The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia has consistently been rated on of the top ten little hotels for years. There are no signs to point you in the right direction, but when you see the white building with flags flying you will know that you have arrived at the Inn. A stately Dalmatian with a string of pearls around its neck will greet you as a member of the staff takes your bags leading you to a little alcove for refreshment of biscuits and Herbal Tea.

The smiling face in the portrait of Brillat Savarin, from the 18th century, hangs high above the fireplace seeming to give his approval. Through French doors is a lovely courtyard with tables lovingly set with crystal and silver giving you a hint of what is to come. The stunning collection of art and antiques, flowers everywhere, sumptuous fabrics and wall coverings tantalize the eye.

The delectable little Inn, established in 1978, was the creation of Patrick O’Connell and his partner Reinhardt Lynch. Just for some reassurance of this quality Inn, it was the first enterprise to be awarded five stars for their accommodations and five stars for its restaurant from the Mobil Travel Guide. AAA awarded the Inn its highest rating, the 5 Diamond Award for both accommodation and food. It is the first Inn ever to receive that award from AAA.  Read more...

This rare little gem of a white wine can be found in the Languedoc, France. Its full name is Picpoul de Pinet. Situated on a limestone plateau, the vineyards of Picpoul overlook the oyster and mussel-farming centre of the Thau lagoon. The white wine is made from a single Piquepoul grape variety and is a light acidic wine, with floral and citrus fruit aromas, which render it an ideal accompaniment to seafood. The AOC Coteaux du Languedoc: Picpoul de Pinet classification applies only to white wines.

Picpoul is a rare, ancient French grape that thrives in the coastal sands near Sète in the Languedoc, by the Mediterranean Sea. Its blend of refreshing acidity and aromatic fruit flavors of citrus and peach, make it a fantastic, full-bodied wine to enjoy with food. It is particularly well suited to seafood because it has more floral flavors than a mineral wine, like a Sancerre. Unlike Voignier, another rare French white grape, Picpoul has not yet been exported much and is consumed almost exclusively by the locals and tourists who vacation in the area.

This clear, light-gold wine breathes appetizing aromas of peaches, juicy and fresh, with a back note of lemon-lime. Crisp and tart, white-fruit flavors and lemon-squirt acidity are fresh and cleansing in a very long finish. Not overly complex but bright and appealing, it’s a first-rate seafood wine. It has been called the Muscadet of the south of France. It is the wine that is usually served with oysters that can be found along the coasts of the Languedoc.  Read more...