Canaves Oia - Progressive Dining Experience in Santorini

We felt like we were transported to Greece today when we went live with Markos Chaidemenos - Managing Director of Canaves Oia Luxury Resorts (@canavesoia)! Markos joined us from Athens to share more on their stunning collection of hotels, which are owned and operated by his family. They were some of the first to introduce tourism to the island of Santorini back in the 1980’s and now their resorts are some of the most luxurious on the island! With 4 main resorts, there is something for everyone and we’ll be highlighting them below as if we are doing a “Progressive Dining Experience” - stopping at each one for a course of the meal, and sharing what makes it so special … along with food and wine pairings too!

Welcome to Santorini

Canaves Oia Sunday Suites

~ Appetizer Course ~

Perfect For: Honeymooners

Total Suites: Only 8 suite - very boutique

Restaurant: “Veranda Raw & Bubbles” - Known for their views as they sit at one of the highest points in Oia

Appetizer Course & Pairing

APPETIZER COURSE: String Bean Salad w/ Tuna & Crunchy Nori Seaweed (recipe below)

• Blanch the string beans for a few minutes (in boiling salted water) in order to remain crunchy but soft. Then marinate with olive oil, salt and lime juice.   

• Cut the tuna in a rectangle shape and cook for 30 minutes on each side in a small pan. Then cut in small square slices. Add a marinade with soya sauce, sesame oil, chili pepper and cooked sesame. 

• Take two pieces of nori seaweed, cut in the middle and then in half inch strips. Lightly fry them and set aside in kitchen paper to drain. 

• Layer the string beans, then add the slices of tuna, plus the marinade and finish with the nori seaweed!

WINE PAIRING: Skouras Moschofilero

• A dry white wine with a lively feel, vivid flavor and a crisp long finish.

• Pairs Well With:

  • Greek Salad

  • Grilled Chicken Skewers

  • Grilled Fish or Seafood (like calamari)

Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel

~ First Course ~

Perfect For: Trendy / Younger Guests

Total Suites: 18 uniquely designed suites

Restaurant: “Infinity Bar Restaurant” - Greek classics presented in a relaxed atmosphere

First Course & Pairing

FIRST COURSE: Open Spinach Pie with Egg (recipe below)

• Make a simple pie dough with flour, olive oil, water and salt - and leave it aside to rest.

• Then sauté a bunch of scallions (cut in pieces) in a pan with olive oil. Add in cleaned spinach and cook until it loses its fluids - then set aside. Add half a bunch of fennel, anise and feta cheese - combine well.  

• Open the dough in a round shape (like a pizza) and fold the sides over a small circular pan. Then spread the spinach mix and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. 

• Poach an egg, batter with breadcrumbs and fry carefully for 1-2 minutes, until golden. Then place on top of the spinach pie and serve!

WINE PAIRING: Argyros Assyrtiko

• This varietal is native to Santorini and considered one of the finest Greek white grapes. It is dry with a very balanced minerality on the finish.

• Pairs Well With:

  • Oysters (fresh or grilled)

  • Fatty Fish (like salmon or tuna)

  • Lemon Dishes (think lemon chicken with orzo or lemon risotto)

Epitome Santorini

~ Second Course ~

Perfect For: Families / Groups

Total Suites: 24 luxury villas (multi-bedroom)

Restaurant: “Elements Restaurant” - Takes the local gastronomy scene to the next level

Second Course & Pairing

SECOND COURSE: Figaro’s Wedding (recipe below)

• Blanch and clean a lobster - then cook for 10 minutes in noisette (nut) butter. First, simmer the butter in the pan, then add in the lobster.

• Next, cook rice with fresh herbs and Vadouvan (Indian spice blend).

• Layer the rice first, then place the lobster on top in a half circle. Serve with lobster broth to complete the dish!

WINE PAIRING: Vourvoukeli Malagouzia

• This wine is organically farmed and it is well-rounded while also full of freshness, with a light acidity on the finish.

• Pairs Well With:

  • Fresh Vegetables

  • Lightly Sauced Pasts (like spaghetti with garlic and olive oil)

  • Fruity Desserts (like pie)

Canaves Oia Suites

~ Dessert Course ~

Perfect For: Couples looking for an elegant & sophisticated experience

Total Suites: 30 Suites - All with plunge pools / cave pools

Restaurant: “Petra Restaurant” - Puts a creative twist on traditional Greek cuisine

DESSERT Course & Pairing

DESSERT COURSE: Pergamonto (recipe below)

• Consists of a yogurt sorbet with meringue and hazelnuts

• Plus caramel & pergamonto cream

WINE PAIRING: Kourtaki Mavrodaphne

• This wine has a deep, dark color and it is a fortified wine, similar to a port (meaning that it has a distilled spirit added during the winemaking process)

• Pairs Well With:

  • Fruit Platters

  • Mature Yellow Cheeses (like gouda or cheddar)

  • Pudding Desserts

We hope you are inspired to visit Santorini and “pair” the Canaves Oia Luxury Resorts with other great islands like Mykonos, Crete or Paros! We’d love to help you plan your next escape and share more on the properties above to help you select the perfect fit! As they say in Greece …

Yamas!

