Last night, Katie and myself had the opportunity to attend the premiere in Los Angeles of “Mexico: The Royal Tour” at the Regal LA Live cinemas in downtown LA.

The event was not only special because of the amazing production Emmy Award-winner Peter Greenberg achieved with this travel documentary, but also because of the honorable company of the President of México himself, Felipe Calderón, the First Lady Margarita Zavala, and other distinguished diplomats and special guests.

“Mexico: The Royal Tour” is a very unique travel documentary starring President Felipe Calderón as your tour guide as he takes you through some of the most fascinating places Mexico has to offer.

In the film you see President Calderón like you have never seen him before. He’s not only an amazing tour guide – he knows the country extremely well – but he has a very adventurous spirit and a great sense of humor.

The film begins as Peter Greenberg (see photo) is welcomed by President Calderón at Los Pinos, the official presidential residence in Mexico City.

He then takes you on his helicopter to discover a wealth of touristic possibilities around the country.

Some of the places and activities featured are the Mayan ruins of Palenque in Chiapas and Chichen-Itza in Yucatán, the President’s hometown of Morelia, Puerto Vallarta, rappelling the Cave of Swallows in San Luis Potosí, Tequila tasting in Jalisco, whale watching in Baja California, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, and a fantastic ride on a hot-air balloon over the archaeological site of Teotihuacan.

The film is very well done and throughout it you can see how well both President Calderón and Peter Greenberg got along. You could almost think they’ve been friends forever.

“Mexico: The Royal Tour” is a very enjoyable film that also represents an incredible opportunity to learn about one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Tonight is the TV premiere at 7pm PST on PBS. Please see the trailer below and don’t miss the show!

Now open in London is the NEW Assouline Culture Lounge at The Halkin.  The hotel’s lobby bar has been transformed to showcase some of Assouline’s most iconic coffee table books, including collections in fashion, art, photography, travel, architecture, and design.  The Halkin has long been one of the city’s best-kept secrets, nestled among the stately Georgian facades of Belgravia, minutes from Harrods.  Passersby now have the perfect place to stop for a midday or evening break. While enjoying signature cocktails and other light bites, they can peruse the beautiful books and other antiquities on display.  To bring the literature to life, the lounge will host a series of events with selected authors later this year.

We love the new concepts. Can’t wait to stop by and grab a glass of wine… and unwind after a Harrods shopping spree.

Ready to get off the beaten tourist track on your next Hawaiian adventure? Continental/United Airlines has just made it that much easier with a new non-stop flight to Hilo on the Big Island.

Instead of flying into Kona International Airport and driving 2.5 hours to Hilo, there will be daily direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). A huge timesaver!

It all begins June 9th, so start booking your tickets now.

What makes Hilo so appealing?

Instead of grand five-start resorts, you can expect quaint inns, bed & breakfasts, family-friendly hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. People love Hilo for its unique natural beauty. Just look at the photos:

Waipio Valley, from the Waipio Valley Overlook. Located about an hour north of Hilo, it’s one of the spectacular highlights on the Hilo-Hamakua Heritage Corridor. Credit: Bob Coello/BIVB

Kilauea volcano’s lava pouring into the ocean last year. Credit: Tor Johnson/HTA

Buckets of exotic tropical flowers at the Hilo Farmers Market. Credit: Bob Coello/BIVB.

Halemaumau Crater in Kilauea volcano…home to Hawaii’s volcano goddess Pele. As seen from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Credit: www.bluewaterjon.com

The Big Island Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is only 40 minutes from Hilo International Airport, and one of five national parks on the island. Yes, the Big Island is that big.

This shot shows one of several waterfalls at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens in Hilo. Credit: Bob Coello/BIVB

Now are you ready to visit Hilo?

If you haven’t been to a wine tasting event, I highly recommend you find an event and check it out because it’s a great way to get the flavor of a region or country.

Just this week, our official TravelPlusWine delegation (yours truly & Ricardo) spent the afternoon in Los Angeles at the Austria Uncorked event at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. Where else can we taste hundreds of Austrian wines and sample a variety of cheeses without leaving the country?

Although we attended the European Wine Bloggers Conference this past fall in Vienna, I felt I needed a chance to get to know Austrian wines other than Grüner Veltliner (I’m still a HUGE fan) in order to really understand the country’s wines. My mission at Austria Uncorked: reds, rosés, and bubbles.

While there are so many great wines and wineries to write about, here’s an overview of a few of our favorite finds:

Elfenhof

The stand-out wine of the day, definitely deserving of more than a passing mention, is the 2008 Elfenhof Exclusiv Zweigelt. It tasted lush and much richer than many of the other Zweigelts we tasted. The wine is super smooth and bursting with cherry juice. As you sip, for a split second, you taste an intense sweetness which quickly dissipates into a dry, easy, even earthy sipping wine. I love it when wines play tricks in my mouth and surprise me with the finish. Well worth the $23 price tag and available from Schlossadler International Wines.

Another fun wine from Elfenhof, if you enjoy sweet wines on the tart side, is the their 2009 Roter Ausbruch (made from the Roesler grape). I personally prefer the dryer side of the fence when it comes to wine, so this Roter Ausbruch provides the tartness I enjoy when it comes to sweeter wines.  Price unknown.

Weinrieder

Speaking of yummy, tart, sweet wines…

Weinrieder has a 2008 Riesling Eiswein which manages to pack a ton of awesome peachy tartness into such a cute bottle. Price unknown, distributed by Blue Danube Wine Company.

J. Heinrich

The 2008  J. Heinrich terra o. Cuvée (Mittelburgenland DAC) is a surprising yet scrumptious blend of Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The flavors blend into a great steakhouse delight that I’d even enjoy without the food. While the wine is nice, $45 seems a bit exaggerated for this bottle (Blue Danube Wine Company).

If you want a Blaüfrankisch that supposedly ‘defines’ an Austrian Blaüfrankish, the 2009 Goldberg Blaufränkish (Burgenland), a signature wine from J. Heinrich, is what you’ll want to try. Well-established in the Austrian wine world for over 300 years, the Heinrich family planted the vines for these grapes more than 50 years ago in the best vineyard location in Deutschkreutz, the Goldberg.  Licorice and lavender are present in this wine while dark cherries and an appealing minerality push through the lingering finish. More great winemaking for the $20-something price range (Blue Danube Wine Company).

Stift Klosterneuburg

Many of you know way too much about my passion and love of Rosé wines… and it’s important to mention Austria makes a wide variety of nice Rosés.

I tried what I’m pretty sure is my first Zweigelt rosé yesterday which was both fun and different. Stift Klosterneuburg’s Klostersekt Rosé is summer fruity, tart, and peppery with a lovely finish – almost like burnt caramel. I’d enjoy this wine as an appetizer, with light pasta dishes, salad, or simply sip alone.  (Price unknown – Importer: Leopold Imports LLC)

Upcoming Tasting Event:

May 4: Austria Uncorked – NYC

Where and when is your next event? Leave a link with information in the comments below.

Prost!

On February 22, 2011 a devastating earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand. While it’ll take time to rebuild, it’s important to know New Zealand’s tourism industry, and in fact a huge portion of Christchurch, is operating at full-capacity. We support New Zealand and that’s why we have joined the campaign #blog4nz, with dozens of other bloggers around the world.

There are an inordinate amount of reasons why you should visit New Zealand (great wine?!). But for now, here are 7 crazy, outrageous things to do in New Zealand:

Bungy Jump in Queenstown

In 1888, crazy man AJ Hackett opened the first commercial bungy jump from the Kawarau Bridge.  Today, thanks in part to Mr. Hackett, New Zealand is known as a thrill-seeking paradise.

Adreneline Junkies Tourists who want to bungy jump from the Kawarau Bridge willingly pay NZ $150 for the privilege.

If you’re into this kind of thing: Do not pass go, do not collect $200… head directly to Queenstown!

Black Water Cave Tubing Adventure

Do you like climbing? Black water tubing? Leaping and floating through caves? Or, simply stepping out of your comfort zone?

If so, this Waitomo subterranean adventure is for you.

Your heart-pumping jump down a waterfall will be well-rewarded when you reach the glow worm cave. Safety equipment, footwear, tubes, wetsuits, and helmets are provided.

Just be ready for an adventure unlike anything you have ever experienced. Book in advance, especially during high season.

Biking Marlborough Wine Country

Perhaps this isn’t that crazy or outrageous like skydiving, but it’s a fun and different way to discover New Zealand’s wine country at your own pace. Not to mention, it gives you  bragging rights back at home about your Kiwi adventure.

Rent a bike, grab a map, and cycle the back-roads to your favorite wineries. You don’t even have to pack a picnic lunch as delicious restaurants dot the countryside. We highly recommend Wairau River Wines Restaurant.

Bikes can be rented from the Olde Mill House Bed, Breakfast, & Cycle Hire. Or, consider staying at this homey, centrally-located B&B because bike rental is free when you stay the night.

Tramp a Great Walk

If you’re into the outdoors and being one-with-nature, you can’t leave New Zealand without tramping (hiking) one of New Zealand’s Great Walks through some of the best scenery in the country.

The Routeburn Track takes you 32 kilometers through Fiordland National Park on the South Island. The walk takes several days and you carry all of your own supplies while sleeping in designed huts or camping areas. Even if you’re not the outdoor-type, this is your opportunity to do something crazy and outrageous in New Zealand!

Shotover Jet

The Shotover Jet is a crazy, unforgettable experience. Hop on a jet boat and explore canyons at insane speeds over shallow waters with 360 degree mind-numbing spins (and no, the boat doesn’t slow down). You’ll quickly realize why they call this the “World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride.”

Turns out, the adreneline rush you get from this exilerating ride is actually good for you… it’s like a natural high. If you find yourself in Queenstown, give this a shot.

Fly-In, Fly-Out Glacier Helihike

Combine the thrill of a helicopter ride with the feeling of being left alone in a remote area of the wilderness and that’s what you’ll get when you sign up for the Fly-In, Fly-Out Glacier Helihike.

Landing by helicopter on a glacier gives you a rare opportunity to explore remote ice caves and enjoy spectacular views. You won’t get this kind of access by hiking with the rest of the tourists.

Or, take your Helihike adventure to the next level and spend the night on Fox Glacier. Relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the spectacular view as your guide cooks dinner. Spend the next day exploring the glacier according to your fitness level.

Skydiving

Several locations throughout New Zealand’s North and South Islands offer skydiving. The question is whether or not you’re prepared to join the ‘3 Mile High Club.’

While you can skydive just about anywhere in the world, few places offer the breathtaking, panoramic views like New Zealand.

Most people would jump at the chance to go skydiving in New Zealand. What about you?

What sort of crazy, outrageous things have you done in New Zealand?

#blog4nz Photo Credits:

Bungy Jump: http://www.queenstownadventure.com/; Water Tubing: http://www.waitomo.com/; Biking Wine Country: Ricardo Villarreal; Key Summit, Routeburn Track: Ricardo Villarreal; Shotover Jet: http://www.youdogo.com; Glacier Helihike: FoxGuides.co.nz; Skydiving: travelblog.org