Tips For Scoring Last-Minute Fares From GoLastMinute.Com

GoLastMinute.com shares top tips for scoring last-minute fares

We’re all well acquainted with the dangers of procrastination, that pesky thief of time. When it comes to planning travel, though, sometimes waiting until the last second, due to a limited budget, a busy schedule or just lack of inspiration, can actually be an advantage. So how does a spontaneous wanderluster avoid overpaying for that flight departing in just a week? Use GoLastMinute.com’s insider tricks for scoring last-minute fares so good you’ll be bragging about them.

Be flexible

Being open-minded about your travel dates, times and maybe even your destination will definitely work in your favor when hunting for cheap last-minute flights. We advise starting your search with just a general scope of the region you want to visit or the type of trip you’re craving.

Dreaming of a Europe trip, maybe to Paris, Milan or London? Fares to the continent have come down dramatically thanks to budget airlines like Norwegian Air Shuttle and WOW Air. But be aware that these airlines don’t service every major European bucket-list city, and they depart from a limited list of U.S. gateways, on a limited schedule. Plus, extras like baggage and meals are typically not included in the base fare. If you’re not too picky about your destination and can pack light, those jaw-dropping savings across the pond can be yours.

Though it seems to be common knowledge nowadays, it bears reminding that the cheapest last-minute fares are typically reserved for weekday trips and those departing early in the morning or late at night. Also, most longer-haul journeys will require a layover. If inconveniences like these don’t deter you, a much broader list of flight options will be up for grabs. The key point is, keep your needs (and expectations) limber to score the best bargains.

Consider nearby airports

Travelers from highly populated regions, such as the East Coast and Midwest, should be aware of the many airports at their disposal, and consider flying out from a hub other than their standard home airport.

Live in Milwaukee? Check fares from Chicago, home to two major international airports that are both easy to reach from the Cream City via Amtrak or Greyhound bus service. Usually fly out of Miami? You’re missing out on all the budget fares offered by low-cost airlines such as JetBlue, Spirit and Southwest that only operate in nearby Fort Lauderdale.

In fact, Lucas Peterson, author of the Frugal Traveler column in The New York Times, recently identified several urban areas in the U.S. (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle, for example) for which smaller regional airports offer better fares.

Search these alternate departure points and you may well be surprised to find a better selection of last-minute flight deals than from your main gateway.

Sniff out sales

Delta regularly runs last-minute weekend sales, and airlines such as American and United occasionally sneak in short-lived sales, too. JetBlue and Southwest are known for their gone-in-a-flash nationwide offers, often providing fares as low as $40 one-way for flights departing in the following few weeks.

When airlines add new routes, they often run promotions with rock-bottom rates. For example, Southwest Airlines recently added new routes from Ft. Lauderdale to the Turks & Caicos, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, promoting the debuts with one-way fares as low as $69.

These sales are a lot to keep up with, so we help you at GoLastMinute.com by keeping our finger on the pulse of the airline world, publishing daily updates on promotions from a variety of sources. These include major and budget airlines (United Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, JetBlue, Norwegian Air Shuttle, etc.), online travel agencies (CheapOair, Liberty Travel, Flight Centre, etc.), and travel aggregators (Fly.com, Kayak, Orbitz, etc.).

Travel to off-season destinations

That jam-packed jetliner bound for a sunny Caribbean island in February? It will be dotted with open seats come the fall months, when the higher chance of rainy weather and humidity scares off pickier travelers. And tourists tend to avoid big city jaunts when the weather is frigid, making snow-dusted cities like NYC and Chicago ripe for the picking for budget and last-minute travelers.

New Orleans, too, is a perennial favorite — in fact, Travel + Leisure calls it one of the best places to visit in 2018. But don’t venture down to the Crescent City during Mardi Gras, when tourists flood the streets. Go instead in fall, the slowest season for travel, and revel in the still-warm temperatures and more laid-back vibe.

