Exploring the World of Wine with Armin – The White Glove Sommelier
Wine is more than just a drink—it’s an experience, a journey through history, culture, and flavors. If you’re a wine enthusiast or someone looking to elevate your knowledge, Gourmet Wine Travel offers the perfect blend of luxury, expertise, and adventure. Guided by Armin, The White Glove Sommelier, you’ll uncover hidden wine gems, indulge in exclusive tastings, and gain insights that transform the way you experience wine.
The White Glove Experience
Armin, with his extensive expertise and passion for wine, curates unforgettable wine tours that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re exploring the lush vineyards of France, the rolling hills of Italy, or the emerging wine regions of Switzerland, every journey is crafted to provide an exclusive, educational, and immersive experience.
What Makes Gourmet Wine Travel Unique?
Personalized Itineraries: Each tour is tailored to your taste and preferences, ensuring a unique and unforgettable wine journey.
Exclusive Access: Enjoy private tastings at renowned wineries and discover rare, vintage selections not available to the public.
Educational Wine Experiences: Learn from Armin himself as he shares insights on wine pairing, tasting techniques, and the intricate art of winemaking.
Luxury and Comfort: From premium accommodations to seamless travel arrangements, every aspect is designed for maximum comfort and sophistication.
Destinations You Can Explore
France: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne – the heart of fine winemaking.
Italy: Tuscany, Piedmont, and Sicily – where tradition meets innovation.
Switzerland: Discover hidden wine treasures with breathtaking landscapes.
Spain & Portugal: Rich heritage, bold flavors, and stunning vineyards.
FAQs About Gourmet Wine Travel
1. Who can join these wine tours? Anyone with a love for wine and a curiosity for learning can join. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, each experience is tailored to suit your level of knowledge.
2. What can I expect from a typical wine tour? Expect guided vineyard visits, exclusive tastings, food pairings, expert-led sessions, and a luxurious, stress-free travel experience.
3. Do I need prior wine knowledge to join? Not at all! Armin ensures that every participant, regardless of expertise, gains valuable insights and enjoys the experience.
4. How do I book a tour?
You can contact Armin directly at +41 76 33 777 22 or email info@gourmetwinetravel.com to discuss your preferences and plan your ideal wine journey.
5. What makes Armin’s tours different from other wine tours? Armin’s expertise, industry connections, and dedication to personalized, high-end experiences set these tours apart. Expect nothing less than world-class service and unforgettable moments.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to elevate your wine journey, Gourmet Wine Travel with Armin, The White Glove Sommelier, is your gateway to the finest wine experiences. Indulge in the best wines, uncover hidden gems, and create memories that last a lifetime. Cheers to discovering the world, one glass at a time!
Scotland, a land steeped in misty glens, rugged coastlines, and ancient castles, is also celebrated worldwide for its liquid gold—whisky. Embarking on a Scotland whisky tourmeans immersing yourself in centuries of tradition and craftsmanship, where each distillery tells a unique story of passion and precision.
From the windswept Isle of Islay to the serene Speyside region, Scotland offers a tantalizing journey into whisky-making.
Get ready to savor every drop and discover why Scotland’s whisky is celebrated worldwide. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a gourmet adventure through Scotland’s finest distilleries, curated for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Cheers to unforgettable memories and a week of pure Scottish whisky bliss!
Day – 1. Welcome in Scotland – Glasgow
You land at Glasgow Airport around noon. A welcome at the airport and boarding your bus – transfer to downtown Glasgow at 12:30 p.m. (different arrival times will be handled individually)
Lunch Break
Enjoy a delightful lunch break at Mharsanta, a charming Scottish Restaurant & Bar conveniently located near George Square.
Guided Tour of Glasgow
Glasgow is a vibrant city. Immerse yourself in the city’s past with our guided tour of Glasgow. Learn more about the city’s history as you stroll through George Square or Glasgow Cathedral. Admire the Victorian architecture of the City Chambers, the Merchants’ House, and the headquarters of the Glasgow City Council. Discover Glasgow’s early Christian and Roman heritage and learn about the city’s development.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay. Your stay will include breakfast the next morning, ensuring a fresh start for the next day’s adventures.
