Holiday 2016: On Location
Welcome back for round two! Here's your intimate behind-the-scenes look at the sophomore issue of the most exciting new magazine in Houston.
Nov. 21, 2016
WHAT INSPIRES YOU as you grow RYDE? The RYDE community and our team inspire us every day. The goal from the start was to create something that is bigger than ourselves — our community is just that. We want to push the limits of what a fitness experience can be. Our new Heights studio is a testament to that commitment, offering a high-energy indoor cycling experience in a stunning space. RYDE Heights opens in April, exactly eight years after our first location opened on West Gray in River Oaks.
What’s special about your team? The RYDE team is the core spirit of who we are and what we do. Our instructors, studio team and management are constantly raising the bar, and are passionate about building authentic relationships with clients inside and outside the studio. We have the best team in the city — and it is a privilege to work with such a talented and hardworking group of people.
RYDE has taught more than 20,000 spin classes since opening in 2015. To what do you attribute the success of your brand? Every aspect of RYDE is crafted with purpose, and our core principles remain steadfast as we grow. First is quality and consistency: Our team strives to earn and retain our clients’ trust and loyalty every day.
Second, we put people first: We invest in our team through comprehensive training programs and dedicated management support to ensure that our most valuable assets are always put first.
Third, we embrace uniqueness: We invest in our product and talent to ensure it is the best in the industry, while constantly innovating. Our athletic edge appeals to men and women equally, and we’ve paid close attention to this balance from the start.
Fourth, we cherish the details: Every physical and digital detail has been carefully considered and refined by our team, and is an integral part of the RYDE identity.
And the final core principle is giving back: The RYDE team and community are deeply committed to making a difference, and are proud to have donated over $160,000 for local and national philanthropic causes.
MORNINGS IN THE 50s and crisp sunny afternoons, Michelin star restaurants, and world-class wineries are just a few reasons to visit northern Cali wine country this September. Another reason? The new Sonoma County Wine Celebration September 19-21, which replaces the annual Sonoma Wine Auction, the largest wine charity in the region. Read on for tips on making the journey an action-packed weekend, where to stay, and where to taste. Just make sure to pack your finest cowboy boots, y'all!
The party starts Thurs., Sept. 19, at the popular Vintners Resort hideaway in Santa Rosa for a reception. After that warm-up, plan on exclusive add-on “Showdown Dinners” to choose from. On Friday, new events created by the Sonoma County Vintner’s include Winery Insider Tours. Pick your wine region — Dry Creek Valley, North Coast, etc. — and travel with the pros sightseeing, learning and tasting. Friday night Sept. 20, pull on your boots for Wine Country Nights: Boots, Bottles and Bites, which brings wild west fun to Sugarloaf Wine Co. for an evening of wine, food and live music. The beauty of the weekend is that you really don’t have to plan one thing. Just show up!
The Saturday auction, held at historical Chateau St. Jean, one of Foley Family Wines & Spirits’ luxury estates, culminates the three days. This charity auction moves briskly with bids on exclusive auction lots from rare wine to once-in-a-lifetime trips around the world. Rub shoulders with top winemakers while tasting regional wines and foods, and mingling with winery founders, industry luminaries, and big auction donors like Gallo, Jackson Family Wines, Foley Family Wines, Benovia Winery and Rodney Strong Vineyards.
But if you want to strike out on your own for a few days and nights, there are countless discoveries in the region. It’s worth it to make an appointment to visit Hamel Family Wines in the Sonoma Valley. The breathtaking contemporary winery offers several tasting experiences, including a must-do signature wine and food pairing prepared by the estate chef.
Also reserve ahead for one of the many remarkable experiences at Jordan Vineyard & Winery while savoring French-inspired wines. Established in 1970s, the 1,200-acre property takes a page from the beautiful French countryside, chateaus and all, and firmly plants it in Alexander Valley in the most authentic, modern way.
Optionally, cruise up Chalk Hill Road for valley views and taste a little bit of everything the region has to offer at Roth Estate Winery. Choose from several experiences including the BBQ lunch, tasting on the terrace, or the premier cave tasting. Nearby in Dry Creek Valley, Dutcher Crossing Winery is a fun stop for views, picnics on the lawn, petanque games, and eclectic white, rosé, zinfandel, wine blends and much more. First-timers to Dry Creek Valley should stop at the majestic Ferrari-Carano, an iconic winery flaunting ponds, dramatic fountains, endless views and Italian-inspired wines.
Sonoma County Wine Celebration (photo by Michael Woolsey)
Sonoma County Wine Auction
Chateau St. Jean
Vintners Resort
Located in Santa Rosa, Vintners Resort has long been a favorite for travelers seeking a regional hotel with walking spaces and amenities including culinary gardens, restaurants and spa. Plus, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for touring the different valleys including Sonoma, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. The property is amid renovating John Ash & Co. Restaurant, and it recently hired new chef Sergio Howland who is creating several new dining options at the resort.
This Sonoma Valley hotel set on a historic 19th-century estate of lush gardens will charm you from the get-go. Many of the rooms are suites with fireplaces, porches or balconies and original art for local Sonoma artists. Culinary offerings include Layla with a Mediterranean-Cali menu; The Bar at MacArthur; and The Porch coffee shop.
Hotel Les Mars
When you’re looking for the crème de la crème of the area, look no further than the chic town of Healdsburg. Hotel Les Mars is a French chateau inspired luxury boutique hotel under the Relais & Chateaux umbrella. The serene space is filled with unique 17th- and 18th-century antiques and the marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs are dreamy. Arandas is its new restaurant, which has a separate lounge for drinks and bites.
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