#mindy joyce

Mindy Joyce, Experiences Curator, Lot18

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve watched the Tour de France and dreamed of one day going there myself. The event is basically a three-week tourism commercial for the entire country of France, and it certainly gets me thinking about my next trip every time. I’m a sucker for nice scenery, especially when it comes to the French Alps and small towns in wine country. One year, I visited just after the race had finished and was amazed to see the small villages were still buzzing about “Le Tour” and littered with memorabilia and remnants of the race. The impact that this cycle race has on the country is incredible, but actually being there as a visitor in July is life changing. Whether you’re a cycling fanatic or just casually interested, it’s an incredibly lively time to experience France. 

In my experience, people remember three things about their vacations: the food, the people and the unique experiences. Seeing the racers speed past at an event like Le Tour brings you into the energy and excitement, and let’s you feel like a part of something big. Trips like this live on in your mind for the rest of your life. 

It can be a little more complicated and expensive to travel during these times, but if you’re like me and have a bucket list of places you know you want to visit, then you can avoid these issues by planning ahead. 

For wine lovers, big events can be an ideal way to time your trip around your passions – you can enjoy an uncommonly memorable vacation while experiencing destination wine regions. Our five-day package to the Rhône Valley and Provence is timed to coincide with Le Tour, and it also includes a visit to Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s Domaine du Pegau (known for its 100-pt wines), Joël Durand’s chocolaterie and St.-Paul-de-Mausole, where Van Gogh spent part of his life. It’s this sort of robust, curated itinerary that makes for incredible trips with friends and loved ones, and gives you bragging rights over any of them who miss out. 

Beyond Le Tour, though, there are several other destination events perfect for wine lovers. One that is close to my heart is the America’s Cup. As a kid growing up in New Zealand, sailing and other boating activities were a regular part of my lifestyle. And as San Francisco prepares for worldwide attention as the host of the Cup and preceding Louis Vuitton Cup in August and September of next year, it’s already time to start thinking about your own trip. With the Napa Valley is listed as the “official wine region” of the Cup, one thing is for certain – San Francisco and the Napa Valley will be on everyone’s radar next summer. Start planning your trips now. 

But if you’d like to scope out the course early, we’ve managed to snag a private yacht that you can charter (with captain) for four hours of sailing with up to five of your friends on the actual America’s Cup course, on Memorial Day weekend this year during the Golden Gate Anniversary celebrations. You’ll see this on Lot18 on April 10, but for early information feel free to contact me. 

If you want to start planning your travel itinerary now, here are some major events on my radar. And if not this year, maybe next!

Grand Prix, Monaco May 24-27, 2012 French Open, Paris May 27-June 10, 2012 Tour de France, France June 30-July 22, 2012 Summer Olympics, London July 27-Aug. 12, 2012  US Open, New York August – September 2012 Louis Vuitton Cup, San Francisco July 4-Sept. 1, 2013
 America’s Cup Finals, San Francisco Sept. 7-22, 2013 

Cheers and happy travels!

Mindy

Mindy Joyce, Experiences Curator, Lot18

My reason for being in Spain last year was to visit the “culinary capital”, San Sebastián. But when I was planning my trip, I realized that only about an hour and a half away lies Spain’s premier wine region: Rioja. I was amazed at the plethora of winery experiences available here; I saw everything from traditional caves to architecturally impressive contemporary wineries. This unusual variety is one of the reasons Rioja a must-visit for any wine lover – it’s an incredible meeting point of tradition and modernity. You can visit both destinations in the trip that I took which is now featured on Lot18 as Michelin-Starred Spain: San Sebastián and Rioja.

As it turns out, Spain’s winemaking tradition is richer than I ever expected. Here are some fascinating facts I learned while I was there:

• Spain has more land under vine than any country in the world


• When phylloxera hit Bordeaux in the 1870s, the French came to Rioja to satisfy their wine needs. Wine was made here, transported by train from Rioja to Bilbao and then shipped up to Bordeaux. In 1902, phylloxera struck Rioja, and all the vines had to be dug out and replanted. The French went back to Bordeaux, and the Spanish replanted their vineyards.

• After the vines were grafted with American rootstocks and replanted, “guardians of the grapes” would watch the vines, staying overnight in the vineyard in little brick huts. You will see these all over the vineyards in Rioja.

