Curacao, Now!

Monday, 08 March 2010 08:14

OFFER:

• Instant air credit of $200 per person (max $400 per
  booking),

• $200 food & beverage credit per room,

• 5th night free,

• one free dive day,

• one free car rental day, and

• discounts at participating attractions, museums and tours.

Travel thru 12/18/2010

BOOK BY: March 15, 2010
TRAVEL BY: December 18, 2010
BLACK-OUT DATES: July 5 - August 14, 2010
PARTICIPATING HOTELS: Avila Hotel, Curacao Marriott Beach Resort, and
Renaissance Curacao Resort.

REQUIREMENTS: 5 night minimum hotel stay and roundtrip air.

To book your Curacao, Now! vacation, call Melani today!
405-642-8139 or 405-225-8510
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Travel Overtures

Wine and Culinary Tours, part 3: Oklahoma Wineries

Sunday, 07 March 2010 21:07

As I mentioned in  Wine and Culinary Tours, part 2: Oklahoma, wine grapes are a successful cash crop in Oklahoma. A country walk just about anywhere in Oklahoma will testify to the proliferation of wild grape vines. The state's long growing season with plenty of sunshine and frequent rainstorms in spring and early summer along with our "good ol' red dirt' happen to provide just the right conditions, although the proper growing and management of a vineyard here certainly isn't without its difficulties.
 
I was curious as to why grapes do so well in our state - after all, we have more than 54 bonded wineries in the state - so, I called my long-time friend Beth Ledbetter. Beth and her husband, Leon, are the owners and vintners of Prairie Wind Winery in Burns Flat. Since 1998, Prairie Wind Winery has been producing mostly estate wines grown on its 5.5 acre vineyard of all Vinifera grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Orange Muscat, Viognier, and Gewurztraminer. I asked Beth to give me a brief summary of the pros and cons of succesfully growing grapes in Oklahoma.

"Grapes grow best in areas which lie between 30 degrees N and 30 degrees S of the equator," Beth told me, adding "We have grapes growing in all types of soil. Grapes don't like wet feet. They want good drainage. It is very hot (in SW Oklahoma), which can be a problem getting them to ripen evenly, especially when they're young. At the same time, you want grapes that won't freeze out on you. We also think that unlike California and south Texas, Oklahoma's winters get just cold enough to kill off the organism that cause Pierce's Disease. (First reported in California in 1882, it is caused by the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa. In vineyards, it manifests in "hotspots" in which all the vines are infected. It is spread by leafhoppers and spittlebugs. The disease is less prevalent where winter temperatures are colder, such as at higher altitudes, farther inland from ocean influences, and at more northern latitudes. Also, many muscadine grapes and American hybrids of native grapes with European wine grapes (vinifera) also seem to be less susceptible to Pierce's Disease).

Terroir is a combination of climate, soil and exposure to the elements. Wind, shelter, irrigation and vineyard location all matter, too. Generally, the best wines are produced under conditions where terroir is only warm enough to just ripen the grapes. Summer's heat can be intense in Oklahoma, but fortunately, many grapes are ready to harvest by mid-July, which most years is just before our usual 100-plus temps typically arrive. How many grapes are grown on each vine is also important. In viticulture, a general rule of thumb is that smaller yields result in better quality grapes. Vines yield their first crop after three years,  are fully productive after five, and may produce for 25-40 years after they have been established.

Here are my top picks working the state counterclockwise from the NW corner for an introduction to Oklahoma Wines and Vineyards. Explore and enjoy on your own, or keep watch for our Oklahoma Wine Trail Group Tour Packages, Best Friends Getaways, and Wine Festival Tours! To request a private group tour event, give me a call at 405.642.8139 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

* * * * * * * *

Indian Creek Village Winery,Ringwood. Winery tours and tasting; gift shop, wedding chapel, Victorian style bed & breakfast overlooking vineyards; free Sunday afternoon concerts. Open every day, 1:00-7:00 pm. 580-883-4919

Plainview Winery, Lahoma.  Twenty-five varieties of fruit wines along with proprietary food products. Guests can try jam, jelly, pickles, buffalo sausage, wine cheese and yogurt cheese. Best known for their Black Strawberry wine, they also offer assorted non-alcoholic fruit concentrates, including elderberry. Open Mon. - Tue. 9:30 am - 4:00 pm and Wed. - Sat. 9:30 am - 6:00 pm. 580-796-2902

