A $35,000 wine weekend launches on private island
An ultra-luxe trip promising wines representing “the pinnacle of Napa Valley” from estates that “only open their cellars to close friends” will be held on a private island in Florida next month for couples with US$35,000 to spare.
An ultra-luxury wine event is due to take place between 5-8 February on the private Little Palm Island in Florida.
Accessible only by boat or sea plane, the island is located close to the Florida Keys and is named after the many palm trees that line its shores.
As high-end wine producers increasingly up their experience-led offerings, Little Palm will play host to the ‘Vintners Voyage’, a three-night wine getaway, priced at US$35,000 per couple and promising “Michelin-calibre cuisine, boutique wines and direct interaction with industry masters, all unfolding across an entire private island.”
Insider experience
As reported by Forbes magazine, the extravagant wine weekend is described by master sommelier Desmond Echavarrie as “an insider experience, one that remains inaccessible, even in Napa itself.”
Indeed, Echavarrie added that “The wines featured in this journey represent not only the pinnacle of Napa Valley quality, but rare, family-owned estates that open their cellars only to close friends.”
Featuring on the exclusive line-up will be Eisele Vineyard, with other spotlighted producers from Scale Wine Group’s “deftly curated” portfolio expected to be Memento Mori, MAXEM and Vida Valiente from Napa, plus Champagne Jacquesson, based in Dizy, a short distance north-east of Epernay.
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Master somm Echavarrie is expected to walk guests through a series of private wine tastings and masterclasses, while Michelin-starred chef Julien Lefebvre (from the L’Âtre restaurant in Normandy) will host interactive French cooking classes, where visitors can try is signature dishes such as truffle-stuffed poultry ballotine and roasted lobster with a Pinot Noir reduction.
Cocoon of privacy
Furthermore, guests will also enjoy a private show by Grace Potter, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter—known for her blend of rock, blues, soul, and Americana.
According to Scale Wine Group, the luxury trip will offer “a cocoon of privacy”, unlike a traditional trip to wine country, with the location boasting “the idyllic features of a private island but stocked with boutique wines and staffed with Michelin rated experts and Master Sommeliers.”
The decision to host the Vintners Voyage experience in Florida is further evidence of the rising profile of this US state for wine. Benchmark Wine Group CEO David Parker told db in our Big Interview with him: “A lot of New Yorkers have moved to Florida in recent years, or have holiday homes there. Florida is also one of the more free states in terms of shipping wine into the US.”
Exclusive experiences
Premium wineries are adding a roster of exclusive experiences to help build brand loyalty, add value to their offer and differentiate themselves from competitors. Last year, db reported that end of harvest celebrations, once intimate affairs reserved for pickers and producers, are turning into multi-million dollar ticketed events, and asked: is this the year of the high-end harvest party?
Meanwhile, Provence rosé producer Château Sainte Marguerite launched a new residency in billionaire’s playground Monaco at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, where rooms start from around £600 per night.
And Italian producer Banfi unveiled its Brunello Ambassador Club, created to reward those wine lovers who have supported Banfi from the beginning. The super exclusive club allowed just 50 members, who would have “special opportunities and experiences” afforded to them at Banfi’s winery estate that are not accessible by normal guests.
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