A & C May Newsletter 2016

Wine Tours

30TH A

RSA E V I NN

RY

2016

NEWSLETTER AND AVAILABILITY

WINE DAYS

Everyone deserves one - see page 18

NOTES FROM CHAMPAGNE Read our sparkling write-up on page 4

LONG HAUL TOURS A whole new world of wine awaits - page 16

30TH ANNIVERSARY

Help us celebrate our birthday in style - full details overleaf Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

RS A E Y 0 3 G N I T A CELEBR It‘s our birthday - and we‘re in a celebratory mood...

Join us, as we raise a glass to 30 years of wine travel!

Over the last three decades we have relished travelling across the globe with our fellow oenophiles - exploring everywhere from the classic regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux, to the beautiful New World vineyards of California, South Africa, and beyond.

Over the years, we have enjoyed developing new wine trends into tours - often before they enter the mainstream. Our goal has always been, and will always remain the same: offering our clients the opportunity to visit exciting parts of the wine world ahead of the crowds. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and many more destinations were offered to the UK wine travelling public by Arblaster & Clarke first. Who knows where the next thirty years will take us...

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Of course, A&C initially began on a smaller scale... with Champagne Weekends. We were the first company to offer escorted tours in this iconic region. Champagne is still our favourite region to visit. You could always help us celebrate this big birthday on one of our 2016 escapes...find out more about them on page 8.

In 1993, we introduced the first of our small ship cruises. They are still a highlight of our travel calendar - so much so, that we have added two different tours for 2017.

Please see page 14 for full details.

We hope you have happy memories of travelling with us over the years.

Here are some of our favourites:

Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

Our Operations Manager, Katrina Smith’s favourite memory of her time at A&C comes from last year’s Biodynamic Burgundy tour: “Travelling down to visit chateau de chamirey in Mercurey, Steven Spurrier, the group and I stopped to admire the Chambertin vines in the spring sunshine. A horse was working the land as we passed. Seeing these traditional farming methods in one of the most famous vineyards in the world first hand is rare to behold - our being there was so special and timed to absolute perfection.”

“Age is just a number. It’s totally irrelevant... unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.” ― Joan Collins

General Manager Caron Fanshawe rounds up her thoughts on the occassion: “From Burgundy to Barolo, Alsace to the Awatere, the Willamette to the Wachau and Rioja to the Rheinhessen - Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours has always sought to provide wine holidays off the beaten track and to discover hidden gems in the more well known regions.

This approach is as relevant today as it was 30 years ago when the company was founded. I am very much looking forward to bringing a further 30 years of wine touring to those existing clients who make up the Arblaster & Clarke family and to welcoming new members!”

As a final note, we would like to say thank you to all of our wonderful guests. Without you joining our travels, we wouldn’t be celebrating such a milestone birthday!

PARTY! To mark our birthday, we have organised a wine fair at the prestigious Vintners’ Hall, in London. This is the “spiritual home” of the wine trade, where truly special wines from the Old and New World will be exhibited.

Join us and sample exceptional wines from a fantastic selection of wineries we have enjoyed visiting over the last thirty years.

Friday 8th July | £50 pp Vintners Hall, London

Arblaster improves with age. Travel improves with wine. sales@winetours.co.uk www.winetours.co.uk 01730 263111& Clarke – Wine

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NOTES FROM CHAMPAGNE We enjoyed an enlightening introduction to Champagne in April A wonderful weekend was had by all during our latest trip to Champagne.

Ellen Lewis our Product Manager was the Wine Guide for the weekend.

She explains what makes an Arblaster & Clarke Introduction to Champagne so special...

Arblaster & Clarke’s Introduction to Champagne does exactly what it says on the tin – it introduces you to this fantastic region and the wonderful celebratory wine for which it is so famous. Whenever Champagne is involved, there

is always an atmosphere of fun, enjoyment and conviviality and this perfectly describes the feeling on this short break too. The aim is to prove that Champagne is not just a one trick pony; that not every bottle tastes the same and that it is in fact wonderfully diverse and adaptable to many different occasions and food pairings.

There are a plethora of styles and wine making techniques that can be adopted by the winemaker in making Champagne - different levels of dryness, different grape varieties, blends and terroirs for the vines to thrive on. There is so much variety to be discovered and this weekend provided the perfect overview!

Billecart-Salmon and its super slick production facilities introduced us all to the traditional Méthode

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Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

Champenoise, the particular way the bubbles are trapped in the bottle, and how the specific choices of the winemaker can be found in the glass.

Lunch at Champagne Philipponnat demonstrated that Champagne can undisputedly be enjoyed throughout the meal, from aperitif, to partnering our sea bream starter with their Grand Blanc 2007. Their

“In a perfect world, everyone would have a glass of Champagne every evening.”

– Willie Gluckstern fabulously rich Clos des Goisses single vineyard wine stood up to our lamb main course and their slightly sweeter Sublime Sec was the ideal match for our tropical fruit dessert.

