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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Wine Country Resort Feels Like a Modern Treehouse—and It Has Vineyard Yoga, Grazing Goats, and Gorgeous Valley Views
The modern, natural design of the property, from the rooms to the restaurants, is the epitome of non-fussy luxury. There are treehouse vibes in every room, with floor-to-ceiling windows, spa bathrooms, and furnished private balconies that invite the outdoors inside. Enjoy breathtaking vineyard views at farm-to-table-focused Hazel Hill Restaurant, the perfect spot for sparking romance and curing famished appetites. Montage Healdsburg is located in the heart of wine country close to charming towns like Santa Rosa, Windsor, and Geyserville, known for their vineyards and local eateries, so you can easily access all the area has to offer. There's a rare beauty in waking up to the reddish-orange glow of the morning sun over lush vineyards after a good night's sleep under a twinkling night sky. For those seeking a perfect balance of luxury, rest, and vino, the Montage Healdsburg provides the ideal place to unwind. The fire place and bar in the hotel lobby. christian horan/Courtesy of Montage Healdsburg This hotel is just a 90-minute drive from San Francisco, a journey that took us over the Golden Gate Bridge and into the rolling Sonoma Hills. Upon arrival, we were immediately taken by the property's design and aesthetic, which is perhaps best described as a rustic modern treehouse, with leafy views and warm, organic stone, wood, and copper accents. After a seamless check-in accompanied by a glass of locally made wine, we were given a checklist of what to see and do on the vast 258 acres of private property before being golf-carted to our cliffside deluxe suite that had unforgettable vineyard vistas. Meanwhile, Montage's attentive standard of service ensured an experience that felt bespoke and luxurious, and included everything from grapes to (believe it or not) goats and sheep. Here's what it's like to stay at Montage Healdsburg. There are 130 rooms at Montage Healdsburg, each a testament to the property's refined sense of design that doesn't compromise on cozy comfort. There are several accommodation types to pick from, ranging from the Vineyard Rooms that include a balcony with grape field or forest views, to the luxe, standalone Guest Houses, which span more than 4,600 square feet, and have three bedrooms as well as sweeping views of the property and Mount St. Helena. Every room, though, is stunning at Montage Healdsburg, regardless of which one you select, with indoor/outdoor flow incorporated into every unit. Hardwood floors and marble bathrooms with freestanding soak tubs exude quiet luxury, while natural materials like wood, stone, and copper accent each room. Some even have private fire pits on the balcony—perfect for cool evenings, gazing at the stars. The terrace of the Hazel Hill on property restaurant. Barbara Kraft/Courtesy of Montage Healdsburg Dining at Montage Healdsburg is an experience in itself, and there are three on-site restaurants. For poolside eats, head to Hudson Springs Bar & Grill offering coastal-inspired dishes. The halibut ceviche and crispy calamari are not too heavy, and felt refreshing after hours lounging in our beach chairs. The Cortez shrimp street tacos also packed a punch of flavor. For something even more casual, there's Scout Field Bar, a lobby bar with small plates. The main full-service restaurant is Hazel Hill, which is, according to my wife, the 'fancy schmancy' choice. Here, a California-French fusion menu utilizes local farm-to-table ingredients, and the seafood and breakfast dishes felt like the standouts to us. And, if you love ambiance, the restaurant's vineyard views were the most picturesque and romantic on the entire grounds. The vineyard-adjacent Yoga Garden is a peaceful setting for relaxing and stretching out the stress. Set among cabernet sauvignon vineyards, the yoga sessions at Montage Healdsburg skillfully blend mindfulness with nature. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting like me, this one-hour class provided a pretty serene escape and an intimate way to connect with the hotel's surroundings. One caveat for all the parents: Yoga is only available to resort guests who are 16 years of age and over, so teens and children will have to sit this amenity out while visiting the resort. For those who prefer to stay active in other ways, there is hiking, biking, archery lessons, bocce, and pickleball, as well as a modern fitness center equipped with all the gym necessities. Interior of a spa treatment room. Christian Horan/Courtesy of Montage Healdsburg The 11,500-square-foot Spa Montage is a sanctuary of serenity, whose treatments reflect the region's natural beauty. After a morning walk of the property's 258-acre grounds, watching the goats and sheep doing their thing (they help keep weeds under control, which