Escape To… The Land of Wine - California!! Part 4

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA WINES AND WINERIES:

10) Napa County - At more than 400,000 acres, the Napa Valley AVA encompasses nearly all of the county of Napa and includes 14 AVAs within it. It is also part of the larger North Coast AVA. While Napa Valley produces only 4 percent of California’s wine, it’s the state’s most famous wine region, best known for its powerful Cabernet Sauvignons, and also for Merlot and Chardonnay. Yet Napa Valley is as diverse as any AVA in the state, also producing Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Zinfandel. Napa Valley is bordered by the Vaca mountains on the east and the Mayacamas range on the west, a boundary it shares with Sonoma County. Vineyard elevations range from 250 to 2,500 feet, and temperatures can vary by 10 degrees between Napa to the south and Calistoga in the warmer north. Napa Valley’s most recognized AVAs include Howell Mountain, Los Carneros, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Spring Mountain District, Stags Leap District, Atlas Peak, Diamond Mountain and Yountville.
For more information contact: Napa Valley Vintners at  www.napavintners.com.  Best Known Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot & Pinot Noir. Up and Coming Varieties: Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah & Zinfandel.
American Viticultural Areas: Atlas Peak - The mountain districts that ring the Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak all produce Cabernet Sauvignons with powerful structure and concentration from lean, rocky mountain and hillside soils, but each of the peaks has a subtle style of its own due to differences in climate, soils and sun exposures. Mountain vineyards produce some of Napa Valley’s most stylish and age-worthy wines, and visiting the mountain wineries offers a respite from the bustle of the valley below. Of the five mountain AVA’s all are focused on Cabernet, now including Atlas Peak, which had in the past been heavily planted to Sangiovese and Chardonnay.

Chiles Valley, Diamond Mountain - The mountain districts that ring the Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak all produce Cabernet Sauvignons with powerful structure and concentration from lean, rocky mountain and hillside soils, but each of the peaks has a subtle style of its own due to differences in climate, soils and sun exposures. Mountain vineyards produce some of Napa Valley’s most stylish and age-worthy wines, and visiting the mountain wineries offers a respite from the bustle of the valley below. Of the five mountain AVA’s all are focused on Cabernet, now including Atlas Peak, which had in the past been heavily planted to Sangiovese and Chardonnay.

Howell Mountain - The mountain districts that ring the Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak all produce Cabernet Sauvignons with powerful structure and concentration from lean, rocky mountain and hillside soils, but each of the peaks has a subtle style of its own due to differences in climate, soils and sun exposures. Mountain vineyards produce some of Napa Valley’s most stylish and age-worthy wines, and visiting the mountain wineries offers a respite from the bustle of the valley below. Of the five mountain AVA’s all are focused on Cabernet, now including Atlas Peak, which had in the past been heavily planted to Sangiovese and Chardonnay.

Los Carneros - Los Carneros is located at the base of the Napa and Sonoma valleys where the two come together in an alluvial plain near the by the San Pablo Bay (a northern extension of San Francisco Bay). Cooled by the nearby water, Los Carneros produces excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as top rate sparkling wine. Syrah and Merlot can also shine in Carneros, which is less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco.

Mt. Veeder - The mountain districts that ring the Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak all produce Cabernet Sauvignons with powerful structure and concentration from lean, rocky mountain and hillside soils, but each of the peaks has a subtle style of its own due to differences in climate, soils and sun exposures. Mountain vineyards produce some of Napa Valley’s most stylish and age-worthy wines, and visiting the mountain wineries offers a respite from the bustle of the valley below. Of the five mountain AVA’s all are focused on Cabernet, now including Atlas Peak, which had in the past been heavily planted to Sangiovese and Chardonnay. 

Napa Valley - North Coast: Oakville - Cabernet Sauvignon is king in the Oakville District of Napa Valley, though other grapes certainly also grow well here. This two mile wide swath across the heart of the valley is home to many of California’s iconic ‘cult’ Cabernet producers like Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle and Harlan Estate as well as larger producers like Robert Mondavi and Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Many Oakville growers have tasting rooms that are open year-round to visitors, but many others require appointments for tours and tastings. It’s best to check your favorite winery’s web site for tour and tasting information before your visit.

Rutherford - Napa Valley’s Rutherford District boasts some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in the valley, or for that matter in the world. Rutherford Cabernet is famous for its concentration and supple texture as well as the characteristic “Rutherford Dust” flavor on the wine’s long finish. The AVA also produces terrific Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. The Rutherford Dust Society is an organization of local wineries and growers that have banded together to promote Rutherford wines. Each December they organize a passport weekend during which visitors can taste wines at many participating wineries for a flat fee. 

Spring Mountain District - The mountain districts that ring the Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak all produce Cabernet Sauvignons with powerful structure and concentration from lean, rocky mountain and hillside soils, but each of the peaks has a subtle style of its own due to differences in climate, soils and sun exposures. Mountain vineyards produce some of Napa Valley’s most stylish and age-worthy wines, and visiting the mountain wineries offers a respite from the bustle of the valley below. Of the five mountain AVA’s all are focused on Cabernet, now including Atlas Peak, which had in the past been heavily planted to Sangiovese and Chardonnay. 

St. Helena - This warm district of northern Napa Valley between Rutherford and Calistoga is home to some of the region’s most historic wineries, including Beringer, Charles Krug and Louis Martini. The warm climate here is ideal for producing dense, fleshy Cabernet Sauvignon, and the old vine Zinfandels produced here are a special treat. 

Stag’s Leap District - Napa Valley’s Stag’s Leap District, located in a southeastern section of Napa Valley, has long produced some of Napa Valley’s most coveted Cabernet Sauvignon. The district is distinguished by the volcanic basalt outcroppings that can be seen from the Silverado Trail and have slowly been broken down over the years to become a major component of the soil below. You’ll also find outstanding Cabernet Franc and Merlot grown here.

Wild Horse Valley - Yountville - The Yountville AVA lies at the southern end of Napa Valley, just north of Carneros. Yountville’s moderately warm climate produces focused Cabernet Sauvignons renowned for their focus, elegance and age-worthiness. The AVA also produces outstanding Merlot and some excellent Chardonnay.

Escape To… The Land of Wine - California!! Part 3

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA WINES AND WINERIES:

 8) Monterey and San Benito Counties - Known for the rugged coastal beauty of Big Sur and the charm of Carmel, Monterey is also home to more than 40,000 acres of wine grapes and nine AVAs: Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Hames Valley, Monterey, San Antonio Valley, San Bernabe, San Lucas and Santa Lucia Highlands. It is also part of the larger Central Coast AVA. The deep, cold waters of Monterey Bay deliver morning fog and strong cooling afternoon winds, making Monterey County particularly well-suited to cool climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Merlot has also long been important here, and Syrah and Pinot Grigio are promising. Due to the cool conditions prevalent in the area, harvest may lag two weeks behind other regions, allowing for a long season and slow fruit maturation. Those interested in Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet and Merlot should visit Carmel Valley, which is a bit warmer than the Salinas Valley and better suited to growing those grapes.
San Benito County, east of Monterey County, includes Chalone, Cienega Valley, Lime Kiln Valley, Mt. Harlan, Pacheco Pass, Paicines and San Benito AVAs, where elevations range from sea level to 5,000 feet, and Pinot Noir and Syrah perform beautifully. It is also part of the larger San Francisco Bay and Central Coast AVAs.
For more information contact: Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association at  www.montereywines.org.  Best Known Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot & Pinot Noir. 
Up and Coming Varieties: Riesling & American Viticultural Areas.  Carmel Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, A handful of exceptionally talented growers and the unique growing conditions on this high plateau in the Salinas Valley have made it a star AVA for Pinot Noir lovers. Chardonnay also excels here, as does Pinot Gris and Syrah.

9) Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County - Midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County boasts of two distinct wine regions making up the third largest wine country in California. Our small, mostly family-owned wineries are well known for their hand-crafted bottlings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Zinfandel and more. Quite often while visiting the tasting rooms, the winemaker will be on hand to tell the story of the wines created.
Wine growing in San Luis Obispo County stretches back to the missionary days of California viticulture, when the first grapevines were planted by the Franciscan padres who settled California in the 1880s. Today, because of this region’s ideal world-class microclimate and soils, wine grapes are the leading crop in San Luis Obispo County.
The Paso Robles AVA within San Luis Obispo County is warm by day, cool by night, and blessed with a limestone soil component that adds structure and minerality to Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, which are widely planted here. Rhone varieties like Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Roussanne and Viognier are increasingly popular and have flourished in Paso Robles’ warm climate.
The Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley AVA has a climate proven to provide the perfect environment for producing ultra premium quality wines. The marine influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean provides a mild summer and warm fall, resulting in an unusually long growing season. Combined with the region’s rocky volcanic soils, these growing conditions produce fruit with intense varietal character and complex flavors that are typically found in the world’s greatest wine regions.  For more information contact:  Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance at  www.pasowine.com.  San Luis Obispo Vintners and Growers at  www.slowine.com.
Best Known Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah & Zinfandel. Up and Coming Varieties: Grenache, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc & Syrah. 

American Viticultural Areas: Arroyo Grande Valley, Avila Valley, Central Coast, Edna Valley & Paso Robles
Horse ranches have given way over the years to grape vines in this arid Central Valley region halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Red grapes are the main attraction here, with Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhone varieties like Syrah and Grenache leading the way. The annual Hospice du Rhone event in early May draws Rhone grape specialists, consumers and members of the wine trade for outstanding seminars and wine tastings. Later in May the Paso Robles Wine Festival features more tastings, winemaker dinners and many other special events.

Santa Maria Valley and York Mountain

Escape To… The Land of Wine - California!! Part 2

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA WINES AND WINERIES:

5) Lodi and The Delta - This is where the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys meet about 100 miles east of San Francisco and roughly encompassing portions of Solano, Yolo, Sacramento and San Joaquin counties. Chardonnay is the most widely planted variety, with Zinfandel a close second.
For more information contact: Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission at  www.lodiwine.com.  Best Known Varieties: Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Syrah & Zinfandel.  Up and Coming Varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Blanc & Viognier

6) Marin and Solano Counties - A small yet emerging wine region, Marin County is flanked by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay (the northeastern half is within the North Coast AVA). Pinot Noir is the star grape, taking kindly to the marine-cooled conditions. 
Further to the east is a small portion of Solano County, which is within the North Coast AVA and benefits from cool ocean breezes flowing through the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento Delta. Best Known Varieties: Pinot Noir.  Up and Coming varieties: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Syrah.

7) Mendocino County - Located directly north of Sonoma County, Mendocino is bounded by the Coastal Mountain Range, the Pacific Ocean and the redwood forests that blanket about 60% of the county. Wine grapes are grown in valleys and along ridge tops, with Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir well-suited to the cool Anderson Valley and Potter Valley, and rich, spicy, old-vine Petite Sirahs, Syrahs and Zinfandels in the warmer Redwood and McDowell valleys. Taste Mendocino and the annual Crab and Wine Days festival both take place in late January.
For more information contact: Mendocino Winegrape and Wine Commission at  www.mendowine.com.  Best Known Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir & Zinfandel.  Up and Coming Varieties: Chardonnay, Riesling & Sauvignon Blanc. 
American Viticultural Areas: Anderson Valley - The Anderson Valley is located on the eastern, coastal side of Mendocino County, just north of Sonoma County. It is perhaps the best spot in California for producing focused sparkling wine as well as still Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The cool climate of Anderson Valley allows for an exceptionally long growing season and also makes it a good place to grow other cool climate varieties like Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling. Cole Ranch, Covelo, Dos Rios, Mendocino, Mendocino Ridge, North Coast, Potter Valley & Redwood and McDowell Valleys
The AVA’s of Redwood Valley and McDowell Valley are located inland and over the mountains from Anderson Valley. The warmer weather of these valleys is ideal for growing Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, but a wide variety of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc grow well in this region. The Redwood Valley has long played a major role in California’s organic grape growing movement, and you’ll find more certified organically grown wines produced in this region.  Yorkville Highlands.

Escape To… The Land of Wine - California!! Part 7

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA WINES AND WINERIES:

17)  Sierra Foothills - The Sierra Foothills AVA stretches from Yuba County in the north to Mariposa County in the south, along the western rise of the Sierra Nevadas, with Amador, El Dorado and Calaveras counties in the center.
In the mountainous Sierra Nevada Foothills you’ll find first rate Zinfandels from vines over a century old, exciting new Rhone varieties and some of the state’s best Italian inspired Sangiovese and Barbera wines all laced with minerally flavors imparted by the granite-based soils.
For more information contact: Amador Vintners Association at  www.amadorwine.com, Calaveras Winegrape Alliance at  www.calaveraswines.org, El Dorado Winery Association at  www.eldoradowines.org.  Best Known Varieties: Petite Sirah, Syrah & Zinfandel.  Up and Coming Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache & Sangiovese.

American Viticultural Areas: Amador County - Amador County includes the smaller Fiddletown and most of the Shenandoah Valley AVA’s. Zinfandel is easily the most prominent grape in this regions picturesque mountain vineyards, but recently Rhone varieties like Syrah are showing remarkable progress. There are many great values to be found, and it’s not uncommon to find the winery owners manning the tasting room counter.

California Shenandoah Valley:  El Dorado County - Located approximately one hour’s drive East of Sacramento, the high altitude Sierra Nevada vineyards of El Dorado County produce some distinctive and sturdy Zinfandels as well as Chardonnay, Petite Sirah and Syrah. This region also includes the sub-AVA of Fair Play. The granite-rich soils of Fair Play produce some exceptionally stylish and structured red wines, especially from Petite Sirah and Syrah. 

18) Temecula - The Temecula Valley is located in Riverside County, about one hour’s drive northeast of San Diego. Winemaking began in Temecula Valley as early as the late 1700s, and winemaking here shows no signs of slowing down, despite creeping housing developments. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah have always done well here.
For more information contact: Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association at  www.temeculawines.org.  Best Known Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Syrah

Escape To… The Land of Wine - California!! Part 1

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA WINES AND WINERIES:

  1) Carneros - This 37,000-acre AVA is unusual in that it straddles two counties, Napa and Sonoma, some 40 miles north of San Francisco. Carneros (“sheep” in Spanish) is a land of rolling hills that host grapevines, sheep and cattle. Breezes and fog from nearby San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean create a long, cool growing region that favors Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine grapes.
For more information contact: Carneros Wine Alliance at  www.carneros.com. Best Known Varieties - Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

2) Cucamonga Valley - Famous for its old-vine Zinfandels and port-style wines, Cucamonga Valley overlaps San Bernardino and Riverside counties, near Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. The Cucamonga Valley has a winemaking legacy going back to the early 1900s, and while housing developments have replaced many vineyards, the winemaking tradition continues. Best Known Varieties: Dessert Wines & Zinfandel

3) Lake County - Clear Lake, the largest natural lake entirely within California, is the focal point for this region, in which vineyards are planted at 1,300 to 3,000 feet in elevation, within sight of the dormant volcano Mt. Konocti. These elevations provide a later start to the growing season, and summer conditions are suitably warm to ripen the grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most-planted variety and really shines in the Red Hills of Lake County and High Valley AVA’s. Lake County has also long been a source of outstanding Sauvignon Blanc. For more information contact: Lake County Winegrape Commission at  www.lakecountywinegrape.org.  Best Known Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon & Sauvignon Blanc.  Up and Coming Varieties: Petite Sirah & Zinfandel
American Viticultural Areas: Benmore Valley, Clear Lake, Guenoc Valley, High Valley, North Coast and Red Hills Lake CountyLake County has recently seen rapid vineyard development, much of it new Cabernet Sauvgnon vineyards being planted in the county’s prime hillside locations. Sauvignon Blanc from Lake County has always been a major draw to this region, but Cabernet Sauvignon is the fast-rising star. The beautiful Clear Lake itself is as much the tourist attraction as the wine.

4) Livermore Valley - This 237,000-acre AVA in Alameda County (and within the San Francisco Bay AVA) was one of the first AVAs established in California, in 1982. Wine grapes have grown here since the 1840s and today, Petite Sirah. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc are among Livermore’s most successful varieties. 
For more information contact: Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association at  www.livermorewine.com. Best Known Varieties: Cabernet Franc & Petite Sirah,  Up and Coming Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc & Syrah.

Escape To… The Land of Wine - California!! Part 5

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA WINES AND WINERIES:

  11) Sacramento Valley - The valley runs for approximately 120 miles, from Red Bluff south to the city of Sacramento. Bordered by the Sierra Nevadas to the east and the Coastal Range to the west, this level, sun-drenched area is warm in summer and the early fall, and is mostly unaffected by ocean influences.
Chardonnay is the most prominent variety; sun-seeking Zinfandel is number two and Rhone varieties also excel. The largest AVA is Dunnigan Hills, at about 70,000 acres, located in northwest Yolo County. Capay Valley is also an AVA in the region.  For more information contact: Clarksburg Winegrowers Association at  www.clarksburgwinegrowers.com.  American Viticultural Areas: Capay Valley & Dunnigan Hills

12)  San Diego County - Father Serra’s 1769 planting of wine grapes at Mission San Diego de Alcala (in what is now the city of San Diego) was the first of many vineyards to be developed within the chain of Spanish missions throughout California. A few rare vestiges of the original Mission grape, also known as Criolla, remain. More common in the San Diego County AVAs of Ramona Valley and San Pasqual Valley are vitis vinifera varieties such as Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, and Mediterranean grapes like Syrah, Grenache, Viognier and Tempranillo are up-and-comers.
For more information contact:  San Diego County Vintners Association at  www.sandiegowineries.org. 
Best Known Varieties: Chardonnay & Merlot.  Up and Coming Varieties: Syrah

13) San Joaquin Valley - California’s great interior valley is actually two: the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, nestled between the Coastal Range and the Sierra Nevada’s. When joined, they stretch from Shasta County on the north to Kern County on the south, merging at the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta near Lodi. One of the richest agricultural areas in the world, the San Joaquin Valley measures 220 miles in length and 40 to 60 miles in width, extending from Stockton south to Bakersfield. Of the 5 million acres of farmlands, winegrapes total an estimated 150,000 acres: French Colombard is most-planted, followed by Chardonnay and Zinfandel.
San Joaquin Valley is by far the largest winegrowing region in the state. Although grapes have been grown in the region for more than 100 years, wine quality has soared in recent years, due to viticultural improvements, including new varieties, rootstocks, irrigation techniques and canopy management.
For more information contact: Madera Vintners Association at  www.maderavintners.com.  Best Known Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc & Syrah. 
American Viticultural Areas: Diablo Grande, Madera, & Salado Creek.

Escape To….. Living It Up In Belize!! The ABC of vacation luxury and exciting adventures - Part 2

Booking a vacation can often become the most stressful part of the trip, especially when you and your travel mate have differing ideas of what makes a good getaway. You like spelunking and tracking giant lizards, they like frou frou accommodations and foot massages… Why isn’t there a place that can cater to both travel personalities? There is — Belize. And creating a unique and incredible getaway that encompasses the best of luxury and the most exciting of adventures is as easy as reciting your ABC’s - Part 2

Letter M… Stands For: Matachica - Few hotels can match the magic of theMatachica Resort. Located on Ambergris Caye, Matachica features bungalows, villas and mansions for those looking for the ultimate escape. A beachfront bungalow starts at $395 per night during the high season, while the 3,000 square foot beach mansion will put a $1,045 a night dent in your wallet. But when you relax in their harem-like commons area and dine at their fantastically fresh restaurant, you’ll agree it’s money well spent.  Letter N… Stands For: Nature - Belize gives you the best of so many worlds — jungle and beach, sea creatures and birds, waterfalls and cliff sides… how will you decide? You don’t have to — it’s easy to see and do it all.  Letter O… Stands For: Off - Rest assured: there will be bugs. Your best defense? Deep Woods Off seems to do the trick, but if you wind up bitten, ask Stephanie at Hamanasi to make you her special ginger-and-alcohol potion to help take the itch away. (And no, you don’t drink it — it’s topical only! Although a drinkable version might be a good antidote, too…)  Letter P… Stands For: Portofino - While Portofino is a full-service resort with treetop suites and beachfront cabanas, their restaurant is worth the price of admission alone. Feast on a combination of lobster, fish fillet, shrimp and scallops delicately sautéed with garlic butter sauce. You almost don’t need the sides, especially when there’s a dessert like Completely Cacao — a chocolate fudge cake on a bed of chocolate glace laced with crème de cacao. Letter Q… Stands For: Quiet - There’s lots of it. And peace, too. Enjoy quiet beaches and the relaxed, slow pace of island living. And if you’re looking for a place to really get away from it all, visit the sleepy Caye Caulker. This spot is known for it’s friendly locals and rich Mestizo and Creole culture.  Letter R… Stands For: Radisson - Whether you start or end your trip in Belize City, the Radisson is the place to stay. Their helpful and friendly staff are a pleasure to work with, whether they are booking a local tour or freshening up your umbrella drink. Ask for a room in the tower if you want the best unobstructed view of the water, and make sure to have dinner at the Stone Grill, where you can cook your own supper right at your table.  Letter S… Stands For: Shark Ray Alley - Sign up for a snorkeling tour from Grand Colony and you’re in for a treat. After doing a warm-up around a local reef, your guide will take you to Shark Ray Alley, where all the nurse sharks and rays hang out looking for food. But don’t worry — you won’t get eaten. In fact, the rays are so tame that the guide wore one as a hat! Now that’s a memory to last a lifetime.  Letter T… Stands For: TropicAir - When doing inter-island travel, Tropic Air is the easiest way to go. Sure, you could drive for hours from Dangriga to Belize City, which is great if you’re into road trip sight seeing. But if you want to get there fast and maximize your time, an inexpensive 15 minute flight will do you wonders.  Letter U… Stands For: Unique - Belize is filled with incredible jewelry, arts and crafts for you to take home as a reminder of the time you spent there. Gorgeous sarongs and intricate necklace designs are skillfully created with a passion that shines through the finished product. Make sure you bring an extra bag to load up.  Letter V… Stands For: Vibrant - From the color of the water to the color of the sky, vibrant is the best way to describe what you’ll see… and what you’ll feel after a week in Belize.  Letter W… Stands For: Wine - Sure, you could go with the usual and order up some shiraz or chardonnay, but why not take a walk on the wild side and try some native Belizean cashew, pineapple or blackberry wine? And take some home so you can relive your island adventure at home!  Letter X… Stands For: Xunantunich - The Mayan civilization reached its peak in 800 AD, and while there’s still many unanswered questions about what happened to the Mayan people, their majestic sculptures and buildings remain. One such site is Xunantunich, which is believed to have been a regional center of the Mayans. Visiting the site is awe-inspiring, but scaling its largest structure will leave you breathless… and not just because of how many stairs you’ll climb! The view at the top is simply amazing. Letter Y… Stands For: Yute Expeditions - Visiting Belize on your own is great, but hiring a touring company like Yute to take you around just enriches the experience. For a truly memorable visit to Xunantunich, ask for Eduardo to be your guide. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the site — not just because he grew up near it, but also because he worked on the excavation team that uncovered it! Eduardo and Yute know their way around the jungles like no other.  Letter Z… Stands For: ZZZZzzz… - Imagine laying in a hammock on the beach, enjoying the ocean breeze after a full day of exploring all Belize has to offer…nap time? I’d say so! No matter what your activity or luxury, you’ll sleep like a baby in Belize — guaranteed.

For more information on the direction, structure, and progress of the tourism industry in Belize please visit the Belize Tourism Board’s tourism information site at : www.belizetourism.org BELIZE TOURISM BOARD, P.O. Box 32564 Regent Street, Belize City, Belize, Tel: 011-501-227-2420, Fax: 011-501-227-2423, Toll free: 1-800-624-0686, Email: info@travelbelize.org, Website: http://www.travelbelize.org

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