windows can only be opened from the inside, there are alarm buttons and a lot of cameras, both police and private CCTV systems.

“Belle” Statue in Amsterdam: “Respect sex workers all over the world.”

Prostitution Information Center

PIC is a non-profit information and education center about sex work in the Amsterdam’s Red Light District. The organization was established in 1994 by Mariska Majoor, a former sex worker. Based in the Red Light District, PIC aims to inform the public about the social conditions of women working in the sex industry. PIC defends the rights of sex workers, fights for their respect and advocates for policy change intended to protect them.

Address: Enge Kerksteeg 3, 1012 GV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 12pm to 5pm
Tours: Tours of the Red Light District leave from the shop at 5pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is recommended to reserve your spot in advance. Guides are often current or former sex workers.
Length: 1.5 hours.
Languages: Dutch and English

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Joe McPherson

How do you order Korean barbecue in Seoul?

In Korea, most good restaurants specialize in only one type of meat. The best in very few cuts. You can order the meat according to how many people are at your table. If there are four people, you order four portions. You can always order more if you run out.

For me, I prefer certain cuts of pork. My favorite is jowl meat. I don’t like marinated meats, like galbi, because the marinade gets in the way and burns easily on the grill. Besides, the lower quality meats are the marinated ones.

Mapo Jeong Daepo is my go-to Korean barbecue restaurant. If I want something on the higher end, I go to Congdu. It’s more advanced Korean food, though. You should already be familiar with its flavors before going, or it will fly right over your head.

Mapo Jeong Daepo, photo by Joe McPherson

What are the most common flavors found in Korean cuisine?

Korean food’s strength is in fermentation. Everyone knows kimchi, but the sauces, like gochujang, deonjang and fermented soy sauce, play a large part. I also think the nuttiness of sesame oil and the bright licorice aroma of perilla leaves dot the edges of the cuisine.

What are your favorite local dishes?

My favorite side dish is a leaf from Ullengdo Island called Myeongi Namul (Siberian Onion). It’s pickled in sweet soy sauce and is such a great wrap for anything. I also love spicy marinated crabs, and any time oysters are at the table, I dive for them. In Korea, side dishes aren’t ordered. They just come with the meal. You can always ask for more when one has run out.

Can you recommend one dish that every traveler should try?

One dish that I would recommend is Dalkgalbi, which literally means “chicken ribs,” but that’s a tongue-in-cheek moniker. Local expats and Koreans love this dish, but it is practically unknown outside of Korea. It is made with spicy marinated boneless chunks of chicken thighs that are grilled over charcoal or stir-fried with hearty root vegetables. This dish is such a treat.

What is the proper way to drink soju?

The first rule for drinking soju: never pour for yourself. You should hold the glass with two hands or with your right hand with your left hand supporting it (like you’re holding back a loose sleeve) while someone pours for you. Everyone toasts after each pour. If someone is much older or higher in hierarchy at the table, face away from them when you drink. Rule number two: never let anyone’s glass go empty, but this is where it gets tricky. Rule number three: you can only pour into an empty glass. So, if a round is being poured around the table, you need to empty your glass before accepting more. Korean drinking etiquette is designed to get you drunk quickly. And, everyone watches out for each other.

Do you have a favorite brand of soju?

I’m not a fan of the common green bottle table soju. There’s a growing movement to revive traditionally distilled soju that had been lost during the colonial period (1905–1945). My favorite, when I can get my hands on it, is Pungjeong Sagye.  Its character comes from nuruk, a wild yeast starter. And, even though it packs a punch with its high alcohol content, it drinks smooth with lots of subtle character.

Are there any social errors to avoid when dining out?

Most social errors are easily forgiven. We’re quite laid back here. It does gross people out when one blows their nose at the table. If you need to do so, walk away from the table and do it outside. We share almost everything but our rice bowls, so don’t freak out over that.

What are some of your favorite food markets in Seoul?

I love outdoor markets. I recommend getting away from the ones in the tour guides. Go to markets in more blue-collar parts of the city and have fun. Also, I love Noryangjin Fish Market and Majang Meat Market.

Joe’s daughter eating DalkGalbi, photo by Joe McPherson

What is your favorite local restaurant?

