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Travelers: Burano

Burano, an island in the northern Venetian Lagoon, has been referred to as one of the most colorful places on earth as well as one of the top 10 most colorful cities in the world. Approaching Burano from Venice, it’s easy to see why. Brightly colored houses, all of them, pop against the green waters of the channels. At first glance, their narrow streets and impossibly bright colors appear almost tropical. One more look and you feel like you’ve just stepped into a postcard view, as small boats line both sides of the canals and the bright colors rise above.

Legend has it the houses were painted brightly so returning fishermen could see them from long distances. Today, your house can be painted certain colors. Just send a letter to the government to see what color you may use. 

It won’t take you long to walk the entire island, but take some time to wander away from the main squares to find a small bar to sip your espresso or spritz and people watch. Eat lunch here and sample the local catch of the day or fantastic risotto. 

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Travelers: Wine Facts From Italy Magazine

Some interesting facts from Italy Magazine…take a look.

La Vendemmia



Throughout mainland Italy and even beyond, on remote offshore islands; in every single one of the country’s twenty regions; wherever grapes are grown (and that means almost everywhere), this is the heady time of year: la vendemmia. The harvest is the culmination of a year’s labour, its relative success or failure determined in conjunction with the fickle and arbitrary fortunes of Mother Nature and the weather. A sudden summer hailstorm can entirely strip the grapes and foliage from one row of vines, yet leave adjacent rows virtually untouched; torrential autumn rains can dilute and sometimes even destroy an entire year’s effort and toil.
The earliest grapes may be gathered in late August or early September, while the main harvest continues through the autumn months, sometimes even well into November. This is a busy and exciting time. Teams of workers in the vineyards, old experienced farmhands who have worked the land forever alongside a new, younger generation, undertake the backbreaking task of selecting and picking the ripe bunches manually (mechanical harvesting is still a rarity in Italy), putting them into small containers to carry over to the trailers that wait at the ends of the rows. The grapes, once picked, must be transported to the winery as quickly as possible to minimise oxidation and ensure that fermentation does not begin prematurely.

Here’s a simplified primer on what happens next.
I Vini Bianchi – White Wines
Once the grapes arrive at the winery, they are first de-stemmed (la diraspatura), a process done by machine as gently as possible in order not to damage them. They are then usually lightly crushed, then transferred into a press. For white wines this is usually a cylindrical pneumatic machine capable of working at very soft pressure levels to avoid extracting harsh flavours or tannin from the skins and pips. The free-run juice (mosto fiore) that percolates out of its own accord with no additional pressure may be collected and vini-fied separately. Whether free-run or juice from a light pressing, the grape must is next allowed to clarify by gravity, filtration or centrifuge, before fermentation.
Fermentation begins when either the wild yeast present on the grapes or, more normally, specially selected strains of yeast introduced by the winemaker, provoke the miraculous process of transforming grape sugars into alcohol. One of the most important developments in modern white winemaking has been the widescale introduction of the use of stainless steel fermentation vessels that allow fermentation to take place at low computer-controlled temperatures (18 to 20 degrees C). This helps to make white wines that maintain fresh, fruity acidity with the crisp, clean flavours that modern consumers demand.

Fermentation may sometimes also be carried out in barriques (225-litre French oak casks) for a portion of the harvest, or for select, superior crus (wines from a single vineyard). This is a costly and labour-intensive exercise, but the results, when handled well, can be impressive, adding layers of complexity and structure, alongside the sleek, sometimes buttery, vanilla tones of new oak.
Before bottling, wines are racked (removed from the sediment of dead yeast cells), and fined and filtered to remove any other solid matter and ensure the wine is crystal clear and stable. Most Italian white wines are produced to be consumed young and fresh. Therefore they may be released as early as the Christmas of the year or harvest, or else some time in the early spring. More serious, well-structured whites, on the other hand, might mature in barriques or in vat and bottle for upwards of a year or longer prior to release.
I Vini Rosati e Rossi – Rosè and Red Wines
Rosato and red wines gain their hue from contact with the grape skins which contain all the colouring elements as well as the tannins that allows them to age. Therefore, once the de-stemming has taken place, the grapes are usually lightly crushed (la pigiatura) to release the juice, then pumped into the fermentation vat.
Wine destined to become rosato needs only the briefest period of contact between juice and skin. Depending on grape variety (some are more highly coloured than others), the juice may macerate on the skins for just a few hours before being drawn off to the vat where fermentation proceeds as per white wines.
On many modern wine estates, as for whites and rosato, the use of temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation vessels has become almost de rigueur (though large wooden casks as well as glass-lined concrete and fibreglass vats are also still used). Once the grapes have been de-stemmed, crushed and pumped into the vats, fermentation commences. Temperatures are allowed to rise higher than for whites (26-30 degrees C), but it is important that the permitted levels are neither too low nor too high. As the grape must ferments, colour as well as tannin and flavouring elements are extracted from the mass of skins that remains in the vat. It is important to keep the fermenting grape must in frequent contact with this solid mass. The process known as rimontaggio is one of the most effective means to achieve this. This involves pumping wine from the bottom of the fermentation vessel back up to the top where it is sprayed through a sort of shower-head over the mass of skins once or twice a day, the juice percolating through the wine-drenched skins and extracting colour and tannin but avoiding the harsher flavours and hard woody tannins that can come from over-extraction.

The time taken for the fermentation process varies from one to three weeks, depending on a number of factors, including the weather at the time. Once complete, the wines are racked off the grape residue (provided this wasn’t done earlier) and transferred to clean vessels, either large oak botti (such large casks, made from Slavonian oak or chestnut, don’t lend wood flavours of character), small new or nearly new French oak barriques, or stainless steel, concrete or fibreglass tanks. The wine-drenched mass of skins, known as the vinacce, may be lightly pressed to extract some press wine – which may or may not be added back to the racked wine – or sent to the distillery to be transformed into grappa.
How long a red wine is left to age is determined by whether a wine is destined to be enjoyed young and fresh or in a more mature state after ageing or affinamento e maturazione. Novello wines may be released within just weeks after the harvest. For more serious reds, on the other hand, the ageing may be determined by the legislation for particular DOCs and DOCGs which specify a minimum time in wood and bottle before a wine can be released, often a number of years.
I Vini Passiti – Wines made from Semi-Dried Grapes
In addition to wines made from fresh grapes, a wholly unique range of Italian wines is made from semi-dried grapes: Vin Santo (Tuscany and Umbria), Amarone and Recioto della Valpolicella (Veneto), Sagrantino passito (Umbria), Greco di Bianco (Calabria), Moscato di Pantelleria (Pantelleria, Sicily), and more. Selected grapes are carefully taken in small containers (so as not to crush or damage them) to the winery where they are laid out on racks in airy attics or hung up in bunches from rafters or even (in the South) laid out on straw mats in the direct sun to dry and shrivel. This period of drying, which may be only a matter of days or else for weeks or even months, is known as the appassimento, and the process concentrates grape sugars and flavours, while diminishing acidity and lending raisin-like aromas and character. The varied range of passito wines that result can be truly amazing!
In Italy, probably more so than anywhere else in the world, age-old tradition works alongside modern technology, winemaking science and new ideas. Still, when all is said and done, the transformation of grapes into wine remains nothing short of an annual miracle.

– See more at: http://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/la-vendemmia#sthash.ukhHdSDt.dpuf
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Travelers: Smarter Travel Staff Fare Finds

Here’s the latest from Smarter Travel for airfares… Check out what they found

It’s only the start of fall but it’s never too early to start planning travel through early spring. American, Southwest, and United compete for your business, offering airfare sales through the day’s end on October 2. Tickets must be booked at least 14 days in advance. Flights start at $61 one-way ($122 round-trip).
Flight availability is for any day except Friday or Sunday through March 5.
Additional Southwest restrictions: All routes prohibit sale travel on November 25, 26, 29, 30; December 1, 19, 20, 26-29, January 3; and February 16. Puerto Rico travel is valid October 7-December 11 and January 13-March 5. See the sale provider for further route-specific restrictions.
Additional American restrictions: All routes prohibit sale travel on November 30; December 1, 19, and 20. See the sale provider for further route-specific restrictions.
Additional United restrictions: All routes prohibit sale travel on November 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30; December 1, 2, 18-23, 26-30; January 2-5; February 16; and March 5. Either a three- or Saturday-night stay is required.
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Travelers: Sounds Like a Fun Time…Check it Out

North Bay Stage Company is going to the dogs; at least for its October production. A resident theater company of Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, it presents Sylvia, a lively, humorous look at how man’s best friend can impact the lives of others. The show will run 8 p.m. Fridays October 3, 10, 17 and Saturdays October 4, 11, 18 and at 2 p.m. on Sundays October 12 and 19, 2014. Performances will be held in the East Auditorium stage which is located at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

