Kishore and Smita Iyengar cheer this Valentine’s season with award-winning fine world wines at some of the world’s most outstanding, panoramic fine wining landmarks.
GIPFELALM – ATOP THE ZUGSPITZE – BAVARIAN ALPS, GERMANY
The vistas from this summit restaurant of Germany’s highest mountain peak –the Zugspitze in the Bavarian Alps, are jaw-dropping 360 degree views of some of the finest snow-clad frames in the Alps, overlooking Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. Sheer massifs drop dramatically down to undulating green Alpine valleys and meadows of the Werdenfelser landscapes colored by ultramarine-tinted lakes Ammersee, Eibsee, Staffelsee and Staernberg. The awesome panoramas take your breath away.
Declare your love and passion with a dusky Domaines Barons de Rothschild Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, let the alluring notes of pink pepper, paprika, curry and saffron ignite ascending passions! The mild tannins and full-bodied red label works up the berry magic as you gaze romantically across the snow blanketed altitudes. Cap it up with a fine French Barton & Guestier Passeport Saint-Emillion 2014 to herald the season of togetherness!
DINING ON THE ROCKS – SIX SENSES SAMUI – KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
Spanning a spectacular rock outcrop hillock on the edge of the scenic Gulf of Siam, this panoramic wining address has dining decks created in evocative natural surroundings. You and your beloved capture stunning 270 degree views of the seascapes and Koh Samui’s pristine headland with a kaleidoscope of mystical spatial colors spanning the islands, the horizon and the endless aquatic expanse.
A dry and medium –bodied South African Two Oceans Pinotage begins the ‘amore’ moments’ with fine blackcurrant and plum notes. The wines lilts up a mood of longing with cocoa flavors going onto faint wood. Hmmm! The skies darken with indigo intensity, the crisp Spanish Freixenet Mia Red whips up an Aha! with fruity and dense clove flavors. “Swadiha!”. Welcome to romantic times across grand aqua frames….
BY THE LAKE – EVOLVE BACK CHIKKANA HALLI ESTATE LUXURY RESORT – COORG, KARNATAKA, INDIA
Whispering nostalgia and poignant recalls, couples share blushes and beaming frames of each other here. A candlelit table for two longing souls overlooks a still, pristine lake at this global award winning five star resort and the honors begin with a delightful Castello D’Albola Oso, Toscana IGT reflecting spicy, peppery and clove flavors, adding zest to the nocturnal romance ignited with grilled delights.
A cool gentle breeze stirs passions as a crackling bonfire on the deck illuminates eager smiles and golden glows of a glorious hill sunset beckon the intrinsic flavors of a splendid red Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Chateau D’Aussieres Languedoc, France. Exhilarating Flavors of cigar and mild coffee, bouquet of ripe fruits and earthy soil light up the conversation. “My sweet Valentine”….somewhere the melody wafts through the dark night…
L’AUBERGINE -AUBERGE DE LA MAISON ALPINE RESORT & SPA –COURMAYEUR MONTE BIANCO, VALLE D’AOSTA, ITALY
The stunning Alpine logwood restaurant’s beautiful, spacious open-air terrace looks out to stupendous views of snow peaked Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) on the Italian side. The candlelight table for love birds casts a sexy glow on wide-eyed countenances gazing in awe at the snow-capped spectacle. The only sound to be heard is melting snow as it drips from rafters the soft chiming of village church bells.
Two goblets are raised in glee and blushing tones, the Zonin Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC urges a kiss, the musky wine’s peppery, oak and cigar flavors adding a surge of excitement for a special moment. Adding zest and zing in equal proportions is a fine vintage Maison Albert Bichot Special Cuvee, Chateauneuf du Pape with splendid cinnamon, ginger and pepper notes, the bouquet of raw leather just a fine hint!
THE EVOLVE BACK KURUBA SAFARI LODGE – KABINI, KARNATAKA, INDIA
Darkness has descended majestically on the quiet, distant meandering river, the silvering sheen of its waters casting a romantic spell as twosomes croon on the River Dining Deck overlooking the landscape. At this global award winning five star luxury resort lanterns cast a seductive glow on the dining platform decked with fragrant floral blooms that evening. A well picked Frontera Shiraz from Chile with raspberry, chocolate and mint aromas and a lingering, smooth finish of faint truffles, creates mesmerizing momentum to the amorous mirth.
The hills are silent too far across the world famous Nagarhole Game Reserve, the occasional growls from big cats a reminder of their nocturnal prowls. A fine dinner lights up with an exciting Wolf Blass Bilyara Shiraz from South Australia with distinct dark berries, rich spice and cardamom flavors aided by assertive tannins. As goblets clink in unison, the skies bow in acceptance, the evening stretches into a long and expectant night.
CALIBRATED DISTINCTION –TOSCA –THE RITZ-CARLTON HONG KONG, CHINA
Spectacular Victoria Harbor vistas from this swank, award winning iconic restaurant at the super luxury Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, Hong Kong awe you into open mouthed silence. The spell binding views of Victoria Harbor by night ignite passions liked a runaway rocket. From the world’s highest five star luxury hotel, the views capture your romantic imagination celebrated with fine world wines.
The myriad subtle velvety flavors of a light and fruity Tenuta CA’ Bolani Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC Aquileia, a light Italian white thrills with youthful zest, distinct hints of acacia flowers and heather. Another white captivates equally, -a super Sicilian blend Donnafugata Anthilia IGT Sicilia with aromas of yellow peaches, plums, kiwi fruit and Bergamot flavors. The poignant soprano melody in the far background is aptly enticing.
ALTITUDE – THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL – SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Commanding the finest views of the world’s finest harbor in Sydney on ‘The Rocks’ harbor front from level 36, we took in breathtaking frames of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, the busy harbor and waterfront with scores of luxury yachts and cruisers and the sprawling city across. From the Private Dining enclave, one feels suspended above the blue waters in animated awe and amazement.
Toasting the grandstand romantic views you swirl a vintage goblet of Chateau de Fontenille Rouge AOC Bordeaux showing off its warm green pepper and ripe berries flavors going onto fabulous musky undertones. As the twinkling harbor winks back its mischievous brilliance at your intimate moments you top it up with a superb Cavalli Tenuta Le Redini red from Tuscany, Italy. The fine wine beams on your taste buds with rich fruity aromas, oak wood bouquet and mellow tannins.
THE JULES VERNE – THE EIFFEL TOWER –PARIS, FRANCE
Overlooking the picturesque river Seine and the city below, located almost mid-level at 125 meters on the Eiffel Tower in the heart of Paris, this exclusive award winning fine wining and dining restaurant of celebrity Michelin Star Chef Alain Ducasse offers the most romantic 360 degree vistas brings alive Paris’ many famed monuments, green layouts and well-planned urban sprawl miles around.
Seated by the expansive glass frames you wallow in silent gestures and smiles with a well chilled Italian Zonin Asti Spumante Dolce, DOCG sparkler with its Moscato grape wonder flavors of pineapple, nectarine and light peach. Twosomes are overwhelmed with another jewel, -a Framingham Classic Riesling from New Zealand that wows with honeysuckle and jasmine nose, ginger, honey and Clementine orange flavors that light up seductive moments. The views bow to your appreciation!