My favorite all-time Korean restaurant is San Maul Boribap. It is located just outside Seoul in the southern suburb of Anyang. It’s a place at the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain that originally catered to hikers. It’s rustic honest Korean food at its best.

What might surprise travelers about the Seoul’s food culture?

It may surprise people how much everything is shared. In restaurants, servers don’t voluntarily come to your table. You have to ring a bell or yell for them. Yelling to call your server over goes against a lot of westerners’ upbringings. The other hard thing to get used to is the metal chopsticks. They can be heavier and more slippery than most diners are accustomed to.

Have you noticed any recent food trends?

Right now, we’re heading into the tail end of the Malatang trend. It’s a Chinese dish of skewers soaking in a broth loaded with Sichuan peppers. My favorite Korean trend that’s growing is Nureungji Tongdalk, whole chickens spit roasted over wood. Then they’re butterflied and served on an iron skillet of sizzling crispy rice. It tastes like Thanksgiving. Every time I take anyone out for it, they go at it like velociraptors.

Which of your street food tours would you recommend to first-time visitors?

I recommend the Ultimate Korean BBQ Night Out. Guests get a basic idea of how to order and eat in typical Korean restaurants. At our second stop, they get a crash course in traditional Korean liquor. This helps them with the basics, so they can explore on their own. Especially if they’ve tried something that surprised them and want to get more. All our guides are well versed in the food scene and heartily give recommendations.

Thank you, Joe!

Website: Korea Food Tours
Email: info@KoreaFoodTours.com

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In particular, English sparkling wines have been recognized around the world for their quality, creativity and flavor. Guided tours and tastings are a great way for travelers to experience this unique wine culture. To learn more, Nicola Boarer, owner of English Wine Tasting & Tours, shares travel tips on how to go wine tasting in England.

How long have you been giving wine tours in England? 

I launched English Wine Tasting & Tours in 2015, and we’ve been delivering wine tours ever since.

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

What part of England can you find wine that is comparable to champagne?

We predominantly offer wine tours across Kent and Sussex; however, we do work with a number of vineyards in Surrey and Hampshire too. Kent and Sussex are by far the two biggest grape-growing counties in the UK and as such have more vineyards than any other counties. Altogether, there are almost 900 vineyards in the UK, all of varying sizes and offer a wide range of styles of wine.

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Which grape varieties are common in England? 

The most common grapes currently grown in the UK are Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir; these are what we call the three noble grapes that are often used for sparkling wine and champagne.

How does English sparkling wine compare to champagne? 

Is there a British champagne? While there are lots of similarities with English sparkling wine, English wine-makers are very keen to put their own mark on their winemaking style that is unique to the UK. Many of the wines they make are world-class, and they have won multiple awards, especially in blind taste tests over Champagne, so it’s fair to say it compares very favourably.

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Is there anything unique about the wine-making process in England?

We are a cool climate wine producer, so with that comes many challenges. The biggest one is our tendency to have a late spring frost, which can kill fresh buds. The other problem is our tendency to have a high amount of rain, which can lead to mildew. The positive of our cool climate though is that we now have the ideal growing conditions for the three noble grapes (similar to that of Champagne 10 years ago), which means we are able to produce exceptional sparkling wine.

Do you have any wine-tasting tips?

We always encourage people to try wines they wouldn’t normally try and always keep an open mind when tasting. When it comes to English wine, bear in mind that 70% of what we produce is sparkling wine, but also think crisp whites, delicate rosés and a fantastic fruit-forward palette.

What are a few of your favorite English wines?

This is a tough question as firstly there are too many great English wines to choose from. But also most English wines are vintages, so very few English wines will taste exactly the same from one year to the next.

What British foods pair well with English wines? 

Fish and Chips, of course!

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Which of your wine tours would you recommend to first-time visitors?

That’s a tough choice as all our tours are great for first-time visitors. Our Small Group Private Tour works really well if you have a group of friends/family you’d like to go with. Or join one of our public tours, which means you get to meet fellow wine lovers along the way!

Is there anything about English wine tours that might surprise people?

