Germans have become savvy wine consumers who are no longer fixated on the wines of a specific region, but instead think internationally when making their wine purchases. The era of high-priced wines is over, however. Today’s customers want well-priced wines that offer excellent quality.

Magnificent castles – and food to match! Spain’s best ham comes from the Extremadura region, whose ham route in the south-western part of the country offers magnificent castles, superb churches, whitewashed villages, deserted oak forests – and hams by the thousands.

 

Meat aficionados simply adore dry-aged beef because it makes for the world’s best steaks. Americans have been producing dry-aged beef (beef aged on the bone) for years. And now Germans are discovering this venerable process.

 

The ex-banker turned artisan watchmaker who makes Maurice de Mauriac watches tick

Daniel Dreifuss started out as a banker, but now he’s a watchmaker. In his Zurich studio, Daniel takes on the giants of the timepiece industry. The son of Jewish parents, he was a banker by trade, until he decided to bid adieu to the financial industry for good.

Art Whets the Appetite

Visitors on the trail of the beautiful artworks of Renaissance artist, Piero della Francesca, can get a taste of the real Italy in its mediaeval towns. A cultural and gastronomic tour of authentic cuisine, fine wine and cosy bistros.

It is a fascinating adventure to follow the trail of Renaissance artist, Piero della Francesca.

 

Tea varieties are increasingly sumptuous. In addition to the classic black and green teas, exotic blends are appearing on the shelves with new fruit and spiced teas introducing novel flavours to the teapot. Tea connoisseurs love the tea egg, which slowly releases a subtle blend of aromatic floral notes on infusion, whereas tea powders are the perfect solution for people on the go.