• Rioja is made up of 3 areas: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja. Rioja Alta and Alavesa are located closer to the mountains, while Rioja Baja is drier and warmer.

• There are about 1,000 wineries in Rioja. We went to Rioja Alta, known for the best quality wines. There are about 400 vineyards in this region.

• In Rioja, about 85 percent of the grapes are Tempranillo. Other red grape varieties include Garnacha Tinta (red Grenache), Graciano, Mazuelo and Maturana Tinta. Whites include Viura, Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca, Tempranillo Blanca, Maturana Blanca and Turruntés (Torrontés). You will also find some varieties recently permitted like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo.

Photo: Hotel Marques de Riscal in Rioja, designed by Frank Gehry

When you visit Rioja wineries, keep in mind:

• About 99 percent of the producers are APPOINTMENT ONLY and they may or may not speak English. If they speak English, it may not be easy to understand. I recommend either going with a reputable tour company with an English-speaking wine expert or contacting the bodegas you want to visit by email and set up your appointment. The best tours will take you to Rioja Alta.


• The only one you really don’t need an appointment for is Marques de Riscal It is one of the region's biggest bodegas so don't expect an intimate visit. You may get a bit more personal attention if you make an appointment, though. 

• Keep in mind that often times the wineries you have heard of (that are imported into the US) may not necessarily be good wineries to visit, and/or make good wine relative to others in Rioja. You need to do your research.

One of the highlights of my entire trip was visiting to Bodegas Baigorri. The massive glass box that you can see from the road is impressive in itself, but what I found underneath was probably one of my favorite experiences in wine travel.

Photo: The cellar at Bodegas Baigorri, Rioja

Beneath the box is a highly sophisticated, multi-level winery cut into the side of the mountain. What makes this winery so interesting is that the entire winemaking process is driven by gravity. This eliminates the need for mechanical methods, allowing for a much gentler process. It reduces the damage to the grapes while keeping the flavors intact. Being underground, especially in a climate like this, helps to keep the temperature cool and consistent and reduces the need for energy. 

After getting an in-depth look at Baigorri’s winemaking process, I recommend treating yourself to one of their fabulous wine-paired lunches. It’s absolutely delicious, and with a view of the vines as far as the eye can see, you’ll want to pinch yourself. 

And you can visit Bodegas Baigorri as part of the San Sebastián and Rioja package we're featuring today!

Photo: With Jenny Siddall, wine expert and guide from San Sebastián Food.  Feeling ridiculously spoiled after feasting on a lengthy wine-pairing lunch.

Mindy Joyce, Experiences Curator, Lot18

Sometimes you just have to go to an expert. In preparing for our Bordeaux Unlocked: Coveted Château Tastings and Tours, I chatted with Caroline Matthews of Uncorked Wine Tours in Bordeaux to get insider tips on visiting châteaus.

Do you recommend making appointments before visiting châteaus? 

With more than 8,000 châteaus in the Bordeaux wine region, you might think that there is no shortage of places to visit and that winemaking properties will welcome with open arms anyone who happens to drop by. You'd be wrong. Although some properties provide tours and tastings, the majority require appointments, and many admit only professionals who work in the wine trade or those “in the know.”

It’s not that the average Bordelais château owner or manager is unfriendly, but that they have very different standards. A large percentage of châteaus simply don’t have to worry about selling their wine – local wine merchants shoulder that responsibility. And many don’t have the staff and facilities to accommodate many visits, so they often limit tours to two to four per day, often with a maximum of 15 people. Some of the top châteaus limit access to maintain a level of exclusivity. 

The biggest mistake most people make is thinking that the châteaus are open on weekends. Although some properties do offer visits on Saturdays during the summer, Sunday appointments are rare. To avoid disappointment, plan to take your tours on weekdays.

Will châteaus open for two people, or is it necessary to visit as part of a larger group?

Those châteaus that offer visits are generally happy to make appointments for couples or small groups, but you may have to pay extra for the privilege or join another group of visitors. Each château has its own policy, however, and some are happy to conduct a private visit for two people.

What is the best way to decide which châteaus to visit? 

The easiest answer is to work with local wine tour company. If you have the time and inclination, you can also check out the websites of the châteaus that pique your interest, or request lists from the local tourist office (e.g. for St.-Émilion on the Right Bank) of the area you plan to visit. 

