Jim with wine sommelier's aboard QE2 World Cruise 2006

Travel Tips

http://www.wotif.com
Hotels, accommodation, flights and other related leisure pursuits (worldwide).

www.ase.net
Hotels, flights, car hire etc (worldwide).

www.atc.net.au
Official website of the Australian Tourist Commission.

www.quickbeds.com

www.villageitalia.com This website contains a various selection of Italian vacation rentals from villas, farmhouses, castles etc. in Tuscany.

www.lastminute.com
Hotels, flights, car hire and other leisurely persuites (Australia only).

www.cia.gov /publications/factbook
The CIA's world fact book. Plenty of information on history, natural hazards, commercial facts, transport etc. This covers every country in the world.

www.embassyworld.com/embassy/directory Search for any embassy in any country. It includes addresses, telephone numbers, email, web addresses, together with local info including jobs.

www.carigslist.org An excellent website which has apartments, houses, cottages etc for private hire throughout the world. Whether it is in the big city or a quite rural retreat this site has it all. Place under world and not any particular country.

www.seatguru.com Check out your airline seat before you travel. Place under world....

www.tripkick.com Hotel rooms from around the world. Ditto

www.holidayautos.com.au Car Hire in Australia

Jim aboard QE2/06

Australia www.ubid4rooms.com ‘Make me an offer’ - that is how ubid4rooms works across a wide range of hotels in both Australia & NZ. Similar to ‘wotif’ and ‘last minute’.com, if you like the idea of an auction bidding war. www.vaustralia.com.au V Australia is the newest long haul international airline serving LA/USA from Sydney, Brisbane & Melbourne. www.kununnurratourism.com Rural tourism in the Kimberley in NE of Western Australia www.australialiasnorthwest.org.au Rural tourism in the WS of Western Australia www.kimberleytravel.com.au For travel around Broom and Roebuck Bay www.cablebeachclub.com Considered the best resort north of Perth www.lovebirds.com.au B&B type accommodation in the center of Broom www.rendezvoushotels.com A resort within 5 minutes walking distance to Cable Beach www.kimberleysafaris.com For those who like the great outdoors of the Kimberley www.needtoescape.com www.atn.com.au This website is for countrywide tourism around Australia, which includes links to accommodation and car rental sites together with places to go and things to see and do. www.travelaustralia.com.au This website is more specific to regions of Australia. www.oztravel.com.au A great site for links and recommendations for food, wine, travel and accommodation etc. www.citysearch.com.au A terrific website devoted to each capital city in Australia, what's happening, what's on, where to go and what to do. www.greatwinecapitals.com This link gives you much information about the major wine capitals of the world and includes places to stay, things to do and how to get there. It also has many more pieces of information related to the area in question. www.immi.gov.au – For all your visa (especially student working visas) enquiries www.tasmanianwineroute.com.au – Wineries of Tasmania www.greenpointwines.com.au – Domain Chandon Winery situated at Coldstream, Melbourne. Top rated restaurant and winery. www.balgowniewestate.com.au – Accommodation, winery and restaurant situated in Yarra Valley, Melbourne. www.tabilk.com.au – A winery with wetlands and wildlife reserve situated at Tabilk in Melbourne www.tarrawarra.com.au - Tarrawarra Estate situated in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Complete with wine bar and café www.hermitagelodge.com.au – Lodge accommodation situated at Pokolbin in the NSW Hunter Valley www.greymasts.com.au – A guest house situated in Robe, SE of Adelaide www.robe.com.au – Robe Visitor Information Centre www.robe.sa.gov.au/robelifestyle - Properties available in Robe, SE of Adelaide www.draytonswines.com.au – NSW based Hunter Valley Winery www.zema.com.au – South Australia, Coonawarra based winery www.kiolavineyard.com.au – NSW winery situated in the Hilltops region www.sheppartonfestival.net.au - A festival based on the NSW/VIC border www.suncountryonthemurray.com.au – All you wanted to know about this NSW/VIC border region www.visitmildura.com.au – Mildura is situated on the NSW/VIC border www.swanhillonline.com - What to do, where to go in and around Swan Hill situated on the NSW/VIC border www.echucamoama.com – All you wanted to know about Echuca Riverboat, Wine & Food Jazz Festival which is situated along the River Murray at Echuca www.greatshepparton.com.au – Shepparton region of NSW www.visitvictoria.com – Information about all regions of Victoria www.winestream.com.au – All your Australian Wine ‘PR’ needs can be found here www.songlinesestate.com.au – McLaren Vale based