can compete with vines for water and nutrients), it felt heavenly to lie down and unwind with a massage. The spa uses locally sourced botanicals to enhance each massage, facial, or body therapy, and I was told by my wife (who enjoyed a facial) that Valmont Skincare products are used, a leader in Swiss cosmetics. While the resort does have just about everything you need on site, for those with cabin fever or the urge to explore, Healdsburg is about four miles away. This quaint, walkable town is known for its artisanal shops, tasting rooms, and farm-to-table restaurants. Eager for more wineries and restaurants? The hotel is only about an hour from nearby towns like Geyserville, California, and Santa Rosa, California, where you'll also find the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, which is dedicated to the Peanuts creator. The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about 86 miles, or a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Though there are ride-hailing services available in the Healdsburg area, I recommend going the rental car route for convenience and ease. Montage Healdsburg is a part of Preferred Hotel Group, a program that represents independent luxury properties around the globe. If you reserve your stay through the Preferred Hotels website, you can earn and redeem points on your bookings. The hotel is also a part of American Express' Fine Hotels + Resorts. If you book your stay through Amex's travel site with a qualifying card, you can get fun perks like early check-in, late checkout, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and, if available, a room upgrade. It's also a part of The Edit by Chase Travel. Similarly, if you reserve your stay through Chase's travel site with the right travel card, you'll get things like a gift upon arrival, a $60 breakfast credit, and a $100 property credit. Nightly rates at Montage Healdsburg start from $645. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Brad Pitt's aggressive legal move could expose Angelina Jolie's private messages
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's dispute over the former couple's vineyard seemingly has no end in sight. Pitt first sued Jolie over the sale of her stake in Château Miraval in 2022 after the actress sold her stake to a subsidiary of the Stoli Group. As the ex-couple continued to fight over whether the sale broke any contractual obligation, Pitt sought what he believes to be crucial evidence in the case. Pitt's legal team recently filed a motion to compel a deposition from Stoli Group's Alexey Oliynik. The "F1" star also demanded communications between Oliynik and Jolie regarding the sale, according to the filing obtained by Fox News Digital. If the judge rules in favor of Pitt's motion, Jolie's text messages could be up for grabs. "The Stoli affiliated entity that bought Jolie's interest in Miraval has been avoiding deposition with a baseless objection," a source familiar with the case told Fox News Digital. "So, the legal team had to go to court and seek an order." Oliynik has refused to participate in the deposition, citing his Swiss citizenship and additional foreign laws. Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Pitt and Jolie for comment. The former couple bought a controlling stake in Château Miraval in 2008 and spent time at the home throughout their relationship. Jolie attempted to sell her company, Nouvel, to Tenute Del Mondo, a subsidiary of the Stoli Group, in 2021, effectively transferring her 50% ownership interest in Miraval. Pitt has fought this sale, claiming the move breached a contract between the two. Meanwhile, Jolie's company claimed Pitt has been the mastermind of a "vindictive campaign" to "loot" the profitable business since she first filed for divorce in 2016. Nouvel accused Pitt of "hijacking" Château Miraval and "wasting" the company's assets on unnecessary renovation projects, including spending $1 million on swimming pool renovations, according to court documents previously obtained by Fox News Digital. Pitt and Jolie are expected to face off in court over the winery dispute, although a date has not been set at this time. With the winery battle still underway, the two recently reached a settlement agreement on their long-standing divorce. Pitt and Jolie first began dating in 2004 after meeting on the set of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." In 2014, they chose to get married. Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, alleging Pitt had become violent with her and their children during a private jet flight. While the two were declared legally single in 2019, the divorce wasn't finalized until December 2024. "More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt," Jolie's lawyer, James Simon, told Fox News Digital in a statement at the time. "She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long, ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over."