At least one a year, châteaus in the main Bordeaux wine regions open their doors to visitors. These “Portes Ouvertes” weekends do not require appointments, but some of the tours are in French only.

How many châteaus are open to tasting?  

The number of properties open to visitors can vary depending on the time of year. Some are closed during harvest or in August during the traditional French summer holiday season.

As a rule of thumb, you should expect to make an appointment for any château you wish to visit.

How far in advance do we need to book tasting appointments?

For some properties, you can never book far enough in advance. During the high season from April to October, it's wise to book at least two weeks before your planned visit.

Am I going to have a problem if I don't speak French? 

The châteaus that are open to visitors will have English-speakers on staff, so it should not pose a problem “si vous ne parlez pas le français.” You may, however, encounter a problem if your satellite navigation fails to locate the winery and you need to ask for directions.

Is there any kind of special etiquette for wine tasting in Bordeaux or France generally?

General good manners apply to visiting a château. Arriving at the appointed time and turning your phone to silent are <i>musts</i>. With regard to attire, shorts and jeans should be avoided even in the warm months, but smart casual clothing is appropriate.

Spittoons are on hand in château tasting rooms. Although using them is not obligatory, you might want to appoint a designated driver in advance if you opt not to use them. Police patrol the roads of the wine routes for a reason.

What is the biggest difference between visiting wineries in Bordeaux and those in the U.S.?

Many U.S. wineries in areas such as California have made a conscious decision to open their doors to tourists. They earn revenue from providing tours, and selling wine and related accessories in their gift shops. 

In Bordeaux, châteaus that have staff fully dedicated to wine tourism activities and that sell wine and gifts are in the minority. This is unlikely to change radically in the near future, although some properties are recognizing that wine tourism can be a source of income in its own right and therefore and moving toward investing in the activity.

One final point is that not all châteaus have a beautiful building on the property; château is the equivalent of winery, and not understanding that fact can sometimes result in disappointment – especially when Château X turns out to be a modern shed!

Have travel questions? Tweet @MindyJoyce. 

Mindy Joyce, Experiences Curator, Lot18

With stores everywhere littered with predictable Valentine’s Day candies and cards, finding something special can be a real challenge. When you’re under pressure to impress and have no clue what to get, getting inspired is half the battle. If you’re looking for that wow-factor present – and fast – I don’t think there’s anything better than an unforgettable dinner or surprise getaway to say “I love you.” Here’s some ideas to make Valentine’s Day romance a little easier:

1. Make it a surprise staycation: A romantic night at a top hotel, minus the driving, is a great way to get away with zero hassle. Let the hotel do the work – its staff should be ready to accommodate requests like rose petals on the bed, a bottle of bubbly and chocolate-covered strawberries in your room. The element of surprise is key for upping the romance ante here, so keep mum while you plan. If you live in a city with a business district, you can find great deals on top city hotels during weekend stays.

2. Ask for the chef’s table: No time to get away? Find a restaurant that has a chef’s table to make your evening even more special, and make that the surprise. It may cost you a bit more, but this will offer you and your special someone VIP treatment and a special menu. If you can avoid Feb. 14, you’ll find much more availability and better prices. 

3. Follow the two-hour rule: Where can you fly or drive within two hours? Keeping it close means less stress, and more options. If you’re on a budget, look for resort towns within driving distance. A cozy B&B with fireplace can be a great escape. For example, check out our Shelter Island Getaway for a quick escape out of New York City. In less than two hours you can stay at La Maison Blanche, complete with four-course dinner. (Available dates are post-Valentine’s Day, but this is a great gift.) If you want to splash it out even more and fly somewhere, look for last-minute sales on airline websites. Most airlines will have a deals section where you can plug in your home airport to find limited-time specials on last-minute flights.

4. Surprise with a vineyard picnic or wine-country getaway: I’ve found most wineries will do something special if you just call ahead and ask. A private vineyard picnic can be the perfect way to spend a romantic afternoon relaxing over great food and a bottle of wine. Many wineries work with top caterers or local hotels to provide incredible picnic lunches. For example our Meadowood Overnight Escape with picnic at Garguilo Vineyards, catered by Meadowood, could be the perfect surprise. 

