Author: David Bowden

The wines of Burgundy, says acclaimed wine writer Oz Clarke, are the most sublime in the world. There are hundreds of wine estates, or domaines, as they are known in this part of France, dotting the countryside, just two hours by train to the southwest of Paris. Touring these estates is a wonderful way to appreciate the wines, the food, and the hospitality of the people who call this part of France home. One of the most famous wine houses in Burgundy is Bouchard Père & Fils, and a recent tasting in Kuala Lumpur confirmed why the wines of Burgundy set a…

Located deep in the southwest corner of the Australian continent, Margaret River is a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to natural beauty, world-class wines, and outdoor adventure. Though the town itself has a population of just over 9,000, the wider area is home to nearly 200 wineries, making it one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Margaret River produces around 20% of the country’s premium wines despite accounting for only 2% of its total wine production. This is quite an achievement given that wine production here only started…

Sky-high restaurants in Kuala Lumpur are nothing particularly new. But usually, you’ll find those atop skyscraping hotels or other commercial buildings. A restaurant on the top floor of a residential tower is a somewhat rarer find, but that’s exactly what we ventured into the heart of the city to check out on a recent Friday night – CHARR Dining. While the name certainly gives a hint, the fire, flames and a beguiling aroma of wood smoke as you enter CHARR confirm the experience offered by this stylish restaurant perched high above central Kuala Lumpur at The Manor Serviced Residences on…

Kuala Lumpur’s dining scene is varied in many ways. Spanning a wide range of cuisines and budgets – everything from mamaks and hawker centres to white tablecloths and Michelin stars – the only constant in the F&B landscape here is change, and plenty of it. This is great for hungry patrons, who crave the never-ending variety and also “the new and trendy” when it comes to eating out, but it can put restaurants at a real disadvantage as business can be great when you’re the buzzy new kid on the block, but when another concept comes along and lights up social media,…

If you like wine or golf, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this little slice of South Australia. If you are an aficionado of both, though, this might just be your dream getaway. Wine connoisseurs are familiar with Penfolds Grange, long considered one of the world’s great iconic wines. The famous Penfolds wine label was founded in Adelaide, and wines are still made at its original Magill Estate, which is now surrounded by suburbia. Adelaide is also home to The Grange Golf Course, one of Australia’s premier golf venues. It includes two internationally rated, 18-hole championship golf courses and an…

Located in the Quang Nam Province of Central Vietnam, Hoi An has been a centre of economic and cultural activity from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 19th century, and is now one of Vietnam’s hottest tourist destinations. Hoi An was established in the 16th century; thrived in the 17th and the 18th centuries, and declined in the 19th century. It was revived in the late 20th century with its new role, serving as a tourist magnet for increasing numbers of 21st-century visitors. Most of the trade in Hoi An is now focused on tourists…

With thousands of grape varieties known to winemakers, a variety starting with the letter ‘z’ somehow captures our attention as we set about to sample some wines made from Zinfandel (ZIN-fan-dell) grapes. Zinfandel is a popular black-skinned wine grape variety grown in the United States which is the genetic equivalent of the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in several Italian regions. Primitivo found its way to the United States in the mid-19th century where it typically produces a robust red wine. However, such is its versatility, in the United States a semi-sweet Rosé or blush-style wine called White Zinfandel enjoys some…

Escape the city and head to Bukit Tinggi’s Berjaya Hills, where cooler climes, French-inspired architecture, and serene forests offer the perfect retreat just an hour from Kuala Lumpur. In the colonial era, the cooler high mountains of the South and Southeast Asia region were the only places people could retreat to escape the heat and humidity of the lowlands. These retreats were called hill stations and were developed as there were few other options for escaping from the hotter tropical lowlands. The first one in the region appeared on Penang Hill in 1787 and then in places as widespread as…

Some 40% of all wines imported into Malaysia are produced in Australia. With Australia Day being celebrated by many Australians on January 26, it’s an appropriate time to observe and recognize the importance that Australia plays in our enjoyment of wine here in Malaysia. Australia’s multiculturalism is also reflected in the wines made from the variety of grapes now grown in the country. As such, we thought it timely to sample some grape varieties not always associated with the Land Down Under and can highly recommend four styles we recently tasted: Grenache, Moscato, Vermentino, and Tempranillo. Wine Heritage The history…

With its world-class golf, Phuket, known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, offers more than just a tropical retreat. Phuket is Thailand’s best-known holiday island and is highly regarded by golfers residing on the island, as well as from around the region. With some half a dozen golf courses to enjoy, long sandy beaches, delicious Thai food, and plenty of lively nightlife, it’s no wonder that Phuket is one of the hottest holiday islands in the world. On my most recent visit, I decided to seek out good, comfortable accommodation at the Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao located…