Category ‘Wine’
Bubbly Spain – Cava country of the Penedés
April 15th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Holidaying this year in the North of Spain? Why not. Rolling countryside, vibrant cities, wild and rugged coastline - Catalonia has much to offer. If you like to celebrate your arrival pick up a bottle of the local bubbly – Cava in Spain is often superior to it’s French counterpart – Champagne. Take a day trip or longer and explore the Penedés, the region famous hereabouts for it’s production of Cava.
Let’s take a ramble around Cava country. Salud!
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Read the entire post » Bubbly Spain – Cava country of the Penedés
Sanlúcar – Sherry and Sunshine
April 8th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Sitting in the warmed up Spring sunshine late yesterday afternoon, I thought to pour a tall, narrow glass of sherry. No, I’m not ninety, and neither am I a granny…! But sherry is having a revival not seen since the first Easter – it seems everyone is drinking it, and there’s so much more to sherry than just the flavour of a trifle. But on a warm Spring evening, the Sherry to try is a cold Manzanilla, with a little tapa on the side. The perfect aperitif before a late dinner, and so refreshing. Where’s it from? Let’s take a look…at sipping sherry in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
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Read the entire post » Sanlúcar – Sherry and Sunshine
A Taste of Castilla y León – Food for Thought
April 3rd, 2013 by Carol Byrne
What’s the one thing that consistently draws visitors back to Spain year after year? Sunshine? Definitely. Scenery and locations? Absolutely. Culture and history? Spain has more culture than you can shake a stick at, sure. What about food and drink? It’s not all Paella and Sangria you know – although, of course, those as well!
The thing is: Spanish food varies so much, region by region, and today we’ll look at one in particular, and have a taste of the food and drink around Castilla y León. Best bib and tucker? Let’s go…
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Read the entire post » A Taste of Castilla y León – Food for Thought
The Sherry Triangle of Southern Spain
December 20th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
I would assume that most people in the UK only buy a bottle of Sherry at Christmas – and that’s just to keep Granny quiet in the corner for a few hours. Have you noticed that she’ll only have a little glass but manages to quaff the entire bottle?! Hmmm.
But Sherry is becoming increasingly popular with younger people too – and so it should. Not just as a drink either. You only have to turn on a cookery programme to see the likes of Rick Stein or José Pizzaro flinging it into a pan, to sauté kidneys or marinate fruit. Sherry is best when drunk in Spain – naturally – and you could combine a holiday in the sunny South with a bodega trip or twenty. Sounds good, no? – Sherry is not just for Christmas!
Read the entire post » The Sherry Triangle of Southern Spain
Read the entire post » The Sherry Triangle of Southern Spain
You must try the Mosto – in Colmenar, Málaga
November 29th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
A fiesta based on the beginnings of wine sounds great, doesn’t it?
How about a celebration of local pork products to go with it? December in Spain is starting to look – and taste – very nice indeed. Experience it all for yourself and come along to Colmenar close to Málaga, for the Fería del Mosto y la Chacina 2012.
Read the entire post » You must try the Mosto – in Colmenar, Málaga
Read the entire post » You must try the Mosto – in Colmenar, Málaga
Top 5 Wine Towns of the Costa Blanca
November 16th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
The Costa Blanca – the White Coast – which sits happily on the East of Spain, stretching long white sandy fingers down one of the most popular destinations in Europe. We love it for many reasons, but also for the gastronomy, and the delicious wine. So where are the top five towns to visit for a drop of winning wine? This way please, glass in hand….By the way, choose the window seat on the plane!
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Read the entire post » Top 5 Wine Towns of the Costa Blanca
Time to wine in Spain
October 25th, 2012 by vernon
Grapes are all around me. A friend cannot give me enough. A neighbour has land where I am encouraged to take as many grapes as I wish.
If things carry on this way I will soon be running my own bodega. But there is no need to. There are plenty for you and me to visit throughout Spain.
So let’s go on a road trip. You can drink. I will drive.