The Guardian
6 days ago
- The Guardian
Go slow in Bordeaux: eight unforgettable experiences to have this autumn
The beautiful wine region of Bordeaux is well worth exploring at any time of year, but in autumn, it's particularly atmospheric. As the heat of summer fades away and the vineyards transform into a rich tapestry of colours, make time for its charming villages, medieval towns and historic castles. Here are eight of the best experiences to enjoy. Set in an idyllic location south of Bordeaux, this family run vineyard has made wine since the 19th century. Now, it's focusing on the future, aiming to create a vineyard which is both environmentally conscious and still true to the identity of its terroir. See how they're doing it for yourself on a bike ride where you'll observe their vitiforestry technique – a sustainable farming method that integrates trees and shrubs into vineyards. You'll also visit the cellars, gardens and vineyard itself, taking a deep dive into the estate's innovative approach to wine-making. A tasting is, of course, included. You can visit the cellars and vineyard of Château Larrivet Haut-Brion, a stone's throw from Bordeaux; harvested grapes; tending the vines. Photographs: Hemis/Alamy; Alamy What could be lovelier than pedalling through Saint-Émilion's captivating countryside on a sunny afternoon, stopping at different vineyards along the way? Take a journey that's light on effort, thanks to the use of e-bikes, courtesy of Julie and Mathieu, passionate young winemakers who have curated a cycling tour around their favourite local producers. Pack a picnic made up of the best regional products – from cheese and charcuterie to chocolates and macarons – then set off along quiet country roads lined with vines, pausing for lunch in the Unesco world heritage medieval village of Saint-Émilion itself. To round off the day in style, visit the imposing Château La Grande Clotte and enjoy a tasting of the estate's selection of vintages. Take an e-bike tour of producers; park up for a tasting; or take time out to relax. Photographs: Emilie Soler Perched around a headland which leads into a beautiful bay, the seaside resort of Arcachon is best known for its oyster cultivation. Take a gourmet walking tour that highlights these and many more of the town's gastronomic treasures. Local specialities you're likely to try include caviar, as the bay is also renowned for its sturgeon farms: Caviar Perlita is rated one of the best in the world. If you've got a sweet tooth, you've come to the right place: indulge in delicious cannelés – a traditional pastry with a caramelised exterior and custard-like interior – delicate macarons and crunchy pralines. You'll also find great local cheeses and, of course, fine wines. Alongside the eating and drinking you'll learn about the history of the elegant, Victorian-style seafront villas. Take to the water for a divine dinner with a difference, aboard the Sicambre, a restaurant boat, which will float you gently down the Garonne past the city's atmospheric waterfronts. You'll glide by impressive sights such as the Place de la Bourse, the Pont de Pierre and even the innovatively designed Cité du Vin, which all make for a special backdrop to a delicious meal using some of the best fresh, local ingredients. Menus might include saddle of rabbit stuffed with foie gras, fillet of sea bass, or roast duck, all expertly cooked by the onboard chefs. See Bordeaux from the river by dining on a restaurant boat; glide by the city's sights; menus might include fillet of sea bass. Photographs: Teddy Verneuil Attention, birdwatchers! The Terres d'Oiseaux nature reserve, which sits on an area of preserved marshland, is one of the last reed beds in the Gironde estuary. This complex geographical habitat is home to rare birds and is also a shelter for many insects, amphibians and mammals. More than 110 species of birds have been observed here, including reed harriers, herons, storks and marsh snipe. See how many you can spot, either from the observation tower in the main, freely-accessible centre, or from the ticketed area, which offers three different ornithological paths, all lined with observatories equipped with fixed telescopes. You'll also find a cafe, shop and panoramic restaurant. This wonderful festival takes place in Carcans-Maubuisson, in the Médoc region. A vibrant celebration of its landscapes, traditions and talents, it's a great way to learn more about the region's natural and cultural heritage. Over two days, this charming community comes alive with craft demonstrations, such as the chance to see the century-old mobile steam sawmill in action, and interactive showcases of forestry, farming and eco-tourism. Expect conferences, live shows, sports activities and concerts that make this event as fun as it is educational. Carcans-Maubuisson plays host to the two-day nature festival; learn more about forestry; and the region's farming. Photograph: Sylvain Robin/Alamy; Medoc Atlantique Tourisme Libourne is one of the must-see centres of wine making in northern Gironde, but it's also a hotbed of street art. Full of colourful and creative murals, the best way to explore them is via a guided walking tour, where you'll learn more about the town, its history and evolution along the trails. Essentially an open-air museum, the murals bring life to the city walls, with arresting and vibrant works by a variety of