Tapas in Spain – A Big World of Little Plates

admin — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 11:07:35 +0000

Going to Madrid? Do not miss out the “Tapas”. Experience a tapas and wine tour in Madrid

Vintagespain is offering an easygoing tour.

There are two “Madrids”: the one you can’t help but see, and the one you need a local person to show you. We’d like to invite you to enjoy the experience of “ir de tapas”, as madrileños do.

You will discover hidden spots, even in the very heart of Madrid, each of which has something special to offer, be it a typical dish, a specific type of wine or its atmosphere. Get into the swing of things: go to a bar, enjoy your wine and your free tapa, order something extra to eat if it catches your fancy and, once you’ve finished, move on to the next venue. It´s as simple as that!

Be ready to stand in bars, drinking slowly but surely and sampling a variety of tapas and wines which, although originally from different Spanish regions, have found their place in the melting pot that is Madrid. By the end of the evening you will have discovered the key to wine and gastronomy (some of it is for the fearless only!) and heard many anecdotes of 17th century Madrid, along whose streets we will stroll.

We’ll start in one of Madrid’s most emblematic venues, drinking sherry, the world-famous “generous” wine from Andalusia, and we will learn how this wine is closely related to the origin of the word tapas to refer to small portions of food… some of which we will, of course, enjoy.

The tradition of having food to go with your wine (and not the other way around) is, however, much older. We’ll acquaint ourselves with the history of this custom in an old style Castilian tavern, surrounded by huge blackboards showing the names of dozens of wines sold by the glass and the tapas available.

The concept behind the next place we will visit is as old as it is unique nowadays: the store that conceals a bar, or the bar tucked away at the back of a shop. If you like what you eat or drink in the bar, you can purchase it from the shop. Likewise, if you are intrigued by what you see in the shop, you can sample it in the bar.

We won’t waste any time: onwards to the next bar! This one is all about bulls and matadors: enjoy the traditional Feria fare surrounded by bullfighting paraphernalia.

And finally, we’ll round up the evening in style, with Serrano ham and wine at the last bar that we’ll visit, which can only be defined as a typical “Madrid tavern”. Hidden, dark, cozy, warm, roguish, immortal; like all those places that feature in novels, but rarely in the tourist guides.

Someone said that to be a madrileño you just need to spend the night in Madrid and enjoy the streets more than your home. We offer you the freedom of the city. And its drinks. And its dishes.

The tour includes:

Visit to three or four tapas bars where you would have some tapas and wine. Enough for dinner or lunch
Guided tour of the area where you will learn about some of Madrid’s most characteristic places.
Duration: The tour takes approximately 2h 30 min. Recommended from 13.00-15.30h or 20.00 – 22.30 h.

For Bookings: Vintagespain.com

Madeira’s First Vinotherapy Spa

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:55:47 +0000

Design Hotels™ presents Madeira’s first Vinotherapy Spa at the Vine Hotel. Looking divine – thanks to wine!

Whoever said wine was just for drinking? The recently opened The Vine is the only hotel in Madeira to exclusively offer Vinotherapy treatments containing Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet grape varieties. Known for its anti-ageing properties, a Vinotherapy treat is a sure fire way to take back the years. So wine lovers, beauty enthusiasts, or seekers of an extra special treatment take note – booze never made you look so good!

Divine Relaxation – The Vine’s spa offers over 300m² of pure rejuvenation. All treatments are carried out with TheraVine products, one of the most renowned Vinotherapy brands.

In the spa there is an ample relaxation area with a Jacuzzi and steam room as well as five treatment rooms: three rooms for classical treatments, one room with a hydro-tub featuring integrated massage functions and a ‘Vichy Shower’ room in which guests are sprayed with smooth water jets from various shower heads as part of their massage.

A further highlight is the spa area on the roof terrace. With panoramic views over the sea and the island’s capital Funchal, guests can enjoy treatments in the open air followed by a sundowner cocktail or a glass of Madeira wine at the bar.

The spa at The Vine offers a range of treatments featuring everything from facials with ground grape seeds to anti-stress body massages to relaxing body wraps. Each treatment follows a fixed ritual and all products are ecologically sourced. The most popular treatment is the ‘Red Wine Divine Bath’ involving a full body peel, followed by a bath of grape oils, full body massage and a glass of red wine of course! Those who favour complete peace and relaxation can further indulge in in-room spa treatments where clients will be totally undisturbed.

About The Vine – The hotel took its name and inspiration from the famous Madeira wine. The interior design was created by the young and up-and-coming Madeiran designer Nini Andrade Silva. Ricardo Bofill was responsible for the architecture. A further highlight is The Vine’s gourmet restaurant UVA, headed by Antoine Westermann who has been awarded three Michelin stars.

Via: Designhotels.com

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Tapas in Spain – A Big World of Little Plates

Going to Madrid? Do not miss out the “Tapas”. Experience a tapas and wine tour in Madrid

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Madeira’s First Vinotherapy Spa

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