Graycliff Wine Cellar

Graycliff Wine Cellar
January 2018


“Don’t leave me in here!” I hollered after Sudhir, Graycliff's Wine Cellar Manager, when he left the chamber to allow me to take a better photo and video of the cellar’s enchanting private dining room. I was inside a renowned wine cellar that was once a pirate’s dungeon 300 years ago.

The Graycliff Wine Cellar's private dining room table.

I had already been in there two weeks earlier, touring Nassau's prominent wine cellar that carries the 3rd largest wine collection in the world.  But my intended hero shot – a unique angle of the opulent table in the private dining room – turned out blurry. I had to go back for a re-shoot.

With 275,000 bottles, this is wine heaven. Watch video at the end of this story.

So there I was, hobnobbing again with the 275,000 bottles of the finest wines, ports, cognacs, and armagnacs underneath the historic Graycliff, the first 5-star luxury hotel and restaurant in the Caribbean.

A stack of armagnacs (left) and a collection of ports (behind the green door)

It’s easy to lose your way inside the 5,500 square foot maze-like structure, but the wine bottles here are organized and compartmentalized by type. I followed Sudhir, weaving through the narrow hallways flanked by wine-filled shelves, ducking into low-ceiling areas and finally walking into a separate cavity with all the extravagant champagnes -- the symbol of luxury and celebrations.

One that stood out to me was a sophisticated bottle coated in gold and embossed with a distinctive insignia of the French monarchy, the l'as de pique or ace of spade. The luxury cuvee, Aces of Spade Champagne Armand de Brignac Brut, is produced using an artisanal method. Even the bottling and labeling is done by hand.

This golden bottle of bubbly is the Aces of Spade Champagne Armand de Brignac Brut.

In another corner, I found resting in its special case, the limited deluxe 2000 millennium methuselah (a wine bottle eight times the standard size) of Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne. Priced in the thousands, the champagne blend was made only once and released in 1999 for Millenium celebrations.

The deluxe 2000 millennium methuselah of Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne, a limited edition specifically produced for Millenium celebrations.

I even met the oldest bottle of wine in the world here: the 1727 Rudesheimer Apostelwein from Bremen Ratskeller in the Rheingau region, one of Germany's  reputable wine-growing regions. Graycliff owner Enrico Garzaroli (the visionary behind converting this underground into a wine cellar) purchased it at an auction house in 1968 to add to his valuable collection.

The oldest bottle of wine in the world rests here:
1727 Rudesheimer Apostelwein from Bremen Ratskeller 

As we walked past a stockpile of dusty bottles, Sudhir explained that it is ideal to keep wines undisturbed. It is only when the wine has been ordered and ready to pour that the bottle is wiped down ever so gently.

At the far end, I saw cooling fans. Through regular monitoring, they maintain the ideal temperature and they have a back-up generator in case of a power outage.

Precious wines must be undisturbed and handled very gently.

The rugged concrete portal reveal remnants of the original dungeon.

Finally, we made our way to the esteemed private dining chamber. You just can't help but be captivated by its Old World-style setting. Sudhir confirmed that numerous celebrities have gathered around the regal table for extravagant candlelit banquets. Some have even spent up to $80,000 in one evening just from the rarest and finest wines, cognacs, and cigars alone. The exclusive private dining area, which can be rented for a $1,000 fee, has also been sought after for lavish wedding proposals. This is why I wanted to show what it was like to be sitting at that famous table.

The wine cellar's elaborate dining table can accommodate up to 18 guests.

Navigating through the wine cellar, Sudhir led me to another section where other items of special interest are stored. It's where they keep precious finds for guests who might be interested in purchasing such items for their own collection. A top shelf held figurines depicting Caribbean folk and lifestyles. Sitting among wine cases was a rare box crafted from a piece of wood salvaged from Christopher Columbus’ shipwreck.

A top shelf filled with figurines of Caribbean folk

A unique box crafted from wood that was salvaged from Cristopher Columbus' shipwreck.

I browsed around and noticed what looked like two talking sticks leaning up against a rack. “What are those?” I pointed.

“They’re voodoo sticks,” Sudhir replied, “to keep away the bad spirits.”  It's a Caribbean superstition, Haitian in origin.  And why not? This place has been in existence for 3 centuries, after all.

Voodoo sticks help keep away the bad spirits.

“So have you had any encounters with spirits in here?” I was expecting him to tell me about a regular phantom while we walked back towards the main entrance, passing through the original concrete prison door.

The concrete door that was once part of the pirate's dungeon.

“Sometimes when I’m alone here and everything’s turned quiet, I would hear some murmurings," he replied nonchalantly. "But the spirits here are always good to me." I guess the only dominant spirits around here are of the alcohol kind.

