Visiting Greek Wineries

Greece is one of the oldest vinicultural countries in the world, with a plethora of local grapes. The quality of Greek wines has tremendously improved over the past decades as new, highly educated and inspired sommeliers have applied themselves to the task of creating new labels. Many of the wineries have opened their gates to guests who can walk along the vineyards and then taste the wines in the cellars. Given this boom in the wine industry, an increasing number of yachties want to include a visit in wineries during their charters. Driven my own personal interest in wine, I am always happy to guide my clients and propose vineyard visits.


Santorini wines

The volcanic soil of Santorini island in the Cyclades offers the best terroirs for the Assyrtiko grapes. Assyrtiko wines are undoubtedly the flagship of Greek whites and a visit at the Hatzidakis winery in Sanotini offers a unique chance to view a unique and interesting wine in the making. Make sure to taste the award-winning Nukteri label. The thing, however, is that Santorini is way too far for a weekly itinerary starting and finishing in Athens, so I always advise my clients to fly to the island before or after their charter and combine this with a stay in one of the caldera hotels, enjoying the magnificent views.


Skouras Domaine

Skouras Domaine

Much closer to Athens I recommend clients to leave their yacht in Nafplion port and take a 30-minute drive to Skouras Domaine – one of the most modern and spectacular visitor-friendly wineries in Peloponnese. The prevailing force here is the Aghiorghitiko grape, which grows in the rocky terroirs nearby and is used in the much acclaimed Megas Oinos and Labyrinth labels. My personal favorite, however, is the fruity Viogner Eclectique, which grows in a small terroir called “spilitsa – little cave”.


The tempting Greek islands sun and the surrounding sea, together with the hospitality of your crew may keep you onboard your yacht through your charter. Do try to taste Greek wines during your visit – your chef will surely recommend the best pairings to their culinary creations. Contact now our expert broker team and start planning your next Greek motor yacht, sailing yacht or catamaran charter!

Expert Insight: The CEO’s Favourite Catamaran HEMISPHERE

For our latest blog series, we asked the Boatbookings’ team members for their favorite worldwide charter yachts to share them with all of our clients, colleagues and suppliers alike. We begin with our CEO’s favourite crewed catamaran; HEMISPHERE!

HEMISPHERE is a 145ft luxury crewed Pendennis catamaran available for charter throughout Southeast Asia in such exciting, intriguing destinations as Fiji, Indonesia, the South Pacific and many more! She is one of our favourite catamarans for charter worldwide due to her chic and spacious exterior spaces, welcoming crew and of course the trampolines:

yacht hemisphere, luxury yacht, yacht charter, boatbookings, boatbookings yacht charter
Our first team visit to HEMISPHERE at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2012 (featuring a mini Boatbookings helper loving the trampolines!).

Launched in 2011 by Pendennis, HEMISPHERE is just over 44 metres in length (145ft) with a massive 16.6 metres beam (54ft). Her innovative design boasts creative features that blend speed and stability with both space and style. Catamarans are famed for their space and HEMISPHERE is no exception. Her spacious flybridge is sure to be your favourite area on the yacht. She features a Jacuzzi, sun pads and shaded dining area, along with an immense indoor/outdoor living area on the main deck.

HEMISPHERE‘s interiors, designed by Michael Leach, are quite simply stunning. The main saloon has contemporary styling with light woods, lots of natural light and comfortable areas for dining and socialising. HEMISPHERE also boasts a comfy game and TV room, ideal for younger charter guests. This fantastic yacht can welcome up to 12 guests on board in 5 well-appointed staterooms with a further two identical master cabins on the main deck.

Other highlights include a professional diving board, a 6m trampoline and a comprehensive diving centre with the latest diving equipment. Her crew of 8 include a fantastic British Captain, a renowned Danish chef who formerly worked for the Danish royal family, and 2 PADI Scuba diving instructors. So, whether you’re after exceptionally prepared cuisine, sunbathing with a glass of bubbly on the flybridge or diving in Southeast Asia, HEMISPHERE is surely the yacht for you.

HEMISPHERE will be available for charter in the 2018/19 Winter season in French Polynesia and the South Pacific, followed by Fiji, Indonesia and Tonga! She is for charter from $260,000 per week plus expenses.

If the luxury catamaran experience appeals to you and your family, please do get in touch with Boatbookings’ expert brokers who would be delighted to organise the ultimate Southeast Asia adventure for you.

My Top Three Caribbean, Bareboat Hotspots

If you are looking into a bareboat charter holiday in the Caribbean but you are not sure where to go, let me guide you, or at least help you to narrow it down to three!

Let’s start in Abacos with a bareboat charter in the Bahamas.  Just 112 kilometres east of Palm Beach, Florida lies the Bahamas, a sailing paradise of warm breezes, white sandy beaches and colonial houses nestled amongst the palm trees.

bahamas

Continue reading

Why Pick Phuket?

There cannot be many better ways to explore and admire the stunning scenery around Phuket than on your own private charter catamaran. Lots of space, with or without crew, a catamaran hire Phuket is definitely the way to cruise these beautiful sailing grounds. Try something new this year and venture out of your comfort zone, into a tropical paradise brimming with culture and excitement! Float past the Thai islands with the limestone cliffs looming over, whilst you sip coconut water and lounge on the trampoline of your catamaran…phang nga bay Continue reading

Hiking La Soufriere on the Island of St. Vincent in the Grenadines!

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the most beautiful places to cruise, and St. Vincent is the perfect island to begin your holiday.  Before you pick up your yacht for your grenadines boat charter and if you are an avid hiker, then this challenging adventure takes you to the top of St. Vincent’s, La Soufriere Volcano, where you’ll experience the breath-taking views and a top-of-the-world euphoria found only at the summit of such world class hikes.  la Soufreire Continue reading