At Champagnes Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot, we got an insight into the history of Champagne and the region. We visited the

breathtaking Gallo-Roman Chalk Quarries, or Crayeres, where if walls could talk, they would tell of wars and revolutions over the years. Today they house the prestige cuvees of the house.

Being based right in the heart of Reims, the capital of Champagne, is the best way to soak up the Champenoise joie de vivre. The opportunity to stock up on colourful vegetables, charcuterie, handmade local cheeses and deliciously fresh bread at the famed Boulingrin Market on Saturday morning was a true delight. It was a real trip down memory lane for me personally as this is where I did my weekly shop when I lived in Reims myself!

We have a number of Champagne Weekends still to come in 2016 - please see page 12 for further details. We also have a sumptuous Champagne Dinner and Tasting at Hampshire‘s Terravina Hotel in May - find out more on page 18.

THE HOUSES Champagne Billecart Salmon A small, family-owned house, that always produces high-quality champagnes of great finesse Highlight: Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne Philipponnat a relatively modern house, founded in 1912 and now owned

by Bruno Paillard Highlight: Sublime Réserve 2005 Champagne Taittinger One of the few top houses owned, and actively run, by the family named on the label.

Highlight: Prestige Rosé Champagne Veuve Clicquot Smooth, finely textured and of course, home to the famous orange label Highlight: La Grande Dame

Arblaster improves with age. Travel improves with wine. sales@winetours.co.uk www.winetours.co.uk 01730 263111& Clarke – Wine

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FULL AVAILABILITY 2016/17 MAY 2016

OCTOBER 2016

CHAMPAGNE DINNER AT TERRAVINA 20th May Wine Day

GOURMET AMALFI 3rd - 8th October

ALSACE, MOSEL & CHAMPAGNE 29th May - 4th June

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DOWNS VINEYARD WALK 3rd - 5th June RIOJA & RIBERA 20th - 25th June

JULY 2016 ARBLASTER & CLARKE 30TH BIRTHDAY WINE FAIR 8th July Wine Day VERONA WINE & OPERA 26th - 30th July

SEPTEMBER 2016 RIOJA & RIBERA 19th - 24th September Last few spaces

RIOJA WALK 3rd - 9th October EARLY AUTUMN CHAMPAGNE 8th - 10th October TUSCANY 10th - 14th October NORTHERN ITALY DINNER AT TERRAVINA 14th October Wine Day LANGUEDOC 17th - 22nd October UMBRIA 17th - 22nd October LATE AUTUMN CHAMPAGNE 22nd - 24th October Spaces filling fast!

GOURMET PIEMONTE 25th - 30th October

NOVEMBER 2016

STARS OF THE LEFT BANK 7th - 11th November Spaces filling fast!

MADEIRA 12th - 16th November STARS OF THE RIGHT BANK 14th - 18th November RHÔNE - NORTH TO SOUTH 14th - 19th November BURGUNDY CELEBRATION 19th - 23rd November

DECEMBER 2016 MAKER EXPERIENCE DAY AT LONDON CRU 3rd December Wine Day PRE-CHRISTMAS CHAMPAGNE 3rd - 5th December Spaces filling fast!

NEW YEAR IN BARCELONA 29th December - 2nd January 2017 NEW YEAR IN NAPLES 29th December - 2nd January 2017

INTRODUCTION TO CHAMPAGNE 3rd - 5th November

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Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

WINE DAYS - FULL DETAILS ON P.18 FEBRUARY 2017 CHILE, ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY 13th - 26th February 2017 NEW ZEALAND 19th Feb - 4th March 2017

MARCH 2017 SOUTH AFRICA 3rd - 11th March 2017

MAY 2017 CALIFORNIA 7th - 13th May 2017

JUNE 2017 SAILING THE ADRIATIC 18th - 25th June 2017 Wine cruise

AUGUST 2017

Champagne Dinner at Terravina Enjoy an evening of indulgence at the Terravina Hotel. Try vintage Champagnes from well known houses, and smaller growers that are not easily found in the UK. The event will begin in style, with a traditional sabrage demonstration... opening a bottle of the finest bubbly with a sword!

20th May 2016 | £150pp

Northern Italy Dinner & Tasting at Terravina Join us at Hampshire’s wonderful Terravina Hotel. Sample wines from Piedmont, Trentino & Alto Adige, Veneto, and more... Taste the difference between Barolo and Barbaresco, Valpolicella and Verdicchio; and learn how to pair the wines with a diverse and delicious range of recipes.

14th October 2016 | £150pp

Arblaster & Clarke 30th Birthday Wine Fair Over the last 3 decades we have taken our fellow oenophiles across the globe. Join us to celebrate our birthday at London’s Vintners Hall. Meet the A&C team, catch up with fellow travellers, and discuss your next wine adventure. Don’t miss your chance to taste over 100 wines from across the globe.

8th July 2016 | £50pp

Maker Experience Day at London Cru This brand new experience day will begin with an introduction to the London Cru Urban Winery.

Discover the inner workings of Central London’s first winery; and enjoy a delicious two-course lunch. You’ll also take home a very special home-made memento from the day... blended wine that you’ve made yourself.

