Intelligencer – October 2009

Site Staff Watch & Listen - Attractions

It’s not too early to think about holiday giving, and we have a suggestion: a box with a key and an invitation to visit the House of Rémy Martin in Cognac, France.

KING FOR A DAY
It’s not too early to think about holiday giving, and we have a suggestion: a box with a key and an invitation to visit the House of Rémy Martin in Cognac, France. The house of fine Champagne cognac’s 10-hour Louis XIII Experience includes a tour of the family estate and private cellar, elite cognac tastings, lunch, and dinner. Until Dec. 31, the experience is offered for about $1,200. Information: www.visitesremymartin.com.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT
The July issue of United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine featured a full-page picture of Gwen Stefani about to devour a spoonful of whipped cream and a cherry and offering her thoughts on Palm Springs. She was initially reluctant to come to Palm Springs, but her husband plays in a tennis tournament here. The scenery and weather, however, sold her on the place. Now the couple visits yearly. “The stars are amazing, and there are these big huge mountains that come out of nowhere,” she says. “I still don’t play golf or tennis, but I always look forward to going back.”

SOMETHING TO WINE ABOUT

Although the Palm Desert Art of Food & Wine has been canceled, wine lovers can make a short drive to the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (Nov. 18-22), where chefs will compete for a package worth about $50,000 (last year the prize included a New York vacation, professional stove, and cash). To attract 25-30 year olds, the event features a Wine Rave (Nov. 18) with a DJ at the hip W Hotel. Information: www.worldofwineevents.com.