winery www.discovertasmania.com.au – Check this site out before you travel to Tasmania www.qualia.com.au – One of the newest resorts on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays www.ozonehotel.com – This hotel is situated on Kangaroo Island off South Australia www.puretasmania.com.au – A real wilderness tour of outback Tasmania www.alyanaretreat.com.au – A retreat away from it all situated in Denmark, Western Australia www.bluespiritretreats.com.au – An eco retreat situated in Margaret River, Western Australia www.australiasoutback.com/aboriginalart - Buy Aboriginal art direct from Aboriginal communities in outback, Northern Territory www.kakaduculturecamp.com – Traditional Aboriginal owners show you Kakadu Park and their surrounds www.byronbaynow.com/surfing - This is a good site to visit should you plan a surfing holiday on the mid north coast of New South Wales www.parks.sa.gov/simpson_cp. - For those of you who like the great outdoors of The Simpson Desert, South Australia & Northern Territory www.mthotham.com – For those adventure seeking snow skiers www.fallscreek.com.au – Australian adventure skiing www.margaretriver.com – Plenty of information can be found here from the M/R Visitors Centre www.canberraballoons.com.au – Hot Air Ballooning over the Nation’s Capital www.lizardisland.com.au – Scuba dive around the coral reefs of Lizard Island www.divincairns.com.au – Great Barrier Reef Diving www.exmouthwa.com.au – Exmouth Visitors Centre, Western Australia www.tiwiart.com/tours.asp. - Explore the Tiwi Islands situated north of Darwin www.rottnestisland.com – An island situated of the coast of Perth, Western Australia www.tourkangarooisland.com.au – An island situated off South Australia not far from Adelaide www.wilsonisland.com – An island situated on the Gt Barrier Reef not far from Heron Island www.lordhowisland.info – Snorkelling, bushwalking, scuba diving and much more www.bestresataurants.com.au – The Best Restaurants of Australia can be found here http://www.eatanddrink.com.au - A more serious food and wine guide to Australia combined with critiques www.yourresataurants.com.au – Top restaurants with verve, style and panache www.barossatours.com.au – An Epicurean delight around the World Famous Barossa Valley in South Australia www.fairwaysresort.com.au – Fairways Resort is situated on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula SW of Melbourne www.allseasonshouseboats.com.au – Cruising the Murray River around Mildura, Victoria www.paravion.com.au – Fly tour of the SW wilderness of Tasmania www.freycinetseacruises.com – Enjoy a boat tour of the magical Wineglass Bay in Tasmania www.cablebeachclub.com – Cable Beach Resort situated in Broom in North Western Australia www.visitcanberra.com.au – All the information you require about the Capital of Australia www.visitnsw.com.au – All the information you require when visiting New South Wales www.goldcoastwinecountry.com.au – Wineries situated on the Hinterland on Queensland’s Gold Coast, south of Brisbane www.freightercruises.com.au – A less salubrious but more interesting way of cruising from Australia to UK www.broomehelicopters.com For your next helicopter flight over Broome www.newnorsica.com A monastic mission situated 132km north of Perth www.nigalooreefretreat.com Cape Range National Park in Learmonth, WA www.novotelningaloo.com Exmouth www.potshotresort.com Potshot Hotel Resort is a motel in Exmouth www.exmouthwa.com.au All your information needs for this area. www.ronroozen.com.au A beach house overlooking the beach in Margaret River, WA www.8nicholson.com.au A boutique B&B in the Perth suburb of Subiaco www.empirerestreat.com Set amongst a bush setting in Yallingup south of Margaret River www.therichardson.com.au Top accommodation for the industry executive, West Perth www.kimberleycostalcamp.com.au Admiralty Gulf north Kimberley www.capelodge.com.au Top end luxury accommodation in Yallingup, south of Margaret River www.frangipani.com.au Located near Cable Beach in Broome, WA www.transperth.wa.gov.au All your transport needs in Perth www.ehf.com.au Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle www.fremantlecolonialaccommodation.com.au Cottages & ensuite rooms in Fremantle www.terracecentral.com.au A small B&B Hotel in Fremantle www.fremantlewa.com.au Fremantle Visitors Centre www.margaretriver.com Margaret River Visitors Centre www.holidayautos.com.au Car Hire in Australia Hunter Valley (Australia) Restaurants: Rock Restaurant, Pokolbin www.rockrestaurant.com.au Terroir Restaurant, Pokolbin www.hungerfordhill.com.au/terroir Esca at Bimbadgen Estate www.bimbadgen.com.au Mojo’s on Wilderness, Lovedale www.mojos.net.au Leaves & Fishes, Lovedale www.leavesandfishes.com www.mountainwatch.com All your up-to-date information on Australian/New Zealand ski fields