3rd December 2016 | £150pp

FROM NICE TO BARCELONA 30th August - 6th September 2017 Wine cruise

Arblaster improves with age. Travel improves with wine. sales@winetours.co.uk www.winetours.co.uk 01730 263111& Clarke – Wine

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2016 TOURS

There’s still time to book! Join a wine tasting holiday in 2016, and discover rising star wineries and famous chateaux...

ORIGINAL TOURS

ALSACE & MOSEL

RIOJA & RIBERA

with Rachel Ritchie

with Lys Hall

Three outstanding European wine regions for the price of one... Stopping in Alsace, Mosel & Champagne, home to Medieval and Renaissance architecture, picturesque landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-class wines. Alsace is made up of rolling countryside, pretty villages and the impressive Vosges mountains on the horizon; whilst Mosel is a gorgeous region characterised by the steep vineyards planted along the banks of its river.

The Champagne region speaks for itself – with UNESCO declaring the French ‘hillsides, houses and cellars’ significant enough to merit the award.

Join us as we sample Spain in a glass… The beautiful vineyards of Rioja lie on the River Ebro valley, with mountains to the north. In the 19th century Rioja was a region famed for white not red wines – its evolution influenced by Bordeaux.

Our tour explores the neighbouring Spanish regions of La Rioja and Castilla y León which are home to two of the country’s most renowned wine producing regions Rioja and Ribera del Duero respectively.

Straw covered Chianti bottles are a thing of the past in Tuscany. The Italian wine scene here has undergone a dramatic change in the last thirty years in terms of quality - now producing superb regional wines that can truly be appreciated. Tuscany was at the forefront of the revolution, introducing Vino di Tavola from international grape varieties and exploring the superb qualities of their main native grape, Sangiovese.

with Matthew Boucher

TUSCANY

During our 7-day tour, we visit renowned wineries as well as each region’s hidden gems. Sample worldclass Riesling; visit top Eiswein producers; guzzle Gewürztraminer and polish off some Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. With your 36 bottle coach allowance, the holiday can carry on and on…

Castilla y León has some impressive landmarks and attractions. In particular the Burgos Cathedral, Segovia’s fairy tale Alcazar and the castle in Peñafiel which when lit up at night appears as if it is floating above the town. We have plenty of time to explore the traditional towns and villages of Rioja and Ribera, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia. We also make sure to taste the region’s famous speciality Cochinillo – roast suckling pig!

Surrounded by the quintessential Tuscan countryside – rolling, cypressstudded hills – we visit estates that have been at the forefront of quality and whose fortunes we’ve followed for almost 20 years. During this 5-day tour, you’ll discover the wonderful blend of respect for tradition and determined attitude which has made Italy one of the most exciting wine countries of the world. And of course we will also have the opportunity to explore some of Tuscany’s classic towns and cities!

DATE: 29th May - 4th June COST: £1,995 inc. coach

DATE: June & September dates COST: £2,095 inc. flights

DATE: 10th - 14th October COST: £1,795 inc. flights

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Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

LANGUEDOC

UMBRIA

MADEIRA

with Derek Smedley MW

with Jane Hunt MW

with Charles Metcalfe

Discover an unending list of varietals across Languedoc’s patchwork of vineyards… The region produces great wines, at great value. From robust reds to some fascinating fortified wines such as Muscats and Banyuls. Prepare yourself for fullbodied and fruit-driven tastings, whilst we also enjoy some gourmet delights during our trip – including an exclusive private lunch at the Michelin starred ‘Restaurant de Lauzun’, run by a passionate young chef whose menu is inspired by ideas and flavours that have come from his travels.

Umbria is an emerging gem on the Italian wine scene. As it steps out of its more famous neighbour, Tuscany’s shadow, now is the prime time to discover what this hidden gem has to offer. The quality of the wine made here has improved beyond measure! We visit and enjoy tastings at a selection of the best Umbrian producers including Lungarotti and Arnaldo Caprai.

Soak up the scenery on one of our most relaxing wine tours… Madeira has often been described as the “Island Vineyard”. Madeira wine enjoyed an esteemed international reputation in the 18th and 19th centuries, but the style waned in popularity over the next century in Britain. However, these exquisite wines are capable of incredible ageing, and once you enjoy a drop of the good stuff, you’ll be a life-long devotee.

The huge area runs from the Spanish border right the way across the Mediterranean coastline to Provence.

The countryside is truly dramatic with crumbling castles clinging to seemingly impossibly steep mountain crags. There will be plenty of time to stop and consider the region’s fascinating history of the heretical Cathars over a superb glass of wine.

What makes this tour particularly special is the spectacular scenery which will surround us during each tasting. The region certainly deserves its nickname “the green heart of Italy”.

You’ll find some of the most glorious countryside surrounding the hilltop towns of Orvieto, Assisi, Gubbio and Perugia. Near Orvieto we will enjoy namesake white wines… whilst further south we enjoy the wonderful wines of Montefalco made from Sagrantino, producing brambly red wines, from which a passito wine is also made.

