http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34150 When he is not on tour, they are joined by whiskered virtuoso violinist Roby Lakatos , who keeps us all transfixed with his nimble bow work and finger plucking frenzy, while my poor tapping feet can barely keep up. In Lakatos’ hands the violin is variously a percussion instrument, a guitar and mandolin, and he weaves traditional gypsy tunes and then surprises us all with a variation of “La vie en rose”. A good selection of wines is available by the glass or bottle, and there are tapas and desserts so you won’t go hungry. You can be sure that everyone: staff, players, customers, folk dancer, will be having a good time.
If you’re too early for the concert soak up a beer – and witness Brussels’ Bohemian, alternative side at bar Le Murmure, no.18.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34150 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33941 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33941 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33585 OS presents a classic simple Italian menu accompanied of course with an excellent wine list. Bookings are advised as OS has become very popular]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33585 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33418 The bar has the appearance and feel of a dark basement untouched since Pepys left. Nicotine stained walls of tongue-n-groove boards, history-stained stone floors, and rickety tables and chairs under the low, brick-domed ceiling of the original wine cellars are not retro but original features. Candles light the reticent faces of illicit encounters. The staff are efficient and friendly and pull schooners and beakers of sherry, Madeiras, or port from the barrels stacked behind the bar. Excellent wines are also available by bottle or glass. Recently homemade food has been introduced, and the tables spill out into Watergate Walk to the side. But stay indoors to enjoy the uniqueness and excellence of Gordon’s Wine Bar, and drink deep the history of London.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33418 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32149 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32149 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32091 The Northumbria Food and Wine Festival is one of the big gastronomic events of the North East calendar. This year, it has been organised by the successful and highly capable team at The Feathers Inn of Hedley on the Hill near Stocksfield.
The event is held at Tynedale Rugby Club on the outskirts of historic Corbridge, just outside Hexham off the A69. It will take place over three days featuring a host of wine tasting and buying experiences and live music PLUS the kind of classic British cuisine and culinary adventure chef Rhian Cradock is renowned for.
It's one of those occasions where you could dress smart-casual, take a civilised train journey and pontificate over bouquet and vintage without persecution. In the company of fellow wine lovers and extremely passionate vintners, you can indulge your tastes, explore some great local food, all in a picturesque, rural marquee-based setting.
Much in keeping with today's highly popular beer festivals, entrance includes tokens for wine samples and a commemorative tasting glass to take with you as you trot gracefully (or stagger) between tables.
This event could headline as part of a longer trip to Northumberland and will certainly live up to the region's reputation for taste, understated beauty and accessible culture.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32091 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32088 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32088 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31234 On winter evenings it’s a lovely place to go with friends for wine of varying prices but consistently good quality. Many are available by the glass. During the summer, sit in the peaceful courtyard at the back of the restaurant for al fresco dining.
The evening menu is very good but the real bonus is the daily lunch menu - choose between two and three courses, with or without wine, and you will have change from 200CZK.
Expect European cuisine with a twist of Czech including duck, rabbit and dumplings.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31234 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31213 Book a table ahead as Roberts often closes at the weekend (but is very happy to stay open for small groups).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31213 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31191 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31191 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30404 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30404 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30239 It felt like the obligatory thing to do (when in Rome, etc) but the wealth of local knowledge and personal service provided by Caroline really made the whole trip for us. I don't think we would have had access to many of the vineyards on our own and having Caroline greeted everywhere by first name made us feel like we were visiting old friends, with very impressive chateaux and wine cellars!
Highlights of the trip: Chateau Figeac and it's ancient cellars. Also recommend lunch in the courtyard at L'Envers du Décor in Saint Emilion.
In Bordeaux itself, pay a visit to Max Bordeaux - a must if you love wine but restricted by budget. Here you can taste some of the most expensive wines by the (small) glass. Taste the liquid gold of Chateau Yquem for under €15? Not a problem. Thanks Bordeaux Uncorked!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30030 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30030 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29124 From Huacachina you can ride in a sand buggy over the dunes, or, my preferred activity, you can visit the local vineyards and pisco distilleries. Pisco is a kind of Peruvian non-aged brandy, which is something of a national icon.
Your hotel in Huacachina should be able to organise a tour to visit three or four local vineyards and distilleries where you can sample Peruvian wine (surprisingly delicious), pisco and pisco sour.
There are modern mechanised and artisan distilleries, you should visit one or two of each on the tour.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29124 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27974
Villa Kamenica and Komiza are true gems! It was the BEST place we have ever stayed!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27974 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27093
Solvang was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish educators who travelled west to escape the harsh winters in the midwest. The town lies at the heart of wine country, and parts of the Oscar-winning film Sideways, about a couple of wine-loving friends travelling around California, was filmed here.

Best time to visit? September, when the hordes of tourists have left, and the Danish Days Festival (18 September 2010), now in its 73th year, is in full swing.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27093 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26895
I have visited a few of the many producers around Beaujolais, they are fiercely independent and are rightly proud of their wines. They may not speak much English and their wine will not necessarily be cheap, but it will be different from the standard wines produced by the negociants and the experience is worth it.

Bear in mind that the producers are understandably keen to sell and your reception will depend on your perceived willingness to buy.

Also consider when you buy, if you buy in summer on the way out your wine is likely to suffer from prolonged exposure to heat.

Some villages run annual Foire aux Vins, if you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of one it should be worth a visit, it is a long time since I visited Vouvray but I have very happy memories of the Foire which is held over a week-end every August, enquire at the local tourism office or perhaps the Guardian could produce a definitive calendar. I would be happy to assist with any research on the ground!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26895 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26519 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26519 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26412 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26412 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26395 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26395