It may be second nature to take a private jet wine tour to Sonoma or Napa Valley to sip on the harvested fruits of the gods. What you may not know is that there are hidden gems around the world that that produce vinos as fine as those found in Bordeaux. Get your jet ready for your global wine tasting tour!

England’s South East Vineyards

The next time that you find yourself in the “Land of Angels,” make your way over to Surrey, Kent and West Sussex to tour the local wine region. One of the best times of year to visit is during the English Wine Week at the end of May or the beginning of June—when the spring rains have begun to subside and the weather is ideal for outdoor tours. Or call during any time of the year to schedule your own private tasting! Add the Denbies Wine Estate to your list of must-visit vineyards. In addition to featuring art exhibits, award-winning vintages and gourmet restaurants, Denbies is also the country’s largest vineyard.

North Georgia, USA

The northern end of the Peach State is starting to prove itself as prime wine country. Areas like Helen have soil, terrain and elevation that mimic those of the Piedmont region in Italy. One of the most notable vineyards is Habersham Winery in Helen, right off the Appalachian Trail. It’s one of the state’s oldest and largest wineries, and has won over 150 medals in national and international competitions. For a special private jet wine tour and wine-tasting weekend, make your way to Dahlonega where there is no shortage of vineyards offering tours and the best Southern comforts.

Ukraine

As political trouble brewed, wine makers kept pressing. Winemaking began as early as the year 4 BC along the southern coast of the Crimea and monks began the tradition in the northern part of the country during the 11^th century. The Ukraine is also home to prince Lev Golitsyn, the founder of the sparkling wine Sovetskoye Shampanskoye (“Soviet Champagne”). To experience the best of the Ukraine, embark on a cruise along the Black Sea that takes guests on tours of the Massandra Winery, which is the former palace of Tsars and the oldest winery in the country.

Thailand

Add to your collection of new latitude wines a bottle from Thailand. As one of the latest trends to emerge in the Thai hospitality industry, luxe private tours of the northeast part of the country as well as Khao Yai, Samut Sakhon, Bangkok and Chiang Rai are starting to replace shopping tours. For one of the most unique experiences in the world, visit the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard for a tour and lesson in viticulture on the back of an elephant.          

Israel

Once known for its candy-sweet vintages because of the country’s warm weather, the wines now produced in the historic land are receiving prizes and accolades from international connoisseurs and industry publications. The country’s wine regions include Galilee, Samson region, Judean Hills, Shomron region and the Negev desert region. The Golan Heights of Galilee and Negev, however, are some of the most popular among those seeking an internationally renown boutique vineyard experience and a taste of Israeli Merlot.

While wines from classic regions are always a excellent choice, adding a bottle from an unlikely country or region to your wine cellar will give you and your friends something to talk about all night. What unique vintages have you enjoyed?

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

4 Essential Experiences in Thailand

The crown jewel of Southeast Asia, Thailand is the adventure the rest of your private jet travels have prepared you for. It’s a place where coconut palms line soft-sand beaches, tigers still roam the jungles, and pulsating cities host world-class restaurants and golden palaces. Here are a few experiences that should top your Thailand private jet travel list.

1. Relax on Southeast Asia’s Most Famous Islands

Our pick: One of Thailand’s largest islands, Koh Kood (or Ko Kut) is a short private jet flight southeast from Bangkok, but it might as well be on a different planet. No zipping cars or throbbing nightlife here — just cerulean swimming coves, plunging waterfalls, and all the blindingly white beaches you can imagine. Take a dip in under the waterfall at Nam Tok Khlong Chao; cast a line for sailfish; or sip a coconut while wiggling your toes in the sand.

Worthwhile side trips:

• Phang Nga Bay: Gaze up at limestone karsts from the cockpit of a kayak.
• Koi Samui: Hit this low-key island’s nightlife and sprawling beaches.

(Phang Nga; photo credit: lawmurray via Flickr)

2. Eat the Best Pad Thai of Your Life

Our pick: Along with French and Italian, Thai cuisine ranks among the best in the world. For just a few baht, taste knockout tom yum and pad thai, affordable and ubiquitous hallmarks of Bangkok’s street food scene. And don’t beeline out of Thailand’s largest city before sampling a few of its top restaurants. Favorites include curry at Bo.lan and seafood at Nahm at the Metropolitan. Or become a master at combining Thai staples like garlic, chilies, lemongrass, and lime at Baipai Thai Cooking School.

Worthwhile side trips:
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Arrive early (like 6am) to watch vendors barter piled-high produce from sampans and speedboats.
• Aw Taw Kaw Market: Relish satay while strolling aisles of traditional foods.

(Pad thai; photo credit: winn* via Flickr)

3. Explore Siam’s Ancient Civilization

Our pick: A former capital of Siam, the astounding southern city of Ayutthaya was founded in 1350. The historic complex is now one of Thailand’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Archeology buffs will be amazed by its serene buddhas, massive palaces, and tranquil monasteries, not to mention the city’s most iconic feature — dozens of pointed stone prang, or reliquary towers.

Worthwhile side trips:

• Bangkok’s Grand Palace: Stroll the Thai monarchy’s dazzling 230-year-old home.
• Sa Kaeo: Discover ancient Khmer archeology in this wild province bordering Cambodia.

(Ayutthaya; photo credit: thanapan via Flickr)

4. Spot the World’s Rarest Wildlife

Our pick: For true underwater amazement, head to the Andaman Sea and Mu Ko Surin National Park. Rays and sea turtles populate this archipelago, which also encompasses Thailand’s most famous dive site, Richelieu Rock, or Hin Plo Naam. There is also quality snorkeling to be had at Thailand’s easternmost islands.

Worthwhile side trips:

• Elephant Nature Park: Walk right up to an Asian elephant in this rehabilitation center outside Chiang Mai.
• Khao Sok National Park: If you want to see a tiger in the wild, your best bet is to visit this southern rainforest.

(Sea Turtle; photo credit: taso.viglas via Flickr)

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

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At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.