DATE: 17th - 22nd October COST: £2,275 inc. flights

DATE: 17th - 22nd October COST: £1,995 inc. flights

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Travel with Portugal expert Charles Metcalfe, and enjoy a tour that’s a feast for the eyes, as well as the palate.

The volcanic island has dramatic vertiginous cliffs, topped by lush green vegetation. The diverse flora of the island has attracted many famous visitors such as Winston Churchill, Sissi and George Bernard Shaw. This is the perfect spot for a mid-winter break. Pick up a little sunshine on an island with one of the most equable climates in the world.

DATE: 12th - 16th November COST: £2,175 inc. flights

01730 Arblaster 263111& Clarke – Wine sales@winetours.co.uk improves with age. Travel improves www.winetours.co.uk with wine.

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RHÔNE NORTH TO SOUTH with Louise Hurren Viticulture as we know it arrived in Southern France with the Greeks in the 4th century BC. But it was the Romans who really established the vineyards and reputation of the area using the Rhône as their highway through France. The Northern vineyards start just around Vienne and then the Southern start again at Avignon. In the north, the red grape is Syrah and the main white Viognier; in the south a veritable hodge-podge of varieties is planted. This tour offers a chance to compare the complete wines of the Rhône.

NEW YEAR BARCELONA

NEW YEAR NAPLES

La Nochevieja as it’s known here, is ‘the old night’. Friends gather together for a final time before the arrival of the New Year. According to Spanish tradition, you should eat a grape (or uva) at every chime of the countdown clock to midnight … We’re quite certain that a sip of wine at each stroke will bring you just as much luck for the year ahead – but we will enjoy the traditional uvas too. Join us to raise a glass of Cava and say ¡Feliz Año Nuevo! - during a gala New Year’s Eve in Barcelona...

Spend New Year in Naples, where a wine renaissance is in full swing…

Southern Italian wines, like their Piedmont or Tuscan cousins, are bold, full-bodied, and satisfying.

Nicknamed “the land of wine” by the Greeks, the wines of the Campania region were adored by the Romans.

Wine has been produced here for more than 4000 years, and we explore the region’s most dynamic wineries.

On New Year’s Eve, we board a ferry to Ischia, where we find refreshing whites made from indigenous Ischian grapes, before returning to the mainland for evening celebrations.

with Rachel Ritchie

There’s no place like Rhône… and you have plenty of free time to explore the wonderful cities of Lyon and Avignon and the village of Châteauneuf-duPape. Aside from the glorious grape, the Rhone Valley offers a captivating landscape… raw Mediterranean beauty at its best; hillsides covered with maquis, scrub oaks and wild French olives, and dotted with cypress trees.

During our tour, we visit pioneering producers including Miguel Torres; and find out more about Spanish bubbly with exclusive access to a Cava producer. We welcome the New Year in style during a Gala dinner party; and the next day is yours to explore the city itself. The enchanting seaside city oozes culture, and is filled with glorious architecture. Perhaps more importantly, it’s also a world-class drinking and dining scene.

DATE: 14th - 19th November COST: £2,250 inc. flights

DATE: 29th Dec - 2nd Jan (2017) COST: £2,195 inc. flights

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with Leonie Loudon

Naples is a city undergoing a well deserved renaissance – with many indigenous varieties waiting to be discovered. Naples also has a wonderful history, superb architecture and the gorgeous view of Vesuvius above the bay. You couldn’t pick a better time to visit than New Year; Neapolitans have more joie de vivre than most, and it’s in full effect at this time of year.

DATE: 29th Dec - 2nd Jan (2017) COST: £1,995 inc. flights

Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

WINE ETC

SOUTH DOWNS VINEYARD WALK

GOURMET AMALFI

with Julia Trustram-Eve

with Leonie Loudon

Take in the undulating chalk hillside as you criss-cross the National Park and the South Downs way… Discover an unbelievably rich tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, and tranquillity during our three-day tour – from rolling hills to bustling market towns. Vineyards are an increasingly common (and pleasant) sight on the south-facing slopes of the South Downs. Enjoy arguably the best sparkling wines currently produced in Britain.

Amalfi is a pretty little place and a true gourmet getaway.

Sample the best artisanal food and taste the most delicious wines available on the Amalfi Coast. In between visits to a selection of the finest wine producers. Enjoy fresh and floral white wines, and dark, fruity reds, that perfectly complement the delicious regional delights. You’ll be able to take the secrets of authentic Italian cooking home with you too – thanks to a private cookery lesson.

DATE: 3rd - 5th June COST: £695 inc. local transport

DATE: 3rd - 8th October COST: £2,450 inc. flights

RIOJA WALK

GOURMET PIEMONTE

with Ronald Weustink

with Giovanni de Rose

The beautiful vineyards of Rioja lie on the River Ebro valley, with the mountains to the north dyed the beautiful tawny and red colours that accompany the Spanish harvest season.

Each day offers new wines and vines, from classic Tempranillos to complex Reserva blends. During our walk, we also see the dramatic differences in Rioja’s ‘terroir’, in particular the Alavesa and Alta. This is a fascinating region, and travelling on foot provides the perfect vantage point...