Plymouth Valley Cellars Vineyards and Winery. Free tastings after touring winery and vineyard. Renowned for their Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Cabernet Doux, Oklahoma Reisling and their ice wine specialty, Flaming Ice. 580-227-3207

Panther Hills Winery, Clinton. Produces Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and specializes in Shiraz. Currently, all wines are estate grown, vinted, bottled, and sold through the winery's tasting room. On the last two Sundays in July, visitors can tour the vineyard, see the ripening grapes hanging, view production equipment, and hear informative talks by the vintner. Vineyard tours begin at the top of each hour. Winery tours begin at each half hour. Advance notification of attending an event is necessary. Tasting room open every Sunday afternoon 1-6 p.m. or by appointment. 580-337-6982

Prairie Wind Winery, Burns Flat, markets its fine table wines on site and at fairs and festivals. It is most noted for its Orange Muscat wine, a white wine with floral notes and a slight orange flavor. The winery's tasting room is open by appointment and for private events. 580-214-0715.

Winery of the Wichitas, Medicine Park. Tasting room, art gallery, and outdoor deck overlooking the quaint historic artists and retiree village with its cobblestone buildings. Open daily, often with live music and special events. 580-588-2515

Woods and Waters Winery and Vineyard, Anadarko. Six hundred lush, rolling acres of Vinifera wine grapes. Bistro cafe. Wedding Center. Art Gallery. Several varieties of wine. Open Mon - Fri 1:00pm - 6:00pm; Sat.- Sun. 11:00am - 6:00pm. Bistro Open Sat - Sun 11-5 Only. Other times by appointment. 580-588-2515

Grape Ranch Winery and Vineyard, Okemah. Home of the Frozen Rose. Daily wine tastings of their premium wines. Outdoor deck overlooking scenic pecan groves. Special events, weddings, and corporate events. Frequent live music throughout the month. Open daily 10:00 am to dusk. 918-623-2250

Greenfield Vineyard. Chandler. Tasting room With a beautiful oak tasting bar and soft jazz music overlooks tank room from above and offers panoramic view of seven-acre vineyard and grounds. Separate marble tasting bar in gift shop. Conference room and wedding grounds. Private tours and groups welcome. Seasonal supper club events. Tues.- Thurs. 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm; Fri. - Sat. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Sun.- Mon.  405-258-0525

Parsons Vineyard and Winery, Shawnee. Five acre vineyard and 4,000 sq. ft. winery. Variety of estate red and white wines. Conference room, Tasting room, and patio overlooking vineyards. Tours and groups welcome. Gift baskets. Open 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM. Closed Wednesdays & Sundays.

Sparks Vineyard and WInery, Sparks. Award-winning Pinot Grigio and Muscat wines, among other fine table wines. Tasting room overlooks ponds and vineyards. Hours by appointment. Private tours, events welcome. 877-669-8893

Stableridge Vineyards and Winery, Stroud. Internationally award-winning wines. Tasting room and gift shop located in the town's original Catholic Church. built in 1898 using materials milled from local farms and ranches. Open Mon. - Fri. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sat. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; Sun. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm. 918-968-2568 or 800-359-3990

Tres Suenos Vineyards and Winery, Luther. Free wine tastings and tours from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Several wines, including a Riesling, and award-winning Merlot and Blanc. Tours, demonstrations, grape stomps, private parties, weddings, family or school reunions, or any special event. 4,000 square-foot facility has a 1,000 square-foot loft.  405-277-7089

Woodland Park Vineyards, Stillwater. Heritage farm, vineyards, and orchards. Tasting room, Saturday winery tours, antique rose and herb gardens, woodland trails, picnic areas, dining room, art gallery, wedding venues. Wed.- Sat. 11:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sun. by appointment. 405.743.2442

Lavender Hill Farm Vineyard & Winery, Stone Bluff. Charming establishment. Tasting room, gift shop, several fine wines, and pure Concord grape juice. 918-482-2336

Nuyaka Creek Winery, Bristow. Wines from native Oklahoma fruits and classic wine grapes; herbal teas, grapevine stock, and elderberry plants. Wines range from raisin to blackberry, white Zinfadel to white Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and premium oak aged reds and whites. Free wine tastings on the weekends. Open 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thurs.- Mon. 918-756-7568

