Summer is just around the corner and the breezy vineyards and sunny beaches of the Côtes de Provence are calling. The region is renowned for its production of the world’s best pale pink wines, and the fresh, sweet, sun-kissed flavours are simply in a league of their own. If you want to transport yourself to the South of France this summer, it’s all about leisurely lunches washed down with bottles of home-grown Côtes de Provence rosé. From award-winning grapes to celebrity-endorsed estates, here are five of the best Côtes de Provence rosés you should be sipping this summer.

GET INSPIRED BY: Ultimate Southern France

1. Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé

In 2006, Sacha Lichine, the heir to a prestigious Bordeaux wine dynasty, acquired the Château d’Esclans estate. His vision was to revolutionise rosé and create the world’s greatest rosés by bringing innovative winemaking techniques to Côtes de Provence – and he succeeded. His multi award-winning Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé, is now the benchmark for Provençal rosé.

Made with a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino), the dry, subtle flavours of strawberry, citrus, and dried herbs and spice create a remarkably smooth finish. The elegant bottle and label and the dusky pink colour, make this a classic Côtes de Provence rosé.

You’ll find the Whispering Angel in bars and restaurants across the Riviera, Europe and the rest of the world and it remains one of the best rosés in the ​​Côtes de Provence region. Or why not enjoy a glass at the source? As Sacha says “In the Esclans Valley angels whisper. If you drink this wine, you might hear them… If you visit us, you might see them.” It’s worth a trip to Provence just for that experience alone.

2. Mirabeau Pure Provence Rosé

With a dream to make one of the very best Provence rosés in the region, London couple Stephen and Jeany Cronk relocated with their three children to Cotignac, a little village in the heart of Provence. That was in 2008 and now 14 years later, Stephen, Jeany and their dedicated team of winemakers have created some of the world’s finest Côtes de Provence rosé.

Their 20-hectare wine estate, Domaine Mirabeau, spreads across a nature reserve near the Golf of St Tropez, hedged by classic Provençal villages. They’ve won countless awards and produce some of the most beloved Provence rosés in 50 countries across Europe, Australia and North America.

While this estate produces several great wines, you can’t miss their flagship Côtes de Provence wine, Mirabeau Pure Provence Rosé. Known as ‘Provence in a glass’, this rosé is all about sun-kissed citrus and bursts of lychee, mandarine and red summer berries. And with a gorgeous pink colour, how can you not dream of warm, breezy days on the Côte d’Azur.

3. Maison Saint Aix, Vin De Provence Rosé

If you’re looking for a Côtes de Provence rosé that truly captures the best of Provence, put AIX Rosé on your list. The beautiful salmon pink colour and the sophisticated flavours exuding peach, red berry, and floral notes immediately transport you to the sandy shores and beach clubs of the South of France.

AIX Rosé was born out of the historic Maison Saint Aix winery, set 420 metres above sea level, high in the northern hills of the Aix-en-Provence region. It’s this strategic position that contributes to AIX Rosé’s elegant profile. The grapevines grow within mineral-rich soils, away from the heat of the coast and with cooling Mistral winds, yet with 300 days of sun every year. These conditions are perfect to grow Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault grapes and it’s this stunning blend that makes up AIX Rosé.

There’s little wonder why AIX is a best-selling, award-winning rosé every year, and with a massive 15-litre bottle on the shelves, there’s no better way to quench your thirst with friends this summer.

4. Château Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé

The Côtes de Provence is the summer playground of the rich and famous, so it makes sense that you can find a quality Provençal rosé produced by celebrities. But the Château Miraval rosé isn’t famous only because it’s owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie; it also has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best Côtes de Provence rosés on the market.

Miraval rosé is produced by the Perrin family, the globally renowned French winemakers of the superb Rhone wines at Chateau de Beaucastel. And when they say it’s a work of art, they’re not exaggerating.

This exquisite rosé is made with a blend of organic grapes and the sweet, acidic notes of rich raspberries make it a great pairing with traditional Côtes de Provence food like bouillabaisse and shellfish.

5. Château Minuty M Côtes de Provence Rosé

Originally built in the mid-19th century under Napoleon III, ​​Gabriel Farnet acquired Château Minuty in 1936 and began replanting the whole estate. The Matton family has now run the state for four generations.

Brothers Jean-Etienne and François Matton took over in the 1990s and Jean-Etienne’s daughter Anne-Victoire Matton came on to the scene in 2022. They’ve continued to renovate the vineyards and now use an outstanding blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Tibouren grapes.