Piedmont, or Piemonte, is one of Italy’s most famous regions and with good reason. When people think of Piemonte, they imagine Barolo and Barbaresco, but there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. Let us introduce you to a completely new set of grapes to taste and understand. Great wine deserves great food… luckily for us it’s plentiful here in Piemonte, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. The food is elegant, rich, diverse and full of flavour.

DATE: 3rd - 9th October COST: £2,195 inc. flights

DATE: 25th - 30th October COST: £2,450 inc. flights

Arblaster improves with age. Travel improves with wine. sales@winetours.co.uk www.winetours.co.uk 01730 263111& Clarke – Wine

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CHAMPAGNE TOURS

EARLY AUTUMN CHAMPAGNE

LATE AUTUMN CHAMPAGNE

with Matthew Boucher

Guide to be confirmed soon...

Toast the changing of the seasons with a generous glass of bubbly… On this introduction to Champagne, we meet four excellent producers: Champagne Brice, Champagne Hatté, Champagne Cattier and Champagne Vilmart. Taste Champagne Brice’s delicious range of non-vintage MonoCru Champagnes; and stock up on bottles at Champagne Hatté – the small producer’s wines are extremely well made and incredible value – ranging from just 13€ to 18€.

On this trip to Champagne, we meet four excellent producers: Champagne Marguet, Champagne Taittinger, Champagne Collard Picard and Champagne André Jacquart.

The weather may be cooler, and Christmas celebrations are still a while away – but that’s the beauty of Champagne… you can use it to toast any occasion. Even if that occasion is just a weekend away! What a civilised way to say goodbye to the Autumn…

DATE: 8th - 10th October COST: £595 inc. Eurotunnel

DATE: 22nd - 24th October COST: £595 inc. Eurotunnel

INTRODUCTION TO CHAMPAGNE

PRE-CHRISTMAS CHAMPAGNE

with Ellen Lewis

with Conal Gregory MW

Let us introduce you to our favourite destination in the world… and discover everything about the iconic delight.

On this introduction to Champagne, we meet four excellent producers: Champagne Taittinger, Champagne Billecart Salmon, Champagne Veuve Clicquot and Champagne Vilmart. Start the day the right way – with a Champagne breakfast; and visit Champagne Taittinger’s Gallo-Roman chalk pits cellars – 17m below the surface of the city.

Say hello to the Holiday Season in the best possible way - with a glass (or two) of Champagne. During our early Christmas escape, we visit four esteemed estates: Champagne Roger Brun, Champagne Rene Geoffroy, Champagne Camille Savès and Champagne Henri Goutorbe.

With our 36 bottle coach allowance, your Christmas and New Year celebrations can be completely taken care of. You just need to decide when to start celebrating…

DATE: 3rd - 5th November COST: £695 inc. Eurotunnel

DATE: 3rd - 5th December COST: £645 inc. Eurotunnel

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Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

RESERVE TOURS

STARS OF THE LEFT BANK

STARS OF THE RIGHT BANK

BURGUNDY CELEBRATION

Discover the wines that brought Bordeaux fame. From north to south, the Left Bank appellations produce some truly spectacular wines. The Médoc, Haut-Médoc and PessacLéognan regions produce top-class reds. They are powerful and tannic, bold and peppery – dominated by the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives on the gravelly soils left by the ancient course of the river. Graves is home to an array of great dry whites; whilst Barsac and Sauternes are known for their sweet white wines.

The Right Bank has lived in the shadow of the Left for centuries but it is so much more than the Left Bank’s little sister.... The red wines produced here make up only 10 percent of Bordeaux sold – but they have something great going for them that the Left could never claim… they are made to drink at a young age.

During our luxury tour, we sample a series of special reserves at small châteaux – closed to the general public – in St-Emilion and Pomerol.

We also enjoy private lunch and dinner invitations at top châteaux.

Burgundy produces some of the most celebrated Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines in the world. Join us as we sample the best of the best; and discover that when it comes to a good bottle of Burgundy, no price is too high at the famous Hospices de Beaune charity wine auction.

Travel through an exceptional region.

Wines from leading producers command high prices and are some of the most sought-after wines in the world… this is your chance to sample them as private guests of the estates.

Travelling in a small group means you will be able to enjoy a truly intimate experience. You also have plenty of time to visit the splendid city of Bordeaux from your 5* luxury hotel.

Aside from the wonderful wines we enjoy, the Right Bank has plenty of points of interest to offer. Enjoy a free evening walking through the narrow streets of UNESCO World Heritage Site St-Emilion, lined with rustic shops and bakeries dedicated to producing another regional speciality – macaroons. All can be enjoyed from the comfort of the luxurious 4* châteaux and hotels in which we stay.

DATE: 7th - 11th November COST: £3,195 inc. flights

DATE: 14th - 18th November COST: £3,095 inc. flights

with Nicola ArcedeckneButler MW

with Steven Spurrier

with Andrew Jefford

This beautiful wine region covers much of the Eastern side of France, from Chablis in the north, to Beaujolais in the south. The majority of our tour is spent in Beaune. The town is a maze of cobbled medieval streets – lined with wonderful wine shops, tempting delicatessens and interesting museums. Enjoy plenty of spare time to explore freely through the charming area.

