GrapeStone Concepts

Adventures Wine Experiences in Napa Valley - Not your Usual Wine Tasting

Studies have shown that women in particular are seeking more immersive hands-on travel experiences. Create your own intergenerational excursion by inviting daughters, mothers, aunts, and cousins to explore Napa Valley with a new appreciation for the unique programs now available. Explore Napa Valley even in winter months to see the Valley turn emerald green, while lit fireplaces make for a cozy, quiet setting not seen in mid-summer. Touring the historic Napa Valley has never been more varied and stimulating.  See entire article in PrimeWomen Magazine:

Rioja Alavesa Wine Region: Spain's Basque Country Destinations

In 1991, Spain’s Basque Country’s government suggested to the Guggenheim Foundation that they could fund a museum to be built along Bilbao’s port. Obviously in the Foundation’s opinion the culture, cuisine, and stunning landscape of the Basque country, the extreme western end of Spain’s border with France, was an influencing factor to move ahead. See entire article:

Vineyards in Berlin by Anne-Sophie Blin

In the middle of Berlin (Hessische Landesvertretung = “state” of Hesse government building) vineyards.  According to the sign, Riesling grape, Spätburgunder grape and Saint-Laurent grape.

The “state” of Hesse is located in the center of Germany, capital Wiesbaden.

Making the Most of 48 Hours in Berlin by Anne-Sophie Blin in LuxeGetaways Magazine

Our newest contributor explores the iconic landmarks, museums, and cuisine of Berlin. See her latest article in LuxeGetaways Magazine. 

"Berlin was the capital of Prussia, the German Empire, Nazi Germany, the German Democratic Republic, before becoming the capital of Reunified Germany. Here, history is everywhere you turn. Spending a couple of days in Berlin will therefore give you only an overview of the city and its treasures. This 2-day itinerary focuses on the 20th century events that define the city today: WWII and the Cold War.....READ MORE.

Welcome Anne-Sophie Blin, new Freelance Contributor

Welcome to Travel and Cuisine Writer, Anne-Sophie Blin. Anne-Sophie will be sharing some of her stories with us. Coming soon: "A Week of Ski in the French Alps" - will be a feature in Prime Magazine shortly. Here is one of the pictures we will see.

 

Discover the Gin Renaissance on London's Gin Trail - from LuxeGetaways

Gin has enjoyed a colorful history. Holland is the homeland of Gin, where the term "Dutch Courage" was derived from the practice of Dutch sailors taking a sip of gin before battle. Thanks to this courage, it was often said that it was difficult to find a cabin boy sober enough to climb a mast.

Gin became widely adopted in England during the time of England's King William III....

See entire article in LuxeGetaways Fall 2017 edition.

https://luxegetaways.com/gin-trail-london/

Champagne Sabering at Christmas

Champagne Sabering at Christmas....so festive.

Champagne Sabering - A Festive Launch at a Wedding or Celebration Meeting

Tricia Conover, Advanced Sommelier, Champagne Sabruese, and Diploma of Wine wine writer offers a custom champagne sabering presentation for your special event. For more information, contact her assistant Maggie: Maggie@grapestoneconcepts.com 

Forget Provence and Savor the Rosé of Texas Hill Country - featured in JustLuxe.com

 

Dry Rosé had been the darling of the wine industry for the last three years. Rosé is a refreshing, crisp light style of red wine grapes that can be drunk year-round. Most people think of Provence in Southern as the traditional, go-to region for buying world class dry rosé wines.

The Texas Hill Country has been a tourist mecca for decades. There are over 350 wineries now in Texas. Remarkably Texas wine tourism has increased so much that the Hill Country is now the second fastest growing wine destination with only Napa Valley, California ahead.

Continue reading in JustLuxe.com

Willamette Valley Wine Country is it Its Prime- 1st Auction is a Success - 2017 Auction Announced

Willamette Valley wine country, just south of Portland, Oregon, is in its “PRiME” having now produced a second generation of winemakers. The Valley just concluded their first barrel auction, which was a smashing success. Catherine Fallis, MS, Master Sommelier, “the grape goddess” and founder of planet grape®,was in Oregon firsthand to witness the event. Catherine notes, “It wasn’t until 1965 that Willamette Valley marked its first plantings when David and Diana Lett planted their Eyrie Vineyard. Last year was the 50^th anniversary of this grape growing set in a quiet, bucolic area of the state. To celebrate the milestone, an inaugural Pinot Noir Barrel Auction was held.”

Image by: Janis Miglavs

Participants in the 2016 auction included 400 elite members of the trade from major retail,  see Entire Article in PRiME Magazine

Kathryn Hall - Creating Napa Valley Memories: Women in Wine Series

Well-known vintner and former US Ambassador to Austria, Kathryn Walt Hall invites us to “create memories” in Napa Valley through the myriad of experiences her Hall Wineries offer. The Halls (Kathryn and Craig) set the stage for their guests to have fun and experience wine in beautiful spaces including the extravagant chandelier-dominant tasting room at the Hall Rutherford winery with its extensive art collection. This year, Kathryn Hall and her winemaker, Steve Leveque, entertained 700 guests at the winery with a Western-themed Hall Y’All Release Party featuring the country band, Twang Ditty, celebrating the new 2012 “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon 97+ point rated vintage. More memories created. See entire article: Kathryn Hall - Creating Napa Valley Memories