Jim inspecting the wine cellar on QE2/06 Argentina www.norton.com.ar – One of the most well known wineries situated in Mendoza. A wine bar and BBQ area is also available. www.familiazuccardi.ar – Winery, museum and restaurant available at Bodega Familia Zuccadi situated in Mendoza www.tapaus.com.ar - Highend distillery making Grappas, Brandies, Spirits and Liqueurs situated in Mendoza www.cavaswinelodge.com – Located amidst the snow capped Andes in Mendoza each lodge is dotted throughout the vineyards also features winery, restaurant and luxurious spa www.mdzviajes.com.ar – Operadores Mendoza is a specialist operator in private tours of the wineries of Mendoza

Canada

www.visitor.calgary.ab.ca – Calgary Visitors & Convention Bureau www.wineroute.com/pillitteri/ - Winery situated in Niagara-on-the-Lake www.wineroute.com/strew/ - Winery situated in Niagara-on-the-Lake www.wineroute.com/marynissen - Winery situated in Niagara-on-the-Lake www.lachanmiere.com – An excellent European/Canadian twist in fusion situated in downtown Calgary. www.andreaswines.com – A winery situated at Burlington (South of St. Catherine’s -Ontario). www.hillebrandestates.com – A winery situated in Niagara-on-the-Lake www.tourismniagara.com/nfcvcb -Niagara Falls Visitors & Convention Bureau www.colioestatewines.com – A winery situated outside Toronto in Mississauga. www.cphotels.ca – Canadian Pacific Hotels. Hotels with old world charm of a bygone era www.tourismwhistler.com – All you want to know about Whistler and skiing in Canada www.bigwhite.com – A ski resort situated in BC -Canada www.skisilverstar.com – A ski resort in BC-Canada www.sunpeaksresort.com – A ski resort in BC-Canada www.banffcanada.com.au – A ski resort situated in Banff – Alberta www.skiingjasper.com – A very popular ski resort situated in Alberta www.lickinghorseresort.com – A ski resorted situated in BC – Canada www.canada.travel/ski - All you wanted to know about skiing in Canada www.canada-alaska.com.au – Australian based travel to Canada

Chile

www.winesofchile.org

 

China

www.m-onthebund.com – The top Aussie Restaurant in Shanghai. The best food, service, ambience and view of The Bund in exciting and exhilarating Shanghai. www.m-theglamourbar.com – Part of M-On-The-Bund. This hip and futuristic bar is the place to go and be seen in Shanghai. www.t8-shanghai.com – A great Western style Restaurant situated in the fashionable Xintiandi District of Shanghai www.finewine.com.hk – Dickson KO is a HK based wine importer who also trades in China. www.rubyred.com.cn – Simon Zhou is a wine importer based in Shanghai. www.wineshanghai.com – Shanghai Huayu Exhibition Service which also includes Shanghai International Wine Challenge www.great-wallmarathon.com – Provides information on competing in this marathon event.

France

“Accommodation in France and Paris, together with other good websites - all things French:

The French Travel Connection here in Sydney has been voted the “Best French Travel Specialist in the World” by the French Ministry for Tourism and the French Government Tourist Office. The website is ‘Brilliant”. http://www.frenchtravel or contact – 02 9966 1177. www.pelysees.com – A lovely little rustic style bistro situated off the Arc de’Triomphe, Paris www.chateau-giscours – A magnificent chateaux situated in the Medoc region of Bordeaux catering for special events www.agassac.com – Close to the City of Bordeaux a typical French chateau available for functions and all year round accommodation www.lanessan.com – A chateau situated among the great wine estates of the Medoc with conference and restaurant facilities www.pichon-lalande.com – Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande situated in Pauillac. Known as the ‘glass chateau’. www.chateau-de-pressac.com – An impressive chateau overlooking the Dordogne Valley in Saint Etienne www.chateau-de-la-riviera.com – Situated in Fronsac this chateau has been described as one of the most well preserved and impressive chateau in all of Bordeaux www.millesima.com – This veritable temple of wine contains some 2,500,000 bottles including the most illustrious chateau in Bordeaux. www.nicetourisme.com Nice Tourism www.antibesjuanlespins.com Antibes Tourism www.cheznous.com Villas & apartments (check out villa 7913 in Cote d’ Azur) throughout France. www.franceguide.com French Tourist Bureau here in Sydney. Tel. 02 9231 5244/5243 or www.vinea-recrutement.com Vinea Recruitment (vinea plus sarl) - 650 rue Henri Becquerel, 34000 Montpellier, France tel. : +33 (0)4 67 22 55 55 - fax : +33 (0)4 67 83 97 13 - www.veuve-cliquote.com www.champagne-agrapart.com www.ployez-jacquemart.fr www.champagne-mailly.com www.domperignon.com www.champagne.fr www.lagrilladegourmande.com

Greece

www.visitgreece.gr – Greece Tourism Organization www.gnto.co.uk – UK based National Tourism Office www.hatzmichalis.gr – One of the better wineries of Greece   Germany www.germany-tourism.de – Before visiting Germany, visit this website www.wiesbaden.de – German town not far from Frankfurt

India

www.incredableindia.org – Tourism Government of India www.tajhotels.com – Hotels, Resorts & Palaces www.mumbai.regency.hyatt.com – Hyatt Regency Hotel www.sulawines.com – One of the more progressive wineries of India www.leroyalmeridien-mumbai.com – Royal Meridien Hotels www.indagegroup.com – The first winery or wine company in India www.faruyas.com – Hotel situated in Colaba, Mumbai www.chateau-dori.com – A Mumbai based wine importer and winery. www.aspri.org – A wine importer based in Mumbai Eateries: Kwality Restaurant (New Delhi) www.kwalitygroup.com Rick’s Bar Taj Mahal Hotel www.tajhotels.com Oberoi/Delhi www.oberoidelhi.com The Imperial Hotel, Delhi www.theimperialindia.com

 