5. Consider islands and beaches: For an over-the-top romantic getaway, you can’t go wrong with a sun-and-sand getaway. The sound of waves and starry skies, walks on the beach and moonlit dinners are the stuff movies are made of. Some resorts will even create a romantic dinner under the stars, or on the beach. Depending on where you live, and your budget, you might want to consider these destinations: Bermuda, Mexico, the Caribbean, Key West or Hawaii. You’ll pay high season pricing right now, but to get a better deal on a resort, look for travel dates after mid April. Just show her (or him) the tickets on Feb. 14, and you’ll be a Valentine’s Day superstar.

Mindy Joyce, Experiences Curator, Lot18

Believe it or not, when Michael Mondavi first traveled the country promoting Robert Mondavi Winery in the 1960s, he was commonly asked, “Robert who?” followed by “Is that a Chinese restaurant?” I had to chuckle – even big names like this start somewhere. 

I’ve always been in awe of entrepreneurs, no matter what the line of business. But in wine, it doesn’t get much more impressive than Michael Mondavi. In arranging an exclusive opportunity for Lot18 members to meet this industry legend and taste through his extensive international portfolio, I had the chance to talk to him about his incredible history in wine.

Today the Mondavi name speaks volumes in the U.S., having become virtually synonymous with American wine. But surprisingly, in 2004, Michael founded his own international wine importing company, Folio Fine Wine Partners. So I had to ask him: Why not just focus on California wine rather than importing? As it turns out, it all started with a trip he took 37 years ago. 

“After my younger brother Tim graduated in 1974, Dad decided to take us to Europe. Day after day for two weeks, we traveled from winery to winery – three to five a day. I had been to Europe several times before that trip, but this time was different. This time, we met with the families, the winemakers, walked through the vineyards and tasted the wines. 

“That trip was a real turning point. When we got back, Dad asked me about the most important thing I had learned. And I told him, ‘Everyone talks about how great French wines are, but I think the Italian wines are more pleasing and go better with food.’ I’d fallen in love with Italy, and realized that if people knew about these great wines in America, they would love them too.”

Over time he built relationships with wine families in Europe, and had to make a major decision after he was approached by Vittorio Frescobaldi to import his wines. Frescobaldi belongs to one of the oldest wine families in Tuscany, one that has made wine for over 30 generations and 700 years. Michael realized he couldn’t import just one wine – he needed to create a portfolio. But that wouldn’t come easy.

“In 2004, I sat with my son Rob and started with maps of Italy and Spain. I went down the list of people whom he would be proud to represent in the U.S. Then we traveled to each of the family estates two to three times with our winemaker, Tony Coltrin, who has worked with us for more than 35 years. Together we met the people, saw the vineyards, watched how they respected the soil and checked how clean the cellars were. With each family it took about five meetings before we started to talk about importing the wines into the US. And not everyone said yes. But it’s like relationships – you have to date a lot of people to find the right ones.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Michael is absolutely passionate about what he does, and he is driven by a deeper purpose. His passion is ignited by the thrill of discovery. And for him, the reward is the look on a person’s face when he or she really likes the wine. “Our ultimate goal is keeping our customers happy,” he says, “because if they’re happy once, they’ll come back.”

Mindy Joyce, Experiences Curator, Lot18

Beyond the sandy beaches, laidback locals and palm trees, the Caribbean islands are home to a rich and complex history centering on one plant: the sugar cane. Most rum is distilled from molasses, a former waste product from the production of sugar. For more than 350 years, people have traveled across the world for this spirit. From pirates to the British Navy, rum has been a central part of the islands’ history and economy. 

In the Caribbean it’s not uncommon for people to stay at the resort the whole time, but just as with other destinations, exploring the island is worth it. I’m always fascinated by the difference between marketed tourism experiences and a self-planned itinerary.

Luck was on my side on my first trip to Jamaica in 2007, when by chance I connected with someone who was deeply rooted in the business side of tourism. Now a dear friend, “Mr. Caribbean” is a leading port developer and resort branding expert who had spent years on the island developing tourism infrastructure. In 2010, I came back to help his company as he was restoring and redeveloping Historic Falmouth. After being glued to his hip for several days – working from the company’s tiny makeshift office in Falmouth and meeting local historical experts – I became immersed in the history of the islands, and it was a turning point in my career.

I became fascinated with this little port town. After all, Falmouth was a central point to the rum and sugar trade of the late 1800s. As the busiest port in the country, the port at times saw more than 30 ships, as they filled up on sugar and rum to ship back to Britain, and of course Falmouth was major hub for the slave trade. As I walked the streets of the town I began to understand what had happened here and how deep-rooted this country’s history was. Of course, I had really only just scratched the surface. It’s moments like this that I understand how illuminating travel can be. 