Not only are the wines of the highest quality, every part of this tour is designed to impress. Led by renowned guide Andrew Jefford and staying in sublime 5* accommodation you will enjoy the height of luxury.

DATE: 19th - 23rd November COST: £2,795 inc. flights

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SMALL SHIP WINE CRUISES - SUMMER 2017 We are running two superb cruises in 2017...and they are anything but your typical cruise experience. These are truly ‘once in a lifetime’ trips.

What do you get when you cross a super-yacht with delicious wine? A superlative holiday. Join us in 2017 as we enjoy relaxed, meandering routes: from Nice to Barcelona, and right along the Croatian coast.

Croatia is an enchanting country: from sunset in Zadar, to the breath-taking waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the endlessly explorable Elaphite Islands... there is so much to see.

Then there’s Nice, a city of universal appeal: old-world opulence, year-round sunshine and a thriving local arts scene.

So many delights are waiting to be discovered on the bright blue waters of the Cote d’Azur...

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These are so much more than your average booze cruise. Experience the fine life wherever you are, on-land and on-board...The vessels we use are crafted to respect the tradition of famous sailing yachts.

“I want to bathe in this. I would like to frolic in this wine. Where’s my toga?”

- Anthony Bourdain on Croatian wine The joys of small ship sailing are many fold. Our small size allows for swift and easy disembarkation giving us all the more time to explore the lovely port towns and wonderful wine regions on our route.

Once you’ve experienced small ship sailing, their larger cruise ship cousins will never satisfy you in quite the same way. Enjoy a truly relaxed atmosphere onboard. Stop and drop anchor for an impromptu swim in the ocean, and enjoy single sittings for leisurely outdoor lunches and delicious dinners on-deck.

If you’d like to stay on in Nice or Croatia after your cruise disembarks, please let us know.

These are truly fascinating regions, and we are happy to help you extend your experience by arranging hotels or alternate flights. Just let us know and we’ll take care of all the details.

See you on the summer seas!

Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

Le Ponant: Sailing from Nice to Barcelona...

Le Ponant is an exquisite modern yacht – and the perfect vessel to take you on a meandering cruise across the Mediterranean next July.

Le Ponant is a 290 foot luxury, 3 masted sailing-cruiser with just 32 good sized outside cabins with marble shower-rooms. There is a spacious sun deck, a roomy salon with a bar, and both open air and interior restaurants.

You can plunge directly into the Mediterranean from the swimming platform. As we glide from port to port, the hushed ambience of our ocean-view staterooms and suites provides an ideal retreat.

Under full sail, gliding over the sea, you are sure to fall under Le Ponant’s spell.

Experience the fine life wherever you are: in your charming cabin, sat in one of the comfortable lounges, or gastronomic restaurant. Our wine cruises are exclusive parties, so we have reduced the maximum number of passengers on board from 64 to 50. Enjoy the friendly, informal house party style that makes our A&C small ship Wine Cruises so unique.

We’ll also be cruising along the Aegean Sea, aboard the Esperanza in August 2017. Having sailed its maiden voyage in 2016, you can be sure all amenities are of exceptional quality. The Esperanza provides a relaxed atmosphere for you to unwind, and discover a home away from home on the waves.

The fine life is waiting for you on the azure sea: breathtaking natural beauty, dazzling sunshine, endless history, appealing architecture, delicious seafood, and of course, incredible wine. Who could conceive of a better way to discover Croatia’s island speckled coastline...

SAILING THE ADRIATIC SEA

FROM NICE TO BARCELONA

There is simply no better way to experience all that Croatia has to offer than on-board our luxury Esperanza cruise ship. Join us as we journey to the best island destinations around the stunning Croatian coast. Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural sights in this breathtaking country.

Croatia has enjoyed a long love affair with wine. Its industry growing within the Roman empire... Despite their centuriesold presence in Europe, flurries of world acclaim only arrived in the mid-1990s. A wealth of indigenous grape varieties await you - sample history in a glass.

Join us on a voyage of discovery - take in dozens of appellations, enjoy criminally under-rated Provençal rosés, big juicy Priorat reds, and superb Spanish sparkling Cava. Nice is the perfect starting and end point to a tour – offering a brilliant mix of old-world opulence, fabulous food, a thriving art scene, and year-round sunshine.

The ports we visit also offer the opportunity to explore Roman ruins, medieval alleyways, networks of canals, museums, galleries and more. Or simply take a seat at a harbour side café and watch the world go by instead…

18 - 25 June 2017 | From £3,495 pp

30 Aug - 6 Sep 2017 | From £5,399 pp

Arblaster improves with age. Travel improves with wine. sales@winetours.co.uk www.winetours.co.uk 01730 263111& Clarke – Wine

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2017 TOURS

Here’s a sneak peek at our 2017 long-haul tours. Discover the best that the New World has to offer on these fantastic extended wine holidays.

