Winemaking Secrets From Napa & Sonoma, California

Sonoma and Napa Counties are known for its fine wines.

The golden sun and the abundant soil yield luscious, flavorful grapes. These are then carefully fermented and blended with closely guarded secrets that have been passed on from generation to generation, and perfected—like wine itself—through time.

Visitors to Sonoma and nearby Napa County can arrange wine tours where they can visit different vineyards and learn at least some of the techniques and technology that goes into each bottle. Each label has its own secret, and its own philosophy.

For example, wines can use different kinds of grapes, and vineyards can hold as many as 20 different kinds, each baptized with very poetic names: Petite Syrah, Grenache, Bouschet.

Winemakers study the flavor, acidity, color, fruit intensity, and tannin structure of each grape—which all contribute to a blend’s appearance, complexity and taste. The winemaker’s skill is seen in the delicate orchestra of flavors, as unique to the winery and to the harvest year as a fingerprint.

Some wineries will maintain “genetic libraries” of grapes, which contain different cross-breeding of varieties that allow the experts to experiment with the flavors. This also allows them to employ a technique called micro-vinification. Essentially, the property is divided into vineyard blocks, each planted with a different kind of grape to yield a greater diversity of flavors, aromas, colors and textures.

Soil, fertilization, irrigation and time of planting and harvest can also yield different flavors from a single variety of grape. For example, some vineyards believe that it’s better to minimize irrigation, since it dilutes the intensity of the fruit. This is called “dry farming.” This must be balanced, of course, with the plant’s need for moisture—hence the need to choose an area where the roots can mine the water efficiently.

The flavor can also change according to when the grapes are picked, and the wine experts carefully study the optimum time of harvest. For example, the Zinfandel grape is an early ripener, and must be fermented two weeks before the other grapes that go into what wine aficionados call “Mixed Blacks.”

The grapes must be hand-picked and then put through a special pressing process that preserves the skins and phenolic bitterness. Then, experts must gauge the length of the fermentation process based on the grape’s ripeness and inherent amount of sugar. These are then put into barrels. Many wineries boast of using only the finest containers, such as 100% French oak, which carry the wines for several months before they are bottled by hand.

The bottling itself must be done with great precision and gentleness, and the challenge is to minimize the amount of sulfites and other foreign matter. Some of the wineries use century old techniques, with delicate tools that tap gravity.

These are just some of the secrets of Sonoma and Napa wines. However, to truly understand the science and art of winemaking, it’s best to arrange a tour of the different vineyards. Many of the tours include a “palate class” where experts will point out what flavors to watch out for in each glass, and how to pair a wine with different kinds of food.

Are you ready to travel to the famous Wine Country of Sonoma and Napa, California.

Tag Technorati: {grup-tag}Wine,Good,Fine,Winemaking,Secrets,Napa,Sonoma,California,Vacations,Trips,Vineyards,Winery

What does ‘ski-in, ski-out’ really mean?

When you are booking a vacation rental property in a ski resort there is an indisputable magic to the phrase ‘ski-in, ski-out’.  It conjures up images of a loving restored log cabin on the edge of an immaculately groomed piste, of watching fellow skiers carve elegant turns from your living room window, with the occasional spray of snow against the window pane.  It suggests stepping out of your front door, clicking on your skis and gliding down the slopes to the lift. You may anticipate avoiding the crush of people waiting for a lukewarm and soggy pizza in the mountain restaurant by using your own chalet as … a mountain restaurant.  And, perhaps best of all, you may look forward to skiing back to your own front door at the end of the afternoon and forgetting about trudging along paths and the indignity of crowded shuttle buses.

The reality may be very different.  Knowing the power of the term ‘ski-in, ski-out’, vacation rental providers are quick to use it to cover a myriad of different arrangements and a range of proximity to the slopes. Here are a few things to watch out for:

1.  The ‘ski-in ski-out’ home that is really ‘hiking distance’ to the slopes. The economics of housing development on mountainsides mean that when an area is developed next to the slopes, only some of it is actually next to the slopes. There is almost certain to be a hinterland of properties that have access to the slopes…via pathways, steps, roadways etc. The pathways may be short, or they may not.  Make sure you ask exactly how far a particular property is from the actual ski slope, and what the path is actually like: is it a level walkway or a series of dozens of icy steps? 

2.  The ski-in, ski-out home that is reached via an ungroomed trail through the woods. When these homes were originally built the developers cut a trail to them so that they could be sold as ‘ski-in, ski-out’. However these trails are very often too narrow for a snow-cat to use; furthermore, they are very likely private property and the lift company which grooms the slopes may have no responsibility for them. Only if the owners of properties served by that trail get together and make private arrangements for grooming will you find the trail in good enough condition for safe usage. 

