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.

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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…

 

When you take a journey to one of the most spectacular corners of New Zealand – Fiordland National Park – you want to get as close to nature as possible. The Milford Sound Lodge takes you there, with stylish and secluded chalets enveloped in breathtaking, natural beauty. Set right on the doorstep of the iconic Milford Sound, and with a front-row seat to Fiordland’s waterfalls, rivers and peaks, the Milford Sound Lodge is truly incomparable.

The location

When seeking out this nature retreat in New Zealand, you’ll drive down one of the world’s most awe-inspiring alpine drives, through the mountains, meadows and rainforests of Fiordland National Park. As you come to the end of the road, you’ll see the Milford Sound Lodge, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings.

Fiordland is one of the wildest places in New Zealand’s South Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where protected natural beauty thrives. It’s an ancient and sacred landscape known to the original Māori inhabitants as Te Wāi Pounamu – the greenstone waters.

You’ll find very few buildings here and Milford Sound Lodge is the only place to stay in Milford Sound for independent travellers. It’s a rare and special opportunity to stay within the grounds of a World Heritage Site in luxurious lodgings.

The lodge is a serene nature retreat nestled among the soaring mountains, the rushing Cleddau River, and the ancient beech tree forests, the guardians of Fiordland. Here you’ll feel miles away from the outside world, yet it’s just 1.5km from the Milford Sound Cruise Terminal where you can board a boat to explore the magnificent Milford Sound or walk the famous Milford Track.

The chalets

When you travel on The Long White Cloud luxury guided tour, you’ll enjoy a two-night stay in either a Riverside or Mountain View Chalet at the Milford Sound Lodge. Both chalets are elegantly designed with comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms, and cosy underfloor heating.

But it’s the views that are the real star of the show. Just look out your private window or relax on your outdoor deck and be mesmerised by the tumbling river, lush rainforest and unhindered mountain views just a step away. It’s the most extraordinary way to reconnect with nature and sit in harmony with this ancient land.

What’s to eat?

You’ll start each morning with an enticing continental breakfast of freshly baked pastries, bread, spreads, homemade muesli, yoghurt, orange juice, and coffee. The best part? It’s delivered to your chalet so you can enjoy breakfast in bed with a spectacular view.

For lunch and dinner, head to the Milford Sound Lodge’s restaurant, Pio Pio. With a delectable menu focusing on locally-sourced Fiordland produce, this is world-class dining in a World Heritage region.

The mouthwatering dishes include ​​Fiordland wild venison tenderloin, Marlborough salmon, and local Blue Cod, paired with New Zealand’s best wine and craft beers. And while the menu is lavish, you’ll feel right at home alongside the friendly Kiwi hospitality and warm atmosphere. You can even drop in throughout the day for a coffee and a snack, or to swap stories with your fellow travellers.

Amenities

The Milford Sound Lodge may be remote – but that doesn’t mean you’ll be roughing it in this luxurious nature retreat. The lodge has everything you’d expect for a comfortable stay, from a Super King bed and an ensuite bath and shower to flat-screen TVs and underfloor heating and a heater.

You’ll have a kitchenette in your chalet or 24-hour access to a well-appointed and well-equipped kitchen. There’s also a laundry room and free Satellite Wifi internet across the lodge.

What can you do here?

Fiordland is a natural playground brimming with extraordinary activities from short walks and longer hikes to cruises, scenic flights and kayaking trips.

We’ll take you on a tranquil cruise on Lake Manapouri to marvel at the Fiordland scenery, from forest-clad mountains to waterfalls, beaches and islands.

You’ll also take a deeper dive into nature with a guided walk along a section of the legendary Milford Track. It’s one of the most renowned walks in the world and you’ll learn all about its unique wildlife and rich heritage from local experts on an easy-going, half-day walk.

Lastly, you’ll board a modern catamaran to cruise the Milford Sound, the “eighth wonder of the world”. Watch on in awe as you sail by sheer granite cliffs and waterfalls tumbling out of forest-clad peaks, and keep your eyes peeled to spot rare Fiordland Crested Penguins nesting on the rocks. This is an unforgettable experience.

If this beautiful nature retreat sounds perfect for you, take a look at The Long White Cloud luxury guided tour. This remarkable 19-day trip takes you through the wonders of New Zealand from the North to the South Island. See stunning volcanic craters at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, enjoy a boutique wine tour in idyllic Arrowtown, explore the bioluminescent caves of Waitomo, and partake in a traditional Māori Hāngī feast in Rotorua, all while staying in impeccable hotels and lodges.

