I S L E W O RTH sUMM E R 2009
LIVING
Uncorking
Luxury listings
Tasty Travels
The Art of Wine Collecting
Real Estate Offerings
In Tuscany
welcome
Summer 2 0 0 9
Some say the next best thing to drinking fine wine is collecting it. In this issue, we explore the ins and outs of wine collecting and the stellar home cellars you can create for your growing collection right inside your own home.
SOUTHPOINT C u s t o m
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Uncorking the art of wine collecting
luxury listings real estate offerings
14 tasty travels in Tuscany
Whether you’re a budding wine connoisseur or a full-fledged aficionado, it never hurts to enlist the advice of a reputable wine merchant. Sommelier Craig Lopus, owner of Tim’s Wine Market in Windermere, shares tips on must-try vintages and how to build the perfect vino collection.
16 charity spotlight upcoming charity events 17 club champions resident feature 19 wine down in your cellar
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Everyone knows you can eat and drink well in Italy. But Treasures of Tuscany an Epicurean Voyage offers foodies a bigger treat. Learn more about this weeklong vacation that presents lessons in Italian cooking, wine and culture. Isleworth’s 2009 Ladies Club Champion Niki Murvin and 2009 Men’s Club Champion Bob Roberts have shot their fare share of great rounds on Isleworth’s golf course. In this issue, they reveal their favorite Isleworth golf hole.
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Enjoy!
Lisa Richards President, Isleworth Realty
A tavistock group company tavistock.com
The stunning Toscano Lago is nestled on Lake Louise of the Butler Chain. Consisting of more than 8,000 square feet, this elegant Isleworth home offers five bedrooms and five full and three half baths. A piano lounge and gallery with vaulted groin ceilings are the highlights of the grand living room. The master wing has a luxurious master bath, private terrace and sitting area with fireplace. Electronic doors open the family room to a tranquil outdoor living area facing the pristine Lake Louise. Lake views are also seen from the balcony in the game room, which cleverly converts into a theater with bar. A wine cellar, upstairs lounge, staircase tower, guest suite and four-car garage with separate golf cart storage add the finishing touches to this exquisite Southpoint home.
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ISLEWORTH REALTY lisa richards, president 407-876-0111
ISLEWORTH COUNTRY CLUB david kemp, general manager 407-876-5432
ISLEWORTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION trisha marinelli, manager 407-909-9940
ISLEWORTH HOME SERVICES mary ann peeples, director 407-909-2067
17 For more information or to visit this SouThpoinT home, please contact 407.422.8828. www.southpointhomes.com
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on the cover:
Le Grand tournesol by Fernand Léger
staff Editor-In-Chief Lisa Richards
Editorial Staff Kimberly Baker, Sara Cohen, Krista Zilizi
Design Appleton Creative
Uncorking
the
art of
Wine
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Wine enthusiasts start their own reserves for a variety of reasons – to have the perfect accompaniment for every meal, to drink better and more affordably in years to come or for the pure excitement that maintaining their own inventory brings. A personal wine stash also comes in handy for other occasions – entertaining company at home, gifting bottles, or learning and reliving the unique stories every wine bottle has to tell. But building a good wine collection depends mostly on your personal plans for your bottled treasures. Sommelier Craig Lopus, owner and operator of Tim’s Wine Market in Windermere, describes his basic approach to wine collecting. • Create a collection that mirrors your likes. • Avoid buying wines just because they received a high rating from professionals or friends.
Rounding out your wine collection
1. Cabernets with labels from California and the Bordeaux region of France 2. Pinot Noirs from both the new world and old, including Oregon and Burgundy, France 3. Cote du Rhones, which features the ancient Syrah grape varietal 4. Australia’s Shiraz 5. Zinfandel, the “red, white and blue” American grape, grown most successfully in the warmth of California 6. Merlots from California and the Pacific Northwest 7. Italy’s Chianti Classico and Barolo of northern Italy
• Set a budget.
8. Spain’s iconic Tempranillo and current vintages of Argentina’s trendy Malbec
• Stock your wine collection with varietals that you can drink right away and vintages that will age well into the next several decades.
9. The noble Chardonnay grape from around the world, including White Burgundy, California and Champagne
• Plan for more reds than whites, since reds age better than whites and spend more time in your cellar. • Diversify your inventory by including important varietals from all the major grape-growing regions of the world. • Save by stocking up on aging wines in their youth when prices are lower. • Talk to someone at a reputable wine shop and get suggestions on particular wines that would benefit from aging. • Visit wineries and participate in wine tastings. • Know how to evaluate the bottle. Look for signs of physical stress, like a loose cork or a discoloring of the wine.
