Last September I made a European road trip for various magazines.
For example, I visited the Champagne house Veuve Clicquot because in their cellars they have captured the scents of the various grapes that they use in their champagne in a barrel. You literally smell grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A very special experience that you reach via an imposing staircase where the top years of the house are mentioned.
Then I moored in Provence at the spectacularly located hotel La Bastide De Gordes. This is an ideal location with fantastic views. Then I continued my route for a week in Tuscany to moor on the way back at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como. Many rooms overlook the lake where the paddle boats of yesteryear still pass by on their way to the highly romantic Bellagio on the other side.
As the last station I visited for a report on the star restaurants of the Swiss Park Hotel Vitznau. The hotel enjoys a superb location on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Life can't get much more spoiled than in this art-infused hotel with only individually designed suites. The hotel also houses an unprecedented wealth of special wines. For example, they have all the vintages of the famous Sauternes Château d'Aquem. And of course, I could not resist photographing the year 1958, while there was also a bottle from 1885.
When I got home, the trip seems like a long time ago and it will probably be my last report again for a while, due to the new measures that are restricting us. A desolate prospect where we even face a mini lockdown. Let's hope that this brake on social life will soon pass. If you want to brighten up the semi quarantine, there is still our YVRA 1958 Room Spray that evokes thoughts to happier times.
With kind regards,
Yvo van Regteren Altena