local and international street artists. Libourne is known for its colourful and creative murals. Photographs: Ville de Libourne Never gone geocaching before? It's an exciting activity which uses GPS to lead you to geocaches: small, hidden containers containing surprise treasures. At Ez'cales Entre-deux-Mers, download the free Tèrra Aventura app, which takes you on a microadventure, where you'll discover the fascinating history of wine and its trade during the middle ages in the Entre-deux-Mers region. Unlock new routes, uncover mystery objects, and find the ultimate treasure – as the story unfolds, you'll navigate the entire Entre-deux-Mers from bastides to medieval towns, searching for objects at emblematic sites. Bordeaux: where to eat, sleep and visit Eat … La Table du Lavoir This charming and cosy restaurant in Martillac lets you savour hearty and delicious dishes crafted from seasonal produce. It offers you the chance to enjoy refined and creative bistro-style cuisine in a rustic … Domaine de la Peyrine Reimagined around a 20th-century wine estate just 15 minutes from Bordeaux, this eco-friendly hotel is a haven of calm and sustainability, with seven exceptional rooms and miss … Bordeaux metropole international arts festival Running from 26 September to 11 October, you'll find a varied and magical programme of shows, concerts and exhibitions in the region's natural and urban spaces. If you'd like to discover more on Bordeaux and why sailing to France with Brittany Ferries is the best way to start your holiday, then visit Set sail from Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth and enjoy up to seven days in France from just £206, based on a car and two passengers
Times
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Somerset's coolest new farm stay with its own private vineyard
It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment I decided I wouldn't mind staying in this patch of southwest Somerset for the rest of time. I suppose it could have been during my Sunday-morning lakeside massage. Specifically when gazing out through the door of the tumbledown boating shed-turned-treatment room at the reeds swaying in the summer breeze and realising the choral birdsong soundtrack wasn't being piped through the portable speakers but coming live and direct from the trees outside. Or perhaps it was the previous day, on a grassy slope amid apple orchards, surrounded by local families and their dogs, as a dinky Glastonbury-style knees-up unfolded around us featuring acrobats and pints of homebrew. Actually, I think it was back at our farmstay watching our host, Panu Long, point out ancient-looking pagan symbols scratched into the walls of the barn where his hulking 150-year-old cider press and shiny new silver fermentation vats reside. Cider has long been a big deal in these parts, but Panu and his wife, Sophie Brendel, are just as serious about bringing wine here as climate change starts to see southern England give France's Champagne region a run for its money. The couple and their two children moved to this 40-acre farmstead, four miles east of Taunton in the gaze of the Quantock and Blackdown Hills, in 2022 (and have since acquired a labrador, kitten, Legbar chickens and a cote of doves). The following year they began planting vineyards and have since rechristened it Thornfalcon Winery & Press. But while production of their wine range is still a work in progress (it takes three to four years from planting before the grapes can be used), their hospitality is already well underway. We spent two nights in the Coach House, a barn conversion dominated by beautiful timber frames and a vast open-plan living/kitchen area with a creaking dining table at its heart. Flagstone floors lead to the children's twin room, an adorable Enid Blyton-style den decked out in folk wallpaper, stripy blinds, checked bedspreads and patterned quilts. Then we duck into the mezzanine master bedroom for more arts and crafts-inspired interiors. A welcome hamper in the kitchen is loaded with goodies from the farmhouse gardens (eggs, lettuces, carrots, asparagus, broadbeans, rhubarb…), plus local cheeses, jams and bread. The first night we arrive late to find a fish pie in the oven courtesy of Sophie, and Panu knocking on the door with a tray of Thornfalcon house martinis. Before they upped sticks Sophie worked as marketing, digital and commercial director for the Victoria and Albert Museum, where her love of fabrics and interiors was ignited, while Panu was in drinks, overseeing the bars at big-ticket events such as the Baftas and Elton John's White Tie and Tiara Ball. • Discover our full guide to Somerset Outside in the Coach House paddock stands their latest pride and joy: a traditional vardo Gypsy caravan. The plan is for it to be wheeled to any of Thornfalcon's three guest stays as a portable extra children's bedroom. There's also the Vine Hut — a roomy shepherd's hut with an outdoor copper bath and fire pit overlooking the vineyard — and the Lambing Shed, a more isolated retreat hidden away in the orchards with a wood-fire garden bath. Both sleep two, have kitchens, log-burning stoves, (indoor!) showers and look like giant doll's houses, such is the attention to detail across every last inch. • 13 of the best luxury hotels in Somerset The next morning the pair take us on a tour past their handsome 250-year-old thatched farmhouse and up a