An extra benefit to off-season travel is that accommodations are typically much more affordable compared to high-season rates.

Book ASAP

Here’s a piece of advice you can take to the bank: If you find a good rate, don’t wait. While it can seem risky to hit the “book” button on a flight when there’s always the chance fares could drop further, the truth is, there’s very little risk at all. If a cheaper rate comes along, simply cancel the flight you booked within a 24-hour period and re-book the new, cheaper flight — a law for U.S.-based bookings of domestic or international flights gives you a full day to cancel without penalty. But beware of this caveat for the 24-hour no-penalty cancellation window: It’s valid only for flights departing a week or more after your booking date.

Keep tabs with last-minute fare alerts

Rates can rise or drop at a moment’s notice. Stay ahead of the curve with our fare alerts, specifically designed to help you find the best dates to fly in just a few days or weeks. Do a search on GoLastMinute.com in the “Compare Flight Deals” box by entering your departure city, destination and dates, and then check “add to fare alerts.” Then, simply let notifications come to your inbox so you can track last-minute fares to your preferred destinations (you can create alerts for up to 5 routes).

We’ve delivered more than 40 million fare alerts since we launched the feature in February 2017, helping thousands of travelers find the lowest fares.

About GoLastMinute.com

GoLastMinute.com helps travelers search and compare prices on airfares, hotels, vacation packages and cruises via web and mobile sites, email newsletters and social media channels. Over 5 million travelers have signed up for GoLastMinute.com’s emails.

GoLastMinute.com is published by GraphicBomb, which was named to Inc. 5000's list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2016 and 2017. GraphicBomb also publishes BeachDeals.com and Bamgo.com.

7 things To See And Do In The Cayman Islands

Stingray City.

CAYMAN ISLANDS -  Just one-hour flight time from Miami and 1.5 hours from the Texas coast, the Cayman Islands offers a treasure trove of activities and places to relax for a true vacation. Consisting of three small islands no more than 100 square miles in total, beaches and banking have driven the islands to the forefront when it comes to business and pleasure.

When planning a trip to the Cayman Islands, one can expect clean white sandy beaches with a mirror calm turquoise tropical ocean, however one should also be prepared for occasional light showers during the summer months. Rain showers don't last long in the tropics and are usually followed by bright sunshine a few minutes later.

Known as a top destination for American and European travelers seeking the ultimate vacation, direct flights to the Cayman Islands can be found on American Airlines, Cayman Airways, West Jet, Southwest, Delta and British Airways. With over seven miles of safe beaches on the northern coast of Grand Cayman, the islands welcome an average two million visitors yearly. Majority of visitors to Grand Cayman are cruise ship visitors arriving 7 am in the morning, and are usually gone by 5 pm in the afternoon.

Portrayed in many articles as the place time has forgotten, the islands have seen an upward trend in commercialization and growth, mostly within the Seven Mile Beach and George Town districts. In recent times, the Cayman Islands have improved on roads and buildings, making the islands some of the most advanced within the Western hemisphere.

Large cooperate offices have increased by 20% over the past two years, along with advanced medical facilities offering a wide range of services. Recently opening its doors is an advanced facility for heart and orthopedics, which came online in 2012 and is now listed as the most technological advanced facility in the Caribbean. Health City in East End is one of a kind and the only JCI certified facility within the region. The facility will soon be opening a 185-bedroom hotel a few steps away from the main hospital, which overlooks the ocean on the southern side of Grand Cayman. 

1. Visiting Stingray City

Visiting Stingray City can be overwhelming especially if you are not a frequent visitor of the ocean. Your first impression can be a little intimidating, but once you are in the water and the feeding begins, your perspective changes at once. Holding some of the largest stingrays in the Caribbean without fear is nothing less than awesome. Referred to as "gentle giants" by most visitors, feeding stingrays on the sandbar is a must when visiting the Cayman Islands. 