NEW ZEALAND Escape the British winter for summer in the Southern Hemisphere – gloriously, long, light sunny days await The other Antipodean producer... You’ve probably already enjoyed quite a few glasses of New Zealand wine – the UK is the country’s second largest export market for wine. During this incredible two-week tour, we visit both main islands and some of the lesser known outlying islands on our route south from Auckland to Queenstown. Volcanic isles, Art Deco architectural treasures and coastal trains curving between the mountains and the sea... it’s the trip of a lifetime. The country has recently catapulted into wine fame - we explore its major wine regions, from the Croatian origins of the country’s greatest Chardonnays to the powerhouses of Hawkes and Cloudy Bay. Even better, we may be visiting in February, but this is the Southern Hemisphere… so prepare yourself for a second summer.

DATE: 19th February - 4th March 2017 COST: £7,495 inc. flights (Sgl Supp: £975)

CALIFORNIA There aren’t many states quite as relaxed as California; year-round sunshine will do that to you…

Grab yourself a glass of the good stuff - as we explore America’s ‘Grape State’. There is one thing that Californians are incredibly serious about, and that’s top class wine. The wine world owes so much to California: varietal wines, ‘boutique wineries’, and scientific site selection. Known for full bodied reds and oaky whites, California is one of the most diverse wine regions in terms of its soil, climate and the number of different grape varieties. We will enjoy private visits and tastings at some of California’s most renowned wineries including Ridge and Frog’s Leap as well as exploring the regions famous viticultural areas - Sonoma and Napa.

Join us as we discover vines, wines and so much more, across the ‘Land of Milk and Honey’.

DATE: 7th - 13th May 2017 COST: £4,495 inc. flights (Sgl Supp: £995) 16

Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

CHILE Humble casks have always had their place on a Chilean table… long before wine became a luxury commodity From the late 19th century onwards Chile, Argentina and Uruguay firmly established themselves on the world wine scene. The organic movement is strong in South America, and the winemakers strive for regionality and originality in their wines. Try delicious Chilean Carmenère, Argentina’s star white Torrontés, Uruguay’s bold Tannat blends and so many more varieties.

Then there’s the scenery. Chile’s landscape has often been called nature on a colossal scale, Argentina and Uruguay are almost as beautiful. Parched dunes, fertile valleys, volcanoes, ancient forests, massive glaciers and fjords are all here for your eyes to take in.

You’ll have plenty of free time to fall in love with your surroundings… and fall in love you will.

DATE: 12th - 26th February 2017 COST: £6,195 inc. flights (Sgl Supp: £1,100)

SOUTH AFRICA It is said that South African wine straddles both the old and new worlds – the Cape’s wine culture goes back more than 350 years These New World wines, have a long and rich history...

Regardless, South African wine is at the top of its game now – thanks to its great value and easy drinking nature.

With so many excellent wines from a variety of grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay and more – the only problem you’ll have is deciding which to try next.

Join us as we visit renowned areas: Walker Bay, Stellenbosch, Swartland and Constantia. This is an exciting time to travel: it’s harvest time and we’re sure to see plenty of activity. Alongside our tastings, we’ve scheduled plenty of cultural visits: from game drives at wildlife sanctuaries, to informal family BBQs, and free time to explore the charming villages.

DATE: 3rd March - 11th March 2017 COST: £3,395 inc. flights (Sgl Supp: £250)

Arblaster improves with age. Travel improves with wine. sales@winetours.co.uk www.winetours.co.uk 01730 263111& Clarke – Wine

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WINE DAYS

Experience everything that makes A&C special... but on a smaller scale, right here in the UK. Become a wine maker for a day; an expert in the noble French tradition of sabrage; or simply take the opportunity to taste some fantastic wines.

CHAMPAGNE DINNER & TASTING Join us for an effervescent evening in the New Forest—sparkling wines and ceremonial sabres? Magnifique!

From “the devil’s wine” to a positively saintly sparkler, Champagne has been stealing hearts for centuries...

Arblaster & Clarke’s included. Join us at the wonderful boutique hotel TerraVina, situated on the edge of the New Forest National Park - just a stone‘s throw from Southampton. We‘re sure to enjoy an effervescent night of Champagne tasting alongside a bevy of gastronomic delights. It will be quite the event - beginning with a masterclass in the dramatic Napoleonic art of sabrage, opening Champagne bottles with a ceremonial sword or sabre. Indulge in an evening focused on the wonderful world of Champagne. The surprisingly versatile wine pairs equally well with everything from venison to oysters! A different Champagne will accompany each of our dinner’s six spectacular courses.

DATE: Friday 20th May 2016 COST: £150 pp

◊◊ Enjoy Champagne not easily found in the UK ◊◊ Learn about the different characteristics of the major Champagne grapes ◊◊ Learn how to pair Champagne with a diverse range of delicious recipes during a six course dinner ◊◊ Enjoy a traditional sabrage demonstration

NORTH ITALY DINNER & TASTING Say ciao bella! to one of Italy‘s most famous gastronomic regions, its delectable produce and tantalising wines Join us at what many consider to be the best hotel in the New Forest, TerraVina. It is the vision of Gerard Bassett OBE - the only person in the world to hold both the prestigious Master Sommelier and Master of Wine qualifications. The wine list is second to none, ranging from the classics to an eclectic selection from some of the world’s more unusual wine producing regions.

