I’m heading to South Africa next week to learn a bit about Fairtrade in wine production and how it is impacting the workers and communities near Bosman Family Vineyards, one of The Co-Operative’s leading Fairtrade producers in the New World.
Here’s the video for a sneak preview of what I’m looking forward to doing…
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l48_60rrv5k]
It is not surprising that with a name like ‘Barrio Italia’ (Italian Neighborhood) this corner of Chile is filled with designers and chefs!
Chile has many immigrant influences, and one of the most stylish – and delicious – of those were the Italians. Famed for its Italian roots, excellent cafes and design shops, Barrio Italia in Santiago is an epicurean delight as well as a feast for the eyes…
History
The origin of the name comes from some of the first settlers here. The Italian Girardi family came to Santiago and opened a hat factory in the area in 1905. As their industry grew, many other Italian families moved in, followed by Spanish families too. The neighborhood grew and the European expats began to set up shops in front of their houses, as they typically did back at home
The area became known as the ‘Italian neighborhood’ (or ‘barrio’ in Spanish) and a large street in the middle of the district was named Avenida, Italia alongside the large art-deco theatre, Teatro Italia.
Nowadays the neighborhood has few Italians left, although the legacy remains with unique design shops, many antique stores and cute cafés.
Written for 1756 Magazine, China
When you come to the land of sunshine and wine, there’s no excuse not to emerge yourself in the juice of the gods for the entire length of your stay. Whether you are a novice or a complete oenophile there are plenty of indulgent wine related activities to keep you merry for your entire trip.
There’s no better way to start your trip than with a welcome glass of wine so make your way to South America’s first dedicated tasting room, The Vines of Mendoza. In the city center, this chic wine bar offers themed flights of wine from around the country and wines by the glass and bottle all expertly poured by their English speaking sommeliers. Ease into your holiday, sample some flavors of Argentine wine and learn along the way. Salud!
‘Closed door’ restaurants are all the rave in Mendoza right now and Mendocinean friends Martin and Martin were one of the original home restaurants starting a decade ago with Los Chocos. Book yourself in on the communal table for an evening of traditional Argentine food paired with wines. As each colorful course is presented, the pairing is explained and the flavor cocktail devoured! Alternatively try Pirca for another closed door option run by renowned chef and sommelier Pablo Ranea or the more bohemian option of Ituzaingo with art lover Gonzalo Cuervo.
If you really want to spend a day getting to know your Malbec from your Cabernet then book yourself for an intensive (but fun) wine boot camp with Mendoza Wine Camp. Spend the day visiting four wineries and learn about tasting wine, the process of winemaking and how to make your own blend, as well as a slap up gourmet food and wine pairing lunch in the middle. Explore the Lujan de Cuyo region with your own private guide and driver as well as getting premium tastings from the bottle and barrel in each winery. You can book with www.mendozawinecamp.com or for a more beginner focus try Mendoza Wine Tours or Trout and Wine.