Friday Favorites: Travel Essentials

A few people have asked what my essential items are now that I’m traveling on a weekly basis. Each weekend these find their way into my suitcase whether I’m heading to London for a weekend with Bo or we’re exploring a new city together. The prices range from $20 to over $200 but hopefully you’ll find something on this list to make your next travel experience just a bit more pleasant!

Friday Favorites Travel Essentials

Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Duffelelago Tripshell WORLD TRAVEL ADAPTER – Built-in Dual USB ChargerFeu de Bois (Firewood) Mini Candle 70 g by DiptyqueRick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door 2014REI Travel UmbrellaMaxboost Atomic Plus External Protective iPhone 5 Battery Case Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Fragrance-Free 50 mlWhatsAppSK-II Facial Treatment Mask

Share Button
Follow:

Beaune, France

In order to better organize posts, I am going to title them with the city’s name moving forward. This will help me organize them for people’s reference and help you find them when you’re preparing for your next trip to Europe!  Yes, this means that there will be quite a few Geneva and London posts but each one will contain different information. I’m still learning my way through this new type of posting so if you have suggestions or ideas, please feel free to leave them in the comments or send an email.

When I close my eyes and envision a small French town in wine country, Beaune is the vision that comes to mind.

After meandering the small, narrow streets last weekend in between wine tastings and historic tours of 15th century buildings, I want each visitor coming in the near future to visit this picturesque French town which is also the wine capital of Burgundy. 

Located 2.5 hours from both Paris and Geneva, Beaune is the perfect overnight trip if you want to combine history, wine and delicious food into one.

The Perfect Beaune Itinerary 

Where to stay: We loved our experience at Hotel Le Cep in the middle of historic Beaune. Located in an old monastery the hotel combines historic French charm including a private garden with first class service. We were able to get a deal on Expedia for around $180 which included an air conditioned king size room with a large bathroom. We thoroughly enjoyed relaxing at the hotel bar for a drink, picking the bartender’s brain on the best sights and restaurants. 

IMG_4065 Where to eat? After enjoying the 5 course tasting menu at Le Cheval Noir, it is one of our the top dining experiences. The restaurant, located less than a half mile from our hotel, delivered unique dishes influenced by French style in a modern setting for half the price of many other highly acclaimed restaurants in Beaune. The five course tasting menu which included an appetizer, fish course, meat course, cheese course, and dessert along with wine pairings is just 71 euros or $94.

IMG_4090  IMG_4091 IMG_4096

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to do when you’re in Beaune?

If you go, feel free to take me with you because I’m already craving another warm afternoon walking through the vineyards!

IMG_4109

Share Button
Follow:

Burgundy, France: Wine 101

We spent two days meandering through Burgundy sipping our way through miles of vineyards and caves. As none of us are experts on French wine, we booked a private tour on Sunday, our first full day, so we could learn the basics.

IMG_1240

IMG_1279While it was a bit pricey, having a guide who is a local but also speaks English, was very helpful and allowed us to learn more than we every imagined. By Sunday evening we knew more about Burgundy and the French wines from this region than we thought we could learn in one day.

IMG_1344Here are some of the things we learned along the way from our fearless guide.

  • Burgundy has been making wine for over 2,000 years.
  • When Romans arrived, Pinot Noir was growing wild.
  • Even with only 2 grapes in the region, pinot noir and chardonnay, there are over 1,000 flavors.
  • There are 3 key things which influence the wine:
    • Terroir: Terroir is the description of where the wine is grown. The steepness of the slope, the soil, etc
    • Wine maker: Their education and background can greatly influence the wine and the process.
    • Weather: Was it a rainy year? Warm? Too cold? All of this affects the grapes!
  • There are some key differences between Burgundy and California wines:
    • In France there 1 meter between the rows versus 2 in California in order to stimulate competition between the plants.
    • In Burgundy they want the roots to go deep into the limestone instead of horizontal.
    • There are 4,000 plants per acre in Burgundy.
    • The vines are much shorter than what you find in California as they want the grapes close to the soil so the sun will hit the soil and give off heat.
    • Pinot Noir in France has more mineral flavor than California which is more fruity.
  • It takes two vines to produce one bottle of wine in Burgundy
  • Wines from Burgundy can be classified in one of four ways
    • Regional appellations– 52% of wines produced
    • Village or Commune appellations- 36% of wines produced, only Pinot and Chardonnay grapes
    • Premiere Cru- come from the top of the slope and account for 10% of wines produced
    • Gran Cru – 1.5% of wines from the region, begin at 50 euro but can go up to 2,800 euro in priceIMG_1370 IMG_1432 

Your turn: Are you team red or white?

IMG_4101

Share Button
Follow: