WHN Blog :: Mindful Adventures

I've been traveling again and stumbled across this amazing Wine Bar in Plymouth, Michigan. Yes, you read it right, Michigan in the winter (where snow isn't an issue). Grape Expections was such a great find that I've been back twice and plan on going again this weekend to enjoy another 'Flight' of their amazing selections, thanks to owner Lisa O'Donnell's great finds.

Grape Expectations is a hip and comfy Bisto-esque Wine Bar where you can enjoy a romantic evening, time with friends, or a solo adventure and their menu is outstanding as well.

So, back to wine. I'm a red-girl, so my first flight included the 'Red Blends Flight' and when I saw that Cline Cellars was on there, I couldn't wait to try the selection and as expected, it has become my new favorite by Cline....yes, it's none other than 'Cashmere,' a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. It is so smooth and luxurious. It offers a long finish and you can pick up the lingering flavors of cherries and chocolate. (Cline has also been included in my Top 10 for Valentine's Day.)

And, I made a discovery about my choice of wines. It seems that most of the wines I adore are a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre or parts thereof. You would think I'd have discovered that sooner since I'm also a fan of Le Mistral (when you can get it!).

Back to the 'Red Blends Flight' at Grape Expectations. The other two included Trentadue 'Old Patch Red,' a blend of Zinfandel, Petit Syrah, Carignane and Syrah as well as the third by Chateau Ste. Michelle, 'Orphelin,' which was impressive and what a blend. The majority (56%) was Syrah along with Mourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Touriga, Pino Noir and Viognier. It was a blend that I truly enjoyed and plan on getting more.

More on my Espana and Italia flights another time.....and do I have one for Italy...so until then, Happy Valentine's Day and enjoy a red!

Cline Cellars also sponsors Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

Coming soon. Another installment on Vinotherapy resorts in northern California!

You can look at Wikopedia's definition of Vinotherapy and it says, "describes a beauty therapy process where the residue of wine making (the pips and pulp) are rubbed into the skin. The pulp is said to have excellent exfoliating qualities and help reduce the problems associated with ageing."

And, yes, that is correct, however there's more to Vinotherapy/Vinothérapie and it's beginnings. Read on....

It all began during a grape harvest in 1993 on the family estate, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, when Mathilde and Bertrande Thomas met Doctor Vercauteren, a professor at the University of Pharmacy of Bordeaux. The conversation was about grape seeds. The amazing history continues with a patent in 1994 for their anti-aging products utilizing grape-seed polyphenols and in 1995, their company Caudalie was born. And, if you'd like to review the full history of this wonderful story, click here.

As we know from this point in recent history, there are amazing benefits in grape seed polyphenols, such as their anti-oxidant power in protecting the skin against free radicals. Vinotherapy spa services were introduced in the 1999 opening of the Thomas' Vinothérapie Spa at Les Sources de Caudalie spa in Bordeaux, France and over the last several years we've seen Vinotherapy spa services emerge here in the U.S. and namely Wine Country, of course.

And, what an environmentally conscious process as well.

There are several Spas in Northern California's Wine Country and one that I'd like to mention first is Kenwood Inn & Spa in Kenwood, CA. I have wonderful memories of the last visit I had there and what I love most about Kenwood Inn is the Mediteranean atmosphere and the Spa. The oils are extracted from grape seeds and used in their topical treatments and the benefits are far reaching.

Two services to note include the Therapeutic Grape Seed Oil Massage (80-minutes of bliss!) and the Tiamo Couples Massage (Hint - Valentine's Day is coming). Tiamo is by candelight in the privacy of the guest's room and is an 80-minute service.

And, also noteworthy, the Kenwood Inn & Spa is the recipient of the Wine Enthusiast Award of Unique Distinction (for their wines) and the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List of The World's Best Places to Stay. Congratulations!

Many of the services incorporate 'Vinotherapy' by using red wine extracts, Chardonnay and Riesling oils to promote healing and relaxation.

There's no therapy like Vinotherapy! More to come in the days ahead.

Note: Caudalie's Vinothérapie® Spas are in Europe, Brazil, Turkey and yes, in the USA at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan (at Central Park).

Well, as good intentions go I am remiss in keeping a few of them myself for 2009, such as steadily blogging here. We can pretty much agree that 2009 was a year of great challenge and change and most of us are ready for a year of new beginnings and for me, I'd also like to add greater focus, more writing and photography gigs, gains in finances, clarity and joy and, of course, more Mindful Adventures. And, I'm sure you have your list of what you desire as we continue in this new decade. To that end, I've come up with a mini-list of Good Intentions for 2010.

1. Instead of making that resolution for the new year of joining a gym, consider making an intention of adding more activity to your day. Take a walk, consider a yoga or Pilates class, look into a Wii (I enjoyed the baseball option with my niece and nephew).

2. Instead of making that resolution for going on another diet, consider cutting back, watching portions, eating out less, adding more whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and cutting back on salt and sugar...and
doing more of #1 above.

3. Instead of making that resolution about going out less, consider inviting friends over for a night of wine tasting and conversation. Invite your friends to bring a bottle over in a brown bag (set a maximum price range), set up a tasting, rate the wines and discover which ones are most popular and offer the best value (and look over Wine and Hospitality for more ideas).

4. Instead of making those impulse buys, consider if you really want or need the item and if not, put that money into a travel fund. Take that vacation you put off in 2009 and open up to a world of culture, great food, amazing wines and adventure.

5. Instead of excessive web surfing and online games (and obsessive work hours), set an intention to reconnect with friends and family more often. It could be as simple as an afternoon or evening sharing good food, wine, games (board games or outdoor activities) and conversation.

6. Instead of worrying about yesterday or tomorrow, live for today. Consider starting a journal, such as a Desire Journal and jot down what you'd like to bring into your life in 2010.....deeper friendships/
relationships, healthier eating, more activity, a beach getaway, reunion with family/friends, more time for yourself, read at least one book per month, start a wine club, etc.

7. Instead of saying yes to everything, consider saying no. We can all agree that the world is moving at a rapid pace and time appears to be going by more quickly. Resolve to relax more in 2010! It's okay, you have permission to say no unless it's an absolute yes. Many of us occupy every moment with work/projects, home/life, volunteering, etc. and sometimes it's necessary to step back and take an eagle's eye view of your life. There are many ways to relax and yes, of course I'm an advocate for going to a spa for a massage or other service, however in addition you can set up a sanctuary area in your home as well. Aromatherapy scented candles, a comfy sitting area, soothing tea, calming music and a good book or just alone time to contemplate your life are all relaxing.

I wish all of you a year of great health, happiness, prosperity and mindful adventures whether at home or away.