As a family, they’ve turned the estate into a world-class producer of Côtes de Provence rosé. The clear pink Château Minuty M Rosé is summer in a glass with notes of peach, candied orange, grapefruit, red berries, and bitter almonds. It’s rich, zesty, and refreshing and it’s the perfect way to cool down on a balmy summer’s day.

The beautiful bottle also offers a dose of family history as it was originally designed by Jean-Etienne and François Matton’s mother in the 1960s. Enjoy a bottle by the beach with olives, tapenade, shellfish, or salade niçoise, for a dreamy Provençal summer.

 

What is your favourite Côtes de Provence rosé? Let us know in the comments below…

 

Are you passionate about history, architecture and beautiful destinations? Then we at Luxury Gold recommend that you make one of these enchanting walled cities part of your next vacation. For centuries, civilizations across the globe have protected their people with walls. Steeped in history and beautifully preserved for future generations, these charming, fortified cities and towns now offer travelers the chance to experience a bygone era.

Explore ramparts and battlements and enjoy amazing views. Meander through tiny streets, revel in historical tales and soak up the feudal atmosphere.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Regarded as the most picturesque city on the Dalmatian Coast, the moment you see Dubrovnik you understand why it is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik’s beautiful Old City is completely surrounded by magnificent defensive walls and forts, running nearly 1.25 miles around the Old City. To admire Dubrovnik in all its glory, take to the top of the walls where you can walk fully round and enjoy exceptional views of the city squares, palaces, narrow streets and intricate architecture, all flanked by the crystal blue Adriatic Sea. The city is also famed as the main filming location for Kings Landing, in the hugely popular television series Game of Thrones.

To see the beauty of Dubrovnik for yourself, along with the many wonders of Croatia, take a look at our Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast two-week luxury guided tour. Discover the stunning waterfalls of Plitvice National Park, savor oysters straight from the sea and soak up a stunning mix of medieval and modern architecture in the capital, Zagreb. Dubrovnik provides a spectacular ending to this magical journey, with plenty of time to discover the city and hike around the walls.

Avignon, France

Nestled in the heart of Southern France, Avignon was the seat of the Catholic Popes from 1309 to 1377 and is entirely enclosed by ancient walls. Construction was started by Pope Innocent IV in 1355 to protect against free bands of mercenaries, attracted by the papal wealth. Recognized for its architectural beauty and historic importance, the center of Avignon was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

You can visit Avignon on our Ultimate Southern France luxury guided tour, and explore the walls, visit the Palais des Papes, the world’s largest gothic edifice and dine at Michelin-starred La Vieille Fontaine. This 12-Day tour immerses you in the best of French cuisine, architecture and culture as you journey across the South Coasts of France and Monaco. Explore sights including the Aix-En-Provence Cathedral, Old Town Albi, which features monuments from the 10th Century, Monte Carlo and the charming streets of Old Nice.

San Gimignano, Italy

The small walled town of San Gimignano is one of the most recognizable and iconic destinations in all of Tuscany. Known as “Medieval Manhattan”, the town has an unforgettable skyline, due to the myriad of towers that rise up over the rooftops. Built by the noble families and upper middle-class merchants who controlled the town, the towers were symbols of their wealth and power – there were some 65 tower houses when the city was at its height, with 13 still surviving today.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano on our Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour – a 12-Day voyage that takes in the historical sights of Florence, Venice, Pompei and Rome. Visit the stunning 15th century wine domain of Guardastelle, with its spectacular views of San Gimignano’s magnificent towers and toast the view with a delicious glass of local wine.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is North America’s first permanent French settlement and the only walled city in Canada – in fact it is the only fortified city north of Mexico. The ramparts circle Old Quebec’s upper town and date back to the 17th Century and include four gates, three Martello towers and several cannons. Inside the walls sits the famous Château Frontenac, the Citadelle de Québec and the Dufferin Terrace, a 425 meter long wooden boardwalk.

We have two fabulous luxury guided tours that take you to Quebec City. The eight-day Indulgence in Eastern Canada explores the stunning area of Eastern Canada and combines the architecture of Quebec City and Ottawa with breathtaking natural beauty including Niagara Falls. Or take a look at our nine-day Vibrant Quebec & New England luxury guided tour, which leads you through stunning landscapes and architectural gems including the 19th Century Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, and Harvard University. Both tours spend time in Quebec City, where you can dive into the city’s rich history with a Local Expert, and see the Citadelle de Québec, Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, National Assembly and Place-Royale.

