To coincide with Spring and also Viognier (24th April) and Sauvignon Blanc (1st May) Day, we invite you to celebrate this blend of sounds, scents, and flavours with us by cooking up a food and wine pairing storm to showcase two of the world’s most exuberant and aromatic grape varieties!

Full of orchard fruits, honey, and spice, Viognier is a joyful grape full of the promise of warmer days. It’s delicious with a range of dishes like roast chicken, apricot tagine, mushroom risotto, and even pulled pork.

Sauvignon Blanc is a fan favourite and infinitely more zesty, making it a delicious accompaniment to seafood, goat’s cheese, and crunchy spring salads.

Abbotts & Delaunay ‘Les Fleurs Sauvages’ Pays d’Oc, Viognier 2024

RRP: £12.50 or mix six £11.00
Stockist: Majestic – find it here
This single varietal Viognier is made from grapes grown on warm, 150 – 200m hillsides in southern Minervois. This is a decadent, fragrant wine reminiscent of Condrieu, bursting with notes of peach, apricot and almond, as well as ginger spice and orange blossom. While lees ageing has brought creaminess and texture to the palate, the decision to harvest the grapes during the cool hours of the early morning has brought balance and freshness.

A delicious match for roast chicken with tarragon and roast potatoes, or a spiced squash and apricot tagine.
Tech sheet – here

Les Jamelles Viognier 2024

RRP: £9.50
Stockist: Co-op – find it here
This opulent and fragrant Viognier is made from a blend of grapes sourced from four mineral terroirs chosen for the crispness and vivacity they bring to the finished wine. Grapes are picked at peak ripeness, bringing heady scents of apricot, white peach, acacia blossom and a perfect balance of richness, golden fruit, and fresh acidity. Serve with Asian dishes, seafood, asparagus, or an apricot and frangipane tart.
Tech sheet: here

La Belle Angèle Sauvignon Blanc 2025

RRP: £9.50 or £8.50 mix six
Stockist: Majestic – find it here
Tasting Note: Those on the search for a classic French Sauvignon at an exceptional price need look no further than this elegant example, with an equally elegant label featuring ‘La Belle Angèle’ – a beautiful muse of the French Impressionists. Bottled under the Vin de France classification, this is a crisp and refreshing wine full of typical old-world Sauvignon characteristics such as citrus, apple and gooseberry, with a creamy mouth-feel following a month of lees ageing in stainless steel vats. This zesty Sauvignon would make a perfect aperitif or bring a zip of freshness to a seafood platter or a selection of goats’ cheese.
Tech sheet: here

At its core, Wild Idol is crafted from a blend of carefully selected grapes by expert winemakers, combining elements of traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary approach. Unlike many alcohol-free wines, it is not de-alcoholised; instead, it is made without fermentation, meaning no alcohol is ever created or removed. This naturally alcohol-free process preserves the purity and integrity of the fruit, resulting in a liquid that is both precise and expressive, with minimal intervention throughout.

The grape varieties themselves play a key role in shaping the style. Varietals, including Müller-Thurgau and Merlot, are chosen for their vibrant fruit character and aromatic complexity. The result is a finely sparkling liquid with delicate bubbles, offering freshness, depth and a refined sense of structure in a naturally alcohol-free expression.

With a focus on celebration without compromise, Wild Idol reflects a growing shift towards more mindful, inclusive drinking at the premium end of the market. Vegan, gluten-free and low in calories, it aligns with modern lifestyles while maintaining a distinctly luxurious positioning.

Now stocked in Harrods, Selfridges, Jeroboams, Daylesford Organic, and many more, as well as a selection of leading hotels, restaurants and spas, Wild Idol is becoming the go-to choice for those seeking a high-quality, luxury, naturally alcohol-free sparkling wine. Elegant, contemporary and effortlessly enjoyable, it represents a new standard in sparkling – where craftsmanship, purity and indulgence come together.

Purchase here

South African-focused Bruce Jack Wines produces wine across four continents, including Africa, Europe, North and South America, and is available in 23 countries.

“Being included on the list of the Top 50 Most Admired Wine Brands for the sixth time is a wonderful recognition of our incredible team and our strategic partnerships. It also shows we are not a fad business that bursts onto the scene only to fade away, ” said the eponymous Bruce Jack. “And while we are a long way from being a ‘planet’ brand, one of those anchor bodies around which the industry orientates itself, we are shining strongly, standing firm in the beautiful chaos and mayhem that is the global wine market.”

The business grew by 30% during 2025, driven by new listings across the African continent with far-flung markets like Brazil and Japan enthusiastically discovering what our traditional markets in the UK, Canada and Europe already knew.

“As a country, South Africa has struggled to be recognised on global lists like these, despite over achieving in international blind tasting competitions, ” Jack said. “But this is changing thanks to a growing recognition that South Africa makes consistently brilliant wine at every price point. Our industry is a healthy mix of established, heritage brands and a constant bustle of new kids on the block. We are steeped in authenticity and sparkle with African resilience. The South African wine industry is more vibrant and more relevant than ever.”

“Many of the international wine businesses on this list are renowned industry leaders with extensive experience, large teams and stellar heritage. The vast majority have been around for decades, and some for over a century.”

“It is lekker to have made the cut once again, especially as a family-owned business with a very small team,” said Jack. “Being family-owned, we contribute to the social fabric of our communities, supporting environmental organisations, establishing resilience in civic structures, and driving young student education (especially in music). While we take our winemaking very seriously, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. This allows us to push the boundaries. And at the end of the day, we value the end consumer as the most important person in the chain.”

“I think the hundreds of judges who vote for the brands that appear on the “Most Admired” list are not only interested in the big guns with huge marketing budgets – they also value the new leaders with trailblazing brands and an inspiring vision.”

The consistent performance on this list reflects over 30 years of Bruce’s total immersion in the industry, from vineyard establishment and viticulture to winemaking and marketing.

In the UK, wine lovers can sip on the Bruce Jack Lifestyle range, created for different occasions and with unique character across the UK, available at ASDA, Co-op and Sainsbury’s. The Bruce Jack Reserve, Heritage and Estate ranges are available from Hallgarten & Novum Wines and the boundary-pushing, multiple award-winning Ghost in the Machine range is available for the on-trade from Majestic Commercial.

T:  +44 (0)1582722538
E:  Ben Jackson
W: Bruce Jack

@brucejackwines / @brucejackwines

Famed beer brand from Holland, Amstel, has launched “Shot Without Permission,” a photographic project that captures unguarded moments between friends in neighbourhood bars. Moments that only happen when nobody is thinking about being observed.