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Read the entire post » Time to wine in Spain
On the Valencian wine route – Requena
October 13th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
We all like a glass of wine, whether it’s to appreciate a good label red with dinner, or just to sip a chilled white with friends on a warm Spanish evening – the pleasure is in the uncorking and sipping. You might not automatically think of Valencia when you think Spanish wine – after all, they already have the Paella, the Rice and the Oranges! How greedy can they be?! But the Orange Blossom Coast also does a fine line in wine….fancy a taster session? Come with me to the pleasant and tranquil wine filled town of Requena…
Read the entire post » On the Valencian wine route – Requena
Read the entire post » On the Valencian wine route – Requena
Wine flows freely in Cádiar
October 5th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
A wine fiesta in October where the red stuff flows from the fountains in place of wine? Now that sounds like a party! Come and join in the fun in the Alpujarras this weekend at the Cádiar Feria de Octubre...There’s more than wine afoot – but it does take pride of place so come along and mingle…
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Read the entire post » Wine flows freely in Cádiar
Healing all ails in the spirit of Spain – cheers!
July 11th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
We all know a glass of red wine is good for you – I said one glass!
Here where I live in Las Alpujarras, history tells us that local wine made up a good portion of the daily calorific intake during the Años del Hambre- the Hungry Years when ration cards were distributed to the Spanish population. The wine boosted energy levels, and allowed people to continue to work and farm their land, although probably mostly through blurred eyes – some of the local wine here - Vino de la Tierra – is extremely strong.
What other Spanish brews are also said to act as healing elixirs? Are there any for everlasting youth I wonder?!
Hmmm, Let´s see…
Read the entire post » Healing all ails in the spirit of Spain – cheers!
Read the entire post » Healing all ails in the spirit of Spain – cheers!
Bus stop – La Alpujarra
April 8th, 2012 by vernon
The public transport service in Spain is excellent. So much of the attention is always on the high speed train service that now covers so much of the country and allows you to travel between the major cities at high speed.
But what if you want to see the country outside your window? Some trains go so fast it is difficult to take in the scenery.
I catch the bus. I think the superb coach network is a great way to see Spain.
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Read the entire post » Bus stop – La Alpujarra
Activities for April – in sunny Spain
March 14th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
April – It´s not all about Easter! Although, if you do happen to spend April in Spain, then Easter -Semana Santa – really is the big parade and one not to be missed. Spanish style is the only style when it comes to the biggest celebration of the year and Seville is one of the best shows to see, but what´s on the rest of the month?
Put the kettle on and have a read – there´s more to the start of a warm Spring in Spain than just the chocolate eggs!
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Read the entire post » Activities for April – in sunny Spain
Spring into Spain! What’s on in February and March…
February 13th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
The cold nights of Winter are offset by the days filled with bright sunshine and blue skies already here in Spain, with daytime temperatures already creeping up along the south coastline. Spain is truly wonderful for the clarity in seasonal change, and we know that Spring will bring heat and displays of blossom and flowers all over the country, what better time is there to escape?
So, what’s on in Spain for the coming months?
There’s always something going on – so with this month and next in focus – take a few days out and plan a visit to a Spanish destination, and combine your holiday with an event!
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Read the entire post » Spring into Spain! What’s on in February and March…
A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
January 17th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Well, will she say yes?
To what? …..Your marriage proposal of course – St. Valentine’s day is just around the corner – next month – so if you’re going to do it – then propose in style in Spain. A weekend away as well as a sparkling diamond? How can she turn you down?!
Plan February 14th with sunshine in mind – take a trip to Romantic Spain and choose a special place to spring your surprise!
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Read the entire post » A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
Town of the Star – Estella la Bella
December 31st, 2011 by Carol Byrne
No, I haven´t gone all Christmassy on you again, not that star…although in Spain the Three Kings are still out there and getting ready to go…
I refer to a particular tradition, the one of taking a long walk in the fresh air for New Year´s Day.
We always used to do that, the dog pulling us uphill and down dale, the idea was, I guess, to blow away the cobwebs of the Christmas period, clear the head of hangovers and results of overeating – and the resolution of a healthier New Year - well, in theory anyway!
Now, you could just go for a ramble close to your front door, but what with all the sunshine and longer days that Spain has to offer, why not book a flight and pack your walking boots instead? I have just the thing for you…
Read the entire post » Town of the Star – Estella la Bella
Read the entire post » Town of the Star – Estella la Bella
Soria – A special sort of Spanish town!
December 20th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
Overlooking the river Duero and sitting pretty within easy reach of Zaragoza or a short hop from busy Bilbao, what will you find if you take a trip to Soria?
Riverside activities, an elegant plaza and park, a tree house open to the public, medieval architecture in bucket-loads and lots more….pay a visit to Soria in Old Castile and Leon - and prepare to be surprised!
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Read the entire post » Soria – A special sort of Spanish town!
Madrid Gastrofestival 2012 – Spanish cuisine in the spotlight
November 21st, 2011 by Louise Brace
The Gastrofestival Madrid is a mouth-watering initiative set up by the Madrid City Government and Madrid Fusion, which presents to the four corners of the globe, the truly wonderful world of Spanish cuisine. Next year celebrates the third edition of this culinary festival, taking place from January 23rd to February 5th 2012. It promises to reach beyond the borders of traditional restaurant cuisine.
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Read the entire post » Madrid Gastrofestival 2012 – Spanish cuisine in the spotlight
A different side to Spain – the countryside and farmlands.
October 30th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
As you peel that Valencian Orange and bite into the juicy segments, or tuck into a delicious Paella whilst on holiday at the local fiesta – you may be forgiven for imagining the Spain you see is all about Sun, Sea and Sangria…. but a thriving agricultural layer survives here too – and it´s not just about the rice and the oranges! - although they are an important part of the fabric of Spain too…
Hop into your wellies and Barbour jacket, and let´s look at the farming patterns of Spain…
Read the entire post » A different side to Spain – the countryside and farmlands.
Read the entire post » A different side to Spain – the countryside and farmlands.
Self catering in Spain? Cooking up a storm!
October 27th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
So, you´ve selected the area you want to visit for a break over Christmas, or perhaps in the New Year – nothing like escaping the British weather – or Irish, if the Dublin floods this week were anything of a prelude of what to expect 
– and browsed the Spain Holiday site. You´ve chosen a lovely property from the huge selection available, remembering that renting directly from the owners has the advantage of a home-from-home with usually well equipped kitchens and all that´s needed.
Now all you have left to do is to pack and look forward to your winter place in the sun!
What can you expect to buy and cook there? Forget the weekly dash around the supermarket that sells all – you can do that too – but it´s far more fun to explore the art of shopping – Spanish style!
Read the entire post » Self catering in Spain? Cooking up a storm!
– and browsed the Spain Holiday site. You´ve chosen a lovely property from the huge selection available, remembering that renting directly from the owners has the advantage of a home-from-home with usually well equipped kitchens and all that´s needed.
Now all you have left to do is to pack and look forward to your winter place in the sun!
What can you expect to buy and cook there? Forget the weekly dash around the supermarket that sells all – you can do that too – but it´s far more fun to explore the art of shopping – Spanish style! Read the entire post » Self catering in Spain? Cooking up a storm!
Visit Vitoria – stylish capital of Álava
October 26th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
If Spanish cities were a necklace of the finest jewels, then the understated elegance of Vitoria would be the sparkling central stone. Where is it? The capital of both Álava and Euskadi – it´s concentric rings of streets contain lots of new places to discover – as well as sightseeing, Christmas shopping and nightlife galore. Open the treasure chest that is Vitoria-Gasteiz, and imagine a winter weekend in this magical city….
Read the entire post » Visit Vitoria – stylish capital of Álava
Read the entire post » Visit Vitoria – stylish capital of Álava
