World of Wine | Pink Palace

 

Directly outside the tasting room at Taylor's there is a stone pathway under a trellis with a vine canopy that leads you into an exhibition called WOW. 

World of Wine

Located in WOW is the Pink Palace: an interactive museum and tasting experience dedicated to 

R O S E

Yes Way. 

If you thought Taylor's was fun for the whole fam, the Pink Palace Experience levels up with pretty art installations, cork hopscotch, a hot pink ball bit, a swanky pink corvette, a champagne bottle pop and more. In every other room there's a Rosé tasting - they keep your wine glasses full and the kids can run around a bit. The rooms are fairly spacious and not at all crowded. 

We even met a bachelorette party in the ball pit!

Ryder loved the Pink Corvette!

By the way, WOW is more than just the Pink Palace. They describe themselves as a huge new cultural district where everyone is welcome. In the historic heart of Vila Nova de Gaia, just a short distance from the centre of Porto, and the Douro River, WOW pays homage to culture, history and Portugal's main industries.  

The final stop is an old saloon where kids get pink strawberry slush and adults get a final round of Rosé Port. 

WOW | Pink Palace

Rua do Choupelo, 39

4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia

Portugal

Wow Pink Palace - I didn't think I'd taste so much Rosé in Porto!

Ronda | Spain

We departed Palacio Pinello at 8:30am via taxi to the Santa Justa train station where we picked up a rental car. The drive through the Spanish countryside from Seville to Ronda is outstanding. 

Ronda itself is otherworldly; remarkable bridges, magnificent vistas, and steep cobblestone streets lead you around this dramatic mountaintop town.

This was the chilliest day with rain on and off. We were not experiencing the typical Spanish heat and sun on this trip that's for sure. Under gray skies we discovered all the viewpoints over El Tajo Gorge carved out by the Guadalevin River.

The latter part our afternoon lead us just down the road to Bodega Garcia Hidalgo. Tricia booked a wine tasting which turned out to be a super memorable experience.

A husband + wife team warmly welcome you to their family run winery which also happens to be their home. We took a little tour of the vineyard and wine cellars, and knew we'd be tasting wine of course! What we did not know is that they would have a white linen tablecloth tasting set for each group on their plant filled terrace, serving an exceptional spread of homemade food. 

We were presented with a just baked loaf of crusty bread accompanied by fresh jam, tangy relish, hand churned cream cheese + a luscious pate. Next, plates of local cheeses and cured meats. The tapas were flowing as much as the delicious wine and when she brought out her homemade Spanish tortilla - warm, fluffy and filled with soft potatoes, I nearly lost my mind it was so good!! 

If you find yourself in Ronda and you book a tasting at this winery (which you should!) come hungry! We loved the wine and took home a bottle of red each. 

 Ronda - nothing short of spectacular + a must visit: Bodega Garcia Hidalgo

Paris Flashback

Just a little Paris wander-lusting + nostalgia. 

These are from September 2009. I was 25!

Hoping I get back there again someday....