Enjoyed in over 70 countries, Amstel was founded by two friends who believed that the best moments in life are the ones where you can be your real self, surrounded by the people who know you best. This is the inspiration behind this beautiful project.

Instead of staging friendship, Amstel chose to document it. Real people. Real bars. No scripts, no actors, no direction. Just the kind of spontaneous, natural connection that exists when you are with your golden circle of friends.

 Production without permission

Amstel departed from conventional advertising practices, and acclaimed Spanish photographer Javier Tles worked discreetly, moving through bars and capturing moments instinctively as they unfolded.

After the shots were taken, the team approached those who were photographed to inform them about the potential use of the images and to obtain their explicit consent. What remains are unposed scenes – observed rather than constructed – capturing connection as it naturally happens. As an extension of the idea, individuals who recognise themselves in campaign placements across outdoor and social channels are invited to come forward and claim a year’s supply of Amstel by emailing compensation@amstel.com.

By removing control from the production process, Shot Without Permission positions itself as a counterpoint to both traditional advertising and wider performance culture, reinforcing Amstel’s commitment to human connection in an increasingly synthetic world. It is a modern expression of a long-held belief of this brand, born in Amsterdam, a place of respect and freedom, where people are free to be themselves.

A study commissioned by Amstel finds that friends are the people we feel most ourselves around – more than even romantic partners, with 68% seeing friendships as key enablers of being their true, authentic selves.

Friendship and authenticity have always been at the heart of Amstel and nod to the values of the brand’s founding city of Amsterdam, where, back in 1870, two friends turned founders set out to brew a beer worthy of their friendship.

“From the very beginning, Amstel has been about bringing people together in genuine moments of connection, embracing the golden circle of friends that make you feel completely comfortable. When just being yourself is enough,” said Vanessa Brandao, Global Brand Director for Amstel at HEINEKEN. “Today, so much of life feels curated and staged, and we wanted to focus on the moments where there is no pressure to perform. Those are the moments that matter most in life, where we feel truly appreciated for being who we are, and those are the moments this initiative celebrates.”

“To portray genuine friendship, we had to momentarily break every rule in marketing. No casting. No script. No consent. We decided to shoot first and ask for permission later. The results speak for themselves,” said Daniel Fisher, Global Chief Creative Officer, INGO.

“We treated this as documentary photography, not advertising,” said photographer Javier Tles. “Nothing was directed or staged. By stepping back and letting moments unfold, we were able to capture something far more honest – interactions and feelings as they exist in real life, not as they are usually presented.”

The resulting images embrace imperfection: casual clothing, half-finished conversations, fleeting expressions, and quiet glances. Unpolished and unfiltered, the initiative reaffirms Amstel’s belief that the best moments are not created but discovered. The friendships worth celebrating are the ones that allow people to be unapologetically themselves.

Click HERE to see how the Shot Without Permission campaign was made.

]]> https://www.luxurialifestyle.com/london-distillery-company-unveils-10-year-old-single-malt-whisky/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:19:55 +0000 https://www.luxurialifestyle.com/?p=108704 The London Distillery Company (TLDC) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Ten Times Around the Sun, London’s first 10-year-old single malt whisky and a landmark release that marks a major milestone in the capital’s modern whisky revival.

Distilled from Quench spring barley and laid down on 20th October 2015 in single ex-bourbon barrel #007, Ten Times Around the Sun has been bottled at 51.4% ABV and is presented non-chill-filtered and with natural colour, reflecting TLDC’s long-standing commitment to authenticity of flavour. The release is accompanied by striking artwork inspired by the single malt’s decade of maturation, visually capturing ten full orbits around the sun and the passage of time that has shaped the spirit.

Ten Times Around the Sun is limited to 220 bottles, priced at £89.95, and will launch on Friday, 27th February via London Distillery. TLDC was established in 2011, creating the first new whisky distillery in the capital since Lea Valley Distillery closed in 1903. Founded and inspired by the city’s lost distilling
heritage, this iteration of the Company operated from a small, but ambitious site in Battersea. It quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach – combining traditional production methods with a fresh, contemporary vision.

Following the company’s revival in 2025, the past year has seen TLDC re-establish its place in the capital’s whisky landscape, laying the foundations for future releases and building a bridge between London’s historic distilling past and its contemporary, forward-looking ambitions. Ten Times Around the Sun is a tangible expression of that journey – a whisky that preserves an important piece of London distilling history while pointing confidently to the future.

As one of the earliest casks laid down by the distillery, ex-bourbon barrel #007 has matured over the past decade, witnessing the growth of England’s whisky sector and the rise of a new generation of London-based distilleries. Surviving TLDC’s closure in 2019, the cask now stands as a symbol of the company’s resilience, while reinforcing the capital’s position as a serious and credible whisky-producing region.

Speaking of the launch, Matt McKay, TLDC Managing Director and Whisky Maker said: “Ten Times Around the Sun marks a defining moment for The London Distillery Company. It honours one of our earliest casks, capturing the original spirit that began our journey. This release is a tangible piece of London’s whisky history, surviving the distillery’s closure in 2019 and now emerging as a symbol of our return. This is a whisky born of our past, shaped by our revival, and confidently demonstrating our bold, bright future.”

With so many hampers to choose from, you can pick the perfect gift for your loved one or choose a completely personalised selection of treats for them to enjoy. Every product has been hand-selected by The British Hamper Company and represents the very best of the UK’s artisan makers. Many of the hampers feature one of their 14 Great Taste Award-winning products.

Looking for inspiration? Here are The British Hamper Company’s top picks of Valentine’s Day Gifts

Perfect for chocolate lovers: Divinely Decadent Chocolate Hamper – £79.97

If that special someone in your life is a chocolate connoisseur, then this is the perfect gift. Discover new flavours and British makers with this gastronomic tour of Britain’s artisan chocolatiers. Presented in a beautiful ribbon-tied gift box, this hamper features chocolate-dipped almonds, bean-to-bar white chocolate, decadent drinking chocolate gift tin, bean-to-bar milk chocolate, dark chocolate mint creams, bean-to-bar dark chocolate, sea salt caramel chocolates in a gift tin and chocolate honeycomb rocks.