You leave Glasgow and after a little more than an hour’s bus ride, you arrive at East Lomond National Park.
East Lomond Hill Hike
From the Craigmead Car Park & Picnic Area, you will embark on the East Lomond Hill hike. The East Lomond Walk takes you to the “summit” of East Lomond (Falkland Hill), the remains of an extinct volcano that formed over 400 million years ago. For the 4 km hike, a stress-free 60 minutes is allotted, allowing you to enjoy the panoramic views over Fife, the Southern Highlands, and the Firth of Forth at your leisure and snap some photos.
Lunch at Auld Smiddy Inn, Pitlochry
Now it’s off to Pitlochry, where we’ll have a light lunch at the Auld Smiddy Inn. Then, the first distillery visit is on the agenda.
Blair Athol Distillery Tour
The Blair Athol Distillery is situated at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Perthshire. Its history dates back to 1798 when it was first established under the name Aldour Distillery by Robert Robertson and John Stewart. In 1825, the distillery underwent its first significant expansion, leading to a change in name from Aldour to Blair Athol Distillery. Today, the distillery is owned by Diageo and offers regular tours.
Blair Athol distills in four stills, and its water source is the Allt Dour Burn River. Visitors can observe and smell the whisky-making process, from milling and malting the grains to the barrels containing the final product. The whiskies produced at Blair Athol are predominantly aged in sherry casks, resulting in a somewhat “sweet character”. A defining feature of Blair Athol whisky is the prominent sherry influence combined with a relatively light body.
At the end of the tour, of course, we will have a tasting of Blair Athol whisky.
Transfer to Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa
In the late afternoon, transfer to the luxurious 4-star Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa. Take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, including:
Pool
Sauna
Scenic walking trails
Relaxation areas
Dinner and Overnight Stay
Relax and unwind with dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay. Wake up refreshed and enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing your Scottish adventure.
Day – 3. Speyside Cooperage – Balvenie Distillery – Inverness
Today, you’ll first visit the Speyside Cooperage, where used wine, cognac, sherry, or whisky barrels are refurbished and toasted. Depending on the type of barrel used, the character of the whisky to be aged in it changes. This makes the work of the Speyside Cooperage incredibly important. Here, barrels from all over the world are refurbished, reassembled, and stored, and visitors can watch the process.
The tour of the Speyside Cooperage is a must for whisky enthusiasts, providing unique insights into the creation and refurbishment process of whisky barrels. At the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy a sip of the 10-year-old single malt from the Speyside Cooperage’s own brand in the Toasting Room.
Lunch in a Pub
Enjoy a hearty lunch at The Highlander Inn Pub, savoring local flavors and perhaps some traditional Scottish dishes.
The Glenlivet Distillery Tour
Discover how the Glenlivet Distillery became the original Speyside Single Malt Whisky. In 2024, the distillery celebrates its exact 200th anniversary. Learn and explore how the Glenlivet produces its characteristic whiskies during a guided walk through the distillery and a visit to the warehouse. Then, enjoy a guided tasting of 3 whiskies from the core range; “The Glenlivet 12-, 15-, and 18-Years Aged” whiskies are likely to be served.
Transfer to Accommodations
Later in the day, transfer to your comfortable accommodations at either the 3-star Chieftain Hotel or the 3-star Fairwinds Hotel in Inverness. Take some time to unwind or perhaps engage in a friendly billiards tournament at the hotel.
Dinner and Overnight Stay
Indulge in a delightful dinner at the hotel, where you can relish more of Scotland’s culinary delights. Enjoy a restful overnight stay with breakfast provided, preparing you for more adventures in the picturesque landscapes of Scotland.
