Wineries don’t have to take the time and trouble to pay attention to every detail from how to grow the grapes to how to mix varietals–but these do, and it shows. Premium!

Sonoma

Imagery Winery - Commissions original art for each new label—displayed at the onsite gallery—and makes eclectic blends from biodynamically grown grapes. (+1.800.989.8890; www.imagerywinery.com)

Porter Creek - Father and son operation where you can taste the hand-made attention to detail. Teeny, tiny, hard-to-get wines (+1 707 433 6321; www.portercreekvineyards.com).

Gary Farrell Winery - Uncompromising meticulousness makes their award-winning Pinot Noir. (+1 707 473 2900; www.garyfarrellwines.com).

Napa

Staglin Family Vineyard – Limited-production winery whose Cabernet Sauvignons regularly rate in the 90s. Also raises millions at its annual music festival for mental health. (+1 707.944.0477; www.staglinfamily.com)

Turnbull Wine Cellars – Estate-grown, so the winemaker’s loving care shows in the premium ‘Black Label’ blends. (+1 800 887 6285 extension 18; www.turnbullwines.com)

Far Niente – Sited on a restored pre-Prohibition winery, focuses exclusively on premium Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. www.farniente.com

Ecole de Vin
Bordeaux, France

The city’s Ecole du Vin offers thorough but inexpensive beginner and intermediate courses (in English) on appreciating the local wine. Sessions can last anywhere from a few hours to four intensive days.

ecole.vins-bordeaux.fr
ecole@vins-bordeaux.fr
+33 5 56 00 22 66

Laudree
Paris, London, Geneva, expanding…

If you live in Europe, you undoubtedly have popped one of their colorful macaroons in your bouche. Laudree’s sensational macaroons are baked from the finest organic ingredients and come in over 20 delicious flavours, including pistachio, rose petal and chocolate. New flavours emerge seasonally. Luckily, in most locations, this famous patisserie is open early hours of the morning to cater for the many fans who have a sudden urge for a delicious scoop of ice-cream or a mouthwatering slice of tarte-tatin in the middle of the night. The first London location at Harrods is simply gorgeous - one of my favorite spots for tea!

www.laduree.fr
commercial@laduree.com
+33 1 53 75 33 94

Gearharts Fine Chocolates
Charlottesville, Virginia

BUT… these chocys are made with a blend of the finest criolla cacao with local sweet cream and pure butter. This is topped with the best quality fruits, nuts, herbs, teas, spices and liquors. Nothing fattening about em’.

info@gearhartschocolates.com
www.gearhartschocolates.com
+1 434 972 9100

Hacienda Zorita
Wine tasting/ course
Salamanca, Spain

Sumptuous hacienda. This was originally a Dominican convent, but is now one of a group of chic wine hotels, where you can learn how wine is produced and do as much tasting as you like. Located in the Duero valley, 10km from Salamanca it is a destination in of itself - but a great mix to see this famous university town. Doubles from 120 euro.

www.vintagespain.com/zorita.htm
info@vintagespain.com
+34 902 109 902

Books for Cooks
Notting Hill (W11), London, UK

A London institution for great books, I was recently informed by a great chef friend, Estanis, that their workshops are fab and well-priced. Mediterranean, Indian, Thai, light salads… they teach a diverse range of classes, some on a Saturday afternoon but plenty during the week in evenings and daytime too. Cozy, great neighborhood feel and often the authors themselves are teaching students directly. Great gift - perfect for a rainy saturday afternoon! Range from £30-£90 per class which includes the yum meal you just made!

www.booksforcooks.com
info@booksforcooks.com
+44 207 221 1992

Fru Fru
London, UK

This year those in the know are sending boxes of cupcakes. And Fru Fru make some of the most yummy and pretty in the business. They come in chocolate and vanilla flavors with lashings of chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting. Get them personalised for an extra special touch. Why order boring blooms from far flung climes when you can have cute cupcakes baked fresh every day in London? Go on make ‘em break Lent… Delivery London-wide.

www.frufru.co.uk
info@frufru.co.uk
+44 7974 101 818