Ideal for a cosy date night: Red Wine Delight Hamper – £69.97

Light the candles and turn down the lights, this hamper is the perfect centrepiece to a romantic movie night or cosy night in. Enjoy a bottle of red wine with a selection of high quality foodie treats from the UK’s best artisans. Unwrap the ribbon on this beautiful gift box to discover inside – Esporao Pe Tinto red wine, all butter cheddar biscuits in a gifting tin, sea salt crisps, sea salt and black pepper corn crunch, rosemary and garlic olives, stem ginger cookies, dark chocolate mint creams and jalapeno and lime mixed nuts.

A gift to remember for foodie fans: Royale Banquet Food and Wine – £159.97

Foodies will be bowled over by this keepsake wicker basket filled to the brim with an unbeatable selection of British artisan foodie finds. The Valentine’s extravagance hamper is the perfect way to show your love to anyone who enjoys discovering the very best food and wines. Included in the reusable wicker hamper you will find – a bottle of L’Avenir – Horizon Pinotage, a bottle of L’Avenir Horizon Chenin Blanc, artisan praline truffles, lemon butter shortbread, zesty lemon curd, black pepper corn crunch, rosemary and garlic olives, artisan blend ground coffee, stem ginger cookies, jalapeno and lime mixed nuts, highland cheese straws, sun blush tomato and garlic relish and all butter cheddar biscuits.

The ultimate grand gesture: The Happily Ever After Hamper – £245.00

Romance lovers looking to make the ultimate grand gesture this Valentine’s Day will find their perfect match with The Happily Ever After Hamper. Pop the cork on a bottle of Taittinger Champagne as you sit down to enjoy an indulgent feast for the senses. This hamper features everything you need for a romantic date night and includes – Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne, Alfred Enderby Finest Cured Smoked Salmon, Bray Cured Classic Fennel Salami, Cote Hill Red, fruit cake, Vintage Organic Cheddar Truckle, sultana scones, clotted cream, red onion marmalade, all butter cheddar biscuits in a gifting tin, sun blushed tomato and garlic relish, rosemary and garlic olives, sea salt crisps, Scottish water biscuits, lemon butter shortbread, chocolate-dipped almonds and strawberry jam.

Delivered to your door – wherever you are in the world

The British Hamper Company offers easy online ordering and delivery straight to your door, ensuring that your gift arrives beautifully packaged and on time. For those with loved ones abroad, the company offers international delivery (on selected hampers), allowing you to share the joy of a British Valentine’s celebration wherever you are.

Explore the full Valentine’s range at The British Hamper Company and make this Valentine’s Day truly special with a gift from The British Hamper Company.

For more information or to place your order, visit The British Hamper Company.

The British Hamper Company, founded in 2014 by a passionate, food-loving family, has grown in strength over the past decade, driven by a genuine passion for delicious, artisanal products.

They create some of the most stylish and exciting hampers around. You can choose from an impressive selection of ‘Gourmet’ hampers, or even design your own via the ‘Make Your Own’ section. These hampers make perfect gifts at any time of year — but after the exhaustion of trawling through endless websites at Christmas, The British Hamper Company feels wonderfully refreshing, not to mention memorable. They are ideal for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any occasion in between. Every product is individually selected as the best of the best, scrupulously chosen to ensure first-class quality throughout.

What’s even more impressive is their delivery service, with worldwide delivery available.

The Happily Ever After Hamper

We were so privileged to receive the beautiful Happily Ever After Hamper. It arrived exquisitely packaged, complete with a personalised gift card, and chilled items carefully packed with ice packs to ensure complete freshness. The hand-woven hamper itself is lovely and surprisingly practical — ours is already being used as a dog toy box, and I’m not sure whether to apologise for that or recommend it!

Discovering a boxed bottle of my favourite champagne, Taittinger, nestled among the shredded tissue paper, was a real treat. There are far too many items to list, but highlights include cured smoked salmon, fruit cake, vintage cheddar, fruit scones with all the necessary accompaniments, a selection of sweet and savoury biscuits, and a particular weakness of mine — garlic and rosemary olives. A perfect pairing with the champagne, and just like that, my Saturday night was sorted.

The British Hamper Company will now, without a doubt, be my go-to gifting choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and heartfelt thank-yous.

W: The British Hamper Company

Written by Luxuria Lifestyle’s Global Editor Debbie Stone

Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, making it an invitation to linger and celebrate with your loved one in a relaxed setting. At home, romance is found in the details: flickering candlelight, chilled glassware, and cocktails crafted with intention.

MR. WHITE’S GIN by Marco Pierre White is ideal for the occasion. This is a modern London Dry — confident, elegant, and refined — and perfect for both contemporary and classic cocktails. The brand’s distinctive white and red bottle also ties in beautifully with the Valentine’s colour palette, making it a romantic gift in its own right.

Rose Petal Martini

Ingredients (Serves 1)

50ml MR. WHITE’S GIN
25ml dry vermouth
1 tsp rose syrup
Ice cubes
Edible rose petals, to garnish

Method

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, vermouth, and syrup. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with edible rose petals, fresh or dried.

Raspberry French Kiss

Ingredients (Serves 2)

30ml MR. WHITE’S GIN
30ml raspberry liqueur
Around 250ml chilled Champagne or prosecco
Ice cubes
Fresh or frozen raspberries

Method

Add the gin and raspberry liqueur to a shaker with ice and shake well. Drop 2 to 3 raspberries into two Champagne flutes. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glasses. Slowly top with Champagne or prosecco.

Cocktail Competition for Luxuria Lifestyle Readers

Want to win? Try one of our Valentine’s cocktail serves — or craft your own using gin as the main spirit. Simply post a photo or video of your cocktail on Instagram and tag @mrwhitesgin to enter.

The prize includes:

One bottle of MR. WHITE’S GIN
One signed Marco Pierre White book

The winner will be announced on 13 February.

W: MR WHITE’S GIN

The new limited-edition flagon is available in two bespoke designs, both of which draw inspiration from iconic royal clothing. These stunning bottle designs reimagine royal crowns through intricate lace patterns, infused with Harris Reed’s contemporary edge. Each creation celebrates both heritage and modern artistry, serving as a collectible item that visually encapsulates the spirit of this unique partnership.

Together, Harris Reed and Royal Salute Master Blender Sandy Hyslop have pushed the boundaries of luxury whisky and high-end couture, crafting a spirit that embodies both of their distinct artistic visions. Building on the acclaimed first edition in the partnership, this second collaboration delves deeper into Harris Reed’s diverse style, promising even greater collectability and creative depth.