Day – 4. Inverness Victorian Market – Urquhart Castle – Eilean Donan Castle – Kyle of Lochalsh
In the morning after breakfast, you have time to explore Inverness on your own. With its central location in the city center, Inverness Castle is a fantastic stop for your exploration stroll. This ancient fortress has been standing here since the 11th century and has experienced a turbulent history. Crossing the bridge, you’ll reach Inverness Cathedral. It has a long history and is a fantastic example of Alexander Ross’s architecture. In addition to magnificent stained glass windows, you can also see the craftsmen’s talent in the intricately detailed wood and stone carvings. Perhaps you’d like to purchase some souvenirs at the Victorian Market Mall.
Visit to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
After check-out, you’ll take the bus to Loch Ness with its Urquhart Castle. This “castle” is the castle ruins located on Loch Ness. It doesn’t offer much from the inside, but it’s worth taking some very nice photos of its exterior along with the lake. Perhaps the Loch Ness Monster will even make an appearance. “Nessie” is the attraction of this Scottish Highland lake. It attracts around half a million tourists annually, who stare into the water hoping to catch a glimpse of the monster. It was last seen in 1998.
In Fiddler’s own words: “Here at Fiddler’s, we pride ourselves on having an extensive range of cask and bottled beers from independent breweries throughout Scotland. From the Orkney Islands to the Scottish Borders, we ensure you get the best selection of Scottish beers.” Well then, cheers!
Visit Eilean Donan Castle
Continue your journey to Eilean Donan Castle, pronounced roughly as “Elänn Donnen”. Highlander, James Bond, and even Bollywood – Eilean Donan Castle has been the backdrop for many cinema hits. Particularly Highlander, starring Christopher Lambert in 1986, made Eilean Donan with its bridge a world-famous spot. The castle, built in the 13th century, was destroyed in the 18th century and reconstruction began in 1912. The “current” castle in Scotland’s Wild West is not so old, as it was only completed in 1932. Eilean Donan Castle is probably the most photographed castle in the world.
Transfer and Hotel Check-in
Transfer to your accommodations at either the Balmacara Hotel or Kyle Hotel ‘A Bespoke Hotel’ in Kyle of Lochalsh. Check-in and unwind with a variety of activities:
Sports
Billiards
Darts
Relaxation
Dinner
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Balmacara Hotel, followed by a relaxing evening. You might want to unwind with a drink at the bar, reflecting on the day’s adventures amidst the serene Scottish Highlands.
Overnight Stay with Breakfast
Retire for the night at the hotel, where a comfortable room awaits. Wake up refreshed and ready for another exciting day ahead, with breakfast included to fuel your adventures.
Day – 5. Isle of Skye – Fairy Pools – Talisker Distillery – Fort William
In the morning, after checking out, we will take the bus to the Isle of Skye. The Fairy Pools are among the most popular attractions on the Isle of Skye. Located in Glen Brittle, this gently flowing stream forms enchanting pools with waterfalls at every turn. As the hike to the Fairy Pools is so popular, you will most likely share this experience with some other tourists.
Light lunch at The Old Inn, winner of the Skye Award 2019 for “Best Local Pub” on the island. Fantastic outdoor seating with stunning views, typical local beers, and dishes such as homemade cod soup, salmon bagels, fish & chips, etc., and usually great service. Just what we need after the walk to the Fairy Pools! Cheers.
Talisker Distillery Tour
Next, we’ll visit the Talisker Distillery, which is also the oldest operating distillery on the Isle of Skye. Here, a seductively “sweet” and full-bodied single malt is created, embodying the natural and wild character of its homeland in the most delightful way. Take a tour behind the scenes of the distillery and sample “the water of life.”
Transfer to Fort William
Afterward, we’ll drive to Fort William. Located in the Lochaber region in the western Highlands, the town is often referred to as the outdoor capital of the UK.
Dinner at The Geographer Restaurant In the evening, stroll to The Geographer Restaurant, renowned as one of the best dining spots in Fort William. Indulge in a delicious dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes. This restaurant is considered the best in town, and you can’t make reservations. In other words, sometimes you “have to” enjoy an aperitif before a table becomes available.
Overnight Stay with Breakfast
After dinner, return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, with breakfast provided the next morning. Prepare for another day of exploration and adventure in the magnificent Scottish Highlands.