The play, written by A.R. Gurney, explores the post-dog phase of life for two Manhattan empty nesters who suddenly find themselves with a four-legged friend. Amid the laughter the couple poignantly finds life has a way of giving them exactly what they thought they didn’t need.
The cast and crew of Sylvia, first produced in 1995 at the Manhattan Theatre Club includes Bonnie Jean (Sylvia the dog), Jeremy Boucher (Greg), Regie Padua (Kate), and Mike Mathis (Tom/Phyllis/Leslie).
Nominated for Drama Desk Award’s Outstanding Play, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Parker), and Outstanding Costume Design when it opened, the North Bay Stage Company version is directed by Jon Vissman.
“Playwright A.R. Gurney gives us a very hilarious look at ourselves as we seek harmony in the midst of an ever changing world, mid-life crisis and the meaning of love. Sylvia gives us a fresh look at age-old problems,” said Vissman.

During the run of this show, North Bay Stage Company will collect new and recycled dog items as well as cash donations for Green Dog Rescue Project, a Windsor-based non-profit that provides rescue, rehabilitation and relocation services.  Sunday matinees will feature select adoptable dogs and sale of The Wurst hot dogs.
Refreshments for purchase include ‘dog bone’ cookies, Lagunitas Dog Town Pale Ale, and Coppola wines.
Upcoming events include Unbound which showcases the talents of one of Sonoma County’s most popular dance troupes, the RISK Dance Company, The Angel of Chatham Square written by local playwright Audie Foote, Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution and The Producers by Mel Brooks.
About North Bay Stage Company: Their mission is to provide regional actors, singers and dancers, technical crews, musicians and upcoming artists with opportunities to learn or showcase their talents. Activities include productions, play readings, group discussions, and education.
Tickets are $26. Box office: 707.546.3600  Details: http://northbaystageco.org.

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Travelers: Check out this event

                                                


Mystery Writers in the Mausoleum
(by candlelight inside the park’s 100-year-old mausoleum)
7-9 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2014
1900 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa
FREE
Santa Rosa Memorial Park is hosting the second annual Mystery Writers in the Mausoleum 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22. The free event takes places in the park’s 100-year-old mausoleum. Still without electricity the Odd Fellows mausoleum is located at 1900 Franklin Avenue in Santa Rosa.
                                                                                                      
Juried mystery writers and dramatists will share stories of suspense, mystery, magic and the supernatural by candlelight. Selections will be read by Redwood Writers’ authors, Sisters in Crime NorCal and FolkHeart Press writers. The evening will also include two dramatic readings by Connie Petty and David Gonzalez. Event highlights also include a Meet/Greet session with authors in the Rose Corridor following the reading.
“This event is a natural for us and for local writers. It’s a great way to showcase some of Sonoma County’s talented mystery writers,” said Laura Neisius, general manger. The mausoleum, she added, will be the perfect setting for spine tingling tales.
The program is scheduled last from 7 p.m. -9 p.m.  Warm wear is advised. For details about this free event, visit www.srmp.org.
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Travelers: Quick Tips

Many publications and online travel sites offer tips to make your next trip more fun, easier, safer…and on and on.

Periodically I offer quick tips that have worked for me or ones that others send to me.

Here are just a few:

When renting a car, check for any damage to bumpers or doors. Look at the windshield for damage as well. If you see any dings or issues, take photos immediately. Even if you rent from a brand name company, issues can occur. Last summer in Boston we rented from Hertz. When we went to the rental car, there were several issues with it from dings, to a bumper dent, to an odd smell inside. We took photos and then decided to talk to the on site supervisor about the car. They apologized and gave us an upgrade. Hertz employees showed exemplary customer service and made sure we were happy with the new rental. It pays to talk to them and not just accept a car with obvious problems.

Wear loose fitting shoes on flights, especially long ones. The pressure change in the cabin can cause your feet to swell, making your shoes tight. Plus, it’s easier going through security if your shoes come off easily.

Noise cancelling headphones can make all the difference on flights. They reduce fatigue and shut out noises, allowing you to sleep.

Bring a small toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry on, especially on long flights.

Bring a small flashlight in your carry on as well. You never know when you may need it in flight, at night in the hotel, or at a dark restaurant.

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Travelers: Great Food Event to Check Out

JESSUP CELLARS 2014 TASTEMAKER SERIES TO SERVE UP WILD GOOD TIME WITH RENOWNED FORAGER CONNIE GREEN AND 
CHEF SEAN O’TOOLE OF NAPA’S TORC
(Yountville, CA, September 24th 2014) — The Jessup Cellars 2014 TasteMaker Speaker Series goes wild on Saturday, October 11th at its Yountville Tasting Gallery with with renowned forager Connie Green and Executive Chef and Owner Sean O’Toole of TORC, one of Napa’s hottest new dining destinations. The forum and tasting’s subject, Foraging ~ Ancient & Modern Flavors from the Untamable World, will explore this delicious culinary adventure on Saturday, October 11th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
 at the Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery in Yountville, California.
While Green will showcase a selection of freshly harvested wild ingredients, Chef O’Toole will feature his Chanterelle Mushroom “HUMMUS” with Autumn Tomato and Dill, and House Eurasian “BOAR HAM” Crostini with Wild Mushroom Tartare and Huckleberry paired with select Jessup Cellars wines. The evening also opens resident artist Cynthia Carey’s Foraged & Found Sculpture exhibiton. Tickets are $75 each and available online at CellarPass.com. Ticket includes interactive forum, meet-and-greet, and wine and foraged food tasting.
“Far, far outside tidy human civilization and agriculture, culinary treasures like porcini, chanterelles, and truffles destined for the French Laundry or NOMA come only from wild places and foragers like me,” says Connie Green, owner ofWine Forest Wild Foods and co-author of The Wild Table. “This ancient craft lingers in our hearts as a legacy from our ancestors and pulls greats chefs like my side-kick Sean O’Toole out of his kitchen at TORC to forage in our great forests.”
Green has been foraging mushrooms, berries, greens and other wild foods for thirty years. As founder of one of the first and one of the largest wild foods businesses in the United States, she has sold ingredients to most of the top chefs in California and around the country including Thomas Keller, Daniel Patterson, Traci des Jardins, Gary Danko, Michael Chiarello, Cindy Pawlcyn, Stuart Brioza and many more.
O’Toole is chef and owner of the recently opened and highly acclaimed TORC in downtown Napa. He has spent more than fifteen years in some of the most noteworthy restaurants in the United States and Europe. At TORC, O’Toole focuses on the region’s bountiful selection of fresh products and his relationships with the people that produce, forage, and glean them. Green has been his foraged food purveyor for nearly twenty years.
About The TasteMaker Series
The TasteMaker Series presents thought leadership forums staged in the Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery in Napa Valley’s village of Yountville, just a block north of the famed The French Laundry. Each event is integrated with the launch of a thematic art exhibition, bringing together Jessup Cellars wines, food, art and people into fully realized sensory forums. Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery is located at 6740 Washington St., Yountville, California. To learn more about Jessup Cellars and the TasteMaker Speaker Series visit Jessup Cellars or call 707.944.8523.

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Travelers: Sites to See

Let’s face it…when you visit a place for the first time, you probably won’t see it all. Unless, of course, you plan on an extended stay. Even then, you might not see it all.

So, how do you decide what to see and do?

Read some guidebooks, talk to people who love the city where you are going, and think about your likes and dislikes. If you really don’t like art galleries, but the city is famous for art galleries…do you want to spend time touring an art gallery? You might love wandering through gardens and this place has dozens of gardens. If churches are on your ‘must see’ list, check out what each one is famous for and whether it is something you want to visit.

With that in mind, make a list of your top 10 things to do and see. Then, whittle that down to three if you can. These are the three you definitely want to schedule. Look at the best times to visit these, including days and times. Purchase your tickets online ahead of time to avoid standing in lines. After all, if these are sites you really want to see…working out a scheduled visit will make your trip more enjoyable. No sense being disappointed because the lines were too long or you missed the window to purchase tickets.

Once your top three are scheduled, you have time to see things and go places that pop up or that look interesting as you walk through a neighborhood. You can be spontaneous with the rest of the day.

Happy traveling…

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Travelers: Oktoberfest in Vacaville

Oktoberfest Returns To Downtown Vacaville!
Vacaville, CA – The 8th Annual Oktoberfest, which is being hosted by the Pure Grain Bakery and the Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District, is happening on Saturday September 27th from 10 am to 9 pm. Come visit Town Square and enjoy a day of German heritage and fun. Music will be provided by Tony Raymann’s Edelweiss Band and East Bay Mudd that evening. There will also be plenty of German food (bratwurst, currywurst and schnitzel), beers and wines. The event is free to attend.
If you have any questions please call the Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District office at (707) 451-2100 or visit the web site at www.downtownvacaville.com.
There’s always plenty to do in Downtown Vacaville, “The Heart Of The City”!