AI for Breakfast
Post 24 - Building a custom GPT – Drive Time to Wine
The following post was generated by a new custom GPT I’m playing around with that currently has a working title of ‘Drive Time to Wine’. It's a bit of fun really but a good way to learn the art of crafting prompts to get the results you’re looking for.
As an added incentive it’s to do with two of the many things I enjoy, road trips and wine, what’s not to like!
It's not quite there yet, I'm not happy with the default typography. I’ve edited it here, but I don't like the way it has ‘Wine Name’ every time, need to figure that out in the prompt and once again I have Title Case, it really struggles with getting this as I requested.
I did try getting it to create a map showing the locations but it was way off getting that right.
At some point, I may even make this one public as I'm sure there will be other people with similar interests!
It’s also got me thinking about something else I may do with it, more on that another time.
Me: I would like you to act as my professional sommelier. Please suggest the top five most popular red Rioja wines from the regions of La Rioja, Navarre and the Basque province of Álava. Also the three zones of Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental and Rioja Alavesa.
Present the answers as a list with the wine name, tasting notes, address and price in UK pounds.
Once this is done I would like you to work out a travel itinerary by road from the UK via Eurotunnel incorporating each of the winery addresses you listed.
Please make the route a scenic one as I will be driving a sports car and would prefer to stay off motorways unless really necessary.
My Note: 7 / 7 – This is the number of iterations to this point, there will be more! Some of the earlier versions were actually better on the travel itinerary so I may revisit and see if I can get them back.
ChatGPT
Let's start by selecting the top five most popular red Rioja wines, along with tasting notes, address, and price in UK pounds.
Given the lack of real-time data access for specific wine prices and the fact that prices can vary significantly depending on the retailer, vintage, and current market conditions, I'll provide an estimate based on typical ranges for these wines. For specific, up-to-date pricing, I recommend checking with a reputable wine retailer in the UK or directly with the wineries.
Top Five Red Rioja Wines
- Wine Name: La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904
- Tasting Notes: Elegant and complex, with notes of black cherry, tobacco, and vanilla. Fine tannins and a long, lingering finish.
- Address: Avda. de Vizcaya, 8, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain
- Price: Approx. £50-£60
- Wine Name: Muga Reserva
- Tasting Notes: Rich and full-bodied, featuring flavours of plum, blackberry, and spice. Smooth tannins and a well-balanced acidity.
- Address: Barrio de la Estación, s/n, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain
- Price: Approx. £20-£25
- Wine Name: Marqués de Riscal Reserva
- Tasting Notes: Offers a bouquet of dark fruit, vanilla, and leather, with a silky texture and a complex, refined finish.
- Address: Calle Torrea, 1, 01340 Elciego, Álava, Spain
- Price: Approx. £15-£20
- Wine Name: CVNE Imperial Reserva
- Tasting Notes: A vibrant blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo. Notes of red fruit, cedar, and spices, with a round, velvety finish.
- Address: Barrio de la Estación, s/n, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain
- Price: Approx. £25-£30
- Wine Name: Bodegas Lan Gran Reserva
- Tasting Notes: A sophisticated wine with flavours of cherry, plum, and a hint of tobacco. Elegant, with a long finish and silky tannins.
- Address: Paraje Buicio, s/n, 26360 Fuenmayor, La Rioja, Spain
- Price: Approx. £20-£25
Travel Itinerary by Road from the UK via Eurotunnel
Your journey will begin in the UK, heading to Folkestone to catch the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle to Calais. From there, you'll embark on a scenic drive through France and into Spain, aiming to stay off motorways whenever possible to enjoy the drive in your sports car.
- Calais to Haro, La Rioja:
After arriving in Calais, take the scenic routes through northern France, passing by Reims and Dijon. Consider a stop in the Burgundy wine region for a delightful contrast before heading towards the Pyrenees. Cross into Spain near San Sebastián, then drive to Haro in La Rioja, where several wineries on your list are located.
- Haro to Elciego, Álava:
From Haro, take the beautiful, winding roads through the Ebro valley to Elciego in the Rioja Alavesa zone. The landscape here is breathtaking, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.
- Elciego to Fuenmayor, La Rioja:
Your next destination is Fuenmayor, a short drive from Elciego. This route offers stunning views of the Cantabrian Mountains and the opportunity to explore more of the Rioja Alavesa's picturesque villages and vineyards.
- Fuenmayor to Calais: After visiting the wineries, your return journey can retrace your steps back to Calais. If time allows, consider exploring different towns or regions on your way back to add variety to your trip.
Remember, while this itinerary focuses on scenic routes and avoiding motorways, always check current road conditions and local driving regulations. Additionally, consider booking appointments at the wineries in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