3.  The ski-in, ski-out home that offers good ski-in, ski-out access…if you’ve chosen one of the 2 weeks of the year when the snow is down to that level. Many resorts that offer ski accommodation are down in the valley, and global warming has led to a raising of the snow line and a decline in the number of weeks that snow is on the ground at given elevations. 

4.  Finally, there is the nirvana: a ski-in, ski-out home that is what it says it is: situated right on slopes which are snow-covered throughout the season and groomed by the lift company’s snowcats daily. This is what is often now referred to as ‘true ski-in, ski-out’.  However, you may find that because this real estate is so scarce it is also very pricey, or alternatively it is developed with rather high-density and charmless accommodation. The Aspens in Whistler is a good example of this. The situation is perfect, right on the slopes, but the accommodation is mostly fairly spartan. 

The lesson here is simple. When you are booking ski-in, ski-out accommodation, make sure that you know exactly what you are getting. If you are booking a resort such as Whistler, where there are many gradations of ski-in, ski-out accommodation, consult one of the local property management companies like Holiday Whistler, and question them very closely on its exact location before you book your Whistler ski accommodation.

Tag Technorati: {grup-tag}ski,whistler,vacation rental,lodging,ski accommodation

“München Liebt Dich” And You Will Love It, Too – Travel To Munich

The city’s new motto, “Munich Loves You,” may be a bit commercial, but it is exactly how you will feel from the very moment you find your bags at the airport. It is also not overeagerly presumptuous to say that whoever you are, this Bavarian capital will have you head-over-heels enamored with some or all parts of its eclectic mish-mosh of cultures. There is absolutely something for everyone when you travel to Munich.

Of Germany’s major cities, Munich is Berlin’s more cosmopolitan sister, with perhaps a bit of an adolescent identity crisis. Throughout history Munich has often taken a different path from the general German way. During the Reformation, Munich remained staunchly committed to the Catholic Church, and while the people enjoyed the flourishing Renaissance period, the Duke marveled in such endeavors as bankrupting those very institutions.

Additionally, Munich’s Kingdom of Bavaria maintained its sovereign status from Germany until Ludwig II’s notorious habits prompted Germany to fully incorporate the region in 1871. After World War I, Munich was a hotbed of social movements where the Nazi party was capable of growing deep roots and slowly taking hold of government. By 1938, the first concentration camp, Dachau, had been constructed to the north. Visitors to Munich can take a tour of this historic site, which has largely been destroyed but contains memorials and an extensive collection of information on World War II.

When in Munich
The best way to experience Munich is to think and act like a local. There are a multitude of wonderful cultural experiences in the center of town that are overlooked by many visitors. Assimilate your way into Bavarian life by attending any one of the superb classical or modern plays at the Residenztheater, a wonderful artistic alternative to the National Theater that is also in the city center. To the northeast, the royal family’s summer residence, Nymphenburg Palace, is also a more desirable alternative to the crowded and touristy Residenz in central Marienplatz for its magnificently vast gardens, stables, winter ice-skating, natural history and science museum and open public parks. The palace is open for public viewing year-round as well. At night, pubs and jazz clubs open their doors with generous hospitality to anyone who shows a little respect and appreciation for the German way of life. Veer off the main square to find a meal fit for a Bavarian King and cocktails among chatty natives.

Beyond Beer Gardens in Bavaria
Although Munich is home to one of the largest beer gardens in the world, not to mention the famous Oktoberfest, its proximity to Italy, the Alps and the Mediterranean coast makes Munich the ultimate German destination for city travelers. Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy Munch; however, winter in known for its riotous six-week pre-Lent gala of Festivals, Balls and overall indulgence. Even if Munich is just a stop along the way, you may find yourself compelled to drop everything and rewrite your plans!

Tag Technorati: {grup-tag}Munich,travel to Munich,airfare to Munich,Munich travel information,travel to Europe,travel to Germany

Skiing In Italy

Italy has always been a consideration for those interested in experiencing the Alps for less. Having said that, it is still considered one of the top European skiing countries today, and is a magnificent place to take a skiing vacation. There is a certain romance about Italy that makes it the number one choice for so many skiers each year, and it is easy to see the attraction with the place. From its northern snow-tipped peaks, you can also venture towards the cultural hotbeds of Rome and Turin, and experience Italy as it is intended, as well as its amazing ski slopes.