~ Cheers ~

Il Borro - Wine Pairing In Tuscany

We had so much fun taking over the SmartFlyer Instagram account today (@smartflyer) to go live with Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. - CEO of Il Borro (@ilborro) & Il Borro Wines (@ilborrowines)! Salvatore joined us from Tuscany to highlight more on their stunning property and their wine collection. I’m sure the name Ferragamo rings a bell, as they are known for their long-standing Italian fashion house, but their family is also heavily involved in the hospitality and wine industry as well. Below we have a recap of the call in case you want to learn more about the property and try some of the wine pairings at home!

BENVENUTO A Il BORRO

~ Welcome To Il Borro ~

Il Borro Estate truly is “A Place Like No Other” and with over 2,700 acres of land, they offer everything “Under The Tuscan Sun!” They are located in the heart of Tuscany, perfectly situated in between Florence, Siena and Cortona and they have many different types of accommodations.

The resort is centered around an ancient medieval village, which houses beautifully restored luxury suites, along with authentic craftsman still operating in the shops. Staying in the village is one of the most popular settings and it’s a fun experience to stroll the streets for Italian keepsakes to bring home! If you’d like a little more privacy though, they recently added new rural suites in a different area of the property, surrounded by beautiful vineyard views. If you’re traveling with a group, they have villas of all sizes sprinkled around the property, offering their own pools and amenities. So, there truly is something for everyone!

COLLEZIONE DI VINI

~ Wine Collection ~

The wine cellar at Il Borro is over 300 years old and it is buried below ground, keeping all of the wine at perfect temperatures year round. Before venturing below ground, you’ll be surrounded by an incredible private art collection curated by the Ferragamo family. When you stay on property, they offer a number of different tasting tours so you can experience the cellar, art collection and all of the delicious wine!

Their winemaking process is dedicated to following natural cycles that transform the fruit into wine, and all of the grapes are picked, de-stemmed, and processed by hand. The wines develop in French oak barrels, and they add complexity to the wine with a special blending process, combining elements from selected barrels that pass a stringent taste test. Above all, they take great pride in their sustainability efforts and are dedicated to biodynamic cultivation, which helps them achieve a negative carbon footprint and all-round wellbeing for the resort.

ABBINAMENTI

~ Pairings ~

Now we will highlight 4 of the Il Borro wines along with pairings that we suggest. For each wine we will share activity pairings on property and then we will suggest delicious pairings to try at home!

Bolle di Borro Classic Method Rosé

Activity Pairing -Hot Air Balloon + Picnic

For this pairing, there’s no better way to start the day in Tuscany than with an early morning hot air balloon ride! The setting of Il Borro is so special with incredible views in every direction, so you can imagine that the views from the sky are nothing short of breathtaking! You’ll see the sunrise over wine country, spot all the charming Tuscan towns, and get some truly Insta-worthy photos during this special experience.  

Once you touch back down you’ll be treated to a picnic in the vines and enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast. Think fluffy pasties, goat cheese, and strawberries … which will pair perfectly with the Il Borro Sparkling Rosé!

“At Home” Food Pairings:

Until we can be transported to Tuscany, we can enjoy some delicious pairings at home! Keep in mind that “bubbles” pair well with fried and fatty foods, so you can pair them with things like …

• Popcorn & Potato Chips

• Mushroom Dishes / Creamy Risotto

• Fried Chicken - This may sound strange, but sparkling rosé and fried chicken is one of my favorite pairings and a must try!

Lamelle IGT Toscana Chardonnay

Activity Pairing – Caviar Spa Treatment

Nothing pairs better with chardonnay than caviar – so when you are at Il Borro, you should treat yourself to one of their caviar spa treatments! Whenever I travel and do site visits at hotels, I never miss an opportunity to experience the spa. We always want to make sure that it’s up to par for our clients, so it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it! I can personally tell you that the spa at Il Borro is a true oasis!

They have a long list of services, but some standout favorites are the “Collagen & Caviar Anti-Aging” facial and “Wine Therapy” exfoliating body treatment! These are so unique and relaxing and I can’t recommend them enough! Once you’ve indulged, you can settle into robe life and enjoy a delicious glass of the Toscana Chardonnay – for the perfect R&R pairing!

“At Home” Food Pairings:

Until then, we will just have to do at home face masks and live vicariously through these spa dreams! Chardonnay is the most popular white wine grape in the world, so I’m sure everyone has a bottle or two at home. It’s completely acceptable for a glass of chardonnay to be enjoyed on it’s own as an aperitif, or you can pair it with …

• Creamy Vegetable Soups

• Steamed or Grilled Fish

• Shellfish (like crab and prawns)

Petruna Anfora Sangiovese

Activity Pairing – Truffle Hunting

I’m so excited about this pairing because this activity is a must for Tuscany … let’s talk about Truffle hunting! The experience at Il Borro is so special and one that I always include for our guests staying on property! It can be arranged privately for an exclusive experience and you’ll follow an expert hunter leading you in search of truffles. Did I mention they have the cutest partner?! For all my animal lovers out there … you’ll be joined by a specially-trained dog, to lead you in your search of truffles and make you smile along the way!

