The Art of Fine Wine

Fine wines are undoubtedly an integral part of the luxury world. A great wine must reflect its origins, possessing a distinct identity and the capacity to deliver an exceptional experience both as a young wine and as it matures. An outstanding wine is not only complex and well-crafted; it also evokes emotions and surpasses a guest’s expectations, transforming into an experience in its own right.

A fine wine experience truly comes to life when the bottle is removed from its box and cellar, presented brilliantly by the cellar master or sommelier, opened impeccably, and served at the right temperature in the appropriate glass, paired with a suitable dish, and at the perfect moment. This meticulous attention to detail highlights the significance of exceptional wine service at Hand Picked, where every aspect is curated to elevate the enjoyment of each unique wine.

Hand Picked Hotels’ wine selection is impressively diverse, offering a perfect balance between rare, unique wines and more intriguing, offbeat options. However, what truly sets the collection apart is the accessibility of the pricing, especially for fine wines. Hand Picked is redefining the concept of affordable luxury in fine wine, making premium selections available to a broader audience.

The carefully curated wine program and list elevate Hand Picked Hotels, making it a distinctive and welcoming destination for every wine enthusiast.

Hand Picked Hotels’ wine selection is impressively diverse, offering a perfect balance between rare, unique wines and more intriguing, offbeat options.

Clément’s Top Five Wines

1: Egly-Ouriet, Brut Grand Cru, Champagne, France NV
An iconic champagne grower producing wines that are vinous and rich with incredible complexity. The bubbles are tiny and refined, making it enjoyable in every season. It has a slight oxidative flavour that allows it to be paired with various dishes throughout your meal, while also serving as a delicious aperitif.

2: Felton Road, Bannockburn Chardonnay, Central Otago, New Zealand 2011
One of the most recognisable wineries in New Zealand, based in Central Otago, they focus on sustainability like no one else. The wines show incredible precision and complexity, and the Chardonnay is perfect for pairing with fish dishes.

3: The Hilt, Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, California, United States 2019
Owned by Stan Kroenke, the American businessman who also owns Screaming Eagle in California and Bonneau de Martray in Burgundy. It is one of the “new kids on the block” in terms of great names in California. Located in the Santa Rita Hills, they make powerful, rich, creamy Chardonnays with great acidity—a brilliant modern take on traditional Californian wine.

4: Nuit Saint-Georges, Aux Boudots, Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, Burgundy, France 2017
One of the most sought-after producers in Burgundy from the Nuits-St-Georges appellation in the Côte de Nuits. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this vintage is starting to show a bit of maturity. To find this wine from such a producer, from this Premier Cru vineyard, is incredibly rare.

5: 980 AD, Villa Saletta, Tuscany, Italy 2015
Already one of the best Cabernet Francs in Italy, certainly Tuscany, and perhaps one of the finest in the world. Only available in magnum at the moment, so it’s the perfect size for two people—if one of them is not drinking! It shows complexity, incredibly ripe fruit typical of the Tuscan hills, and beautiful refinement on the acidity. A wine to enjoy now, but it can also be kept for another 10 years or more.