One of the best companies to book a tour to Stingray City and surrounding attractions is Stingray City Cayman Islands. Tours to Stingray City and starfish can be booked online, including additional tours to the Turtle Centre and Hell. 

Completeing reservation online is simple and easy, with free cancellation in the event of weather or a ship failing to stop in port.

2. A Day at Rum Point

 

Rum Point is the perfect place to spend a day at the beach with access to restaurants and beach bar. Known as home of mudslides and the best location to try one, Rum Point also offers access to the beach and crystal-clear water in a family setting. Located approximately 1.9 miles from Stingray City, Rum Point is the closest point to the sandbar. Although it is the closest point when it comes to line of sight, it is also the furthest to drive should one select to tour the island. Shuttle service to Rum Point can be arranged from Camana Bay for a small charge aboard a water taxi, which operates every two hours. The service does not include stops at Stingray City or any other attractions.  Ask us about private tours to Rum Point and Stingray City

3. Sandy Beaches and Starfish

The rich culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands can also be explored through Starfish Point and its surrounding waters. Considered a perfect place to have a beach picnic, access can be acquired by walking along a foot path or by water vessel. The quiet beach is a common picnic spot for locals on weekends and public holidays but is mostly visited by tourist during the weekdays. Most locals take advantage of the quiet and peaceful surrounding, which also offers privacy by the natural vegetation blocking vehicular traffic.    

Starfishes can be found in knee-deep water and range in size from a few ounces to several pounds. Bright orange and occasionally camo green starfish are found from the southern tip of the sandbar and into the lagoon a few hundred feet away.

Tours to Starfish Point can be purchased from Stingray City Cayman Islands, and include other destinations such as Stingray City and Coral Garden.

4. Venturing Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman has been listed in the top ten beaches based on a worldwide survey. Consisting of soft white coral sand extending seven miles on the northern side of the capital George Town, it is not hard to find some of the best snorkel locations.

Beaches in the Cayman Islands are open for strolling and sunbathing without any worry of breaching local laws. With little or no restriction, you can find yourself miles away from your resort by the time you realized the beauty of the place has taken you on a long journey.

Majority of the upscale resorts are located on Seven Mile Beach, along with some of the Cayman Islands' top restaurants and bars. A few of the restaurants on Seven Mile Beach provide direct access to the beach with dining next to the water, along with drink service by friendly waiters.

5. Touring Historic East End

East End is one of the oldest districts in the Cayman Islands, and it offers a wide range of historical sites as well as home of the Cayman Islands true culture. In East End you will find wreck of the Ten Sails, where visitors can hike up to a forty-foot bluff overlooking the initial site of the wreck. Other ship wrecks and  artifacts can be found at the gateway to the bluff, including a large brass propeller and the lead keel of an old sail vessel. A few minutes' drive towards the Morritt's, old canons can be found positioned in private yards along the drive. These canons are from the wreck of the ten sails and can be approached by visitors.

East End is also known the perfect place to source local dishes. If you're willing to try local turtle stew or conch stew, Vivien's on the Bluff, just a few hundred feet from the Wreck of the Ten Sails monument is a perfect stop. Cassava cake and various local dishes can be purchased at reasonable prices, along with local tamarin drink. On Sunday afternoons it's lobster and fish next to the water at the only gas station in the district. Located next to the water on sandy white beach with coconut trees as shelter, fried fish and lobster can be purchased and enjoyed under coconut trees while having a cold refreshment. More information can be sourced by visiting: Eastern Star Bar & Fish Fry

6. Pedro St. James

Known by residents as 'Pedro Castle', the current renovated and oldest surviving stone structure in Grand Cayman is home to much cultural and history, including that of the first parliamentarian meeting and oversight of the Cayman Islands. 

The castle was built using slave labor in 1780 by a wealthy Englishman who took up residence within the islands. The castle served a variety of uses, including a cotton plantation, courthouse, jail and Government Assembly Building. It was also the venue for the Cayman Islands parliament and decision making in 1831, and also to announce that slavery had been abolished in the British Empire in 1835. The structure survived several hurricanes, one major fire, vandalism by all walks of life, and infestation of many forms of wildlife. The structure serves as the most historic piece of the Caymanian heritage.

