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Lesser Known Wine Regions that you Must Visit

Everyone knows that Napa Valley or Burgundy France are wine traveler’s destinations of choice, but there are plenty of other fantastic regions.   A true wine connoisseur will tell you that the soil and environment are just as important as the type of grape used to…

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Everyone knows that Napa Valley or Burgundy France are wine traveler’s destinations of choice, but there are plenty of other fantastic regions.   A true wine connoisseur will tell you that the soil and environment are just as important as the type of grape used to make wine. The world has embraced wine making and excellent booze is now being produced all over the map. Let’s explore and see where these hidden wine gems are located and what makes them so special.

Wine producers are spreading their wings and growing some superior grapes in some unexpected places.

npr 

Kakheti, Georgia

I’m not talking about Georgia in America; I’m talking about the one that straddles Europe and Asia. This former Soviet country has excelled in producing some really interesting and delicious varieties of grapes. Wine production is nothing new to this region as archeologists have found winemaking equipment dating as far back as 6,000 BC.

One unique thing that wine makers in Georgia do is they ferment their wine in clay jars instead of the standard wooden or steel barrels. The clay gives Georgian wine a distinct sweet taste and earthy after tones.

 

Douro Valley, Portugal

Known as the birthplace of port wine, the Northernmost region in Portugal is a wine lover’s heaven. With panoramic views of the rolling hills and beautiful vineyards, wine has been produced in this region for over 2,000 years.   The golden colored hills and the divine port produced here will make this a favorite among port snobs from around the globe.

 chilled magazine

Finger Lakes Region, New York

White wines flourish in this Northern New York region, specifically Rieslings. The expansive landscape is dotted with waterfalls, 11 glacial lakes and one great lake, giving the region miles and miles of beautiful coastlines. With well over a 100 wineries, the Finger Lakes region is the largest wine-producing region East of California in the USA.

 tenerife

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Grown in rich nutrient volcanic soil, Tenerife produces exquisite reds and whites. The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife features grape varieties that were completely wiped out of the European mainland in a mid-1800s epidemic. The rare varieties create distinct flavor profiles and memorable aftertastes. The island views and abundant sea life compliments the island’s white wine collections.

 

Healdsburg, California

Avoid the rush that happens in Napa and head just an hour North to Healdsburg wine region. Producing similar quality wines, Healdsburg is Napa’s red headed stepchild. Born out of the need t have more wine tasting locations, Healdsburg boasts over 200 wineries and multiple award winning varieties. California has some of the best weather and soil combinations in the world, so it’s no surprise that he wine here is fantastic.

 pinterest

Door County, Wisconsin

If you are a fan of fruit wines, Door County should be your next stop. Located in the Midwest, Door County has eight wineries and is famous for their tart cherry wine. Specializing in fruit wines, Door County has plenty of grape varieties as well, so a little something for everyone.

 

Franschhoek, South Africa

Nestled just 45 short minutes from Cape Town, Franschhoek was originally known as Elephant’s Corner for the huge elephant population that roamed here. Now known for their impressive wine, the area is the best in South Africa and possibly all of Africa. Enjoy a hop-on hop-off style tour that stops at every winery and you can get a real taste of the region.

 

Enjoy these of the beaten path wine regions and taste some of their specialties, to see what all the hype is about.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Schug, NPR, chilled, New York Times, pinterest

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Destinations

Vacation Spots For Animal Lovers

Let’s stop going to zoos, they aren’t good for animals and are usually depressing places. Instead, go see the beautiful animals in their natural environments with one of these awesome vacations.

 

 

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If you are like me, then you are an animal lover and want any excuse to interact and observe them. So, why not make a vacation out of it, yea, you can do that. Try visiting one of these incredible national parks and see wildlife in their natural habitats while you have the time of your life. Let’s stop going to zoos, they aren’t good for animals and are usually depressing places. Instead, go see the beautiful animals in their natural environments with one of these awesome vacations.

SRI LANKA

A vacation for true animal lovers who also want some beach time, then Sri Lanka is for you.  Do you want to see elephants walking around as you cruise an island destination? Then Udawalawe National park in Sri Lanka is your destination of choice. This national park is teaming with big wildlife like leopards, buffalo, sloth bears and of course massive elephants. You can chill on the beach one moment and then take a guided tour and see as much wildlife as your heart desires.

ECUADOR

If you want true, unspoiled wilderness and the greatest collection of untouched wildlife, then you have to check out The Galapagos National Park in Ecuador. This is the place that Charles Darwin came up with his theory of Evolution because animals on these islands evolved differently than the same species in other places. This rough and rugged vacation isn’t for the faint of heart; you’ll be roughing it for sure. The wildlife is second to none here and if you are a true animal lover, you’ll appreciate it. 

INDIA

The home to more Bengal tigers than anywhere in the world is Jim Corbett National Park in India. Located a few hours North of New Delhi, this national park is divided into six regions and only a small amount of tourists are allowed in each region daily. This is done to protect the animals and keep crowds down. Avoid the monsoon season as most of the park is closed and it rains way too much to enjoy your trip. You’ll see tigers, elephants, alligators, and more birds than you have ever seen.

CHANNEL ISLANDS, CALIFORNIA

If whale and dolphin watching is more your speed then you have to check out the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara, CA. This collection of five islands creates a funnel that all the marine life travels through in a spectacular showing. You’ll see all sorts of whales including Humpbacks, orcas, sperm, pilot, and blues. Great white sharks are also known to cruise the area as it’s on the way to their spawning grounds off the coast of Mexico. The area is also home to sea lions, seals, dolphins, and all other marine life.  Marine animal lovers rejoice!

ALASKA

Alaska is the final frontier of untouched wilderness and Denali National Park is the epicenter for wildlife in the region. Just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska is Denali Park where you will find Grizzly Bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and lynxes just to name a few. This is the ultimate in rugged road trips, so pack warm and be ready for an adventure

TANZANIA

The greatest safari in the world is located in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, where you’ll see big cats, zebras, and gazelles. The Serengeti plains are known to host all sorts of large animals and you’ll see them all here. Don’t get too close to the hippos or rhinos they are very territorial. If a photo safari is what you seek, then search no further.


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Destinations

Admiring California’s Super Bloom!

On average, California is gifted with a “Super Bloom” once every 10 years. Miraculously, this 2019 super bloom is the second within the last three years!

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If you’re unaware, a super bloom is not some sort of apocalypse-type-flowering event. Rather, it’s the name of the phenomenon in which there is an outbreak of flowers that greatly exceeds the norm. The only chaos you’re bound to find during this naturally-occurring affair is the thousands of other locals, tourists, and travelers seeking out this nearly once-in-a-decade experience. 

Colors Of The Rainbow

However, that nearly “once-in-a-decade” experience is changing. The last super bloom in Southern California took place in early 2017. Californians only had to wait a mere two years for the mesmerizing bloom to take place again. This year, an abundance of early spring rain and mountain snow have allowed these valleys to show their true colors. The cooler temperatures are also allowing the bloom to last longer than usual. Nonetheless, photographers and Instagrammers alike are capturing fields of desert dandelions, pink sand verbena, purple lupine, and vibrantly energetic poppies. 

Related image

 

How Far Do I Have To Go?

Those located in California or travel near its borders don’t need to go far to enjoy the state-wide beauty. Traces and patches of the super bloom are visible from areas north of San Francisco all the way down to San Diego – over a 500-mile stretch. We recommend you do all your own research if you plan on making the trip of one the various parks and locations to enjoy the lovely flower but we wanted to include to give you a head start in research. If you’re near Southern California, we suggest you look into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Desert Lily Sanctuary, Mojave Trails National Monument, & Diamond Valley Lake. 

BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIF. - MAR. 13, 2019. Wildflowers bloom near the Mile 31 marker of Highway S-22 i

 

Tips To Make Every Trip Worthwhile

Additionally, we’re providing a few tips to make each planned adventure as organized and fulfilling as possible.

  • Before you bother driving or hiking to these locations, consult with the Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline. The bloom report is released every Friday.
  • If possible, visit during midweek to avoid traffic congestion on weekends.
  • As parking is not a given at any of these locations, be sure to pack the essentials: water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and hiking boots.
  • Cellphone coverage may be questionable. Always bring a physical map if you plan to separate yourself from your vehicle. 
  • Many state parks, dogs are simply not allowed on trails & in wildflower fields. You are welcome to walk them in campgrounds and on designated roads. Leashes are a must. 

Image result for hiking


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Destinations

Check Out The Next Generation Of Theme Parks

From Disney’s new Star Wars Land to Universal Studios Beijing, there is something for everyone in these fantasylands.

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The world of theme parks is about to get really exciting in the next few years. A whole slew of awesome new parks are slated to open soon and each one has something exciting. From Disney’s new Star Wars Land to Universal Studios Beijing, there is something for everyone in these fantasylands. Let’s check out the newest crop of theme parks and see why you should be so excited.

 

Pandora – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney is set to unveil their latest creation, Pandora; the World of Avatar is an expansion to their Animal Kingdom in Florida. This groundbreaking theme park puts visitors into the world of Avatar and sets them on the planet of Pandora. James Cameron, the director who brought us Avatar has been deeply involved in the planning and execution of the new park. Expect lush forests of bioluminescent creatures and out of this world technology.

 

Disney’s Star Wars Land

Disney is doing it again but this time in both Florida and California, wherein 2019 it will debut the Star Wars land. Disney purchased the Star Wars rights in 2009 for a record 4 billion dollars and has been steadily exploiting the franchise. From the concept drawings, you can tell it’s going to be massive in scale and should fully immerse fans in the Star Wars universe. I know people will start lining up for these parks early so be prepared to wait a little bit.

 

Paramount Park, London

The long-anticipated London theme park has gone through some setbacks but it seems on track for a 2022 opening. Expect rides from Paramount icons like Star Trek, Indiana Jones, and Iron Man. This 3 billion dollar theme park better live up its enormous hype or there will be some salty Brits.

 

Universal Studios Beijing

Disney recently opened up in Shanghai so of course, their bitter rival Universal Studios had to open a park in the region. So enter Universal Studios Beijing, the mega-park set to open in 2020. There are plenty of fun parks in China but none are expected to be as grand as Universal Studios Beijing. They are attempting to build a park with heart and soul, so expect something huge and grandiose.

 

Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi

Expected to rely heavily on the brands biggest stars, Looney Tunes, and DC Comics. The completely indoor theme park will open in 2018 and is expected to dominate the landscape of Abu Dhabi. The UAE (United Arab Emirates) is a little overloaded with theme parks as of recent but this one is expected to be massive.

 

Wanda Theme Parks

China’s richest man owns Wanda Theme Parks and his goal is to make his theme park company bigger than all others. There are ten mega-theme parks expected to open in the next 5 years in China and that sounds crazy. These theme parks will put all other Chinese parks to shame as they are investing in Hollywood franchises and other huge budget trademarks.

 

Expect huge things from these mega parks in the next few years as the technology and budgets just keep growing and getting bigger.


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