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Whether it’s a casual interest or an all-consuming passion, many have embraced wine collecting with spirited devotion.
10. Germany’s Riesling and Chenin Blanc grape from France’s Loire Valley Rising stars Argentinian Malbecs from the Medoza region Felino Layer Cake Argentinian whites Gouguenheim Torrontes Oregon Pinot Noir A to Z Foris Domaine Serene Sharecropper’s Washington State Cabernet Kestrel Cabernet
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real estate
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tavistock cup 2008 in isleworth
Photography © Craig Johnston
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An International Network
Georgian Manor Estate In true European spirit, this five-bedroom residence is ideal for hosting visitors with its ample living space. This lakefront home is furnished with exquisite details, including four French limestone fireplaces, cappuccino marble floors, numerous pillars and intricate carvings. The living room and great room, where spectacular views of Lake Chase are captured through floor-to-ceiling windows, can accommodate an overflow of guests. Entertaining guests is also easy in the outdoor lanai that features a boat dock, summer kitchen, scenic rock waterfall, water features and a beautiful infinity-edge pool with spa. An elegant and spacious formal dining room, well-appointed study, planning office and butler’s pantry complete the main floor. A secluded theater with a full snack bar and a large garage are located on the lower level. A total of six balconies, including one in each third-level bedroom suite, offer gorgeous sunrise and sunset views. The master retreat boasts a separate sitting room with morning kitchen and a private balcony overlooking the lake, the golf short-game practice area and the driving range. Offered at: $9,800,000 i s leworth. com
elegant Villa This classic and tranquil sanctuary offers both privacy and convenience. Situated in the Gardens of Isleworth, a collection of Mediterranean-style villas nestled within a private garden setting, this villa boasts sweeping vistas of lush landscape and serene waters. Unwind in the open family and kitchen areas or the private study surrounded by scenic garden views. Relax in the expansive screened-in courtyard spa and pool or beside the outdoor fireplace. Luxury finishings include walnut wood and marble flooring, a butler’s pantry, temperature-controlled wine storage and a generator. Isleworth Concierge Services is pleased to provide the carefree lifestyle you desire through a comprehensive menu of services customized to meet your personal needs. Offered at: $3,000,000 For additional property listings, please visit isleworth.com. I SL E W O RTH L I VI N G
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An International Network
Villa Giardino Situated in the Gardens of Isleworth, a collection of Mediterranean-designed villas nestled within a private garden setting, this three-bedroom villa offers gorgeous vistas of the lush landscape and serene water. The master suite with morning kitchen features the finely detailed architecture and innovative floor plan. The luxurious outdoor living area includes a covered lanai, pool with water feature and summer kitchen. A butler’s pantry, private study and secluded courtyard add the finishing touches to this garden villa. Residents have access to a unique walking trail set throughout the tropical greenery of the gardens, as well as the home, personal and specialty services provided by Isleworth Concierge Services. Offered at: $2,985,000
Picturesque Lake Views Enjoy a picturesque sunrise over Lake Chase from this extraordinary three-bedroom golf villa situated close to the Isleworth Clubhouse, practice range and tennis center. The living and dining room is graced with a cathedral ceiling, wood floors and French doors that open to a pool with gorgeous lake views. The gourmet kitchen has a large island with space for dining, a wine cooler, a planning area and an outdoor patio for grilling. One of the bedrooms, which is outfitted with custom built-in cabinetry and a desk, can be used as an office or study. Golf villas offer a simplified lifestyle through Isleworth Concierge Services, a comprehensive menu of home, personal and specialty services for Isleworth residents. Offered at: $2,200,000 For additional property listings, please visit isleworth.com.
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An International Network
Captivating views
Luxury lifestyle
Captivating views surround this inviting four-bedroom home that offers vistas of a pond, a distant lake and orange groves. Beveled glass doors greet you at the entrance of this two-story residence with a spacious, open living room graced with high ceilings, built-ins and picturesque views of the water. A cozy kitchen and breakfast room with easy access to a balcony offer equally scenic water views. A dining room, office and a master suite, which boasts a balcony, sitting area, dual vanities and hisand-her closets, complete the upper level. Entertaining is a delight in the expansive downstairs game room furnished with a fireplace, bar and glass doors that open to the pool. Offered at: $2,680,000
Indulge in a retreat lifestyle inside this distinctive three-bedroom residence that maintains the traditional architecture and style of Palm Beach. Featuring an innovative floor plan, this home’s focal point is the swimming pool, with most rooms offering direct pool access. This residence features a formal courtyard entrance with fountain and beveled glass front doors. It’s easy to unwind in this home’s expansive outdoor living area, large pool or secluded spa with waterfall surrounded by black stone. Open living and dining rooms are decorated with rich hardwood floors, a fireplace, a large wet bar and glass doors that lead to the pool deck. A large master suite, with luxury bath featuring his-and-her closets, also offers direct access to the pool deck. Offered at: $1,675,000
Golf Retreat
Stunning golf villa
Dramatic vistas create a restful retreat for the active household in this four-bedroom golf front home located on Tee 6 of the renowned Isleworth golf course. Conveniently situated by the front gate, this residence sits atop an elevated homesite. The entry of this home offers serene water views through its beveled glass doors. Finishings found throughout this residence include beautiful tongue and groove ceilings, marble and wood floors and granite countertops. The highlight of this home is a large family room furnished with a wet bar and fireplace surrounded by marble and built-ins. The recently updated kitchen features new appliances and honey-colored wood cabinetry. Entertaining is a breeze in the formal living room, dining room and screened lanai with summer kitchen and a large pool that offers magnificent golf views. Offered at: $1,699,000
Enjoy the convenience and tranquility of a stunning golf villa located near the Isleworth Clubhouse, the driving range and tennis center. This impeccably maintained three-bedroom residence is situated on a large villa home site with a floor plan centered around outdoor living. Warmth and comfort radiate through the open living room, family room, dining room with wet bar, large kitchen with light-wood cabinetry and breakfast room that opens to a quiet terrace. Homeowners will also find privacy inside the office perfectly situated near the master suite. The master suite, living and family rooms all offer access to the screened lanai that opens to a pool and spa surrounded by lush landscaping. Offered at: $1,650,000 For additional property listings, please visit isleworth.com.
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editorial
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Tasty Travels
T us c a n y
If you’re hungry for a dose of Italian culture, an epicurean getaway in the Tuscan countryside this fall is sure to please your mind and palate. Because the best introduction to any country is through its food, Treasures of Tuscany an Epicurean Voyage has designed a weeklong vacation that puts your taste buds to work. Led by Sommelier Lisa Mushaw and Tuscan native Chef Gianfranco Natali, Treasures of Tuscany mixes equal parts cooking, wine tasting and local folklore to provide a fullimmersion course in Italian culture.
From vineyard-covered hills, grand Italian architecture and medieval towns, to enchanting wine-producing estates and traditional Tuscan fare, Tuscany supplies all the right ingredients to satisfy oenophiles and foodies alike. Mushaw, the founder of an IT support, management consulting and event-planning services company, launched Treasures of Tuscany after spending years searching for a business venture that could satisfy her passion for food. A descendant of a long line of accomplished culinary masters, Natali quickly joined forces with Mushaw after he
italy C O N TA C T I N F O R M AT I O N spotted her in his restaurant in Tuscany taking notes and sampling menu items on several different occasions.
When: Oct. 18-24 and Oct. 25-31
While Treasures of Tuscany isn’t designed to hit the area’s major tourist destinations, the excursions give visitors a rare opportunity to deeply absorb the country’s culture by visiting local historic squares, cathedrals, vineyards, olive mills, chocolate cafes and pizzerias.
Cost: $4,000 per person for double occupancy. For single occupancy, add $500. Includes accommodations for six nights at a European Four-Star Hotel, ground transportation to and from the Florence or Pisa Airport, all visits, three hands-on cooking lessons, tastings and meals. Airfare separate.
The one-week package includes European four-star hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing and wine tastings, three hands-on cooking lessons, ground transportation, guided tours, day trips and more. Airfare is separate.
Deposits: To confirm your reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required by July 31, 2009. The deposit may be made by credit card, check or money order payable to: Treasures of Tuscany an Epicurean Voyage, LLC 4094 Majestic Lane Suite 118 Fairfax, VA 22033 Register: Download form at http://www. thetuscangourmet.com/voyage.htm or contact Lisa Mushaw at lisamushaw@thetuscangourmet.com.
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steppingout
Where to toast in
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Windermere and Washington and enrolling in wine certification courses.
For a little more than a year, Southwest Orlando residents have been pouring into an understated wine shop in Windermere’s historic downtown district. Some come looking for an in-depth chat about Bordeauxs, while others pop in to pick up the perfect bottle to pair with dinner. Whatever the motivation, Tim’s Wine Market Windermere owners Craig and Kathy Lopus welcome them all with open arms. Tim’s Wine Market Windermere is the second location for the four-unit chain, which is the largest independently owned wine retailer in Central Florida.
Tim’s Wine Market has become so popular in Windermere that many host birthday parties and book club meetings at the store on a regular basis.
Becoming franchise owners of a wine retail market perfectly pairs with the Lopus’ passion for vino. Craig and Kathy first developed a thirst for wine drinking while living in France and England. When they returned to The States seven years later, the couple continued their wine exploration and education by taking multiple trips to wineries in California, Oregon
The inventory at Tim’s Wine Market includes limited-time special features that are purchased in large quantities and vintages from boutique wineries that produce small volumes of quality product. Tim’s Wine Market also secures hard-to-get wines and offers cellar consultation to help serious wine collectors stock their cellars.
A Gift For Teaching www.agiftforteaching.org This August, A Gift For Teaching is shaking things up with a back-toschool campaign called PUSH. Collect school supplies, become a mover and recruit shakers to help raise money for education, or volunteer to see firsthand how a book or backpack can impact a student’s education. For more information, e-mail kendra@agiftforteaching.org.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Fl, Inc. www.rmhorlando.com Join Orlando Magic Community Ambassador Nick Anderson on the links this summer to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Celebrity golf tournament hosted by Nick Anderson When: Sat., July 18 Where: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Time: Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Cost: $200 per player Luncheon to follow with silent auction Visit mca-ent.com to download registration form and email to omartin3200@yahoo.com. To learn more, contact Ozel Martin at (321) 436-2366.
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428 Main Street Windermere, FL craig@timswine.com
Craig and Kathy are committed to making Tim’s Wine Market a fun, casual place where anyone can purchase and learn about great wines from all over the world. An itinerary of events, including blind tastings, wine and food pairings and a wine of the month club, helps customers learn about the more than 600 labels their store carries.
charityspotlight
Tim’s Wine Market
My
Favorite Hole
Isleworth’s 2009 Ladies Club Champion Niki Murvin and 2009 Men’s Club Champion Bob Roberts have played countless rounds on Isleworth’s golf course over the years. But no matter how many times they play, each remains partial to a certain hole on the 18-hole championship course that is consistently ranked the longest and toughest in Florida.
2009 Club Champions
(407) 876-9463
BETA Center www.betacenter.org The fifth annual Diamonds & Denim Gala returns to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center for a night of gaming and entertainment mixed with glitz, glam and a splash of denim. Diamonds & Denim Gala When: Sat., Aug. 22 Where: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Time: 6:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Cost: $150 per person (Includes food, wine, spirits and parking) Rooms can be reserved at the resort for a special rate of $129 the night of the gala. Deadline to RSVP is Aug. 15. To learn more, contact Lisa Blackwelder at lblackwelder@betacenter.org or (407) 398-6213.
Niki Murvin
Dr. Bob Roberts
Choosing one favorite hole on Isleworth’s legendary course would be impossible for Isleworth member Niki Murvin.
An Isleworth member of more than 22 years, Bob Roberts is well-acquainted with all 18 holes on Isleworth’s course. But Roberts, whose best score here is a 69, calls Hole 11 his favorite.
A five-handicapper, Murvin considers both the par 5 13th and 14th her favorite holes for very different reasons. She finds the 558-yard 13th, with its riskreward design, as gratifying as the 450-yard 14th for its spectacular view. “Hole 13 is a par 5 where you can pick up a birdie, so it makes you think about your second shot very carefully,” she said. “Hole 14 has a beautiful view, but still remains challenging in the way the green is designed. It is the essence of Isleworth.” While Murvin has eagled Hole 13, she doesn’t claim to have mastered it. “During the championship, I missed the risk shot on 13 and had to scramble for a par,” she said. “On 14, I made a birdie.” Murvin, who has been playing Isleworth’s course since the 1980s and claims a 66 as her best score here, uses just one simple trick in her approach to Hole 13.
Known for its thousands of annual flowers, the 194-yard par 3 11th is reminiscent of the famous 12th at Augusta National Golf Club. “Hole 11 has been the signature hole at Isleworth for years,” said Roberts, a scratch golfer. “It’s my favorite because it’s challenging and plays different every day according to which way the wind blows.” On the day Roberts claimed the 2009 Men’s Club Championship, the wind of victory began blowing in his direction after making 3 on Hole 11 during the finals. “This was an important hole during the tournament,” Roberts said. “Winning this evened the match, which brought a big change in momentum. Winning the club championship was the highlight of my golf career thus far.”
“I always aim for the pink and purple flower trees when they are blooming,” she said.
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NetJets 25 Hours at a Time This year, Marquis Jet expanded its relationship with Isleworth Golf & Country Club and Lake Nona Golf & Country Club by participating in the 2009 Tavistock Cup Golf Tournament. Marquis Jet, the leader in private jet cards, sponsored the par 3 sixth hole, offering 10-hour Marquis Jet Cards as a reward for a hole-in-one. The Marquis Jet Card program is the finest jet card program in the industry because it’s the only way to access NetJets, 25 hours at a time with no long-term commitment. NetJets is the worldwide leader in fractional jet ownership and operates the largest private fleet in the world. As a Berkshire Hathaway company, the NetJets family of operating companies has the financial resources to manage more than 800 aircraft, staff more than 4,000 highly trained and experienced pilots and set the industry standard in safety. Backed
The Marquis Jet Card NetJets 25 hours at a time 866-538-0136 www.marquisjet.com
by NetJets superior operations, Card Owners can schedule their trip with as little as 10 hours notice and have guaranteed aircraft availability. Many of the professional golfers who reside at Isleworth and Lake Nona are current Marquis Jet Card owners. The value, service, freedom and flexibility of the Marquis Jet Card program helps them to succeed in their professional and personal lives. With the Marquis Jet Card, you can fly on your own schedule and save hours by avoiding the long lines, delays, connections and many hassles associated with commercial travel today. For example, you may travel to three cities in the same day and still return home to Orlando in time for dinner. Marquis Jet Card owners’ trips begin the instant they leave home and arrive at their destination, rested and feeling their best.
The consistent, high-quality service, guaranteed availability and global capabilities of the Marquis Jet Card program deliver measurable productivity and performance gains that will improve your business and personal life. To use a golf analogy, the Marquis Jet Card can turn the biggest weakness in your game into your greatest strength.
Pictured above: 6247 Louise Cove Drive in Isleworth, built by Southpoint Custom Homes.
Wine down in your home cellar Much like the home theater, office and gym, the wine cellar has become a must-have amenity for luxury homes.
“This is my third wine cellar, so through repetitive experience, I discovered what works and what doesn’t,” he said.
A temperature-controlled storage area for a wine collection isn’t just a stylish and convenient way to store bottles; it’s the best way to age a bottle of vino and preserve an important investment.
Any well-designed wine cellar is outfitted with a custom-made racking system, which allows each individual bottle to lie flat so there is less risk of sediment being disturbed. Racking systems make it possible for wine collectors to easily read the labels on each bottle and select one without rearranging their entire collection. Wine cellars typically reflect carpentry at its most elegant level and are appointed with the highest grades of materials, fixtures and finishes.
A spare room, large closet, pantry or space under a stairwell can easily be transformed into storage for a growing wine collection and can double as a space to entertain. While wine cellars can range in size and grandeur, the average cellar holds 600 to 1,000 bottles. Isleworth resident Jim Heistand’s cellar goes beyond your run-of-the-mill wine storage room. When he expanded his existing home cellar by installing an innovative floor-to-ceiling double racking system, he tripled the cellar’s storage capacity without modifying its size. Heistand’s remodeled home cellar, which once held 1,500 bottles, can now accommodate 4,000.
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“Mine is very nicely done with brick ceilings and a tasting table,” Heistand said. Beyond the functional purpose it serves, a wine cellar adds value to a home. Many home developers are incorporating wine cellars as a standard feature in new custom and luxury homes. But for the wine enthusiast, the most gratifying aspect of a home cellar is having a perfectly aged vintage at their fingertips and sipping each drop from the comfort of home.
As today’s wine collectors grow in number, many are celebrating their passion by creating wine cellars at home.
Wine Cellars 101 If you want your wine to last, here’s what the experts recommend: •G ood ventilation and a stable temperature is crucial: about 55 degrees, humidity of 50 – 60 percent, a vapor barrier and proper insulation. • For shelves and racks, redwood, pine and mahogany are aesthetically pleasing. The goal is to avoid rotting, mold and prevent the cork from drying out. • Wine cellars can be enhanced with tasting rooms, cigar-smoking areas, bookshelves, commissioned art and more.
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