Pedro St. James Theatre

Enjoy a 3D multi-sensory movie that will transport you back in time, to the history and heritage of the Cayman Islands. Understand the Cayman Islands' history of the first explorers, including those of piracy and stashing of treasure on the islands. Movie show daily from: 9am-4pm. Last show is at 4pm.

7. Cayman Islands Turtle Centre

The Cayman Turtle Centre, located within West Bay of Grand Cayman offers a unique relationship with nature through educational and memorable hands-on experiences. The park allows visitors to experience the unique history of the Cayman Islands in a fun and safe environment, while providing opportunities to observe and interact with native gentle giants of the ocean.

Offering a one-of-a-kind saltwater lagoon, the Breaker's saltwater tidal lagoon is unique in the Caribbean. In addition to swimming with sea life in the lagoon, Breaker's restaurant offers a wide range of items on the menu, including jerk chicken and pork, hamburgers, sandwiches, and desserts, amongst other delights. Everyone will enjoy the experience of the finest Caymanian cuisine at a variety of locations throughout the park.

Packages for the Turtle Centre can be purchased at Stingray City Cayman Islandsseparately or as a combo unit. Visitors can select the entire park access or limited access listed as Encounter only. In addition, standalone packages can also be purchased with access to the Lagoon or just the Encounter without joining any of the Stingray City tours. All tours include free transportation from local resorts and the cruise ship terminal in George Town.

Cayman Turtle Centre is the only saltwater lagoon consisting of 1.3 million marine life encounters on the island. With full access to the park, visitors can also get up close to the predator tank and come nose-to-nose with sharks and eels. This is a must for anyone who visits the Cayman Islands year-round, as the Turtle Centre is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

The Cayman Turtle Centre is home to over 11,000 Green Sea Turtles ranging in size from six ounces to six hundred and fifty pounds. Some of the largest turtles can be seen upon entering the facility within the breeding section. Sparky is the oldest turtle currently at the facility and is estimated to be 76 years old. Upon completing the turtle tour, visitors can purchase gifts from the facility's 3,500 square foot retail centre, located on the northern side of the reception building.

Written by: Stingray City Administrator M Jackson

Amtrak Promotes Long Distance Rides With Flash Sale, 25 Percent Discounts Available Across The Country

Amtrak has always believed in long distance relationships and is standing behind that with the announcement of its Long Distance Flash Sale, featuring 25 percent discounts for travel between Tuesday, Feb. 13 and Thursday, Mar. 22, including holiday travel during President’s Day Weekend. Starting Tuesday, Jan. 30 through Thursday, Feb. 1, customers can receive discounts on one-way fares to visit the most popular cities in the United States, whether you want to experience the Windy City, the Big Apple, the Magic City, the City of Angels or the Big Easy.

The sale is only available at Amtrak.com, and all prices will be automatically discounted from the standard fare price. No discount code is needed; prices are as shown and can’t be combined with other discount codes. 

The Long Distance Flash Sale is valid on the following trains and destinations:

·        Auto Train – Operates between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL

·        Capitol Limited – Connects Washington, D.C. to Chicago

·        Cardinal – Operates between New York Penn Station and Chicago Union Station

·        City of New Orleans – Travels between Chicago and New Orleans

·        Crescent – Runs between New York Penn Station and Union Passenger in New Orleans

·        Lake Shore Limited – Travels between Chicago and New York City and Boston

·        Silver Service/Palmetto – Connects Boston and New York City to Savannah, Georgia and Miami

·        Sunset Limited  –  Travels between New Orleans and Los Angeles

·        Southwest Chief – Runs between Chicago and Los Angeles

Amtrak offers large spacious seats with wide, comfortable reclining seats and ample legroom for comfort, as well as free Wi-Fi on most trains, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, no middle seat, and one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry.