Once I emerged from the cellar and was back in the daylight, I eagerly reviewed the private dining room shots. Again, all the photos and videos, taken from the typical angle you’d easily find online, came out fine. But the one shot – that important shot that I was after all along – once again turned out blurry. (Deep sigh!) Maybe I should have asked permission from the good spirits.

It's a blurry shot but you can still see the elaborate set-up of the private dining room's grand table.

Sorry folks. You'll just have to go see it for yourselves. While the wine cellar tours are not necessarily open to the public, you will be given an exclusive tour if you dine at Graycliff's restaurant or book a Wine Luncheon or a Wine & Cheese Tasting there.

Sudhir Kangath originally hails from India and has been Graycliff's Wine Cellar Manager for 11 years.

Here's a video to give you a better sense of the wine cellar.

Click here to read my previous post about exploring Graycliff.

The Wine Cellar is only one of the many experiences offered by Graycliff and the neighboring Heritage Village. Learn more about Graycliff here.

Graycliff

Graycliff and Heritage Village
December 2017

I was thrilled to learn that my friends were arriving via cruise with a port of call in Nassau. Although they only had a few hours to spend here, I knew exactly where to take them for an enjoyable and memorable time. I made sure I showed them the historic Graycliff -- the first 5-star luxury hotel and restaurant in the Caribbean.

You can't claim you've been to The Bahamas unless you've visited the acclaimed Graycliff and the Heritage Village. This iconic property, rich in history (spanning 300 years), is so much a part of Nassau and The Bahamas.

Graycliff's rich history spans 300 years beginning from the Pirate's Era.

Graycliff is located on the corner of Blue Hill Road and West Hill Street

Nassau cruise visitors like my friends could easily reach Graycliff on foot. It's tucked away at the corner of Blue Hill Road and West Hill Street but a leisurely walk from downtown (only a block away from the British Colonial Hilton).

My guests were instantly enamored as we walked up the steps to enter the old colonial style mansion. They agreed that it was like being transported in time. The parlor, main restaurant, and private dining areas were all brimming with Old World charm.

This style of decor is best described by Houzz: "...the look always calls to mind a sense of antiquity and the stately air of bygone centuries." It's formal but warm and inviting; comfortably worn but elegant; grand yet homey.

The parlor inside Graycliff

One of the stately private dining areas inside Graycliff 

Another private dining room already set up for a private event.

The property is massive and there's so much to see here. I took them for a walk into the meandering gardens and surprised them with the stunning pool. I was also blown away the first time I saw it. I've never seen such a picturesque pool tile design.

The stunning pool with its unique tile design.

From there, we wandered inside the humidor and cigar factory where we witnessed a torcedor (cigar-rolling expert) in action. In 2013, Graycliff released a premium cigar blend and named it John Howard Graysmith, in honor of the famous pirate who originally built the Graycliff mansion in 1740.

This way to the humidor and cigar factory

I led them to the spacious piazza, then up towards the terrace to show them the beer garden, churrascaria, and the pizzeria. I heard that on Fridays, they serve Happy Hour at the beer garden from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. with pizza and beer for a very good deal. I have yet to check that out.

Inside the churrascaria, where they serve all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue fare

Fresh pizza at the Giotto Pizzeria

Past the pizzeria is a short path that takes you to the chocolate boutique with a wide selection of gourmet chocolates. I told my friends that my favorite Graycliff chocolate flavor is the key lime pie. It tastes just like it. Connected to the boutique is the chocolate factory where they offer chocolate-making classes. It's a fun and educational activity for both adults and children.

Taking just a few steps outside the Chocolatier, we explored the neighboring Heritage Village that houses the Bahama Barrels winery (first and only in The Bahamas), the Drawbridge gelato place, The Artists Studio, The Heritage Museum, and the charming boutique shop. Everything was painted in cheerful Bahamas colors and was such a delight to see.

Just outside the Chocolatier, you can explore Heritage Village

Bahama Barrels is the first and only winery in The Bahamas. Originally built in 1937, it was once a chapel of the Sisters of Charity Academy.

The Artists' Studios showcase crafts designed and produced by local artists.

The adorable Drawbridge is a gelato shop. See more in the video at the end of this story.

The Heritage Museum of The Bahamas

The darling boutique with souvenirs and novelties. I love its sand-covered floor.

Oh, and there's more! Underneath the restaurant is a wine cellar and cognateque. History tells us it used to be a dungeon, where pirate's prisoners were held. It also holds the 3rd largest wine collection in the world. You can read more about that story in my upcoming post.

After exploring the iconic Graycliff, I was rewarded with this feedback, "I've never enjoyed Nassau as much as I did during this visit!"

Here's a video of our day's adventure at Graycliff.