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Harris Reed Edition II Scotch whisky highlights a higher proportion of Longmorn and first-fill Sherry butt-matured whiskies, introducing elevated creamy and spiced notes, while Braeval malts and Strathclyde grain whiskies bring a delicate floral profile. The result is a spirit that is both delicate and boldly expressive, balancing feminine elegance with masculine depth — a reflection of Reed’s multifaceted personality.

Harris Reed, Royal Salute’s Global Fashion Collaborator, commented on the launch: “Collaborating with Royal Salute for a second year has been an incredible journey of creative evolution. This year, Sandy and I delved even deeper into exploring the intersection of high fashion and luxury whisky, pushing boundaries to create something truly unique and collectible. This edition is a bolder, more intricate statement, and I believe it beautifully captures the spirit of innovation that defines both Royal Salute and my own work.”

Sandy Hyslop, Royal Salute’s Master Blender, commented: “Crafting the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Harris Reed Edition II has been a real privilege, building upon the remarkable foundation of our first release. We’ve meticulously balanced the blend to reflect Harris’ distinctive style, introducing creamy and spicy notes that perfectly complement the vibrant fruit characteristics. This whisky is a testament to the harmony that can be achieved when the worlds of exceptional Scotch and visionary design truly converge.”

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Harris Reed Edition II will be available from December as a domestic market exclusive in Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Poland, across select luxury retailers. RRP varies across markets.

For more information and to discover Harris Reed’s collection for Royal Salute, please follow @royalsalute or visit Royal Salute.

It happened at Vori, on an otherwise unremarkable London night, which made the contrast all the more obvious.

Greek food has always worked like this for me. You don’t sit down and formally begin a meal so much as find yourself already in the middle of one. Plates appear, stay longer than planned, and get nudged closer to the centre. You stop thinking in terms of courses and start thinking in terms of reach. One more piece of bread. A different dip this time. That bite again, actually.

The logic of the table shifts without anyone realising.

Vori leans into that instinct completely. From the start, it’s clear the table is meant to be shared. It fills quickly and stays that way. Nothing arrives with instructions. Nothing feels designed to be eaten in isolation. The food behaves like it expects to be shared. It wants to be tasted next to something else, returned to, reinterpreted mid-conversation. It subtly changes how you eat. You taste more. You linger. You stop guarding your plate.

The room plays along. An open kitchen that’s clearly in use rather than on display. Shelves are stacked because things are needed, not because they’ve been styled. Staff moving with the calm efficiency of people who know the space well enough not to over-explain themselves. It’s the kind of room you don’t have to work out.

The aubergine came first. Melitzanosalata – roasted, smoked, blended with red pepper and marjoram – soft without collapsing, smoky without bitterness. The pitta followed, still hot, passed around instinctively. Hot bread has a way of reorganising a table very quickly, turning it from polite to functional. Conversation paused. Bread was torn. Someone burned their fingers slightly. No one minded.

This is always the test for me: how quickly does a table stop behaving like a place to eat and start behaving like a place to sit?

Alongside it came tzatziki that tasted reassuringly of garlic and a beetroot salad with walnut skordalia that felt grounded and generous. The flavours were clear and separate. Nothing competed for attention. Everything seemed comfortable doing its own job. That sense carried through as the table filled.

At some point – and this is usually a good sign – the conversation shifted away from the food itself and started orbiting it instead. Which bite worked better after something else? Whether the aubergine was better left alone or scooped up alongside a swipe of tzatziki. How beetroot behaves differently once bread gets involved. These are the conversations Greek food is particularly good at encouraging.

Later, when I spoke to the team, they described their cooking in terms that felt refreshingly straightforward. Most dishes, they said, are built around two or three exceptional ingredients. Salt. Extra virgin olive oil. Lemon. Herbs, when they belong. Greek cooking, for them, isn’t a fixed set of recipes but a way of thinking about food. Knowing when to step in. Knowing when to stop.

That way of thinking was everywhere on the table.

The mushroom stifado arrived quietly and then refused to be forgotten. Mushrooms cooked slowly, soaking up sweetness from petimezi and depth from onion and spice. It tasted resolved, as if it had been given enough time to figure itself out. The kind of dish that doesn’t need explaining and would probably resent it if you tried. The team later spoke about ladera – the olive-oil-braised dishes that sit at the heart of Greek home cooking – and this felt very much in that spirit. Patient food, cooked with confidence rather than flourish.

The octopus followed, tender and composed, resting on smooth Santorini fava with capers and onions, doing exactly what they were supposed to do. Nothing dramatic. Nothing corrective. It tasted like something cooked by people who know octopus well enough to leave it alone.

By now, the table had reached that comfortable stage where plates start overlapping, and more bread appears without discussion. Someone went back to a dish they’d already decided was their favourite, just to check. It still was.

Then came the carrots. Karota (a favourite of mine). Charred, sweet, smoky, paired with feta, chilli oil and apricot jam. It was playful without being fussy. Sweetness met heat, salt pulled everything back into line. When I later learned that the carrot tops are reused elsewhere in the kitchen – turned into salsa, soup, garnish – it felt entirely in character. This is a place that doesn’t throw flavour away, or make a song and dance about not doing so.

The prawns arrived baked with orange, cloves, garlic and chilli, the aroma reaching the table before the plate did. Orange can dominate if left unchecked; here it behaved. The prawns stayed tender, the sauce warm and fragrant, and the bread situation escalated accordingly. Someone suggested ordering more. No one objected.

What became increasingly clear was that the pleasure of the meal had nothing to do with hierarchy. No one asked what the “main” was. No one waited for a defining dish. The enjoyment came from accumulation – from tasting widely, from returning to things, from noticing how flavours changed depending on what came before them. The table worked as a whole rather than a sequence.

This, the team later said, is exactly how they think about Greek food. There isn’t one dish that defines them. The meaning sits in the collection – in the table, in the act of sharing, in eating with friends and family over wine and conversation that drifts and loops back on itself.

We shared a bottle of Orealios Gaea ‘Truth’ Organic Robola 2024 from Cephalonia – earthy, minerally, softly aromatic, with enough structure to sit comfortably alongside everything on the table. The wine list here is entirely Greek, which felt less like a statement and more like continuity – the food and the wine clearly used to being in the same conversation.

As the evening wore on, the pace softened. Plates lingered. Glasses stayed fuller for longer. Time stretched without anyone paying it much attention.