Day – 6. Old Inverlochy Castle – Oban Distillery – Glasgow
Check out, followed by a leisurely hike to Old Inverlochy Castle. Old Inverlochy Castle was built between 1270 and 1280. Since renovations in the 16th century under Alexander III, no construction work has been carried out, giving the building insights into the architecture of bygone eras. Although only a ruin remains of the once magnificent castle, the visit is worthwhile.
Oban Distillery Tour
We’ll then drive to Oban and visit the Oban Distillery. The distillery was founded in 1794 by the brothers John and Hugh Stevenson. The small port town of the same name developed around the distillery, which is now located at its heart. Due to the proximity of the surrounding houses built over the years, expansion of the production site has not been possible for the Oban Distillery. Therefore, Oban is one of the smallest whisky distilleries in Scotland. At the end of the tour, of course, we’ll taste the delicious whiskies from Oban.
Lunch with a View at Piazza Restaurant
Lunch at Piazza Restaurant on the North Pier in Oban. If the weather is good, you’ll not only enjoy the tasty food but also the view across the bay and out towards the islands of Kerrera, Lismore, and Mull.
Return to Glasgow, Check-in and Relaxation
Transfer back to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Strathclyde Glasgow. Check-in and unwind with leisure time to enjoy the hotel’s amenities. Surprise Dinner in Downtown Glasgow
Later in the evening, enjoy a surprise dinner at a special location in downtown Glasgow, adding an element of excitement and discovery to your culinary experience in the vibrant city.
Overnight Stay in the Glasgow Area
Return to the hotel after dinner for a comfortable overnight stay. Reflect on your journey through Scotland’s historic sites, whisky distilleries, and scenic landscapes, ensuring a memorable conclusion to your adventure.
Day – 7. Bye Bye and Transfer to Glasgow Airport
As you conclude your wonderful stay in Scotland, you will be transferred to Glasgow Airport for your departure. Our team will ensure you have a smooth and comfortable journey to the airport.
As you embark on your onward journey, we hope you will carry fond memories of Scotland’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
In Conclusion
As our 7-day journey through Scotland’s whisky trails comes to a close, we hope your senses are as enriched as your spirits. Armin – the White Glove Sommelier, guided you through each distillery, every tasting was a deep dive into the heritage and craftsmanship that make Scottish whisky unparalleled.
If you’ve been captivated by the allure of liquid gold, don’t let this opportunity slip away. Join us on our Whisky Tour Scotland and continue to savor the rich, intricate flavors that only Scotland can offer. Register your spot now at Gourmet Wine Travel and let’s toast to more unforgettable adventures together. Cheers!
The winery Rustenberg Wines, located on the picturesque slopes of the Simonsberg in the Stellenbosch wine-growing region, was founded in 1682 and is one of the oldest wineries in South Africa. In 1941 Peter and Pamela Barlow bought the wine farm Rustenberg and in 1987 they gave the management of the estate to their son Simon Barlow. The annual wine production of the impressive Winery Rustenberg Wines is more than 900,000 bottles of wine. We had a conversation with Simon Barlow, during his visit to Zurich.
Your father Peter Barlow took over the traditional winery Rustenberg in 1941 and ran it for 46 years. In 1987, you took over the management of the Wine farm. Is this over 70-year-long relationship and connection to “Rustenberg” a cornerstone for your success story?
For my father, making wine was a hobby and he had his own oenologist. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1975 and my mother took care about the winery until 1987. I studied agricultural management and I started my way in the wine world through learning by doing. Already in 1980 there was a chance and I bought my own vineyard and in 1987 I took over the Rustenberg vineyard from my parents. Of course this long relationship to “Rustenberg” is part of our success.
What role does the “tradition” play for the barlows?
Tradition and continuity is what our customer expects. We make traditional wines.
Which are the main grape varieties and how many hectars wineland do you cultivate every year?
We concentrate on the international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. Actually we take care about 112 hectar and we plan to expand to 125 hectar within the next 5 years.
Which are the values Rustenberg is committed to?