Sale prices are available exclusively for one-way Coach Class fares and upgrades to Business Class are not permitted. Space is limited as sale prices are not available on all trains or at all times. Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. Others restrictions may apply.

About Amtrak®

Amtrak offers a more comfortable and convenient travel experience with free Wi-Fi on most trains, plenty of leg room and no middle seat. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak customers for each of the past seven years. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily, connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces, and reaches 400 additional destinations via connecting bus routes. Learn more at Amtrak.com.

2015 Wines: A Very Good Year For Bordeaux

2015 is a very good year for the wines of Bordeaux. This is the year fruit rose to stardom and tannins and acidity realized important supporting roles. August rains and cool nights brought balance to the crop after several weeks of drought in the early summer.

Location, Location, Location

The Bordeaux region is equidistant between the North Pole and the equator. The 45^th parallel appears to offer an ecosystem that is noted as being ideal for the over 6 thousand winegrowing estates in this geographical area.

Grape Superstars

Cabernets and Merlots hold the leading roles for red wines (over 90 percent of wines produced), while Sauvignon and Semillon are the headliners for dry and sweet whites.

Vine to Wine: Checking In

On a very cold, damp, and otherwise horrible afternoon in Manhattan, swirling and sipping the wines of 2015 Bordeaux at Cipriani’s 42^nd Street converted bank building appeared to be a perfect way to spend this precious (and dismal) mid-week afternoon. As a Cathedral of Commerce, the former Bowery Building (built in 1921 by architects Edward York and Philip Sawyer) offers guests a step back in history, grandly showcasing Italian Renaissance design complete with marble columns, 65-ft high ceilings, old world chandeliers along with stone carved figures and motifs that symbolize money.

Cheese and More Cheese

It is never a good idea to drink wine on an empty stomach – so the first stop for wine aficionados started at the buffet table that offered the hundreds of wine industry professionals a cheese assortment, alongside olives, fruits, vegetables, bread sticks and rolls.

The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux

Hundreds of wine industry leaders found their way to crowded tables to sample wines from Graves, Pessac Leognan, St. Emilion Grand Cru, Pomerol, Listrac-Medoc, Moulis-en-Medoc, Haut-Medoc, Medoc, Margaux, St. Julien, Pauillac, St. Estephe, and Sauternes et Barsac.

Curated Selections:

1. Chateau Villemaurine Rouge. 2015. 80 percent Merlot, 20 percent Cabernet-Franc

In the 7^th century the Villemaurine name is found at a Moors camp at a site originally termed Ville Maure. It is also the locale where Emilion, a monk, settled in the 8^th century. In the 17^th century, Villemaurine was transferred to Antoine Limouzin – the first Clerk in the port of Libourne. Prior to the French Revolution, the estate was in the hands of Jean Combret de Faurie who also owned Chateau Soutard. By the end of the mid-18^th century there was an established vineyard and the owners stopped farming all other crops. At the beginning of the 19^th century, Jacques Combret de Milon inherited the estate and then it was acquired by to Jean Laveau. The estate continued to change ownership throughout the 19^th century. By 1874, the “Feret” (Bordeaux wine directory) mentioned Villemaurine as a “Saint Emilion First Growth.” In 1893 the parcels were joined into one vineyard by Raoul Passemard and received acclaim at the Bordeaux International Exhibition. At that time, Chateau Villemaurine was referred to as one of the best Saint-Emilion “First Growths” and won awards at various international events. In 2007 the Chateau was purchased by Justin Onclin who recently brought Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus to the winery as a consultant.

Chateau Villemaurine includes 30 acres in the heart of the Saint-Emilion limestone plateau.  The fruit is fermented in double-walled stainless steel vats for approximately 20-25 days; malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels for 16-18 months, (70-90 percent in new oak and the rest in second-fill barrels) and bottled at the estate for 18-20 months.