That’s when the Kanella Espressotini appeared – Vori’s Greek take on an espresso martini, made with aged tsipouro, cinnamon liqueur and Catalyst Coffee espresso. A brief aside, because context matters: I’m part of a WhatsApp group dedicated entirely to rating espresso martinis around the world. We have criteria. We have opinions. We have debates about foam that go on longer than they should.

This one did well.

It kept the shape of the original while leaning into warmer notes. The cinnamon added depth rather than sweetness, the tsipouro gave structure, and the espresso tasted properly of coffee. Balanced, thoughtful, and very drinkable. It felt like it belonged on the table rather than turning up as a novelty act at the end.

As the night wound down, I started noticing the quieter details. Lemon wedges are placed with intent. Sea salt is used confidently. Extra virgin olive oil is doing steady, structural work throughout the meal. When the team mentioned these were the ingredients they wished diners paid more attention to, it made sense. They had been there all evening, shaping everything gently without demanding credit.

Their sourcing follows the same logic. Anything that needs to be Greek is Greek – olive oil, olives, cheeses, pulses, pita, wine (supplied by long-standing partners Maltby & Greek, who have worked with the team for over a decade). Ingredients that benefit from being closer to home are sourced locally. Their suppliers share the same values: small producers, sustainable practices, and long-standing relationships. Lidgates Butchers provides meat from small UK farms, and James Knight supplies sustainably caught fish and seafood. Root-to-end cooking isn’t framed as a virtue; it’s simply how the kitchen functions.

Walking back out into the cold afterwards, I wasn’t replaying a single dish in my head. I was thinking about the table. About how easy the evening had felt. About how rarely meals encourage you to stop looking for a highlight and just enjoy the whole thing.

Greek food, at its best, understands that variety is the point. That sharing isn’t a format but a philosophy. That sometimes the most satisfying meals are the ones where no single plate insists on being remembered alone.

Vori builds evenings around that idea. Around tables that fill up properly. Around food that knows when to speak and when to let the conversation carry on without it.

You come for dinner. You leave thinking about the table.

W: Vori Greek Kitchen

Written by Emma Blunt for Luxuria Lifestyle International

Handcrafted in the Scottish Highlands, Caorunn is uniquely infused with five locally foraged Celtic botanicals and six traditional gin botanicals, distilled in the world’s only working Copper Berry Chamber to create a flavour that’s as memorable as the season.

The result? A refreshing, slightly spicy gin with a crisp, clean finish – perfect for raising a glass with friends and family over the Christmas period.

Serve with chilled tonic, ice, and a slice of red apple for a festive twist on the classic G&T.

Finding a meaningful Christmas present can be a challenge, but Caorunn is making it much easier with its personalised bottle service. Available via Caorunn’s online shop, you can add a loved one’s name and a festive message to a bottle of award-winning Caorunn Classic Gin at no extra cost. Whether it’s for a close friend, a party host, or a hard-to-buy-for relative, a personalised bottle is a thoughtful gift that’s guaranteed to delight – and it’ll arrive straight to their door. Christmas presents don’t get much easier than this.

And it doesn’t stop there. Caorunn Gin is sharing two seasonal cocktails guaranteed to bring some cheer to your Christmas drinks menu.

Apple Toddy

A warm, spiced winter cocktail featuring Caorunn Classic Gin, apple cider, and Grand Marnier. Infused with orange zest and ground cloves, it’s the perfect cosy serve for festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

40ml Caorunn Classic
30ml Apple cider
20ml Grand Marnier
Orange zest
1tsp Ground cloves

Method:

Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan. Pour the Caorunn Gin and Grand Marnier into a Toddy glass. Fill with hot apple cider and stir well. Garnish with the orange zest and ground cloves. Serve and enjoy.

Mince Pie Royal

A sparkling festive serve that combines Caorunn Classic Gin, apple juice, and homemade mince pie syrup, topped with champagne. It’s a luxurious twist on seasonal flavours, perfect for holiday toasts.

Ingredients:

20ml Caorunn Classic
25ml Apple juice
15ml Mince pie syrup
50ml Champagne
1 Apple slice

Method:

Add the gin, apple juice and mince pie syrup* to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled flute glass (alternatively, add all your ingredients to a glass filled with ice and stir gently for a minute). Top up with champagne and garnish with a slice of apple.

*Mince Pie Syrup

Ingredients:

200g water
200g Caster sugar
100g Mince pie meat (mixture of chopped red apples, raisins, dark brown sugar, and spices)

Method:

Place all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the temperature and simmer for about 30 minutes. Filter the liquid through a fine sieve, bottle and refrigerate.

This Christmas, swap the usual mulled wine for something refreshingly different – and make Caorunn Classic Gin the star of your seasonal sipping.

Caorunn Gin is available to buy via Caorunn’s website (RRP: £30).

A Manor Suspended Between Centuries

You arrive beneath an avenue of ancient oaks that arch overhead like the ribs of a green cathedral. Their branches sift the light into little flakes of gold that dance across the gravel path. Ahead rises the whitewashed, gracefully curved gables and thatched roof of the manor house — the architectural equivalent of a polite bow.

Step inside and the temperature drops as though you’ve crossed some invisible historical membrane. The wooden floors creak in a tone that suggests they have seen everything and are frankly a bit tired. The air hangs thick with beeswax, old wood, and the faintly smug expression of antique furniture that has outlived empires.

Portraits of Dutch governors and merchants line the walls, their powdered faces peering out with that peculiar expression of people who had no idea photographs would one day be invented.

In a side room, a gleaming black table reflects the flicker of a chandelier like a pool of midnight. Here, guides recount Simon van der Stel’s founding vision — his delight in granite soils, cooling sea breezes, and slopes so perfect for vines they may as well have been designed by a celestial agricultural planner. They speak, too, of Constantia’s legendary sweet wine: once poured for Napoleon in lonely exile, admired in European courts, and recommended by Jane Austen as a balm for heartbreak. Not many beverages can claim such a résumé.

Outside, rows of vines lead down toward False Bay in neat, disciplined ranks. Viewed from the manor, the landscape looks layered with invisible footnotes: ox carts, harvests, barrels, ships — and always, the relentless sun that ripens the grapes and paints everything in forgiving light.

The Cellar: Cool Air and Slow Time

Follow the gravel path downhill, and you’ll enter the cellar — a cool, stone-arched chamber where time seems to compress and deepen. The air smells of oak, fermentation, and that pleasant whisper of dust that suggests important things are happening slowly.

