California wine month approacheth...India travellers offered free seminar in T.O.

September marks California wine month, so get out there and start drinking.

Okay, guess that's not too politically correct. But the point is there's lots going on out in the Golden State next month. There are new apps for folks who are into that sort of thing (where they find the time, I have no idea). Better yet, there are all sorts of events going on from Napa to Santa Barbara and  beyond. So check things out at www.visitcalifornia.com/winemonth.

Here's a note from the California tourism folks:

"From innovative wine immersion experiences and hot travel deals to cool events, it is an ideal time to visit wine country, when the air is buzzing with the creative energy of California’s artisan winegrowers and winemakers bringing in the grapes and beginning the process of crafting the next great vintage."

There are too many areas to mention. Personally, I prefer Calistoga to most other parts of the Napa Valley as it's fairly low-key and un-pretentious. I generally like Sonoma more than Napa for similar reasons and because there's such a variety of wineries and styles of wine.

Santa Barbara is famous for the hilarious movie Sideways, and they make fabulous Pinot Noir down that way. The central coast and Paso Robles makes luscious Zinfandel, Syrah and French-Rhone blends and might be my favourite area.

Also worth checking out is the Livermore-Pleasanton area, only 40 minutes from downtown San Francisco. It's not as well known as other parts of California, but the wines are rich and flavourful and the towns are fun and relatively inexpensive. I particularly like downtown Pleasanton, which is one of the great small cities of California.

If you get a chance, check out the big, robust wines at Livermore Valley Cellars in Livermore. Or try the great golf and concerts at Wente. Or any of the other spots; it's a great location and easy to reach from downtown San Francisco.

 

INDIA VISITORS SESSION

Have you thought about travel to India? Come to a FREE information session. We’ll tell you what you need to know, do and bring to get you ready to go to India. Presented by Breathedreamgo.com and AYA LIFE. Topics include:

- Visa and passport requirements

- how to prepare your body and mind

- what to pack

- all things money-related

- what to eat and drink  in India, and what to avoid

Wed., Sept. 14; 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Kama Indian Restaurant, 214 King St. W., Toronto.

Also included: a free copy of Song of India by Mariellen Ward, free Indian snacks and $100 off coupon for Breathedreamgo Tours to India.

For more information contact mariellen@breathedreamgo.com