As everyone around the world is finding new ways to connect with loved ones and keep their passion alive, so too is the Esplanade team. This Friday, we are remembering some of our favorite places and favorite beverages to transport us from our living rooms to destinations abroad. Happy weekend to all, and stay well!

Ksusha

It’s no secret that New Zealand is my favorite place in the world, so it’s no surprise that my go-to drink is a nice, cold glass (or 2) of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Cloudy Bay and Kim Crawford are my absolute favorites! They’re dry yet citrusy, with notes of lemongrass, passionfruit, grapefruit and lime, and taste like summer in a glass.

As we’re all currently stuck at home, I love going outside after I finish work for the day with a glass of sauv blanc and let every sip transport me a world away – to the epic mountains, mirror lakes, lush green valleys, majestic fiords and sweeping coastlines of the most spectacular country in the world.

When it comes to red wine, I am quite fond of Central Otago (NZ) Pinot Noir and Barossa Valley (AU) Shiraz. However, lately I’ve found myself turning to Argentinian Malbec from Mendoza. It’s full-bodied, a bit spicy, with notes of chocolate and dark fruit, and easy to drink with or without food – what’s not to love?! My current favorite is Don Miguel Gascon and I’m dreaming of visiting Argentina after the world reopens and enjoying a yummy steak paired with a glass of Malbec while watching a tango show in Buenos Aires.

Cheers!

Jill

The framed picture is our favorite place for sundowners at MalaMala, and below is a bottle of Spier Pinotage from South Africa and a bottle of Amarula. My husband Rick and I enjoy both from home until we’re back in the bush again.

Rebecca

I recently discovered a new favorite drink of gin and whatever deliciousness can be mixed with it when I was traveling around England last year. While I’m not usually a cocktail person, the smooth taste of gin, along with the ubiquity of it in the region, quickly made it a favorite! Now whenever I have a gin, my mind travels back to the English country side and old castles…

Salut, and happy weekend!