 

 

From taking time discovering your inner self to spending as long as you like on your favorite activities, there is nothing quite like solo travel when you deserve a little self-indulgence.

Through new experiences, the people you meet and simply spending time with yourself, you are sure to return with a renewed spring in your step. If you are thinking of going it alone, here to help you are 7 reasons why solo travel is the ultimate form of self-indulgence.

Get to know yourself better

Going solo is a liberating experience, offering the opportunity to explore what really makes you tick. Discover things about yourself that you didn’t know before traveling on your own. From learning about your personality and preferences, such how much time you wish to spend in company and alone, to trying new activities and seeing what excites you most. With the opportunity to try activities not available back home, indulge your curiosity and maybe even discover a new passion. We recommend trying falconry at the majestic Ashford Castle in Ireland or truffle hunting with an expert truffle dog in Italy.

Solo travel is calming

Even if you are taking in multiple destinations, solo travel is exceptionally calming. Simply not having to think about others frees up so much time and head space to relax. Maybe spend this extra time engaging in mindfulness activities, indulging yourself with relaxing spa treatments, or practicing yoga and meditation. These are just a few calming treats that we often overlook when focusing on the day-to-day and juggling families and responsibilities. Combine with long walks in beautiful, tranquil surroundings and multi-night stays in luxurious hotels and return home a Zen version of yourself.

You can be selfish

When in real life do we get permission to be truly selfish, with no guilt attached? Well, we will let you into a secret… solo travel! Making the most of exquisite hotels, you can steal all the covers on your sumptuous bed, spend hours in the bath and finish all the complimentary chocolates. As you explore destinations you can browse a museum for hours and hours or stop and chat to locals to your hearts content. Most of us spend a lot of time thinking about others, so this is the perfect opportunity to think only about yourself. What can be more self-indulgent than some guilt-free selfishness?

Also read: How to spend 24 hours at the most exquisite hotels around the world

Learn languages

Have you ever dreamed of learning Spanish, getting your tongue around Swedish or trying your hand at Japanese? Whether you already speak multiple languages, or you would like to learn just a few words, solo travel is the perfect opportunity. Alone, you are more likely to step out of your comfort zone and be brave in trying out new phrases. Mixing with locals also greatly improves your language skills. Travel with Luxury Gold and your Traveling Concierge will happily help you out. Fluent in the local language, they know all the key phrases you need to get around, plus phrases only the locals will know. Impress your friends on your return with your new skills.

Form new friendships

Whether it is a kindred spirit or someone you can laugh the evening away with, finding a new friend really puts a spring into your step. And taking the time and opportunity is a great way to indulge yourself. Lively conversation, the exchange of values and the finding of common ground is good for the soul. Even though you may have many good friends, you always deserve a fabulous new addition.

Traveling solo in a group is the perfect way to meet like-minded travelers. Spark up a conversation with a fellow history buff as you explore museums, find a kindred spirit among the frescos or find a fellow nature enthusiast in a spectacular National Park. A helpful solo travel tip is to make a note of everyone’s name as soon as you meet them. You will have so many new friends you might not remember them all!

Solo travel gives you confidence

After taking a vacation on your own you are sure to return home walking taller. Whether it’s your first time going it alone, or you are a seasoned solo traveler, every journey adds a boost to your confidence levels. From the simple act of stepping out on your own, the places you have seen and the new activities you have tried, to the new friends you have met, they will all serve to boost your self-esteem and make you feel superhuman. Once back home, put your renewed confidence to use and reap the benefits for a long time to come.

Boosts long-term happiness

Cherished moments sit in our memory banks and can be recalled forever, evoking the feelings of joy and exhilaration as if you were right back on your travels. Having indulged in solo travel, every experience, interaction and discovery will be etched on your soul. We guarantee you will never forget your first solo journey or the ones that follow, and every time you recall those memories you will beam from ear to ear.

Remember, whilst choosing solo travel might mean stepping out of your comfort zone, it doesn’t mean you have to step out of comfort. Travel the world with Luxury Gold and indulge in exquisite hotels and fine dining with your Travelling Concierge curating the most memorable experience for you.

If the self-indulgence of solo travel combined with all the benefits of luxury guided travel sounds ideal for you, then take a look at our exclusive worldwide collection to discover your next destination.

Also read: Reasons to choose Luxury Solo Travel