To really know the Caribbean, you have to know the history of rum. And if you can, try to visit some of the distilleries and historic sites while you are there. Almost every major island group produces its own distinct rum style, and the distilleries that make these spirits are worth exploring. Here are a few islands that are both major tourist destinations and important centers of rum production:

• Barbados: With over 350 years of history, Mount Gay Distillery is the oldest operating rum producer in the world. Barbados produces light, sweetish rums from both pot and column stills. When you’re there, ask for a bottle of their “Sugar Cane Brandy” – it’s almost impossible to find in the U.S. today, but it’s kept in stock at the distillery.  And while you’re on the island, make sure to also visit Foursquare Distillery. This is a surprisingly green operation with a long history. It’s responsible for R.L. Seale, Doorly’s X.O. and the unique tiki staple Velvet Falernum Liqueur. 

• Jamaica: Appleton Estate, located in Kingston, has been making rum in Jamaica since 1749 and holds the title of second oldest distillery. Jamaica is well known for its rich, aromatic rums, most of which are produced in pot stills. This historic sugar estate and distillery is responsible for most of the Jamaican rum produced. 

• Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is known primarily for light, very dry rums from column stills. The Bacardi Rum Plant and the Serralles Distillery, makers of DonQ Rum, are both located in San Juan so it’s easy to visit both in one day. There’s virtually no sugar cane grown here anymore, but Puerto Rican rum is still some of the most successful in the world – DonQ is the most popular rum on the island itself, though Bacardi’s international popularity makes it well worth a visit for any rum enthusiast. 

• Dominican Republic: The Brugal Rum Factory, the world’s third-largest producer of rum, is located on the Avenida Luis Ginebra on the outskirts of the city of Puerto Plata. The Dominican Republic is known for its full-bodied, aged rums from column stills.

• U.S. Virgin Islands: Cruzan Rum Distillery in St. Croix was the most significant producer in the USVI until 2010, when Diageo also chose St. Croix as the home for its Captain Morgan Rum distillery and announced plans for a visitor center on 22-acre site. The visitor’s center is scheduled to open in spring of this year. The USVI is known primarily for light rums here, mixing rums from column stills, although there are some fine dark and aged sipping rums.

• Martinique: This island is the home of rhum agricole (made from fresh sugar cane juice), a highly complex spirit that relies on ready access to the sugar cane fields for its production. Here you’ll find several gorgeous distillery sites well worth a visit, including Rhum J.M., Depaz and St. James Distillery & Rum Museum. The latter, which started producing rum in 1765, is well equipped for visitors and offers history along with your tasting.  

Mindy Joyce, Experiences Curator, Lot18

If you're a sun lover like me, you spend chilly days fantasizing about beaches and warm, faraway destinations. Though some people revel in the freezing weather, as a Southern Hemisphere native, coping well with New York's brutal winters just isn't in my DNA. 

But here's the good news. Now that the holidays (and peak-season airline prices) have passed,  you can find great deals to destinations south of the equator. If you've already been to Hawaii, the Caribbean and Mexico, then how about going further afield and exploring some of the Southern Hemisphere's best foodie destinations? 

Countries such as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are now enjoying summer, and fall will start in March. So now is not only a great time to explore these countries' local cultures and culinary traditions, but it's prime time to snag a bargain – or break open the piggy bank for that trip of a lifetime.

And if you love visiting vineyards, fall in the Southern Hemisphere also means harvesttime. While you're waiting another six months to visit destination wineries in the United States, grapes below the equator are ripe and ready to vinify. 

I've curated an incredibly special trip to New Zealand with travel dates in April and May, when you'll experience beautiful autumn colors, and may even experience harvest at some wineries. This carefully planned (and surprisingly well-priced) trip would be nearly impossible to arrange as a solo traveler.

South America offers exceptional value, and Argentina is one of its countries that you should visit this year. This beautiful country offers vibrant city life and relaxing wine country stays. Incredible food and vibrant wine production makes this an ideal destination for the travelling epicure. 

For a full eight days of wine and culinary adventure, take a look at this week's Mendoza and Buenos Aires package. It offers a stunning value on fabulous accommodations, wine tastings, a cooking class and many included meals. 