Oak Hills Winery and Vineyards, Chelsea. Award-winning Traminette, Seyval Blanc, and Catawba and many other fine wines. Picnic grounds, tours of winery and vineyard. Tasting room and gift shop. Open Thurs. - Sun. 11:00 am to 6:00 pm or by appointment. 918-789-Wine

Stone Bluff Cellars, Haskell.  Excellent, award-winning wines. Winery and vineyard tours. Wine tasting fee refunded with purchase. Dining room. Gift shop. Open  Fri. - Sat. 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sun. 1-5 pm. Lunch served till 3:00 pm. 918-482-5655. 888-275-8579

Summerside Vineyards and Winery, Vinita. Producers, blenders and bottlers of a range of excellent Oklahoma wines and grape juices, from dry reds and whites through sweeter styles. Free guided cellar tours 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm Saturdays. Free self-guided tours of wine making facility available anytime. Open daily 9:30 to dusk. Bistro opens at 11:00 am. 888-508-9463 (WINE)

Tidal School Vineyards, Drumright. California-style wine-country experience features tours of the state's largest producing winery, free tastings, food and wine pairing talk, vineyard tour, art gallery, and gift shop. Open Thurs.- Fri. 11:00am - 5:00pm; Sat. 10:00am - 6:00pm; Sun. 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm and by appointment. Live music events throughout the month. 866-258-1903

Whispering Vines Vineyards and Winery, Tulsa. More than 13 different award-winning estate wines. Tasting room, gift shop, wedding reception venue. Adopt a vine program. Harvest events. Open Mon.- Fri. 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm; Sat. 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm; Sun. by appointment.

Legends Winery, Lindsay. Award-winning estate wines: ten grape, four fruit and one fruit/grape port. The winery hosts numerous indoor and outdoor events including murder mystery dinner parties, birthday parties, weddings and annual spring and fall wine and music festivals. Tasting room hours are Fri. - Sat. 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Sun. 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm. 405-823-8265.  

Valley Vineyards and Winery, Paul's Valley. Dry red, sweet red, rose, and sweet white. Tasting room. Beautiful location for weddings. Open Wed. - Sat. 12:00 to 6:30 and Sun. 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

Girls Gone Wine, Broken Bow. Boutique winery with tasting room and gift shop. Sixteen wines from grapes around the world are fermented, bottled and corked on site. Opportunities to taste, select, bottle your own. Open Mar.- Oct. Tues-Fri 2:00 pm -8:00 pm; Sat. 12:00 -8:00 pm; Nov.- Feb. Tues.-Sat. 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. 580.306.WINE

Tropical Dream Vacation Specials for Week of March 8, 2010

Sunday, 07 March 2010 13:14

Choose your dream vacation to Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Tahiti and more! Specials begin Monday, March 8 for a limited time.

Below are suggested packages. IF YOU WANT TO STAY LONGER YOU CAN! Competitively priced additional nights or rental car days can be added to your package! OTHER GATEWAY CITIES AVAILABLE. Pricing will vary by gateway airport.

To book, call Melani at 405.642.8139  or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hawaii

• Kids fly from $299 from 6/1-6/9/10 & 8/16-8/31/10 and from $399 from 6/10-8/15/10. Valid from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Oahu or Maui. Some restrictions apply.

• Spring Break packages starting from $467 per person to Oahu or $495 per person to Maui. Includes roundtrip air from Los Angeles or San Francisco and 3 night accommodations. Valid for select travel 3/15 – 4/5/10. Some restrictions apply.

• Exclusive offer: SAVE over 50% off rack rates at Aston Kaanapali Shores. Some restrictions apply.

Mexico

• Riviera Maya: SAVE up to 38% PLUS kids 12 & under stay and eat FREE at the all-inclusive Barceló Maya Beach & Caribe, Barceló Maya Colonial & Tropical and Barceló Maya Palace. Book now – 3/31/10 and travel 5/1– 12/23/10.

• Los Cabos: SAVE 22% PLUS receive the 3rd & 6th nights FREE and a $300 food & beverage credit in Garden or Ocean View categories at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort. Book and travel now - 12/20/10.

• Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit: SAVE up to $280 on a 7 night stay PLUS receive a 25 minute spa treatment and one round of golf per person, per stay at the all-inclusive Grand Velas all Suite & Spa Resort. Book now – 4/15/10 and travel 5/1 – 12/18/10.

Costa Rica

• SAVE up to 25% at the newly all-inclusive Hilton Papagayo Resort & Spa. Book now – 10/31/10 and travel 5/1 – 10/31/10.