Guests are often surprised by the quality of English wine and by how many vineyards we have in the UK. But as it happens, we always find that our guests are surprised by our knowledge of not just English wine and the wine-making process, but we include the history of English wine starting with the Roman invasion right through to 2020. Being big lovers of history, we also throw in the history of the local area, which all adds to the day and the overall experience. Guests regularly finish the tour saying they’ve learnt far more than they had expected on the day!

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Thank you, Nicola!

English Wine Tasting & Tours
Website: https://www.englishwinetastingtours.co.uk/
Email: info@englishwinetastingtours.co.uk
Phone: 0044 (0)1424 777 111

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The post Is There a British Champagne first appeared on Travel Observed.

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Yes! Icelandic waters are rich with marine wildlife, including more than 20 different species of whales. People travel to Iceland from all over the world to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. To learn more about what watching in Iceland, Sveinn Guðmundsson, from Elding Whale Watching Tours in Reykjavík, shares his knowledge about local whale species, responsible tourism, extraordinary whale sightings and more.

How long have you been giving whale watching tours in Iceland?

Elding Whale Watching Tours started in May 2000, so we‘ve been sailing out with guests and searching for these beautiful creatures for more than 20 years.

What are some of the most common whale species found off the coast of Iceland?

The most common species off the coast of Reykjavík are minke whales (from April to October), humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. We are sometimes greeted by other species, such as orcas (killer whales), fin whales and pilot whales, just to name a few.

Photo courtesy of Elding

Can visitors expect to see a whale on their first whale watching tour? 

Yes and no. Our success rate is quite high, roughly 95% during in the summer. However, this is the wildlife, and we never know how the day will be. That‘s why we always recommend planning the whale watching tour as early during the stay as possible, in case there are no sightings or the weather is bad. In case of non-successful tours, we offer our guests the chance to come back and try again – free of charge.

Is there a particular season or time of day when whales are most active in Iceland?

Not really, whale activity depends on food availability, as the waters around Iceland are important feeding grounds for the minke whales and humpback whales. They are usually busy searching for food.

Can you explain the general code of conduct for responsible whale watching? And, why it’s important?

The code of conduct for responsible whale watching is all about minimizing the impact we have on wildlife and the disturbance we might cause. We want to approach the whales carefully and on their terms, never from the behind or directly from the front, but from the side so they can always see us. We slow down when we get closer to 300 meters and stop when we‘re within 50 meters. The whales are often curious about the vessels and approach us on their own terms, but as these are wild animals they do that 100% on their own terms, and we need to respect that. We also want to be able to sail out again and again, so we do not want to scare the animals away from us.

Photo courtesy of Elding

Where can travelers go to learn more about supporting efforts to protect marine wildlife and ocean habitats in Iceland? 

Travelers can actually learn a thing or two about marine protection, research, whaling (we‘re strongly against whaling) and the cetaceans at our own small whale exhibition. Our naturalists are also marine biologists, and they love to answer questions about the wildlife on our tours, so don‘t be shy to approach a staff member onboard. Ice Whale is a Icelandic whale watching organization with more information on their website about the subject.

What role do whales play in the local culture?

Whales are and have been a big part of the Icelandic culture for ages, and not as the main food source, but as a subject in many stories about sea creatures and monsters, an indicator for fishermen where to find fish and a subject for many marine biologists to study.

Can you name something that might surprise people about whale watching in Iceland?

Most Icelanders who go whale watching with us are surprised to learn that there are actually whales close to the harbour in Reykjavík! Many people believe that whales can be found many miles offshore, not just a few miles from the city center.

Can you describe an extraordinary marine wildlife sighting from one of your tours?

The most extraordinary marine wildlife sighting would have to be a blue whale! They are not a common sight in the waters off Reykjavík, since the waters in the bay are quite shallow and the blue whales are the largest animals on the planet. It was truly an amazing sight to see them and something we will never forget.

In addition to whale watching, what do you enjoy most about living in Iceland?

I enjoy living in Iceland because of the long days during the summer months, the clear and fresh air, the beautiful landscape, and last but not least, the city vibe with its design, fashion, amazing food and live music scene.

Thank you, Sveinn!