Olivia Fowler, the estate’s public-relations guru, appears with the serenity of someone who has memorised not only the estate’s history but also, quite possibly, the secret hopes of the vines themselves. She gestures through the cellar like a conductor coaxing music from invisible instruments. Fermentation, racking, blending — all described in a voice that gives the sense these are not winemaking procedures, but sacred rites performed to appease the gods of agriculture.

Then she shares one of Groot Constantia’s most extraordinary stories — one rarely given the space it deserves. In the 18th century, the estate was inherited by Anna de Koningh, a woman of colour born in Batavia to an enslaved mother. Through determination, intelligence, and a strategic marriage to explorer Olof Bergh, she rose through the rigid colonial ranks to become mistress of this very estate. Her story sits quietly in the archives, like a bottle placed on a high shelf — waiting for the right hands to take it down. In the amber glow of the tasting room, Olivia pours the estate’s jewel: Grand Constance, the sweet wine that once travelled to Napoleon’s lonely table and drifted through the pages of Dickens and Austen. Swirl it, and you taste sunlight, sea wind, and the small triumphs and large follies of a few hundred years.

A Lunch of Theatrical Proportions

Directly beside the Manor House is Simon’s Restaurant, which can only be described as the lovechild of Cape Dutch heritage and Liberace’s favourite dressing room.

Mirrors shimmer. Chandeliers drip what appear to be crystalline tears of joy. Gold accents wink from every angle. There is even a grand piano that looks ready to burst into song.

And then, almost shockingly, the food arrives — humble, precise, deeply rooted in South African land and sea.

The famed kingklip appears on a plate with the kind of confidence only a truly good fish can muster. Its flesh is alabaster white, flaking delicately beneath a brush of lemon-fynbos butter. It tastes of the ocean and the windy cliffs: clean, simple, unpretentious. A quiet dish served in a room that could host the Oscars.

Between Earth and Light

After lunch, the estate drifts into its drowsy afternoon glow — the kind of mellow warmth that makes you consider abandoning adulthood altogether. Somewhere behind the vines, a tractor hums contentedly, like a well-fed bumblebee. A butterfly flutters past, performing the sort of meandering, unhurried detour only a creature with no responsibilities can manage. And then, in a scene straight out of a children’s book, a flotilla of plump white Pekin ducks waddles toward the path, giving visitors the unmistakable impression that they have never, in their entire lives, been fed, despite looking like feathered ottomans who have enjoyed many hearty meals.

In the small shop, bottles gleam like geological specimens: rubies, ambers, topaz. You choose one not just for the wine but for its promise — that someday, far from here, you’ll open it and be transported back to the oaks and the salt-scented breeze of the valley.

By mid-afternoon, the light grows long and honeyed. The courtyard smells of crushed grapes. You linger where the manor’s shadow falls across the grass — a reminder that buildings, like people, age more gracefully when surrounded by vineyards.

Beyond the estate lies Cape Town’s normal bustle: traffic, voices, modern life. But here, for a moment longer, time holds still.

The vines stretch as far as the eye can see, each row a perfect demonstration of nature cooperating with human persistence — or perhaps the other way around.

Groot Constantia isn’t simply a vineyard. It’s a living archive — a slow, generous conversation between land, people, and the centuries that shaped them both. And as you leave, the manor glows white against the sky, a patient witness to everything that was and everything that will be — its roots deep, its branches wide, and its wine forever steeped in the long memory of the earth.

W: Groot Constantia
W: Cape Tourism

Written by Cindy-Lou Dale for Luxuria Lifestyle International

For recipients — be they corporate or individual — the Di-Vine experience starts with the moment the package is received. The wines are presented in beautiful monochrome boxes, complete with handwritten cards, so each unboxing feels like an experience. They pride themselves on a seamless service, with next-day delivery for orders placed before 3 pm, and same-day delivery in London arriving inside a complimentary black cotton tote bag.

Whatever your needs, Di-Vine is always happy to help create something bespoke. For corporate gifts or engraved messages, please contact the sales team.

For anyone looking for a beautiful gift, let Di-Vine do the hard work. Create a gift box filled with favourite wines from the Di-Vine cellar, delivered with a fountain pen and a handwritten note from you.

Why Di-Vine

• A carefully curated list of quality wines to suit all budgets
• Expert guidance, every step of the way
• Beautifully packaged and presented in distinctive black and white boxes
• A seamless shopping experience, from selection to shipping

W: Di-Vine

A Legacy Rooted in Family and Independence

Established in Tours-sur-Marne, Laurent-Perrier remains one of the few major Champagne houses that is still family-owned and fully independent. This independence has allowed the Maison to pursue long-term innovation while maintaining authenticity and continuity. The family’s influence is visible in every stage of production. Decisions are guided not by fleeting trends but by a steadfast commitment to excellence and respect for the land. Each generation contributes its own expertise, ensuring that the identity of the Maison remains both consistent and progressive.

Innovation Through Three Unique Skills

Blending Reserve Wines

The art of blending lies at the heart of Champagne creation, and Laurent-Perrier has elevated this practice into a defining skill. The use of reserve wines adds depth and consistency, allowing each cuvée to express balance, freshness, and complexity. This precise method ensures that every bottle embodies the house style, regardless of yearly variations.

The Art of Maceration

Rosé champagne has become a symbol of refinement, and Laurent-Perrier’s expertise in the maceration technique has set a benchmark. By allowing the grape skins to remain in contact with the juice for a carefully controlled period, the Maison achieves a perfect harmony of colour, aroma, and structure. The result is a rosé that is both elegant and expressive — a pure reflection of delicate craftsmanship.

The Purity of Non-Dosage

Another key innovation lies in the creation of non-dosage champagnes. By limiting or removing added sugar, the Maison allows the wine’s natural character to shine through. This approach demands exceptional fruit quality and precision in winemaking, resulting in champagnes known for their clarity, freshness, and authenticity.

The Spirit of Laurent-Perrier

Laurent-Perrier represents more than a Champagne producer. It is an ambassador of French refinement and creative artistry. Every decision, from vineyard management to packaging, reflects a deep respect for heritage and an enduring pursuit of perfection. Each cuvée reveals the purity of Chardonnay, the strength of Pinot Noir, and the harmony of expert blending. The focus on freshness and balance defines the unique identity of the Maison and continues to influence the broader world of Champagne.

A Global Symbol of French Elegance

Laurent-Perrier’s influence reaches far beyond France. Its champagnes are served in the most prestigious restaurants, hotels, and celebrations across the world. Yet, what makes the Maison exceptional is its ability to remain deeply rooted in its origins.