Caribbean

• Puerto Rico: SAVE up to 40% PLUS receive a guaranteed room upgrade AND daily breakfast for two at W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island. Book now - 5/1/10 and travel 3/25 – 11/18/10.

• Curacao: Receive up to $400 air credit per booking PLUS 5th night FREE and a $200 food & beverage credit at participating hotels and resorts. Book now – 3/15/10 and travel 5/1 – 7/4/10 & 8/15 – 12/18/10. Minimum stay required.

• Bahamas: 1st Night FREE at the NEW Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. Book now – 3/25/10 and travel now – 12/28/11. Minimum stay required.

Tahiti / Fiji

• Tahiti Exclusive: SAVE 30% PLUS receive daily breakfast for two at Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa. Book now - 6/30/10 and travel 6/10/10 – 3/31/11.

• Tahiti: 3rd night FREE or Stay 5/Pay 3 PLUS receive daily buffet breakfast for two at InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort. Book and travel now – 5/31/10.

• Fiji: Stay 4/Pay 2 or Stay 6/Pay 3 at Mana Island Resort. Book and travel now - 3/31/10.

To book, call Melani at 405.642.8139  or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Travel Overtures

Rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Weekends are additional. Offers valid for select travel dates and booking periods- call for details. Rates, offers, specials, inclusions, blackout dates, supplemental fees, terms, conditions, availability and itinerary are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. Taxes, gratuities, transfers, airfare and excursions are additional unless otherwise indicated. Rates shown do not include Transportation Taxes of $15.40, Passenger Facility Charges of $3 - $18, International Departure or Immigration taxes of $40 - $80, or September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement (up to a maximum of $5.00 per one-way or $10.00 per round-trip) and varying fuel surcharges. Additional airline restrictions, including but not limited to baggage limitations, standby policies and fees, non-refundable tickets and change fees with pre-flight notification deadlines may apply. Fees and policies vary among airlines and are subject to change without notice. Please contact Melani or the airline directly for details. Not responsible for errors or omissions. [Travel Overtures is an Independent Contractor affiliated with Montrose Travel. Montrose Travel acts only as an agent for the various travel providers shown above.]

Wine and Culinary Travel, Part 2

Saturday, 06 March 2010 11:11

Did you know that Oklahoma boasts at least 54 wineries? Did you also know that the state's fine wines compare favorably with European fine wines, especially those of Spain and southern France? I certainly didn't, until a few years back when some friends of our shucked their corporate America careers, bought an old vinyard, and entered the world of wine-grape growing. As it happens, Oklahoma's varied climate zones and constantly changing weather along with its "red dirt" soil are simply made for wine-grape growing. Even more amazing is that wine grape growing is the most profitable crop one can produce in the state. Planting times are in April and May.

The first vinyards in Oklahoma were planted before statehood (1907) by settlers staking their claims. Prohibition nixed the full scale production of wine until its repeal in 1959. Slowly, things began looking up and in the mid 1990's wineries were booming all across the state. Today, Oklahoma's wine industry is thriving. Many wineries offer tours of their vinyards, processing, barreling, aging and bottling facilities; tasting rooms, bistros and elegant restaurants, wedding chapels and reception venues, and more. Operating hours open to the public vary among the wineries, with some open seasonally, some year-round with limited days and some welcome visitors every day of the year. Seasonal wine festivals and wine trail tours offered by cooperating wineries offer visitors a chance to experience the Sooner state's varied cultural history from European to Native American celebrations, museums, and fairs.

Oklahoma's largest vinyard and winery is Woods and Waters Winery near Anadarko, in Caddo county. Established in 1998, the lush 600 acre ranch's location is ideal for the production of true vinifera wine grapes. Eleven varieties of wine grapes are planted in this vinyard which is an easy one hour drive from Oklahoma City.

Water and Woods Winery and Vineyard, Anadarko, OK

Interested in a wine tour? Prepare for your journey by reading about the region and its wines. Your travel agent will have information on the various regions and their wineries. You can also visit www.oklahomawines.org and www.agritourism.travelok.com. To arrange your group's tour
or to put together your own customized wine Trail excursion, give me a call. You'll come away with more than just a few bottles of wine; you'll have gained a deeper cultural appreciation of wine, its proper food pairings, and the people who make it.

Next time, I'll highlight specific wineries and their signature vintages!

For more information on arranging an Oklahoma Wine Country Tour, call 405.642.8139 or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it