As I mentioned, the Graycliff mansion was built in 1740 by the feared and famous pirate John Howard Graysmith who had earned a reputation for successfully plundering ships in the pirates era. Although captured by the British, he later received royal pardon after he finally surrendered his buccaneering days. Over three centuries, the mansion transformed from that Pirate's Era, ending with Enrico Garzaroli and his wife finally purchasing the property in 1973. You can find the historic timeline here on how it evolved into what it is today.

Thanks to Tru Bahamian Food Tours, I discovered the magical world of Graycliff.

Kayaking in the Black Canyon

Kayaking in the Black Canyon

June 11, 2016

The weekend prior had a scorching high of about 109 degrees. But on this day, the weather was on point. What a great day to kayak!

It was an excellent day to kayak with Blazin Paddles.

I love this!

I invited my stepson, Trevor, and our family friend, David, to join me in this adventure. Ever since I showed Blazin Paddles’ Facebook pictures to Trevor, he was all gung-ho about going. He was even more excited that Blazin Paddles’ headquarters was close to a Roberto’s Taco Shop. We made a pit stop there, where he and David each chowed down a breakfast burrito before heading out to the tour.

This was our sweet ride to the launch area at Willow Beach.

From Boulder Highway, en route to our destination, we could already see a hint of the water. 

We reached the launch area at Willow Beach Marina after a 40-minute shuttle ride from Blazin Paddles’ Henderson office. Ryan Borup, the owner of Blazin Paddles, explained that we were on the Arizona side of the Colorado River a few miles downstream from Hoover Dam.

While Ryan prepped the kayaks, we had time to walk around the marina, use the facilities, and visit the sundry shop for last-minute essentials. There were a few families already picnicking nearby and just kicking back.

Our kayaking playground for the day

This duck was already having a grand time in the crisp and clear water.

The water was so inviting! It was clear and so was the sky that framed it. From a distance, we could see only a handful of adventurers and a family of ducks that already beat us to the water.

Getting ready to launch, we approached the bright colored kayaks already lined up on the shore.  Each was already equipped with a paddle, a life jacket, and...a water gun! A sure sign of more fun things to expect.

Also on the front of each kayak was a water gun strapped onto the bungee cords.

Ryan, assisted by companion guide Jackie, instructed us to put on our life jackets. Safety first! He followed that up with quick tips on how to get in and out of the kayak without tipping over. Then he demonstrated how to properly hold the paddle and effectively maneuver the vessel.

Excited to launch. Let's do this!

I quickly loaded my snacks inside the rear storage compartment of my chosen kayak. Then I tucked away my iPhone, protected inside a ziplock bag, in the small hatch in front of the cockpit.  Before long, we were off.

I chatted with Ryan as we leisurely paddled to our first destination. He grew up in Alaska where his father was stationed while in the military service. That explains his love of the outdoors and how he was somehow led to this business.

Meanwhile, Trevor behind me asked, “Um, is there a better way to paddle? I seem to be all over the place.” 

“That could mean your one arm is stronger than the other,” Ryan replied as he gave him advice on how to make adjustments.

Later, when I lagged behind, I chuckled as I watched him zig-zagging ahead of me.

After a few adjustments, Trevor got the hang of it and was kayaking like a pro.

Along with three other guys in our group, we went for a short uphill hike to explore the location. We had to take pictures of the gorgeous view of the Black Canyon from up there. 

Gorgeous view of our kayaking location.

Our group walking past a fire pit as we made a short uphill hike.

Our group photo with Black Canyon as our backdrop

Ryan is very knowledgeable about the history of the area. Throughout the tour, he showed us some interesting sites and told us fascinating facts. He emphasized that the water here remains 55 degrees year-round. During our second stop, we bravely took a hasty dip in the freezing water. It was refreshing but I could feel my hands going numb.

It was in this spot that I noticed an old-fashioned wooden cart suspended on cables. I also saw a make shift trail that ribboned along the canyon edge. On the opposite canyon wall, there was an outpost with ladder accessibility.

Apparently, these intriguing structures were part of an old gauging station. There were several used during the construction of Hoover Dam. Back then, a gauger would walk along the trail to get on the cart. Then using the cables, he would pull himself to the measuring station and monitor water levels. As part of the tour, Ryan showed us remnants of a river gauger’s house nearby. It’s incredible to see these remains from the 1930’s.

What remains of a 1930's river gauger's house

One highlight of our tour was when we all backed into Emerald Cave one at a time and created a sardine-like formation inside. We gazed in amazement at the emerald green water in front of us.

Inside Emerald Cave

When the sunlight hits the water, it reflects back hues of emerald green.

"Awesome!" David gave it a big thumbs up.