It’s the uplift of the people of our staff. We are about 56 people. And I think the nature because it’s quite a big property and keeping the nature. The sustainability is important for the nature and for us. You see the bottles, it has a sustainable sicker. Nature is really very important, not doing anything that is going to harm the next generation.
There are so many top producers in South Africa! Why should the customer opt for your wines?
Good question. I think it’s continuity, and we have been around for a long time, We are well known and what we strive for, is perfection. We really work hard. Every wine is “perfect” when it comes out of the winery. It’s quite hard sometimes, but people know what they going to get. The customer must know from year to year what he is going to get. I think that continuity has a big impact.
Let us talk for a moment about South Africa’s interesting and exciting wineries in general. Which are the five most important producers, each wine lover must have visited during his stay in your country?
Hamilton Russel, is definitely one. It is one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea. You will find them in the beautiful, cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. The Estate specialises in producing highly individual, terroir driven Pinot noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the finest in the New World.
Tokara winery is another one. The Tokara estate offers visitors a unique combination of award-winning wines, brandy and olive oils, a gallery of fine art, a Top-restaurant and sculptures. A visit is a must.
Then I would like to mention Groot Constantia. The Groot Constantia Wine Estate is the oldest wine-producing farm in South Africa, slightly older than our Wine Farm. The entire estate has been declared a national heritage site, while still being a fully operational farm. Due to this unique blend of history and modern industry, it has a huge variety of activities for guests to indulge in.
De Morgenzon means “the morning sun” and this winery is a beautifully situated Stellenbosch estate, with vineyards ranging from 200–400 m, on the slopes of the Ribbokkop. It was bought in 2003 by Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum, and since then it has risen to become one of Stellenbosch’s star properties. In particular, the De Morgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc is one of South Africa’s leading examples of this variety, in my opinion at least. You know, DeMorgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc won The International Chenin Blanc Trophy for three years in a row at The International Wine Challenge in London.
Not to forget Newton Johnson. Newton Johnson Vineyards is owned and managed by the Newton Johnson family. The farm is based in the upper Hemel en Aarde Valley near the seaside town of Hermanus, an hour and a half’s drive out of Cape Town. I mention them because, the Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Pinot Noir was selected by Decanter as one of the top 3 Pinots in the world outside Burgundy. This is a wine that has also received 5 stars in Platter’s for every single vintage submitted since 2009. They have really fantastic Pinot Noir.
In 2017, your company produced nearly one million bottles of wine. What are the forecasts for 2018?
The answer is simple. We will stay at the same level.
In which countries do you export? How important are the German-speaking countries of Switzerland, Austria and Germany?
We expand to a lot of countries, I can’t contribute how many they are. United Kingdom is the biggest market. We are going now also via Hong Kong to China, so far China is not a big market. Europe is very important. German speaking countries, Switzerland, Germany and Austria are very important markets. And one of the nice thing is people drink our wines and want to visit South Africa.
You are leading the company for 30 years. How do think about the growth of the winery in these three decades?
It has been very exciting. When I took over in 1987, we produced about 60,000 bottles of wine per year. What I did in 1987, was buying 300,000 plants from France and planted it on our vineyard. And that really allowed us to grow.
You were born 1956 and have accompanied the introduction of many processes at the winery. What has developed positively or negatively in the last three decades?
We utilized the land better and better and the staff benefited from it. The growth was difficult because we did not have the financial resources first. But …great dynamics over the last 30 years.
We wish you to stay fit for a long time. Nevertheless, you must think of the succession in time. When do you want to give the primary responsibility to your son?
My son Murray has been been working for several years in the company and he has already taken the responsibility. We share the office, but I am slowly stepping back. We talk to each other every day. I am happy to see, that he is doing his job very well.
We have now your “2009 Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon” in the glass. Why did you name the wine after your father? And what can you say about the wine?
What does Simon Barlow think about when he does not think of Rustenberg? What is the most important thing in life for you?
My family of course. My family comes first. And then my hobbies, one of them is beekeeping and of course walking in the vineyards is very nice. Also very important is to keeping ahead of the modern technologies, I am learning to fly the vineyards with the drone. And then I enjoy the photographs from the drone. That is pretty cool.
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