Published in Cru Magazine, May 2016 Tell your friends you’ve been to Bordeaux and they’ll simply nod. Tell them you’re going to Alsace and they’ll think you’re French – or maybe German!   SMALL BUT POWERFUL Alsace is the smallest region of France. It may be tiny in size, but is actually big in fame and has an extremely rich heritage of culture, history and gastronomy. Did you know that this small territory gave birth to great personalities? English Premier League Arsenal’s coach Arsene Wenger, Marie Tussaud, founder of the famous Madame Tussaud Museum, and World Rally Racing Champion ... Read More »

  Here we are at the foot of mount Sainte Victoire, a hop from Aix-en-Provence city in the South of France. We are welcomed by the shining star of a big white Christmas tree and the peaceful sound of a water fountain. We head left to a small door with the letters “SE”, the short form for this Michelin-starred restaurant. SE stands for Saint Esteve, a name familiar to Bordeaux wine lovers. We start with a bottle of Billecart Salmon Blanc de Blancs champagne, which delicate thin bubbles perfectly match the light, crisp and fresh atmosphere. There are several menus ... Read More »

Wine lovers’ pilgrimages (like these ones) are often to Bordeaux in the southwest of France. But the region of Bourgogne (French for Burgundy), between Paris and Lyon, has a lot to offer to those who enjoy great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as delectable food and a genuine, country-style art-de-vivre. Here is what to look for this coming autumn. Burgundy native Julien Yung Mameaux, wine expert and founder of the Experience Company, tells us how best to enjoy the region. Wine Drinking Thrills If there is one road to follow in Bourgogne, it is the Route des Grands Crus. ... Read More »

Few territories call for fairytales, historical turnarounds and great wines at the same time. Nested in the Eastern part of France between the country’s Vosges mountain range and the Black Forest of Germany, the region of Alsace has many a story to tell. Recently, wineries of Alsace have been featuring the majestic stork bird in their communication – not without any reason: a symbol of fertility in Alsace, it is storks which deliver babies to the Alsatian ladies that have previously laid a few pieces of sugar by the windows of their houses in the hope of having a baby ... Read More »