Then we were led to a jump-off point. It was fun to watch the boys take a leap from the 30-foot cliff. Sadly, my attempt to take videos of their jump failed. But you can visit Blazin Paddles’ Facebook page or their website (fully functional by July 1, 2016) to see more photos and videos.

On our way back, it was so relaxing to just paddle away. I liked it best when there weren’t any boats or jet skis speeding by. It was nice to enjoy our surroundings with peace and quiet. Both Ryan and Jackie said that they typically spot bighorn sheep around here. But they camouflage so well that sometimes you don’t easily see them.

During the home stretch, we hit some wind. That sure tested my endurance. I felt like I grew some muscles because I powered through it. Though snacks were provided during the tour, I was ready for my packed sandwiches by the time we got back. We all agreed it was a great time and that we want to return and do it all over again!

Jackie and Ryan from Blazin Paddles took us on a fun kayaking adventure we won't forget

Ryan Borup of Blazin Paddles Kayak Tours

Helpful Info

Cost:

Half Day Tour: $135/person (3 hours water time); snacks and water included

Full Day Tour: $185/person (7 hours water time); includes lunch and trip to hot springs

*They also have a Twilight Tour that launches around 5:00 p.m. and includes a campfire activity.

What to Wear: 
Swimsuits, water tees and shorts, hat, water shoes or closed toe shoes (You will get wet.)

Don’t forget to put on sunscreen.

What to Bring: 
Some snacks and water will be provided. You are welcome to bring additional snacks and drinks.

Getting There: 
Although locals can meet at their Henderson Office, they do pick-up/drop off on the Strip. 

Other Tips: 
Make sure you are physically fit to join the kayaking tour. Though not necessary, it may be helpful to watch a video on how to kayak properly. Then you're all set!

Lucky Buddhas

Kamakura and Yokohama
JTB Tour 3
October 11, 2014

Visiting the Great Buddha of Kamakura, also known as the Outdoor Buddha

It was my friend Freda who recommended that I visit Kamakura. JTB USA's Sunrise Tours offered a full day tour of Kamakura, Yokohama, and Tokyo Bay. Aside from the Kamakura Daibutsu or Great Buddha, there was so much to see. We made stops at Hasedera Temple, Chinatown, and Sankeien Garden.

Here are some photo highlights from this tour:

Hasedera Temple - known as "the 4th station among 33 holy places in the Kanto area"

Sammon Main Gate is the main entrance to Hasedera Temple

Beautiful garden and pond inside the grounds of Hasedera Temple

There are several buddha shrines such as this one

Daikokuten, one of the seven Japanese gods of Fortune. He is considered the god of wealth.

I'm standing right next to the stone statue of "Happy" Jizo buddha, known to comfort the souls of unborn children.

And Alan gets close to the stone statue of another of the seven Japanese gods: Hotei, god of happiness, satisfaction, and abundance.

The Kyozo Sutra Archive or Library

Rotating bookracks or rinzo. By turning them, it is believed you can earn the same merit as reading all the Buddhist sutras.

Inside Benten-kutsu Cave with incredible sculptures carved on the rock walls.

Carved out of the stone walls is Benzaiten, another of the seven lucky gods, carrying a Japanese mandolin.

Kamakura Daibutsu - also called the Outdoor Buddha or Great Buddha of Kamakura

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

Story about the history of the Great Buddha statue and its dimensions.

For scale, I'm showing this photo with Alan standing next to the Great Buddha statue, which is almost 44 feet tall.

Here is the Great Buddha's back side...

...And here are his giant straw slippers.

While we were here, super typhoon Vongfong was all over the news but you'd never know with the beautiful weather we're enjoying. Just to be on the safe side, I bought an amulet to protect us from calamity. (wink!)

Yokohama - "the first harbor city introduced to the world as the entrance to Japan;" also known as the birthplace of Japan's modern culture

Yokohama Bay Bridge

It was here that we had a Chinese-style lunch at a high-floor of a building overlooking the harbor.

Yokohama Chinatown is one of the largest in Japan and in Asia.

Sankeien Garden - this expansive Japanese garden is approximately 43 acres and its construction took 20 years to complete.

A wedding was taking place and several of the entourage were wearing the most beautiful Kimonos and Japanese national costumes that I've ever seen.

She was gracious to let me take her photo. Isn't her kimono just beautiful?

Another photo of the lovely Japanese girl and her friends.

Japanese bride and groom wearing traditional costumes.

I was following this group of women most of whom were wearing the most beautiful kimonos I've ever seen.

The Three-Story Pagoda of Old Tomyoji

Admiring the beauty of the Sankeien Garden

A pond in the Sankeien Garden

This story continued from High Tech Ramen. This is part of a travel series about Japan.