Italy

www.vecchioolivo.it A magnificent villa (for hire) set in a rural setting in Trevino, Italy www.santamargherita.com/ - An Italian winery situated in Foss Alta Di Portogruaro region. www.sartorinet.com – An Italian winery situated in Valpolicella-Verona www.vol.it/bolla - Bolla winery situated on the outskirts of Verona, Italy www.ivponline.com – Villa rental in Umbria www.primitaly.com – More accommodation in and around Umbria www.san-vito.com – Situated between Florence & Siena this 126 hectare property offers wines, olive oils, farmhouse accommodation nestled in between olive groves and forests www.coltibuono.com – A former Abbey, with the old monks’ cells now converted into luxurious rooms. Everything you could ever want for an away from it all escape situated in Chianti www.castellodigabbiano.it – A quiet stay is assured at Castello di Gabbiano with all the mod cons of the 21 century mixed with medieval charm of centuries past. Situated in Chianti Classico www.vinoturismo.it – Situated a few miles from Florence and nestled in between forests, olive groves and vineyards with 3 private apartments and 10 bedrooms complete with swimming pool and much more www.verrazzano.com – Accommodation, winery, restaurant and landscaped parks and gardens are set in the most tranquil and idyllic setting. Situated in Chianti Classico www.riservadifizzano.com – Apartment complex situated high in the hills of Tuscany with restaurants, gardens and parks, swimming pool, vineyards and olive orchards. www.toscana-in-com - A group of farmhouses, holiday apartments, villas and B&B’s located in the centre of Tuscany, in the hills of Chianti region. www.vinalo.com – Accommodation, restaurant with Italian cooking classes also available, winery situated in Florence www.termedisirmione.com – The Grand Hotel Terme situated on Lake Garda at the old village, Sirmione www.sicilyhotels.com – Offers a wide range of boutique accommodation in and around Sicily www.italiantourism.com – The latest and most up to date website on Italy packed with lots of information on travel to Italy

 

Japan

www.redandwhite.net – Wine importers based in Tokyo. www.vwt.co.jp – Tokyo based Virtual Wine Tours www.australianwine.jp – Australian Wine Bureau Tokyo. www.lvino.com – A great wine bar and restaurant in the Roppongi District of Tokyo www.tokyocook.ac.jp – Tokyo Cookery Academy. www.12.big.or.jp/~nwe/ - Japan Sommelier Association www.vinorum.co.jp/ - Wine importers based in Tokyo www.lovestocook.net A Tokyo based Australian (HK/Chinese) owner of a Tokyo restaurant and outside catering business

Malaysia

www.southernvintages.com.my – A Malaysian based wine importer.

New Zealand

www.nzwineonline.com.au - Buying NZ wine on line (including wineries you have never heard of) and finding out more about the wine regions of NZ is what this site is all about. It also includes events, gifts section and a monthly newsletter on all things NZ. www.thegateslodge.co.nz – A magnificent Private Country Lodge situated in Waiau, North Canterbury. The view, food and service is unsurpassed at The Gates. www.cjpaskwinery.co.nz – which is situated in the middle of the North Island-Hawke’s Bay www.nzwine.com – The official site of NZ Wine. All the information you want about any NZ winery can be found here and much, much more. www.newworldwine.co.nz – Information about this wine show held in Wellington, NZ sponsored by New World Supermarket chain www.craggyrange.com – One of the top wineries situated in Hawke’s Bay NZ. www.paritua.com. - Hawke’s Bay based winery which is situated in the middle of the North Island. www.atarangi.co.nz A Martinborough based winery situated at the bottom of the North Island. www.MurdochJames.co.nz – A Martinborough based winery situated at the bottom of the North Island. www.alana.co.nz – A Martinborough based winery situated at the bottom of the North Island. www.villamaria.co.nz An Auckland based winery www.cedarhouse-bb.co.nz – A B&B Lodge perched on a hill overlooking pine forests which is situated in Matakana, north of Auckland and comes highly recommended. www.staetelandt.co.nz – A Marlborough based Winery situated on the tip of the South Island. www.kemblefield.co.nz – A Magnificent winery and cellar door situated at Hastings, South of Napier in the North Island. www.bilancia.co.nz – A Hawke’s Bay based winery situated in the middle of the North Island. www.trintyhill.com – A Hawke’s Bay based winery situated in the Middle of the North Island. www.artisanwines.co.nz – Situated about 30 minutes west of Auckland. www.wellingtonNZ.com – Positively Wellington Tourism www.airnzwineawards.co.nz – All you wanted to know about the Air New Zealand Wine Awards www.wekariver.co.na Waipara (South Island) based winery situated about 60km north of Canterbury www.mountcasswines.com Waipara based winery www.www.pegasusbay.com Waipara based winery www.mudhouse.co.nz Cellar doors and vineyards in Waipara & Marlborough. www.seifried.co.nz Nelson (South Island) based winery www.danielschusterwines.com Waipara based winery www.waiparawines.co.nz A comprehensive website with lots of information on the wineries and other matters of interest for the Waipara region 60km north of Canterbury www.prophetsrock.co.nz www.quartzreef.co.nz www.gibsonhighgate.co.nz www.northburn.co.nz www.ostlerwine.co.nz www.centralotagopinot.co.nz This is the organisation which represents the growers and wineries in the Central Otago region of NZ. www.pasquale.co.nz www.mtdifficulty.co.nz www.boardwalk.net.nz A great Seafood Restaurant (which comes highly recommended) situated on the first floor of the Steamer Wharf in Queenstown, NZ