When you're thinking about traveling south for the winter, there are several things you'll want to consider before booking your ticket:

1. Look for airfare sales. Consider letting the airfare determine your destination. Your favorite airline will sometimes post incredible deals. While you may see high-season fares to Hawaii or the Caribbean, you'll sometimes find comparable or better pricing with destinations even farther south. And count up your miles. Airlines will have more availability for mileage tickets between now and summer.

2. See which airlines fly nonstop. If you're not a big flier, but live near an international airport, look for destinations that you can fly nonstop to from your home airport. Subequatorial destinations can sometimes mean very long flight times, and cutting out a connection can make for a much more comfortable trip. 

3. Play around with search engines. Many hotels I've found will switch from "high season" to "shoulder season" pricing around mid-April, and this can make a big difference in rates. Make sure you ask or try several date options on booking engines to find out right when the rates change. You may save a lot of money but just moving your ideal dates slightly. 

4. Avoid Easter dates. This can be a time when people within the country you want to travel are either taking time off or traveling themselves. Depending on where you go, you may find stores closed and hotels pricier. I'd suggest just avoiding the week of Easter if you want to save.

Mindy Joyce, Experiences Curator, Lot18

Coming up with the perfect place to pop the question is a challenge. It’s a story you’ll tell again and again after the engagement, and you want to make the moment as perfect as possible. 

I believe that there’s never a better way to do it than by taking your beloved on a trip – a romantic location can make your special moment that much more memorable. Though it might sound somewhat cliché, when one of my friends got engaged under the Eiffel Tower, and after seeing her photos, I became a believer in proposals “on location”.

We’ve just come over the hump of three of the “big four” proposal days; Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. According to The Knot, 39 percent of proposals occurred between November and February among 20,000 newlyweds, so there are plenty of proposals on the horizon over the next couple of months. 

Here are some of the most romantic places to consider. As is important for any amazing vacation, each of these spots offers incredible food and wine. And here's a tip from a travel pro: If you’re already engaged and looking for a wedding location to top them all, the places below apply to you too. 

1. Paris, France

The City of Light beckons at any time of year with countless romantic places to propose: The Pont des Arts over the River Seine, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur with its spectacular views, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Eiffel Tower, and an endless range of cozy and romantic restaurants. Whether it’s your first trip to Paris or one of many, there is nothing more stunning and memorable than an engagement in the world’s most romantic city. 

This week we have an incredible four-night package that will get you to Paris during the most romantic days of the year, Feb. 11-15, 2012: Valentine’s Getaway to Paris, as well as one incredible wedding package: Valentine’s Wedding in Paris. Whether it's your wedding day, elopement or renewal of your vows, this is an experience you’ll be telling your (secretly jealous) friends about for years. 

2. Ravello, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and Ravello is its ideal place for a proposal. Like France, Italy radiates romance, and this magical spot high on a hilltop offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and coastline. Weddings can be pricey here, but if you really want to go all out, this would definitely be my pick. When you want to pop the question, find your way to Villa Cimbrone – it’s where you’ll find the famous view and the “Terrace of Infinity.”

3. Santorini, Greece

Santorini, located in the southern Aegean’s Cyclades islands, is considered one of the most romantic spots in the world (and it is, of course, a popular spot with honeymooners too). Kneel down at sunset with the classic view of Oia as your backdrop — the bright white and blue of the church is stunning against the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. 

4. Napa Valley

If you’re popping the question as part of a wine-country weekend, then the views of the valley are spectacular from the balconies at both the Poetry Inn and Auberge du Soleil – two properties that are perfect for an unforgettable escape. You may also want to think about a candle-lit, private-cave tasting, a romantic winery dinner or a private gourmet picnic in a vineyard with spectacular views all over the valley. In Wine Country, it’s all about picking the right location, and concierges at Napa’s top hotels are excellent at helping you (secretly) devise the most romantic proposal.

5. New York

Who can forget Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in An Affair to Remember? Planning to meet at the top of the Empire State Building could be just about the most romantic place to pop the question, but you’ll need to pick your times strategically: Go early or late, as notoriously long lines can really put a damper on the moment. On a beautiful day, Central Park – framed with the Manhattan skyline behind you – has to be one of the most picturesque backdrops for a proposal. And The Ladies’ Pavilion, Bow Bridge or the Boathouse Restaurant are just three of the stunning spots in the park.