Each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and passion. It expresses the essence of French savoir-faire, where precision meets creativity and emotion meets mastery. In a fast-paced world, Laurent-Perrier stands as a reminder that true luxury is timeless and built on integrity.

The Modern Face of Laurent-Perrier

Tradition Evolving Through Innovation

To understand the spirit of a great Champagne house is to recognise the harmony between legacy and evolution. Laurent-Perrier embodies this balance perfectly, preserving centuries of expertise while continuously exploring new paths of creativity.

Its innovations in blending, maceration, and non-dosage have helped shape the identity of modern Champagne. Every bottle represents a meeting point between history and vision, between craftsmanship and innovation.

Through its dedication to sustainability, independence, and precision, Laurent-Perrier continues to inspire the world of Champagne. It stands as a timeless symbol of elegance, proving that progress and tradition can thrive together in perfect harmony.

The Nyetimber Book and Sparkling Duo

Nyetimber’s flagship wine is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, offering a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. Following extensive ageing in the cellar (over three years), it has distinctive toasty and spicy aromas with a palate of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples. Nyetimber Classic Cuvee is best paired with freshly caught seafood, along with smoked salmon, oysters and scallops.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage is available to buy as a duo with the limited-edition linen-bound coffee table book. Capturing the extraordinary moments that unfold throughout the year, the Nyetimber book chronicles a year in the life of England’s finest sparkling wine. Spanning 250 pages filled with insights, anecdotes, and personal stories complemented by beautiful photography, this book brings to life the day-to-day magic of Nyetimber. Follow the journey from soil to glass, discover dishes for each season and meet the people behind the wines.

RRP: £68. Available from Nyetimber

ONER Active: Styles to Support You Every Rep of the Way

If you’re looking for a standout Christmas gift, consider treating the active woman in your life to something from Oner Active. Founded in 2020 by trainer Krissy Cela, the brand is built “by women, for women” and celebrates strength, movement and confidence. What makes their pieces special is the dedication to combining high-performance fabrics with flattering, feminine design: think sweat-wicking, four-way stretch materials and contouring details that support both the body and the mindset. Whether your giftee loves lifting, yoga, or simply staying active while juggling daily life, Oner Active offers styles that move with her — gym session, active day out, or cosy recovery. On top of that, gifting Oner Active feels meaningful: the brand emphasises community, empowerment and ethical production, giving your gift extra heart. This Christmas, wrap up more than just a piece of sportswear — give the gift of confidence, movement and a brand committed to uplifting women.

W: ONER Active

Hacien Tequila

This Christmas, give the gift of bold flavour and festive sophistication with HACIEN Tequila — the vibrant, premium 100% agave tequila crafted to ignite the senses. Perfect for the cocktail lover or the adventurous host, HACIEN’s new flavoured range — Coffee, Lemon & Lime, and Summer Berries — brings a refreshing twist to seasonal celebrations. Each expression is expertly blended for a smooth, luxurious taste that captures the essence of creativity and craftsmanship.

For a truly indulgent gift, choose HACIEN Coffee Tequila Blanco, a rich and aromatic blend of freshly roasted coffee and HACIEN’s signature Tequila Blanco. Hints of dark chocolate, burnt toffee and sweet agave create a luxuriously smooth, sophisticated finish — perfect for sipping neat, mixing into a refined espresso martini, or adding a festive twist to dessert cocktails.

Stylish, versatile, and full of personality, HACIEN is more than just tequila — it’s a celebration in a bottle. Whether enjoyed at a Christmas gathering or gifted to someone special, it’s the perfect way to elevate any occasion with warmth, flair and flavour. This year, make your Christmas gifting truly unforgettable with HACIEN — a spirited choice for those who appreciate quality, innovation and a touch of festive indulgence.

W: Hacien Tequila

Tormek T-1 Morakniv 1891 Kitchen Knife Sharpener

This Christmas, give your favourite foodie, home cook, or culinary perfectionist the gift that transforms the way they cook.

The sleek, Scandinavian design of the Tormek T-1 Morakniv 1891 Kitchen Knife Sharpener for the home comes fully assembled, featuring a diamond grinding wheel, composite honing wheel and a powder-coated zinc body in new linen white. The tone is a soft, creamy off-white, complementing all kitchen designs from chic Scandinavian and Japandi aesthetics to modern farmhouse and soft industrial.

The solid Swedish birch handle in the legendary Morakniv red contrasts beautifully with the sharpener’s subtle minimalist design, making it an eye-catching collector’s item for culinary connoisseurs.

RRP £350 or as a set with the Morakniv 1891 Utility Knife RRP £450. Shop here. Built to last with an 8-year warranty.

Natura Bissé: Luxury Skincare

Once again, Natura Bissé is getting ready to celebrate the holiday season in style — a time filled with festive gatherings that often take place around a table, where we enjoy unforgettable moments with loved ones.

For the occasion, Natura Bissé has created three irresistible beauty menus designed to delight even the most demanding skin. Each menu is inspired by one of the brand’s best-selling collections — Diamond Extreme, Diamond Cocoon, and Essential Shock — offering a tailored experience that showcases the brand’s most iconic rituals.

Each set features the brand’s best-sellers at a very special price. Inspired by the light, colour, and modernist architecture of Barcelona, the designs pay tribute to the brand’s hometown and its traditions, turning the act of giving (or self-gifting) into a truly unique beauty experience.

W: Natura Bissé

Aureus Vita: Fibonacci Dry Gin

The ultimate statement Christmas gift: years of meticulous experimentation have resulted in a super-premium gin crafted to the golden ratio of Fibonacci (1.618), applied to every step of the mathematically-balanced production in what is now called the ‘Fibonacci-Hall’ distillation method — a gift as extraordinary as the person receiving it.

For the spirits connoisseur who thought they had everything: mathematical taste perfection at its finest. Chemist-turned-master-distiller John Hall has created pure harmony — from the intense study of the molecular behaviour of spirits to the geometric laws that govern nature, this is a category-defining liquid that stuns and surprises in equal measure. Golden hour: Aureus Vita means ‘golden way of life’. Give cocktail hour the golden touch with a Golden Martini for guests.

W: Fortnum & Mason

Majestic Cannes: A Sparkling Christmas, an Exceptional New Year

Under the winter skies of the Croisette, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes transforms into a radiant symbol of festive elegance. The palace unveils a two-part holiday scenography celebrating colour, light, and French refinement.