lush track to the lake. Normally they would be encouraging us to swim in it, but it is out of bounds while the resident nesters, Mr and Mrs Swan, hatch their cygnets. Then it's on to the vineyards, where Panu shows us the fledgling chardonnay, pinot noir and meunier grapes that will be made into their sparkling wine, and his innovative deterrent for hungry deer: a movement-triggered speaker system that blasts Radio 4 across the hillside. A discussion about the UK-EU youth mobility scheme on The Week in Westminster was certainly enough to move me on quickly. Future plans include converting an outbuilding into an events space for supper clubs and corporate getaways, plus Sophie's long-term dream of turning the stables into music studios for more creative escapes (they have already hosted their first writers' retreat). Panu has further drink-related ambitions too; he has already planted more vineyards with hardier, hybrid grape varieties and is busy perfecting his 'keeved' cider — a naturally carbonated delicacy, sold in champagne-like bottles, which should be ready this autumn. That afternoon we're packed off to the nearby Burrow Hill Farm for Cider Bus Saturday, a local tradition that started during the pandemic when groups could only meet outside ( It's hosted by the illustrious cider-making Temperley family, who have owned Burrow Hill since the 1960s, and whose blue double-decker Somerset Cider Bus will be a familiar sight to anyone who has been to Glastonbury Festival. Most other summer weekends it's the centrepiece for this small local shindig that also features a pop-up food stall and some sort of family-friendly music performance or circus act hidden down an orchard track. Today we get pizza and an all-female troupe of tightrope walkers called Daughters of the Dust. A little onsite shop also sells Mary Temperley's homeware and toiletries. It's impossible to visit Burrow Hill without someone mentioning Mary's sister and the most famous family member of all: Alice Temperley, whose eponymous fashion emporium relocated from London to nearby Ilminster a few years ago. Now housed in the Victorian former magistrate's court, it's an Aladdin's cave of bohemian fabulousness and well worth a visit, particularly because of its outlet store prices. I screech in just as it's closing but still manage to walk out with most of a new summer wardrobe. Back at Thornfalcon, the traditional wood-burning hot tub and sauna have been fired up, ready for us to pile in. They're on the banks of the lake, overlooking a beached fishing boat, the nesting swans and setting sun beyond. Sophie arrives carrying a white-label prototype of Thornfalcon fizz and my family wonder why we don't just move to Somerset to start a vineyard too. The next morning the kids help collect eggs from the henhouse, I have my life-affirming massage and we bid Thornfalcon an emotional farewell as Sophie delivers one last delight: she has booked us Sunday lunch at the Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George — a film set-ready 17th-century inn with the best roasts in the vicinity (mains from £20, B&B doubles from £120; But crucially, it's also off the A303 on the way back home to London, otherwise I'm not sure she'd have ever convinced us to leave. Krissi Murison was a guest of Thornfalcon, which has B&B doubles from £125 ( By Siobhan Grogan The market town of Ilminster is a 15-minute drive from Thornfalcon and has a 15th-century church, a popular theatre, and plenty of independent cafés and shops for pottering around. Half an hour further from there, higgledy-piggledy Bruton is (famously) well worth the day trip for its terraced streets, acclaimed Godminster cheese shop and art gallery Hauser & Wirth in a former farmstead with a stunning landscaped garden (free; Get another art fix at Close Gallery, which showcases contemporary works, in the grounds of Close House in Hatch Beauchamp (free; The Quantock Hills were England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are the best place for hiking and cycling with their windswept heathland, wildlife sightings and stretches of wilderness. Rocky ridge Haddon Hill is another good option for a countryside ramble, with lunch afterwards at the modern fine-dining restaurant Holm in South Petherton — it's full of clever ideas such as Westcombe cheddar fries with asparagus or chocolate crémeux with Jerusalem artichoke ice cream (mains from £23; Afterwards stroll around the village, which has a church with an octagonal central tower with 12 bells and a performing arts centre, the David Hall ( There's history galore at the 50-acre 16th-century Hestercombe Gardens (£17; the Jacobean almshouses of Taunton and Castle Neroche, an Iron Age hillfort. The National Trust's Tudor mansion Barrington Court also has gardens, a café and independent artisan studios for shopping (£12 or free for National Trust members; The award-winning gastropub the Barrington Boar is nearby and recently opened a new bakery in the converted cider barn next door (mains from £23;
CNA
24-06-2025
- Climate
- CNA
Australian vineyard seeks solutions amid constant climate disasters
Australian agriculture has suffered its fair share of climate disasters in recent years including droughts, bushfires and floods. But there is one vineyard that is fighting back with novel solutions - it is applying sunscreen on grapes and harvesting by night. Roger Maynard reports.