Following the hunt, you’ll sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor … the guide will prepare salami and pecorino paired with the Il Borro Petruna Sangiovese … and it’s a match made in heaven! 

“At Home” Food Pairing Inspo:

But since we can’t physically go on a truffle hunt right now, we can hunt around the house for delicious foods to pair with Sangiovese, and I’d recommend …

• Cheese & Charcuterie Plate

• Red-Sauce Pizza

• Cheeseburger - You don’t have to be fancy to enjoy good wine pairings! Trust me!

Il Borro Toscana Rosso

Activity Pairing – Cooking Class

Now … it wouldn’t be a trip to Tuscany without a cooking class and Il Borro offers so many amazing menus for couples, families, kids, you name it! Their Executive Chef, Andrea Campani is so fun to cook with and I would definitely recommend trying a pasta class, so you can bring home one of Italy’s finest traditions. Personally, I love Pici Pasta, and when you add a simple tomato sauce, it pairs perfectly with the Toscana Rosso!

“At Home” Food Pairings:

At home, you can definitely make your own pasta or you could enjoy a nice bold red blend with …

• Steak

• Courses with Game (like wild boar or lamb)

• Pancetta Dishes

Hot Air Balloon & Picnic

Caviar Spa Treatments

Truffle Hunting

Cooking Lessons

Now that your dreaming of these pairings, you’ll have to get your hands on some Il Borro wine to try them out! I’m happy to share that these wines are available in every state (mostly found on-premise in restaurants and wine bars) and offered at larger retailers like Costco, Specs and City Market. If you want to shop online, then head over to www.wine.com and below are some standout places it can be found in CA and TX as well …

• Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Orange County

• The Wine House in Los Angeles

• Artisan Wine Depot in San Francisco

• The Wine Merchant in Austin

• Central Market in Dallas

We hope you are inspired to visit Tuscany and we would love to help you plan your next trip! Il Borro is currently offering a special “Rainbow Package” giving guests a 3-night stay with a confirmed rate of €300 EUR per night. The best part is that you do not have to pick your dates for 18 months and it’s fully flexible to be changed /edited during that time! Please reach out if you’d like to learn more and schedule your trip to beautiful Tuscany!

Ciao For Now

Tuscany Uncorked!

We Invite You to Escape With Us to the Beautiful Wine Region of ... 

TUSCANY

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy”

— Giuseppe Verdi

Truer words have never been spoken in my opinion! Italy offers something for everyone and it's so incredibly charming that it almost doesn't feel real at times. There is so much to see and do here, but one of the largest and most well known regions is Tuscany! Centrally located between Florence and the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, there are beautiful landscapes as far as the eye can see! The region encompasses beautiful beach towns, medieval villages, historic areas, castles, incredible dining, stunning resorts, spas and more. But, when most people think of life under the Tuscan sun, they think of wine! 

Home to some of the world's oldest and most notable wine regions, there are endless vineyards to explore! 

~ Well Known Wine Regions ~

Chianti

For a wine to retain the name "Chianti," it must be produced with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. "Chianti Classico" comes from the largest area of Chianti, located on the original land where it was produced. Look for a black rooster seal on the neck of a wine bottle, known in Italian as gallo nero, in order to identify these special wines.

 

 

Montalcino

This region of Tuscany has one of the warmest and driest climates, and is known for their Brunello di Montalcino wine. Made from 100% Sangiovese, the wine goes through an extended maceration period to add color and flavor from the grape skins.

San Gimignano

Vernaccia is a white wine produced in and around this beautiful medieval town. The Vernaccia grapes in this region are planted in sandstone based vineyards which lend dry notes, crisp acidity, and a sightly bitter finish. It's an easy drinking, every day wine for residents of this region.

 

~ There's So Much Beyond the Vines in Tuscany ~

Florence

Lucca

This charming city is full of art, history, and culture along their cobblestone streets. It's all walkable with the beautiful Arno River running through it all and great bites around every corner!

Forte Dei Marmi

Known for their beaches, this seaside town offers beautiful views of the sea and the Apuan Alps. Stroll around the chic town and enjoy the tree-lined streets, premium shopping and fine dining!

The streets of this charming little town are so small that it's best to get around on foot or bikes. They have the most churches per capita in Italy, making for stunning scenery as you cruise!

Pisa

There is so much more to see here than you may think. After you get your quintessential picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stroll around to enjoy unique architecture, botanical gardens, and more! 

Just to Name a Few!

Join Us This Month ...

... as we take you on a tour through this incredible region! Each week we will be highlighting something different - hotels - suggested itineraries - notable activities - best times to visit - regional style - and more! We look forward to sharing our travels and curated experiences with you and hope to inspire your next trip to Italy!