Notes:

Deep ruby red to the eye and a wave of sour cherries and young strawberries tempered by a whiff of green fir trees pleasures the nose. Rich in soft tannins that are enhanced by wood and earth, tobacco and leather offersexciting taste adventures. Complex, impeccably balanced, long delicious lush finish encourages a reach and pour for the next glass.

2. Chateau Giscours. Crus de Margaux. Appellation. Bordeaux, commune Labarde. 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 32 percent Merlot, 5 percent Cabernet Franc and 3 percent Petit Verdot.

Classified as one of the 14 Troisiemes Crus (Third Growths) in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The terroir includes deep gravels from the Garonne River and sand from the Ice Age. The vines range in age: from 4-10 years – 15 percent; 10-25 years – 50 percent and 25 years – 33 percent; handpicked followed by hand-sorting. Vinification: Concrete and stainless steel tanks.  Aged in 100 percent French oak barrels (fine grain and medium toast). Ageing time: 15-18 months. Racking: every 3 months with candle Fining –with egg white albumen.

The President of the Chateau is Eric Albada Jelgersma and General Manager is Alexander van Beek. The Consulting oenologist is Denis Duborudieu.

Notes:

Dense and deep maroon to the eye with a bouquet to the nose that is rich and powerful sending flashes of light fresh cherries, strawberries, leather, pipe tobacco, oak and leather with a hint of bananas to the palate. This complex wine offers layers of soft tannins, deep cherries, and oak barrels that lead to a long and delicious finish.

3. Chateau La Lagune. Haut Medoc 65 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot and 5 percent Petit Verdot

17

Chateau LaLagune dates back to the 16^th century, during the reign of King Henri IV. At this point in history, Dutch engineers initiated the modern age for Bordeaux by draining the water from the marshes and swamps. The Chateaux was built in 1715 by Baron Victor Louis (who also designed the Grand Theater of Bordeaux). The LaLagune Chateau’s fame started in the mid-18^th century and was owned by the de Seze family for many generations.

The vineyards uses 100 percent organic farming techniques, having earned their certification with the 2016 vintage. The wine is fermented in 72 different, temperature controlled, stainless steel vats to allow for parcel -by- parcel vinification. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat and the wine is blended before the aging process is started. The wine is aged between 50-60 percent in new French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling.

Notes:

The eye appeal trends from deep garnet to light coral pink. A mélange of fruits delivers ripe black cherries blended with fresh sweet tobacco, leather, earth and roasting chestnuts that rewards the palate. The perfectly balanced finish conjures up images of après-skiing, huge roaring fires and cushy leather chairs.

4. Chateau Doisy Daene. Region/Appellation – Barsac; Country: Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux, France; Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon

Located in Barsac, in the Sauternes appellation, this Chateau has been in the Dubourdieu family since the early 20^th century, engaging three generations in the enterprise. The terroir of the Barsac plateau highlights a layer of clay sands (Barsac red sands) above a chalky subsoil. The cracked calcareous rock layer limits the rooting depth of the vine to approximately 20 inches. The water is stored within the slightly porous rock throughout the summer and dispensed to the vine during the winter, preventing too much water. The soil nurtures the making of elegant and distinguished white wines. Fermented in barrels. Ageing – 8 months with the lees regularly stirred.

Viticulture: traditional ploughing with no weed killer introduced. Organic manures are made with vegetal-based composts. Bud removal, trellising and leaf removal are done by hand. To balance the carbon footprint, a forest area equal in size to the vineyards is maintained.

Notes:

Lordy, Lordy, this is a delicious wine. Think of bright yellow apples and you can imagine the hues of this wine. The nose does a “happy dance,” inhaling honey, honey suckle, a Monet blend of citrus with grapefruit, lemon and lime highlights with flashes of bananas. Soft and seductive on the palate, delivering lush blends of citrus and honey-buttered bread. A drop of acidity takes it from sweet to striking.

