February 2025

An island perfectly suited to a geologist, a poet or indeed an artist! For Lanzarote has such an awe-inspiring setting: dramatic, expansive, picturesque and welcoming. This island of cacti and volcanoes, though highly individual, summoned to me the glories of other lands. The long sweeping landscape, punctuated with the occasional finca, evoked the beautiful expanse of Andalusia. The straight, low and narrow back streets of habitation with those of Colombia. The aridity and jagged landscape of the Sahara with which it is globally parallel.

Kris Griffiths reports on an extraordinary hotel in northern Michigan and its symbiotic relationship with a 1980 cult film, and how he’s waited over 30 years to visit – the same weekend hundreds of other fans of the film annually visit too…
 

Nestled on a prominent hilltop in Saint-Émilion, Château Quintus offers stunning panoramic views of the Dordogne valley. This remarkable estate is a wonderful blend of historical charm and modern winemaking prowess.

Gordon Ramsay has taken dining in the capital to new heights - literally. His latest venture at 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the City of London, introduces three dining experiences and a bar, all set against a breathtaking skyline. With the city stretching out below, I had my first taste of the offering at Lucky Cat during its inaugural lunch, and it left a lasting impression.

Heavens Door

Bob Dylan has spent a lifetime resisting definition. The man who reshaped folk music, redefined rock, won a Nobel Prize, and became a reluctant prophet of a generation also has his own whisky - and, fittingly, a new film that refuses to pin him down. The Complete Unknown, a biopic, doesn't attempt a straightforward retelling of Dylan’s life. Instead, it fragments his identity, reflecting the ever-shifting enigma of the man himself.

In the rolling hills of Umbria, where medieval towns overlook sun-soaked vineyards, Tenuta Castelbuono is a wonderful blend of winemaking, art, and environmental stewardship. Nestled near Montefalco, the estate is not only celebrated for its wines but also for its iconic winery, the Carapace, an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned artist Arnaldo Pomodoro.

The Lisbon wine region, with its sunlit hills, cooling Atlantic breezes, and vineyards steeped in history, is a place where tradition and modernity intertwine. I recently caught up with two wineries there, Cas’Amaro and Quinta de Chocapalha, to see what they’ve been up to.

Graham Beck is one of the most highly regarded producers of South Africa’s Cap Classique, the country’s answer to Champagne. With a reputation for exceptional sparkling wines made using the traditional method, Graham Beck has become a favourite for many, especially with their quality to price ratio.