Introduction Welcome to Vineyards and Villages Turkey – Antalya Relaxed Mediterranean Escape, a relaxed Mediterranean journey blending ancient history, seaside walks, local markets, and memorable wine discoveries. Based in the charming coastal town of Side near Antalya, this trip combines golden beaches, Roman ruins, friendly local culture, and an unforgettable day exploring Green Canyon and…
Vineyards and Villages – Episode 12 There are road trips… and then there is an epic roadtrip to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The kind that involves trusted old campervans, winding “B” roads, historic towns, Roman walls, sea cliffs, Scottish rain (of course), and one truly unforgettable night beneath Edinburgh Castle. With our narrowboat Spirit of…
Chester Narrowboat Travel: Castles, Canals and a Forecast That Changed Its Mind Again If you’re researching Chester narrowboat travel, let me set the scene using the Vineyards and Villages platform. One minute it’s blue skies and sunglasses, the next it’s hats on, stove lit, and a quick check that the kettle hasn’t slid off the…
Strandveld Winery, the southernmost winery in Africa, had been calling my name for years, and Episode 9 of my Vineyards and Villages journey finally gave me the perfect excuse to answer. Winter in the Western Cape has its own special magic: soft rain, sweeping landscapes wearing their cold-season colours, mist drifting low over distant hills,…
INTRODUCTION Set just an hour from Adelaide in the heart of South Australia lies one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions — a landscape of rolling vineyards, heritage villages, and unforgettable cellar doors. Here, generations of winemakers have shaped a culture where Shiraz reigns supreme and European traditions still thrive. From historic tasting rooms…
INTRODUCTION This Malta travel guide is based on my three-week stay exploring the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo, with time spent discovering historic cities, coastal villages, vineyards and everyday island life. Staying in Sliema made it easy to explore nearby Valletta, wander the ancient streets of Mdina, visit the colourful fishing harbour of Marsaxlokk,…
Vineyards and Villages – Episode 4 Welcome to another episode of Vineyards and Villages — a journey through places shaped by people, history, weather and wonder. Today, I’m taking you along the West Coast of South Africa, to discover the villages of Elands Bay (fondly known as E-Bay) and Doorn Bay. These communities may be…
To really enjoy blue strong cheese, we need to differentiate between the facts and the fiction. What all blue cheeses have in common is the presence of a strain of penicillin mold which is introduced directly into the cheese curd before it is shaped. The cheese is then pierced with metallic spikes to allow air…
Sparkling wines come in a wide variety, with huge price differences, sweet or bone-dry, yeasty or fresh and the difference in production method is of utmost importance. So, what is the difference between Champagne, Prosecco and Cava, aka sparkling wines? I am using the world’s friendliest online business engine…it’s free…forever! Sparkling wine is an umbrella…
Driving to the town of Olevano Romano, Lazio region of Italy in the pouring rain did not dampen our enthusiasm to discover Cesanese Comune, the ancient red wine grape from Italy. Cesanese Comune is an old and elusive vine of the Roman Empire dating back to the first century BC. The Romans were great consumers…