5. Chateau Suduiraut Premier Cru Classe en 1885. Sauvignon Blanc -94 percent, Semillon – 6 percent. This Suduiraut delivers 123 grams per liter of residual sugar and 4.56 grams per liter of acidity.

It may be hard to accept, but it is ROT that makes Sauterne so very extraordinary. The vineyards of Sauterne and Barsac make the areas around the Garonne and Ciron rivers their resting points. In the early autumn The Garonne is warm and when the cool spring-fed water of the Ciron feeds into it the temperature differences create an evening mist. In this case fog is a good thing as it creates the ideal conditions for Botrytis cinerea, Noble Rot.

Here again, MOLD is a good thing because it is vital to Sauterne. The Noble Rot creates tiny holes in the grape skins and the water inside evaporates and concentrates the juice. The mold chemically alters the juice, usually Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, adding to the complexity and aroma. The mold is not a one – off so the best chateaux harvest multiple times and may even go through the vineyard selecting berry by berry.

Success is determined by the sweetness of the wine plus its liveliness that is dependent upon acidity and spice plus a mélange of flavors that includes tobacco, mint, oak, orange, saffron and jasmine brought together in honeyed ecstasy.

Chateau Suduiraut dates back to the mid-16^th century in Satuerne. In the 17^th century Count Blaise de Suduiraut hired the designer of the gardens of Versailles to plan the grounds, lakes and greenery of Chateau Suduiraut. Currently the estate is owned by the French insurance company AXA who also holds Chateau Pichon Baron in Pauillac and Chateau Petit Village in Pomerol.

Notes:

Golden to the eye, with lemons, limes, honey, bananas, kiwi, apricots, pears mixed with sunshine softly delivered to the nose. Look out for an OMG palate experience that carries botrytis spice and rich vivid fresh lemons and limes mixed with honey to the palate leaving a sweet but not saccharin finish that suggests juicy golden yellow raisins.

For additional information www.ugcb.net

Source: http://wines.travel/2015-wines-good-year-bordeaux-3055/

Travel: Gold Coast, Where Australians Go For Their Holidays

Queensland is in the grip of gold fever – not the prospecting of the outback pioneers, nor the gambling of the inter-state travellers – it’s medal fever.

In 72 days athletes from across the world will be stretching every sinew of their highly trained bodies to win Commonwealth Games gold. Taking the baton from Glasgow, the Gold Coast will welcome the athletes in April.

The skyscrapers of the Gold Coast, dwarfed by Q1. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

As well as being Australia’s sixth largest urban area, Gold Coast is where Australians go for their holidays. Here they sample a mix of never-ending beaches and high-rise hospitality.

And here I am, 890 feet above the beach, the wind flattening a jumpsuit to my body. The 20-storey buildings of Surfers Paradise below are a toy town beside the sweep of sand, surf and Pacific Ocean.

The heart-pumping roped climb to the viewing platform of Q1 – the tallest building in Australia – is 290 steps up the outdoor staircase from the 76th floor observation deck, so the view is vast.

I can see many of the venues where the athletes will compete – the beach-front outdoor Aquatics Centre at Southport, the Convention Centre at Broadbeach and the 40,000-seat stadium at Carrara are easy to pick out.

Far along the beach to the south is Currumbin, which will host some of the cyclists, and further on, Coolangatta, where the beach volleyball will take place.

There is a rainbow arcing over Point Danger on the far horizon. It’s ironic as two hours ago I was having lunch there – feet firmly on terra firma. It is as far south as you can go in Gold Coast – in Queensland in fact – as this is the border with New South Wales.

The coast is more rugged here, the surf more challenging and would-be surfers are advised to learn in more sheltered places, like Currumbin Creek.

Marvelling at the resilience of those who brave the waves in today’s stiff breeze, I retreat to Café Dbar, where I enjoy one of its hallmark “sensational” salads, with tender coconut-smoked chicken and Vietnamese sticky pork.