Portugal

www.quintanova.com/hotel - An up-market hotel situated in the Duoro Valley overlooking the vineyards and the River Duoro www.quintadoprtal.pt – A guest house with 13 beautifully appointed bedrooms with panoramic views of the Duoro with all mod cons including a gourmet restaurant www.qunits-das-aveleiras.com – A wine museum with restaurant and accommodation available and is situated in the historic centre of Torre de Moncorvo, in the Duoro Valley www.adegademoncao.com/home.html Adega Cooperative de Moncao – A magnificent winery and lodgings in the Vinho Verde. www.solardeserrade.pt A beautiful manor house of Serrade, an excellent B+B and much more set in a magnificent setting of gardens, vineyards and situated in Vinho Verde www.quintapacos.com Another place of residence worthy of note should you find yourself in the Vihno Verde region. www.hoteldoreguengo.pt Reguengo Estate situated in Vinho Verde with accommodation which is first rate. www.soalheiro.com Soalheiro Estate situated in Vino Verde with excellent accommodation in a beautiful and tranquil vineyard setting

Peru

Travel Machu Picchu All Travel Machupicchu, guide complete about to Machupicchu. www.allmachupicchutravel.com

 

Singapore

www.wineforasia.com – C/O Singex Exhibitions Pte Ltd which also includes Wine for Asia Exhibition www.hollandseclub.org.sg – A Private Club for Dutch Ex Pats (but not exclusively so) based in Singapore.

 

Sabah/Borneo

www.shangri-la.com – Two excellent properties for couples and families (Tanjung Aru Resort) in Kota Kinabalu & (Rasa Ria Resort) Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club. www.suteraharbour.com – A great family style resort with everything the name implies Inc golf, fishing, tennis and much more. www.portview.com.my – A top seafood restaurant situated on the esplanade in Kota Kinabalu (KK).

 

South Africa

www.wine.co.za www.sasev.org www.african-terroir.com – A Cape Town based wine & Spirit importer. www.uitsig.co.za – A Constantia (CT), based winery with an excellent restaurant attached which comes highly recommended. www.meerlust.co.sa – One of the best noted wineries based in Cape Town. www.kwvinternational.com – KWV are the biggest winery with individual boutique brands based in Paarl, Cape Town. www.wandie’splace.com – Wandie’s Place is a surreal restaurant based in the middle of the shanty town of Soweto-Johannesburg. While it comes highly recommended, extreme caution should be taken in getting there. Once there, your car and personal security is guaranteed. A must on your next visit! www.vineyardventures.co.za – If you’re looking for a personalized visit of the vineyards of Cape Town and beyond then look no further than Vineyard Ventures. I used them on my last visit and would highly recommend them. www.rustenvrede.com – One of the few wineries in South Africa (CT) to make red wines only. Well worth a visit! www.spier.co.za – A magnificent resort based in Stellenbosch (CT). It has its own winery, horse riding in a rural tranquil setting and comes highly recommend. www.southafrica.net – Tourism South Africa www.vergelegen.co.za - A stunning homestead situated in Stellenbosch www.devonvalleyhotel.com – A 28 room boutique hotel with breathtaking views of the Devon Valley & Helderberg mountains situated in Stellenbosch www.lourensford.com – A 4,000 hectare wine estate with restaurant and conference facilities situated in Stellenbosch www.kleinzalze.co.za – Complete with a golf course, winery, lodge and restaurant situated in Strellenbosch www.zevenwacht.co.za – A beautiful homestead complete with lodge and restaurant and award winning wines situated in Stellenbosch