Photo courtesy of Elding

About Elding
Elding is a family-owned boat tour operator in Reykjavík offering whale watching and other adventures at sea. They are committed to offering sustainable and wildlife-friendly tours year round.
Website: https://elding.is/
Address: Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgardur 5, Reykjavik’s Old Harbour
Telephone: +(354) 519 5000
Email: elding@elding.is

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The post Can You Go Whale Watching in Iceland first appeared on Travel Observed.

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Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, is located in Romania’s Transylvania region approximately 28 km away from the city of Brașov. It is a historic castle known for having been the inspiration for the setting of Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic novel Dracula. 

“The castle is on the very edge of a terrible precipice. A stone falling from the window would fall a thousand feet without touching anything! As far as the eye can reach is a sea of green tree tops, with occasionally a deep rift where there is a chasm. Here and there are silver threads where the rivers wind in deep gorges through the forests.” ― Bram Stoker, Dracula

Courtesy of Bran Castle

Is Bran Castle Worth Visiting?

Yes! Bran Castle is a 14th-century structure that offers visitors a glimpse of the past while conjuring up spooky folklore that has haunted eastern Europe for centuries.

To learn more, Alexandra Cojanu, a representative of Bran Castle, shares her thoughts on what makes this castle so unique, as well as details about its fascinating history. Take a virtual tour of Dracula’s Castle in Romania.

What makes Bran Castle different from other castles in Romania?

Bran Castle is one of the most valuable medieval architectural monuments in Romania, known by tourists across the globe for the legend that revolves around it, being allegedly used by Bram Stoker as his model for Dracula’s Castle.

Courtesy of Bran Castle

What is something about Bran Castle that might surprise visitors?

The famous legend of the vampire is based on real historical facts and that’s what makes it so fascinating. History and fiction have mingled, thus creating an intriguing phenomenon that spread over the past two centuries throughout the entire world.

When was Bran Castle built?

The first written record of the Castle is an act issued by King Louis I of Anjou in 1377, giving the Saxons of Kronstadt (Braşov) the right to build a stone citadel at their own expense and labor force. The structure seen today was largely built by the Saxons from 1377 onwards. The Castle’s main function was to be a defensive stronghold against the invading Turkish armies. It later also became a customs post controlling the mountain pass between Transylvania and Wallachia.

Courtesy of Bran Castle

Is there a connection between Bran Castle and Bram Stoker’s Dracula?

Bran Stoker has modeled his vampire Count Dracula on the 15th-century Romanian ruler Vlad III Basarab Draculea (Vlad the Impaler). In 1462, Vlad the Impaler was arrested and held hostage in a castle in Transylvania, most certainly Bran Castle, before being transferred to Visegrad Fortress, Hungary. This fact represents the most prominent link between Bran Castle and Vlad Draculea, the prince of Wallachia. On the other hand, Count Dracula’s castle in the novel was depicted based upon a description of Bran Castle, as sitting high above a valley, perched on a rock above a flowing river. Bran Castle is the only fortress in Transylvania that fits Bram Stoker’s illustration. Thus, although Bran Castle was not Vlad the Impaler’s ownership, it definitely must be fictional Dracula’s retreat.

Courtesy of Bran Castle

Why do you think Transylvania serves as an attractive setting for fictional works in the horror genre?

Although not particularly in this area, Romanian mythology is rich in very old legends about “Strigoi,” which are supernatural creatures similar to vampires, and usually, the troubled souls of the dead rise from the grave and sometimes also living people with certain unusual properties. Actually, the night before Saint Andrew’s Day (November 30th) is thought to be a magical one in Eastern-European folklore. There are certain horror and paranormal phenomena related stories associated with Bran Castle. The very core of Dracula’s legend is of horror origin, so we are doing our best to provide the ideal place for our visitors’ imagination to manifest freely.

Courtesy of Bran Castle

How big is Bran Castle?

There are 57 rooms in the Castle distributed over four floors and about two-thirds of them are open to the public. The others are either offices or storage rooms. Several collections of furniture, costumes, weapons and armors are displayed in the Castle. Bran Compound also includes the Royal Park with its two lakes, the Castle’s Restaurant and the recently opened Tunnel of Time.

Courtesy of Bran Castle

What changes did Queen Marie of Romania make to Bran Castle after she received it as a gift from the town of Brasov in 1920?

Its most prominent inhabitant was Queen Marie, King Ferdinand‘s wife, who lived there at the beginning of the 20th century. With the help of the Royal Court Architect, Karel Liman, the fortress became a home, and the small medieval castle turned into a fairy tale. Two towers were added. The stoves and the firesides in the castle became fireplaces. The murder holes became windows, and the castle was equipped with an elevator and a telephone. In order to assure the water supply, the 57 meters deep well dug into the inner courtyard was restored. In 1932, an electric plant was built to provide electricity for the castle and also to the neighboring villages: Bran, Şimon and Moieciu. The Tea House was built from wooden beams, as well as a stone guest house, a wooden church, the children’s homes and residences for the staff. Between the Castle and the Tea House – equipped with fir furniture and used for receptions – a funicular was set up to connect with the kitchen of Bran Castle, in order to ease the transport of the products served to the guests.

Courtesy of Bran Castle

What does the future hold for Bran Castle?

Bran Castle is an accessible, welcoming and challenging place. It’s a wonderful location for public events, but also for those who want to celebrate a special event in their life accompanied by a glass of Château Bran Merlot. It is a place where one’s imagination might run free, traveling from the 14th century up to the present time and from the accuracy of known history to an imaginary world and open future. Bran Castle is ranked first in the number of tourists visiting an attraction in Romania, and the Castle welcomed a total of 844,024 paid visitors in 2018. New exhibits and events are constantly being added to accommodate the increasing interest in the Castle and its links to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The annual calendar includes café concerts, events around different Romanian traditions, Halloween, Jazz at the Castle Festival, the Medieval Tournament, Valentine’s Day and among these, several corporate and private receptions, theme dinners and cocktails.

Bran Castle
Address: Str. General Traian Mosoiu, nr. 24
507025 Bran – Romania
Website: www.bran-castle.com

The post Where is Dracula’s Castle | Virtual Tour first appeared on Travel Observed.

The post Where is Dracula’s Castle | Virtual Tour appeared first on Travel Observed.

Tips for Booking a Sustainable Holiday

Consider your mode of transport
While it’s hard to resist the temptation of a self-drive holiday post-pandemic, this convenient way of getting around is not the most eco-friendly. Traveling using communal transport modes, such as a small mini-bus, is a much more fuel-efficient option to reduce your carbon emissions. Domestic coach tours are a great way to explore a country and visit destinations off-the-beaten track in a sustainable way by lowering the number of independent vehicles on the road.

Visit smaller communities
Steer clear of tourist hot-spots and opt to visit destinations that are typically out of reach. Areas outside of the standard sightseeing trail have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. Tourism spend is worth so much more to these smaller communities and sustainable travelers have an opportunity to really make a difference to the lives of locals.

Leave no trace
Particularly important when choosing to visit natural beauty locations, travelers should aim to leave places as they found them (or in some circumstances, in a better shape than when they arrived). A local, knowledgeable guide can help travelers respect the communities being visited to ensure an enjoyable journey for those on the tour, as well as those who will visit next.

Choose a responsible operator
It is key to select a sustainable and morally-sound tour operator when traveling. This is one of the best travel tips for how to book a sustainable holiday. Tour companies with substantial green credentials and responsible travel initiatives offer a great way to reduce the impact your travel has on the environment. For example, Rabbie’s has environmental protection as a core focus of its business. The company even taxes itself £10 for every tonne of CO2 used, with staff then voting on which community or environmental project this money should go towards each year.

Thank you, Rabbie’s!

About Rabbie’s
Established in 1993 by Robin Worsnop in Edinburgh, Rabbie’s was a ‘1-man, 1-van’ business. Currently, Rabbie’s provides award-winning small group tours departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, London, Manchester and Dublin. Starting in 2021, Rabbie’s will be operating private tours across western Europe, giving travelers the chance to explore hidden gems in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland.

Website: www.rabbies.com
Email: explore@rabbies.com
Telephone: +44(0) 131 226 3133

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