MAGASINET (2019-1) Classic Norway Hotels

Art and treasures
She started working in the tax free shop at
Rygge airport, passing the days by selling
"everyday wines" to airplane passengers.
When the airport shut down, Gisela
Babsvik became the wine cellar host at
Refsnes Gods, on Jeløy near Moss, and
today Gisela has about 5,000 bottles of
wine in her wine cellar. A true dream.
– What would you think about a Boal
madeira from 1822? A complete collection
of Chateau Mouton Rothschild; from the
first bottle tapped in 1945 until today?
The collection at Refsnes Gods is naturally
supplemented every year and contains
some vintages so exclusive that they cannot
be sold out of the collection. Other vintages
are offered to guests who want a taste
experience, for example from Bordeaux.
The wine cellar at Refsnes Gods has, with
its thick brick walls and roof vents from
the 18th century, impressed and satisfied
demanding guests ever since the basement
was opened to the public around 30 years
ago.
Previous hotel owners have built up the
collection ever since the 50's and even if
the owners changed, the wine collection
continued.
Since they started collecting, the collection
has expanded in almost every direction of
the wine world, and Gisela is constantly
finding exciting wines for her guests.
– We often have wine tasting around the
big table in the wine cellar. Here sit wine
clubs, groups of friends, couples and of
course individuals who want something
unique. I have to say I have a special
passion for cheese and wine combinations,
especially when it comes to champagne.
Many believe that red wine is the only
wine for cheeses, but we are happy to try
new things. Tasting wines should be like
going on a journey, something we gladly
organize for our visitors, explaines Gisela
Babsvik.
Most of the collection is from France, Spain
and Italy, but wines from America, South
Africa, Germany, Chile, Argentina, Australia
and Chile are also available. Prices start
around NOK 500 and when you get to
the most exclusive vintages, you need to be
prepared to negotiate.
Two bottles of Chateu Haut Brion 1916 are
among the basement's absolute jewels.
Labels on one of the 1956 Chateau
Mouton Rothschild bottles are also worth a
closer look, displayed as part of a special
exhibition. Each of them was decorated
by an artist, with Chagall, Picasso, Warhol
and Miro among those represented.
Head up to the next floor and you will also
find Andy Warhol featured in the hotel's
fantastic art collection.
Visiting Refsnes Gods, which dates back to
the early 18th century, is to journey through
an art gallery of the highest class.
One of the first things you notice is Andy
Warhol's three photos from the series After
Munch. The Lady with the Brooch, Madonna
and Self-Portrait with Skeleton Arm are
all legendary images by Edvard Munch,
but this time in Warhol's
unmistakable format.
Refsnes Gods holds over 400 works of
art, represented by more than 90 different
artists, including eight original works by
Edvard Munch.
A visit to Refsnes Gods is a journey into the
past, represented with a modern twist.
We recommend enjoying a glass of good
wine in the garden, whilst watching the sun
set over the west side of the Oslofjord, or
taking a stroll along the white garden path
down to the fjord's edge.
If you are inspired to dance after seeing
Nina Sundbye's bronze statue Nora is
Dancing the Tarantella, out in the garden,
then we can assure you that you are not the
first. It is impossible not to be influenced by
the art at Refsnes Gods, something that's
completely free.
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STOLT LEVERANDØR AV
KALDE FORFRISKNINGER TIL
CLASSIC NORWAY HOTELS
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