York, England

Step back in time in the medieval city of York with its cobbled streets and gothic buildings. Once an important center of Roman occupancy in England, the city is surrounded by a large stone wall, which was crucial for defense. Originally built around AD 71, substantial portions remain, having undergone transformations and repairs over the years. Visitors can walk along the walls and enjoy spectacular views of the River Ouse and the Old Town.

York is one of the fascinating stops on our three-week Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tour. The ultimate voyage for fans of history and architecture, take in the some of the most magnificent castles, stately homes, cities and gardens across the United Kingdom, Scotland and Ireland. The city is also one of the treasures on our ten-day British Royale luxury guided tour.  On both tours, explore York with the help of Local Experts, see the grand York Minster and enjoy after-hours VIP access at Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest historic houses.

Londonderry

Londonderry is the only remaining intact walled city in Ireland, and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. The mile-long fortifications were built in the 17th Century and include gates, watchtowers, battlements, bastions and huge cannons. History is all around you here, from the famous murals to the story of the Armada – in 1971 divers from Londonderry found the wreak of the La Trinidad Valencera, and the artifacts recovered help to paint a vivid picture of the Armada and of the soldiers of the 16th Century.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this fascinating city on our Ultimate Ireland luxury guided tour. Join Ronan McNamara, the finest storyteller in Northern Ireland and leave informed, enthralled and entertained. With Ultimate Ireland you will also see the Titanic Shipyards in Belfast, Dublin’s Trinity College, the impressive Giant’s Causeway and uncover the stories of Blarney Castle. Londonderry is also a destination on our Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tour, mentioned above.

Keen to walk those walls?

If you’re already searching for your walking boots and planning your next vacation, why not make it extra special with Luxury Gold? Enjoy exclusive hotels, exceptional dining and VIP Experiences for a truly memorable experience, while your Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director look after the logistics every step of the way.

For more information on these stunning destinations, and all of our luxury guided tours please visit our website.

 

Ahhhhh, Mmmmm, hot chocolate – oh yes, we’re calling all chocolate lovers as we at Luxury Gold love it as much as you! It’s one of life’s simple pleasures that is also the ultimate indulgence, with a velvety smooth taste and decadent aroma that conjures up feelings of warmth, comfort and a sense of belonging (with just a dash of naughtiness on the side).

Whether you daydream of sipping a thick, creamy hot chocolate at breakfast in a cafe in Florence, Italy, as you watch this enchanting, artistic city come to life, or picture yourself clutching a mug of deep dark velvet as you watch the sun set in Bordeaux, France……take a moment now to picture yourself discovering some of the world’s best recipes as you enjoy an exclusive travel experience with us.

As specialists in luxury guided travel, we at Luxury Gold believe that everyone deserves a treat. So here is a short guide to where you can savor the world’s best hot chocolate, and which fabulous journeys from our collection can take you there. Read on and let your imagination and your senses run wild…

A Short History

Originating in Mexico, hot chocolate has been a popular drink for thousands of years. First created by the Maya around 1500 BC, it was known as xocoatl and consisted of cacao beans, water and a little spice. Introduced into Europe in the 1500s by Spanish conquistadors, following their expedition to present-day Mexico and the Aztec civilization, hot chocolate soon became a favored exotic beverage around the continent, with its forms and recipes undergoing multiple changes. Hot chocolate was first introduced to North America as early as the 17th century by the Dutch, with its popularity increasing as it began to be sold by colonists around 1755.

Something for every palate

Be it light and frothy and aromatic with lashings of milk or deeply dark and so thick you can stand a spoon in it, there is a hot chocolate recipe to match every palate and moment so let yourself be led by the traditions of your dream travel destination. Choose to add mountains of whipped cream, a dash of spice, jazz it up with a shot of expresso or try the delicate touch of rosemary with wine…and that’s just the start. Of course, nowadays amongst all the indulgence, there are also many healthy ways to enjoy hot chocolate including vegan, unsweetened, and recipes using spices that have health benefits such as cinnamon, cardamon, ginger and turmeric. Whatever your preference, sampling hot chocolate on your travels is always a new delight and will leave you with intense, and happy memories.