Spain www.acevin.org Website for La Asociaci6n Espaliola de Ciudades del Vino (Spanish Association of Wine Towns) It features more than 45 towns linked by the common denominator of exceptional winegrowing, and its concomitant economic, cultural and other aspects. One of this organization's major achievements is the creation of the Rutas del Vino de Espalia brand (Wine Routes of Spain), which certifies tourist itineraries that take in wineries, gastronomy, hotels and local history and art. (Spanish) www .rutadelvi nosomontano. com Official website for La Ruta del Vino Somontano (Somontano Wine Route) It provides information about the wineries along the route, plus restaurants, hotels and specialist travel agencies (with links to their own websites, opening times, telephone numbers and so on), and is also a good source on the area as a whole: Sierra de Guara Natural Park and its gorges, Vero River Cultural Park and the towns Alquezar and Barbastro. There is also a useful road map. (Spanish) http://www .Iariojatu rismo .com/tu rismo -en 01 og i co La Rioja's tourist website Good information about La Rioja's various wineries, themed museums, wine events and festivals, hotels and vinotherapy spas. It also gives addresses of companies offering wine tasting courses, sporting activities in a vineyard setting and gastronomic tourist events. (English, German, Spanish) www .rutadelvi noderiojaalavesa. com Official website for La Ruta del Vino Rioja AJavesa (The Rioja Alavesa Wine Route) This page offers addresses for the wineries, restaurants, specialist wine shops and hotels along the route, links with their individual sites and other useful information. It also offers information about the area's different municipalities, mentioning outstanding buildings, traditional festivals, tourist offices and so on. (English, Spanish) www.paseosdelvino.com Website for Paseos del Vino (Wine Walks) Paseos del Vino is an association comprised of nine bodegas in La Rioja including Amezola de la Mora, Bret6n, Marques de Vargas, Muga, Murua, Fern8.dez Remfrez de Ganuza, Roda, Luis Cafias and Valencisco, that is working to energize and strengthen wine tourism in the DOCa Rioja. It offers tourists different personalized travel packs that combine culture, nature, gastronomy and wine through visits to the bodegas within the association, tastings, vinotherapy sessions, hot air balloon rides over the vineyards, etc. (English, Spanish) www .enotu rismealtpenedes. net Official website for Las Rutas del Vino y del Cava Penedes (Wine and Cava Routes of the Penedes) This page suggests possible itineraries grouped according to different criteria: routes that can be explored by train, by car, in town and so on. Each circuit includes a road map and information about the wineries, hotels, restaurants and other establishments it features. Complementary routes for walkers or modernist architecture enthusiasts, among others, are also suggested. (English, French, Spanish) Designation of Origin (DO) www.riberadelduero.es Website for the Regulatory Council for DO Ribera del Duero (English, Spanish) www.riojawine.com Website for the Regulatory Council for DO Rioja (English, French, German, Spanish) www.dopenedes.es Website for DO Penedes (English, Spanish) www.dosomontano.com Website for the Regulatory Council for DO Somontano (Spanish) Rioja Marques de Riscal, Wine City www.marquesderiscal.com Bodega de Juan Alcorta Ysios www.domecqbodegas.com El Fabulista www.bodegaelfabulista.com Bodegas Carlos San Pedro perez de Viiiaspre www .bodegascarlossampedro.com Dinastfa Vivanco Wine Culture Museum www.dinastiavivanco.com Bodega Baigorri www.bodegasbaigorri.com www.spain.info – all your information needs can be found at this address www.arzak.es – The best restaurant featuring Basque food situated in San Sebastian www.elbulli.com – The best restaurant in the whole of Spain situated in Roses www.axialvinos.com Covinca winery situated in Longares www.bodegasysios.com – Spanish winery situated in Laguardia (Alva) www.donjacobo.es – Spanish winery situated in La Rioja www.bodegasfaustino.com – Spanish winery situated near Logrono www.remirezdeganuza.com - Spanish winery situated in Rioja Alavesa www.bodegasmuga – Spanish winery situated in Haro (La Rioja) www.marquesdeulia.com – Spanish winery (Bodegas Senorio de Ulia) located in Labastida Alava www.lacasadelcofrade.com – Spanish winery (La Casa del Cofrade) situated in Albelda de lregua (La Rioja) www.elriojaylos5sentidos.com Spanish winery (Prorioja) situated in Logrono (La Rioja) www.zortziko.es – A Bilbao based 2 star Michelin restaurant serving Basque food www.luxurycollection.com/marquesderiscal - Situatel at the vineyards of Marques de Riscal in La Rioja www.hotelcondeduque – Gran Hotel Conde Duque situated in Madrid www.elbullihotel.com situated in the hills of Seville and an off-shoot of the world famous El Bulli restaurant in Roses northern Spain www.hotelclaris.com situated in the Eixample district of Barcelona www.hotelpalacepenalba.com A top notch hotel with magnificent gardens situated in the northern province of Asturias - Figueres

United Kingdom

