New York Wines: Disaster in the Beginning Historians have documented the fact that grapes were first introduced to New York by the Dutch (1647-1664); sadly, the crops failed. A few years later, the French Huguenot settlers in Ulster County tried to plant European varietals (1667) and they too were unsuccessful. William Robert Prince (1795—1869) Finally, […]
The correct answer is Bordeaux 2016
Do you know the best French wine and the 2nd best destination in France? If you said Bordeaux – you would be correct! Not only are the wines of Bordeaux among the best on the planet, the city is the second most popular destination in France (Paris takes first place). At this time, there are approximately […]
Red or White? Left or Right Bank? Answer: Bordeaux
NYC Winter Show: A treasure trove for hotel interior designers
If you love beautiful things like jewelry, sculpture, lamps, art and antiques, there is no better place to get your “fix” of fabulous furnishings and jewels than at the annual Winter Show at New York’s Park Avenue Armory – now celebrating its 65th anniversary. The event is directed by Helen Allen. The program is supported […]
Biodynamic Bordeaux
Elementary The Bordeaux wine region in southwestern France produces some of the most desired wines and vintages in the world. Once considered a center for traditional viticulture, Bordeaux is quietly, but effectively, changing its farming procedures and embracing organic and/or biodynamic agricultural practices. Yes, the challenges continue (humid climate, sizeable estates, risk-averse owners); however, these […]
Asia thumps New York fashion
According to the Business of Fashion Report (McKinsey & Company 2017), “The West will no longer be the global stronghold for fashion sales.” …And the winners are from Taiwan Unless you are Rihanna (who wore Beijing, China-based designer Guo Pei’s yellow cape dress at the Met Gala last year)… …and have access to the best […]
The Caribbean region: Relevancy?
At a recent Caribbean Tourism Organization event in the Bahamas, SOTIC reviewed and explored the opportunities that would become available with the adoption of the One Caribbean concept. At a recent Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) event in Nassau, Bahamas, the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) once again reviewed and explored the opportunities that would […]
Get to Bordeaux: Your first stop in France
For an enjoyable immersion into the French life-style, the best starting point in Paris has got to be Bordeaux. Conventional wisdom suggests that visits to France start in Paris. Without doubt Paris is a wonderful destination city; however, for an enjoyable immersion into the French life-style, the best starting point is Bordeaux. Rail Europe to […]
Get to Bordeaux: Your first stop in France
For an enjoyable immersion into the French life-style, the best starting point in Paris has got to be Bordeaux. Conventional wisdom suggests that visits to France start in Paris. Without doubt Paris is a wonderful destination city; however, for an enjoyable immersion into the French life-style, the best starting point is Bordeaux. Rail Europe to […]
Paris: Out and about
Airline reservations to Paris confirmed, dates finalized and accommodations secured, its now time to arrange sightseeing. Getting Around the Town As soon as airline reservations to Paris are confirmed (with XL or La Compagnie), dates for travel throughout France are finalized (with Rail Europe), and Parisian accommodations have been secured, it is time to make sightseeing arrangements […]