Every moment with Luxury Gold is designed to delight and our luxury guided tours take in amazing locations and offer off-the-beaten-track experiences where a hot chocolate is just the ticket. Here are some of the best:

New Mexico – back to hot chocolate’s roots

Given its origins, it is no surprise that New Mexico USA boasts some of the best hot chocolate in the world so it’s our first place to start.  You can visit on our Resorts and Ranches of Colorado & New Mexico luxury guided tour, a stunning journey that explores the very best of the West,  starting in Denver and travelling down through Colorado Springs and onto Santa Fe in New Mexico. Here you can find the Kakawa Chocolate House, founded in 2005, with the name Kakawa deriving from an Olmec word meaning chocolate or cacao. Here you can enjoy a journey through history that delights the palate as they specialize in hot chocolate recipes created from traditional sources, ranging from pre-Columbian to colonial American to contemporary sources. For the brave there is a Chili Elixir, made with spicy chilies, or history lovers can sip the Jefferson Elixir, inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s own recipe.

Poland‘s change of heart

When first introduced to Poland in the 18th Century, chocolate was somewhat controversial. Many did not like its bitter taste and felt it was better used for animals. However, opinions began to change when it was served hot, with added cane sugar, cinnamon and anise – simply delicious! Curious travelers can learn all about the country’s hot chocolate history at the E. Wendel Hot Chocolate Lounge in Krakow, one of the grand cities on our Harmony of Central Europe luxury guided tour, a voyage of Europe’s grandeur that also takes in Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Warsaw. Dating back to 1851, E. Wedel is the oldest Polish brand of chocolate and has created a refined brand of drinking chocolates served in “chocolate lounges” across Poland. You can sit back and sample from selections such as bitter, slightly bitter, milk, double milk, white, and choose from a range of intriguing flavors including raspberries in wine, and caramel with sea salt.

Chocolat Chaud

For the French, traditional hot chocolate is deep, dark and unreservedly glorious and is the perfect travel companion when on our Ultimate Southern France luxury guided tour. Sip a decadent cup at breakfast as you watch the streets spring to life in Marseille, savor hot chocolate on a lazy brunch with fresh croissants as you relax in the countryside of Provence or enjoy an afternoon’s treat after exploring the sights of Bordeaux. In the early 1600s when Anne of Austria came to marry King Louis XIII of France, she brought hot chocolate in her suitcases. Bordeaux, where she got married, embraced this exotic new ingredient and it became embedded in the traditions of the region. One particular Bordeaux favorite is The Moremont Tea House – discover its unique and intoxicating recipe and get the VIP treatment as your chosen beverage is prepared with the same luxury ritual as if you were the royal princess herself.

Italian flair

Think Italy, think thick, creamy and delicious! You’ll be pleased to hear that the Italians consider hot chocolate an important part of their gastronomic history so you are in for a treat at every turn. One of the best and most historical places to relish a cup and get the full VIP experience is Caffé Rivoire in Florence. Founded in 1872 when Enrico Rivoire, chocolatier of the Savoy royal family, opened up shop, they still use the same traditional secret recipe today and serve hot chocolate almost as rich and dense as chocolate pudding. You can savor mouth-watering recipes at every stop on our Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour, which takes you on an exclusive voyage through some of the most intoxicating and beautiful Italian cities including Florence, Naples, Capri and Rome.

And of course…..Switzerland

To speak of anything chocolate and not mention Switzerland is like talking about Butch Cassidy without the Sundance Kid, they just go together, making it a must-see destination for chocolate lovers. So not surprisingly there are many great places to indulge in hot chocolate in this sublime Alpine nation. The Swiss often take their hot chocolate with cinnamon and, of course, Swiss chocolate, with some of the most delectable establishments being found in the northern city of Zurich. The first destination on our Majestic Switzerland luxury guided tour, when exploring Zurich take a moment to visit the centuries-old Café Schober, located in the picturesque Old Town. Famed for its rich, creamy recipes, they melt chocolate into whole milk for a sublime and decadent treat. Savor yours with a mountain of fresh whipped cream, or with a shot of espresso as you explore this captivating city.

So if your mouth is now watering and you’re inspired to follow your passion for hot chocolate, why not make yourself a cup and sit down to browse through our fantastic collection of luxury guided tours now available for 2022 and beyond. With every tour featuring exclusive hotels and unforgettable VIP experiences, where will your chocolate passion take you next?

For more information on the following luxury guided tours please follow these links. :

• Resorts and Ranches of Colorado & New Mexico
• Harmony of Central Europe
• Ultimate Southern France
• Ultimate Italy
• Majestic Switzerland

And you can view the full collection here at luxurygold.com