After a few days in the buzz of Surfers Paradise – the tourists’ heart of the Gold Coast conurbation – this popular restaurant gives me space to reflect on the Commonwealth Games’ next destination. It is very different from Glasgow: its history is much shorter, its buildings taller.

A century ago this arc of coast was a wannabe tourist resort limited by its geography. The small settlement, called Elston, where Jim Cavill opened a hotel called Surfers Paradise in 1925, developed steadily through the 20th century. It adopted the hotel’s name in 1933, introducing bikini-clad parking meter maids in 1958 and high rise blocks started shooting up in the 1960s.

Since the 1970s theme parks have boosted Gold Coast’s popularity, making it one of the top destinations for Australian families.

The opening of Jupiters casino in 1985 added gambling and glamorous Vegas-style entertainment to its adult attractions.

The Commonwealth Games have prompted the area to refresh its image and many hotels and restaurants have been refurbished already.

Most notably, Jupiters was reborn as the Star Gold Coast in March 2017 after an A$840 million refit, and by the Games it will have added a six star hotel tower to its 600 existing bedrooms, theatre and six signature restaurants.

Close by, Pacific Fair is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The massive shopping mall completed an A$670m transformation last year and is now a magnet for the style-conscious with plenty of high-end names alongside a sweep of more down-to-earth brands.

“Gold Coast is evolving hugely as a tourism destination: it has so much more to offer than just the beaches,” says Mark Howell of City of Gold Coast.

“The dining and food scene is gaining momentum; eco-tourism is huge; there’s the hinterland and spa resorts. So people are discovering there’s a lot more to it than historically has been the case.”

I’ve spent my morning away from the beach at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, one of those special places where conservation is the driving force. It’s here I encounter my first Australian kangaroos and koalas, but I am rather underwhelmed as they lounge around in the daytime heat.

However, the koalas redeem themselves when one descends from its precarious tree-top perch, crosses to another tree, climbs it and promptly relieves itself before tucking into more eucalyptus leaves.

Though slightly nervous as a koala is placed in my arms for a photo, the surprisingly heavy creature proves utterly adorable and behaves impeccably. I’m delighted to have had this real-life encounter as I have already spent a lot of time with Borobi, the koala-inspired blue mascot who will have a starring role in the Games.

Currumbin’s taste of Australian wildlife encourages me to head to the hinterland where life is decidedly different from the coast. My destination is Tambourine Mountain – a volcanic plateau about 30km north of Surfers Paradise. The town at its heart has numerous wineries and craft shops that attract weekend visitors.

The approach is through a pretty landscape of horse properties, polo fields, woods and market gardens. Since 1908, national park status has protected the plateau and makes it prime hiking country.

As time is limited, I don’t go hiking but opt for another gravity defying experience. The Rainforest Skywalk lets you get right into the canopy with a beautifully engineered tree-top walkway. En route the trail takes you up through the forest, signs gently educating you, before a 40m cantilever bridge soars out over the trees and creek below.

It’s less nerve-jangling than climbing SkyPoint, and the skywalk’s climax is a chance to get another perspective on this golden land where our athletes will be put to the test.

FACT FILE

SkyPoint Climb tickets from A$74 (A$54 for children, 12 to 15 years), www.skypoint.com.au.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary tickets from A$49.95 (A$35.95 for children 4 to 14 years) www.cws.org.au

Southern Cross 4WD Tours runs trips to Tambourine Mountain, wwwsc4wd.com.au

Pacific Fair, Broadbeach, www.pacificfair.com.au

The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach, www.star.com.au/goldcoast

Fiona stayed at Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise www.surfersparadise.crowneplaza.com and Peppers Broadbeach www.peppers.com.au/broadbeach

Brisbane international airport is about an hour’s drive from Gold Coast. Transfers with Limoso limousine service (www.limoso.com.au) cost from A$165 for up to four people.

Tourist information at www.destinationgoldcoast.com

and www.queensland.com