Sample a carefully curated list, accompanied by a mouthwatering five course dinner of autumnal produce.

Our evening begins with a sparkling prosecco aperitif, and an introduction to the region with a comparative tasting led by our Wine Guide. Each course of our gourmet dinner will be accompanied by a different Northern Italian wine. Enjoy Northern Italy’s best seasonal produce, including black and white truffles.

DATE: Friday 14th October 2016 COST: £150 pp

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◊◊ Learn how to pair wines with a diverse range of ingredients and tempting recipes ◊◊ Enjoy wines from regions including Piedmont, Trentino & Alto Adige, and the Veneto ◊◊ Taste the difference between Barolo and Barbaresco, Valpolicella and Verdicchio, and more ◊◊ Savour a beautiful seasonal menu, including specialties of the region

Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

30TH ANNIVERSARY FAIR Just like our favourite wines, we like to think that we only get better with age... and we‘re in a party mood!

That’s why we’re celebrating our upcoming 30th birthday with aplomb, and inviting you along for the ride. The festivities will take place at London’s prestigious Vintners’ Hall, home to the historic Vintners’ Company, one of the most ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. We will be joined by some of the superb suppliers and winemakers that you may have met, or are yet to meet, on your wine tours with us. The day is split into 2 sessions; the morning will run from 11:00 to 14:00, before a break over lunch before the evening session starts at 17:00, finishing in time for dinner at 20:00. Join the morning session and then treat yourself to a special lunch in London, or come along to the evening session to revitalize your spirits at the end of the week.

DATE: Friday 8th July 2016 COST: £50 pp

◊◊ Meet the A&C team and discuss your next wine adventure ◊◊ Take the opportunity to taste over 100 wines from all across the globe ◊◊ Catch up with fellow travellers, and make acquaintance with new companions ◊◊ Enjoy the special surroundings of the historic Vintners’ Hall, built in the 17th century

LONDON CRU WINE MAKER DAY See the inner workings of Central London’s first winery; and create your own blended wine to take home.

This brand new experience day will begin with an introduction to the London Cru Urban Winery and their project making beautiful wines in Central London with grapes grown and sourced from Europe. Delve into the journey of the grape, from the vineyards of Europe to the barrels of London Cru and the vinification process which leads to the lovely bottled vintages you will be able to taste. Sample the classical styles of the wines and assess the individual components within them, such as the acidity and tannins. Using a control sample we will be able to compare how these components affect the experience of the wines on the palate. Finally, get handson and create your own blend which will then be bottled for you to take home. The day finishes with a tasting through London Cru wines from bottle and barrel.

DATE: 3rd December 2016 COST: £150 pp

◊◊ London Cru wines are made in the heart of London ◊◊ Enjoy a two-course lunch including wine ◊◊ Grapes from the Languedoc and Piemonte are used to make these fabulous wines ◊◊ Many different wines are produced including Syrah, Chardonnay and Bacchus!

Arblaster improves with age. Travel improves with wine. sales@winetours.co.uk www.winetours.co.uk 01730 263111& Clarke – Wine

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BESPOKE TOURS

Let us organise the perfect tour... just for you

Do you have a passion for a particular wine region?

A once-in-a-lifetime trip you want to include a fabulous trip to a world-famous winery or chateau?

Are you a group or society organiser looking for something different for your members?

Do you have a special birthday or anniversary to celebrate?

At Arblaster and Clarke, we understand that when it comes to special occasions‚ sometimes‚ out of the box experience simply won’t do.

We have organised hundreds of unique wine tours all over the world, tailored to groups of many shapes and sizes. From private jet roundthe-world trips, to humble day tours of Champagne – we’ve done it all!

Don’t limit your imagination to just cellar visits. We can arrange multi-faceted tours that include vineyard walks, opera performances, gourmet asides from truffle hunting to cookery courses - and historical Châteaux tours. The list goes on and on!

If you have a hankering to explore a particular region, wish to plan a trip for your group or society, or want to arrange a special celebration we would be delighted to discuss a bespoke private tour.

Group sizes can vary from 2 to 200 people! Please do get in

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contact to discuss your group, budgets and requirements and we will get you on your way to your dream wine tour!

Visit renowned wineries and estates, stay in the best accommodation, dine at fantastic restaurants, and travel with insightful Wine Guides and experienced Tour Managers.

Please do get in touch with us to discuss your group, budgets and requirements.

Give us a call on: 01730 263111, or email: sales@winetours.co.uk we can’t wait to help you on your way to your perfect wine tour!

Enjoy the trip of a lifetime - just the way you want it to be...

Wine Tours

IV 30TH ANN

Arblaster & Clarke – Wine improves with age. Travel improves with wine.

ERSARY