www.bookingbuddy.co.uk A great website for cheap flights from the UK to Europe www.kayak.co.uk A very worthwhile website for flights from UK to various ports in USA. www.opodo.co.uk A great website, one that is devoted to cheap flights from UK to the Eastern parts of Europe. www.the-vineyard.co.uk Special country boutique hotels for the wine hedonists which is situated at Newbury, Berkshire. www.northcotemanor.com A boutique hotel specializing in wines for the wine/food afficianado, situated at Blackburn, Lancashire www.hotelduvin.com Part of the Hotels du Vin group and its siter properties in the Malmaison Group. www.hotelterravina.co.uk situated in Netley Marsh, Southampton www.manoir.com A boutique hotel specializing in food/wine situated in Great Milton, Oxfordshire www.hopestreethotel.co.uk Boasts the most extensive wine list in the northwest. Situated in Liverpool. www.waddesdon.org.uk/five_arrows Stands at the gates of Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire www.raddisonsas.com Europe’s only Wine Tower situated at the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport www.summerlodgehotel.co.uk Summer Lodge Country House situated in Evershot, Dorset www.thedevonshirearms.co.uk Acountry house owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and is situated in Yorkshire www.chestergrovenor.com Gourmet evening and wine dinners are the norm ar this hotel situated right in the heart of Chester www.kinnardestate.com A top country mansion with a flare for food and wine of the highest standard, situated in Perthshire, Scotland. www.welcomehomes.co.uk www.uptownres.co.uk www.thisislondon.co.uk www.visitbritain.com www.londonpass.com www.liverpoolworldheritage.com www.visitliverpool.com www.bbc.co.uk (British Broadcasting Corporation) www.baa.com (British Airports Authority) www.britishairways.com www.thompsonfly.com (Airline) www.flybe.com (Airline) www.thomascook.com www. easyjet.com (Airline) www.ryanair.com (Airline) www.uk-air.net (Airline) www.nationalrail.com (All UK Railways) www.defra.gov.uk www.direct.gov.uk (A-Z of Government Services) www.dti.gov.uk www.brightonpier.co.uk – The famous Brighton Pier in southern England www.royalpavillion.org.uk – A Russian style building/pavilion situated in Brighton. www.brighton.co.uk – All your tourism needs in Brighton can be found here www.london-marathon.co.uk – Provides all the information you require to complete this marathon www.camelvalley.com – English winery situated in Bodmin, Cornwall www.biddendenvineyards.co.uk – English winery situated in Ashford, Kent www.denbieswineestate.com – English winery situated in Dorking, Surrey www.englishwinesgroup.com – English winery (Chapel Down) situated in Tenterden, Kent www.threechoirs.com – English winery situated in Gloucestershire www.fatduck.co.uk – The top restaurant in Berkshire and one of the best in the UK www.londonwinefair.com – The London International Wine & Spirits Fair www.englishwineproducers.com – A comprehensive website featuring the wineries of the UK www.themerchanthotel.com The most opulent hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland www.booking.com – All your hotels booking can be found here for city and regional towns across the UK www.colchesterguide.co.uk – Up to date information on the town of Colchester www.hotels-colchester.co.uk – A limited number of hotels situated in and around Colchester www.travel.ciao.co.uk/ - All your travel and insurance needs for UK and the world. www.owlpen.com The Grist Mill (Owlpen Manor), near Uley, Gloucestershire. So quintessentially English. A beautiful old manor set in magnificent grounds will transport you to another world. www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/15265 Chapel House Penycwm, Pembrokeshire. A beautifully restored 18th century chapel overlooking the Pembrokeshire coast. www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk Rose Castle Cottage is located in Coniston, Cumbria. One of the most picturesque locations in the Lakes District. Think of Beatrix Potter and you’ve got it in one. www.bruern-holiday-cottages.co.uk Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Located in the grounds of the most famous Bruern Abbey, a typically English country house surrounded by natural beauty. www.landmarktrust.org.uk A small selection of country cottages situated near Bude, Cornwall with many cottages overlooking the sea set high on the rocky outcrop. www.holiday-rentals.co,uk/9050 Station House, Thuxton, Norfolk Close by the local railway line with only the odd train passing through carrying day trippers. A magnificent set-up in a beautiful part of the world. www.alnwickcastlecottages.co.uk A beautifully restored cottage situated in the grounds of the Duke of Northumberland’s estate. www.scottscastles.com Perthshire, Scotland. Claypotts Cottage – Amid the beautiful Scottish highlands, surrounded by lochs and glens and the rugged moorlands. A truly magnificent setting to get away from it all. www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk Over 400 properties to view in rural settings around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. www.landmarktrust.org.uk Holiday homes that have been totally renovated and lovingly restored. www.english-country-cottages.co.uk Over 3,000 properties available throughout the UK from hideaway cottages, country homes, castles and much more. www.marsdens.co.uk Holiday home specialists centred around the West Country www.scottscastles.com Your choice of Scottish Castles throughout the whole of Scotland www.holiday-rentals.co.uk Holiday properties world wide