From November 22 to December 5, 2025, the “Glamorous Red Christmas” bathes the hotel in deep crimson tones, honouring tradition and passion. Three grand natural Christmas trees adorned with red ribbons, strawberries, and golden lights dominate the lobby, surrounded by lavishly wrapped gifts and chic Riviera-inspired décor. The warm atmosphere extends to the bar, decorated with red soliflore vases and elegant seasonal touches.

From December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, “Golden Lights and Festive Cheer” brings a luminous transition into the New Year. The lobby sparkles with golden chandeliers, mirrored ornaments, and aerial light displays, creating a sophisticated, contemporary celebration. Outside, the façade and palm-lined entrance glow with cascading lights and a monumental Christmas tree, visible from the Croisette.

Gastronomy shines at Fouquet’s Cannes, with a luxurious New Year’s Eve dinner (€349 per person) featuring fine dining and live music, followed by a lavish New Year’s Day brunch (€245). At Ciro’s Cannes, guests can savour a limited-edition Galette des Rois shaped like a seashell, hiding a golden fève that grants a night at the Majestic.

A tribute to light, luxury, and French art de vivre.

W: Hotels Barriere Cannes Le Majestic

Balblair 21-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The ultimate Christmas gift for any discerning whisky lover, Balblair 21 Year Old is more than just a bottle — it is a celebration of time, tradition and exceptional quality. This elegant single malt is a gift to impress, and one that promises to elevate a moment with every sip.

Balblair is the esteemed Scottish distillery renowned for its unrivalled collection of extraordinary single malts. Balblair 21 Years Old is a remarkable expression which represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, embodying a symphony of traditional methods, unparalleled flavour profiles, and an unprecedented level of refinement.

Crafted with meticulous precision and matured over the course of two decades, Balblair’s oldest single malt in the core collection encapsulates the very essence of the distillery’s distinctive style and character.

W: Whisky Exchange

Popsa: Turn Moments into Beautiful Christmas Photo Books and Keepsakes

This Christmas, give the gift of nostalgia with a beautiful photo book created with the memory curation app Popsa.

Whether it’s cherished family holidays, milestone celebrations or everyday snapshots, Popsa makes it effortless to design personalised keepsakes straight from a smartphone.

Powered by AI, the Popsa app generates automatic layouts, designs, captions and 3D previews from selected photos — taking them from camera roll to coffee table in just a few taps.

Each photo book is printed on premium paper with a choice of soft or hard covers, creating a timeless gift that feels as meaningful as the memories inside. Popsa’s product range also extends to personalised photo calendars, ornaments and prints.

Preserve memories for a lifetime with Popsa — a beautifully bound reminder of the people and places that matter most. With a Popsa photo book, every page tells a story, making it the perfect way to celebrate love, laughter and life’s little moments.

W: Popsa

Champneys Resort & Spa: 20% Extra Free on Gift Cards

For over 100 years, Champneys has been a sanctuary for those rare moments of stillness in a world that never stops. Across a century, one thing has remained constant: the gift of stillness is the most precious present of all.

In a season that sparkles with celebration, offer something deeper — the chance to pause, breathe and simply be.

Spend £50 or more on a spa gift card and receive 20% extra free credit — a little added Champneys magic to make your gesture go further.

Each card is an invitation to slow down and reconnect, beautifully tied with a bow and ready to delight.

From soul-soothing spa days and dreamy overnight escapes to transformative wellness retreats, heavenly treatments, and indulgent afternoon teas, every experience promises moments of peace, pleasure and renewal.

How it works:

Buy a £50 gift card — receive £60 to spend.
Buy a £100 gift card — receive £120 to spend.
Buy a £500 gift card — receive £600 to spend.

This Christmas, give the gift that means the most — time to relax, unwind and find peace of mind.

Buy now here.

Groot Constantia stands as living proof of this truth — a testament to how one man’s passion for winemaking gave birth to South Africa’s very first wine estate in 1685.

From the very beginning, its wines have been shaped by rich African soil and crafted with care, embodying the pursuit of perfection that has endured for more than three centuries. Groot Constantia’s story is deeply woven into South Africa’s literature, culture, and national heritage — a timeless emblem of growth, life, and beauty. Vibrant and alive, like the vineyards themselves, this legacy lives in every bottle and every memory created here.

Today, Groot Constantia continues to produce award-winning, world-class wines, maintaining its place as South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate and an icon of global wine heritage. The estate captures the essence of the country’s rich and diverse history, offering visitors a cultural, social, and sensory experience unlike any other.

A Living Heritage

With a history spanning more than 330 years, Groot Constantia remains a fully operational wine farm and one of South Africa’s most visited destinations. Visitors can explore:

Wine Tastings & Cellar Tours — Sample the estate’s acclaimed wines and discover the artistry behind their creation.

Historic Manor House Museum — Step into the beautifully preserved Cape Dutch homestead and relive the early days of winemaking at the Cape.

Iziko Museums — View historical collections that bring the Constantia Valley’s winemaking legacy to life.

Fine Dining — Enjoy gourmet cuisine paired with Groot Constantia wines at two renowned restaurants, Jonkershuis and Simons.

Scenic Walks & Vineyard Views — Wander through ancient oaks, panoramic vineyards, and manicured gardens offering views of the Constantia Valley.

Wine & Gift Shops — Take home a piece of history with award-winning wines and artisanal souvenirs.

A Legacy Celebrated Around the World

The story of Groot Constantia has travelled far beyond its shores. As early as the 18th century, emperors and kings — including Frederick the Great of Prussia and King Louis Philippe of France — sought out ‘Constantia Wyn’ at auctions across Europe.

The estate’s wine has inspired writers and captivated hearts — featured in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility as a ‘cure for a broken heart’, in Charles Dickens’ The Mystery of Edwin Drood to ‘lift a character’s spirits’, and said to have comforted Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile on St Helena.

The Spirit of Groot Constantia

More than a destination, Groot Constantia is an experience — a place where history, heritage, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony. Every visit tells a story. Every glass shares a legacy. And every guest becomes part of the continuing journey that began over 330 years ago.

W: Groot Constantia
W: Cape Tourism
T: +27 21 794-5128
E: Enquiries

For the restaurants:

Jonkershuis Restaurant

T: +27 21 794-6255
E: Information
E: Reservations

Simon’s Restaurant

T: +27 21 794-1143
E: Information

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