One of Italy’s smallest resorts, tucked up high, near Canazei in the North, is Alba. Based on a tiny village, the Alba resort is the truest form of skiing escapism, with amazing off piste skiing to be had. For the keen skier, this would make for an excellent day trip, or an excellent weekend away whilst staying at a bigger resort, and although it has only 5 lifts, it is a real Italian treasure, and something not to be missed if you like peaceful surroundings whilst you ski. On top of that, if you enjoy cross country skiing, Alba also offers a number of extensive trails for you to pursue, ensuring that you are likely to have a great time, whatever you skiing preferences and ability.

If you’re looking for something bigger, why not consider Italy’s highest resort, Passo Tonale. An ideal family resort, Passo Tonale is focussed more around beginners and intermediates, and provides a friendly atmosphere that is just simply lacking from some of the bigger resorts. Passo Tonale is also home to a top class ski school, employing some of the region’s most talented skiing instructors. In addition to that, the staff pride themselves on the conditions of their slopes, which are groomed frequently. From the peak of Passo Tonale, you are faced with a wonderful panoramic view of the whole region, which is truly breathtaking, and it has been known for skiers to spend hours simply analysing the view. Passo Tonale is a great resort if you are looking for a busier, more down to earth ski resort for you and your family.

Selva Gardena is one of Italy’s largest resorts, and if you are looking for some great scenery and excellent, consistent snow coverage, you could do a great deal worse than here. A great value for money resort, Selva Gardena is also child friendly, making it another fantastic resort to take the family.

Italy has a diverse range of ski resorts to cater for all different tastes and abilities. In general you will find all the resorts welcoming and friendly, not to mention the amazing hospitality you will experience in some of their restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a good value for money trip, and you enjoy skiing, the North of Italy is ideal for you, and can provide any skier with an adequate challenge of their abilities. Additionally, with some of the best skiing instructors in the world, Italy is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy skiing without paying an absolute fortune. Italy truly is a great skiing location for anyone looking to experience the Alps in all their glory, amidst the wealth and depth of culture and history right around the corner.

Family Vacation Tips for Those with No Extra Money

Family vacations are important.  After all, everyone needs time to relax and unwind.  In addition, the quality time family members spend together on these trips is important for healthy relationships.  Unfortunately, family vacations can be expensive.  Some Americans consider themselves on a tight budget when they only have $2,000 to spend, but what if you literally only have $200 in your savings account?  Is a family vacation out of the question?  No it isn’t, but you need to think outside of the box and closer to home.

If you want to plan a “family vacation,” but have no money, here is what you should do:  Take a week or a few days off from work, as you would if you were traveling to a far away destination.  In reality, you aren’t going anywhere.  Each day, pick something new and exciting to do with your family within driving distance.  Each day, do your predetermined family friendly activities and then return home.  Sleep in your own beds and easily save up to $100 a night on a hotel room.

For many, part of a family vacation is trying something new.  If you want, try camping in your backyard instead of having each family members sleep in their own beds.  Tents can be expensive, but you can purchase cheaper, lesser quality tents for as low as $20.  Also, don’t forget used tents or ask friends and family members to borrow theirs for a few nights.  You still stay at home, but get a new and exciting experience.

As for the activities, start with things that are free.  Local parks rarely have admission fees and they are usually home many facilities, such as a swimming pools, playgrounds, picnic tables, basketball hoops, and more.  Use the food you already have at home to create a picnic lunch and spend the day at the park.  Since you want a slightly new experience, consider driving the extra 10 or so miles to visit a new park in a different town.

Local parks rarely have admission fees, but state parks do.  Luckily, this fee is affordable. In fact, many charge by car instead of by each person.  State parks tend to have more activities.  In addition to a playground, you may gain access to a natural swimming pool, barbeque pits, and more.  Most importantly, most state parks have long, scenic hiking trials.  Your family could easily spend the day at a state park for as little as $10.

Many communities are also home to museums.  They may be large or small in size.  Unfortunately, these museums, especially those designed for families and small children, tend to have high admission rates.  You could easily pay at least $5 a person.  If you wish to visit these types of attractions, save ahead of time.  Take your spare change to the bank, don’t eat out for two weeks, and so forth.  Also, look for special admission prices or discount coupons.  Many attractions charge less the later you arrive towards closing.

Since you are basically not leaving home, but having a series of day long vacations, it can be easy to get bored.  For that reason, seek the help of your children.  Ask them what activities they would like to do or what attractions they would like to visit.  As long as the activities are semi-affordable and you all have fun, your “family vacation,” should be amazing, even if you don’t travel far from home.