USA: www.vaustralia.com V Australia is Australia’s number 2 long haul international airline serving Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne from LA -USA www.sanfranciscosightseeing.com The United States Dept of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service has information on world markets, trends and world agriculture production. Information and reports are available for nearly 130 countries prepared by this dept. Export/import data and WTO tariff schedules are available. Search by keyword, including country and commodity. This site is update daily.   www.greylinessanfrancisco.com This coachline company takes tours of SF, Napa Valley, Alcatraz & Bay Cruises including Monterey and Carmel and much much more.  www.sfvisitor.org.usa SanFrancisco Convention & Visitors Bureau. www.handlery.com The Handlery Union Square Hotel is a Family run hotel located in downtown San Fransisco. www.sfbhc.com San Fransisco Bay Hotel Collection. www.pier39.com Premier Festival Market Place on the Bay is the No 1 attraction in San Fransisco. www.kimtongroup.com The Kimpton Group has a number of Boutique hotels and restaurants in Aspen, Boston, Cambridge, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Fransisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Tacoma, Vancouver BC & Whistler BC. www.scenic.com Scenic Airlines has flights over the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and much more. www.seaworld.com The famous San Diego Seaworld which includes the Haunted Lighthouse. www.disneyworld.com The world famous Disneyland Theme Park in Anaheim, California. www.usda.gov The United States Dept of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service has information on world markets, trends and world agriculture production. Information and reports are available for nearly 130 countries prepared by this dept. Export/import data and WTO tariff schedules are available. Search by keyword, including country and commodity. This site is update daily. www.atf.treas.gov The site of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has information on alcohol regulations in the US. Includes publications, pressroom and labeling laws. www.wineinstitute.org Industrial and statistical information, events, ATF regulations and regulations regarding direct interstate wine shipments in the USA with the individual state laws, as well as information on American viticultural areas.: www.fao.org The website of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Has a wide variety of information on agriculture as well as the Uruguay Round Agreements, economies, news and more. There is also access to statistical database that allows the user to search for statistics on wine production of wine and population by country including year. www.wcoomd.org The World Customs Organisation has 153 customs organisations around the world as members. Click on the region of your choice and find duties and regulations for importing wine into those countries. Choose the customs website option. If the customs organisation you are seeking has a website you will find the link here. This site is in both English and French. www.justcalifornia.org             California travel guide, Disneyland, Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Francisco,             PalmsSprings,beaches,mapas,hotelslakes,mountains and other tourism             information for the state of California USA. www.e-winegifts.com www.finewine@nycap.rr.com .......These are retail and e-commerce wine stores in the state of New York". www.calzonesf.com – Italian Restaurant/Wine Bar in San Francisco www.sfwinecomp.com – San Francisco International Wine Competition www.duckhorn.com – Duckhorn is a famed Napa Valley Winery www.zunicafe.com – A great Restaurant/Café in San Francisco www.vinarobles.com – A winery based in Paso Robles, CA www.hornblower.com – If you want to take a cruise around the harbour in San Francisco Bay then I highly recommend Hornblower Cruises www.eberlewinery.com – A famous winery situated in Paso Robles, CA www.hotelcheval.com – A brilliant Boutique Hotel situated off the main square in Paso Robles, CA www.aventurewine.com – Stephan Vineyards based in Paso Robles, CA www.jlohr.com – J.LOHR Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com – SF Convention & Visitors Bureau www.calwinexport – Wine Institute of California www.supershuttle.com - A shuttle bus company situated at all major airports and cruise terminals throughout the USA www.tropicoolmiami.com – Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau www.marmara-manhattan.com – Apartment living in New York situated on the Upper East Side www.phillipsclub.com – The Phillips Club (apartment living) in New York, situated at Lincoln Square www.sanmartinrest.baweb.com – A great (inexpensive) Mediterranean Restaurant situated on 49th St, Manhattan, NY City www.danielnyc.com – A Frenchman in NY City showing them how to make the best burgers, situated on West 44th St www.frenchlaundry.com – Situated in Yountville in California’s Napa Valley, considered the best restaurant in California www.tfewines.com – Sutter Home Winery situated in St. Helena in Napa Valley, Cal www.casanuestra.com – Casa Nuestra Winery & Vineyards situated in St. Helena in Napa Valley, Cal www.peju.com – a family run boutique winery situated in Rutherford, Napa Valley – Cal www.stsuprey.com – A winery situated in Rutherford, Napa Valley – Cal www.sterlingvineyards.com Take a cable car ride to the top of the hill were this winery is situated in the Napa Valley www.sceneontv.com – For those of you who loved the US hit TV show the Sopranos, this site gives you a guided tour of their hangouts in New Jersey www.mgmgrand.com One of Las Vegas’s top restaurants situated in the MGM Grand Hotel. www.venetian.com Bouchon Restaurant is situated at the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas. Thomas Keller (French Laundry) is working the pans, do I need to say anymore? www.venetian.com TAO, a mixture of Thai, Japanese, Chinese food. The Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas www.sushiroku.com Sushi Roku is a top restaurant featuring the best of the best of Japanese cuisine, situated at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas www.carnevino.com Carnevino is an Italian Steak House situated at the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas. www.visitlasvegas.com All you want to know to plan and make your trip a memorable one. www.skyloftsmgmgrand.com Accommodation in Las Vegas www.palms.com Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas www.redrocklasvegas.com Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa www.palazzolasvegas.com The Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. www.sebastiani.com Sonoma Valley winery www.schramsberg.com Napa Valley winery specialising in top quality sparkling wines www.duckhorn.com Napa Valley winery www.cakebread.com Napa Valley winery www.buenavistacaneros.com Sonoma Valley winery www.silveroak.com Napa Valley winery www.montelena.com Chateau Montelena Winery, Napa Valley www.silveradovineyards.com Napa Valley winery www.macarthurplace.com An excellent (high end) Country Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley www.beveragexperts.com Chicago based company specialising in beer, wine and spirits to the trade and consumer www.winespokenhere.com Napa Valley based wine consultant and PR company www.globalwineco.com A consultancy and PR company based in Sausalito, south of Sonoma & Napa Valleys and just across the bay from downtown SF. www.pier39.com This is one of the most exciting places to visit whilst in San Francisco (situated on the wharf along the Embarcadero) www.pinotreport.com All you ever wanted to know about the most ‘fickle’ of red wine grape varieties www.larkcreeksteak.com A fantastic up-market steak house situated on the Fourth Floor of Westfield Nordstrom Shopping Centre in downtown San Francisco. Great food, service and vibe. www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com For all your tourism needs when visiting San Francisco www.amusebouchewine.com A top winery situated in the Napa Valley www.montelena.com It got rave reviews for its wines in the now famous Paris Tasting of 1976 and made headlines again in 2009 in a new movie based on the same story called “Bottle Shock” www.elbonita.com A motel situated in St Helena in the Napa Valley - not the best motel around, a throw back to the 1950’s, but it’s clean, comfortable and cheap for the Napa. www.riverterraceinn.com A comfortable hotel ideally situated in the Napa Valley. It has position, position, position with its own wine bar. Comes highly recommended www.thecarnerosinn.com Boon Fly Café at the Carneros Inn on the Sonoma Hwy, Napa Valley. Great food at very reasonable prices with many entrées (mains) at just over US$20. www.bountyhunterwinebar.com A wine bar and bistro overlooking the river in downtown Napa Valley. Great food & wine at very good prices. www.mustardgrill.com Situated at St. Helena Hwy, Yountville, Napa Valley. A dining institution in its own right. Comes highly recommended. www.heitzcellar.com One of a select few wineries in the Napa Valley, St Helena to be precise, to offer ‘free’ wine tastings. A rarity in this part of the world. www.thecaliforniaguide.com Packed with information covering Northern, Central and Southern California. For all your information on attractions, hotels, restaurants and affordable travel.

USSR

 

Vietnam

http://www.sheration.com/hanoi - Sheraton Hotels http://www.sheraton.com/saigon - Sheraton Hotels http://www.six-senses.com/ana-mandara - A top resort situated in Nha Tran http://www.accorhotels.com/asia - Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi