Dear Santa,

Here is my Christmas List and Santa I have been good I promise.  Oh, and by the way I passed my exams!

2011 La Fluer d’Or Sauternes

I love sweet wine and this one is perfectly sublime and luscious without the price tag of the beloved Château d’Yquem.  A Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon with notes of peach and plum fruit accented by notes of honey, caramel and toast.  This wine is lively and fresh yet still a botrytised wine. Drink now with foie gras or a rich creamy cheese goat cheese from the Loire Valley.  Such a treat!

2012 Domain Fevre, Fourchaume, Chablis 1er CRU

My favorite style of Chardonnay.  This 1Er CRU is one of the best in Burgundy, France situated on a hill benefiting from a southerly exposure and the chalky limestone oyster rich soils.  This wine has light citrus and aromatic floral notes with a graceful minerality on the finish.  If you like butter with your Chardonnay this would not be your first choice, but if you are open to traveling to a new place give it a try.  Pair this with any seafood especially Oysters!

2011 Domaine le Couroulu Vaqueyras Classique, Rhone, France

Probably my favorite red wine blend.  This GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) blend from the Rhone Valley in the south of France, has all the red fruits, fine tannins and deep color an old world wine from this part of the world has to offer.  If you enjoy Chateaneuf Du Pape, but don’t enjoy its price this is a fine choice.  Cuddle up this winter and enjoy this wine with stews and lamb shank!

2009 Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto, Italy

This wine is made from grapes harvested in various vineyards located on hill in the Classic Valpolicella zone.  The grapes are harvested by hand in September/October and then are placed in plastic trays for drying which in Italian is a process called the Appassimento process.  This wine is a strong ruby red with notes on vanilla and sweet fruits of currants, cherries and blueberries. A strong, rounded and warm structured wine which is great with red meat and cheeses.  A winter favorite!  A great gift for those who like to age their wines since this one can be preserved for about another 15 years!

Ca’del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Brut Franciacorta DOCG, Italy

People are always shocked when I say Champagne is not my favorite.  There are other choices in the sparkling wine category that I do enjoy and this New Years Eve I will be toasting with this sparkling wine from Franciacorta.  This small wine producing area in Lombardy in northern Italy uses the Champagne method with a Cuvee blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero.  It’s a perfect sparkle with references to biscuit, toast and lemon.  Drink it anytime, all the time!

CHEERS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT.

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FACTS:

When it comes to holiday travel, Travelocity says flexibility is always crucial – especially since average domestic airfare is up 5 percent and international airfare is up 6 percent from the 2010 holiday season. In addition, New Year’s domestic airfare is up 6 percent and international airfare is up 12 percent versus 2010 prices. However, knowing when to fly can save travelers more than $230 this holiday season.

CHEAPEST DAYS TO FLY FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S 2011

Using Travelocity’s vacation package booking engine and avoiding peak travel dates around Christmas and New Year’s such as Dec. 23, Dec. 26 and Dec. 30 will save travelers the most for the 2011 holiday season.

ADDITIONAL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S DATA
Average domestic airfare over Christmas is $406 and average international airfare is $918 (both inclusive of tax). Travelers should avoid Friday, Dec. 23 departures and Friday, Dec. 30 returns over the Christmas travel period – as this is the most expensive itinerary this holiday season. In addition, travelers should keep in mind that some airlines charge surcharges around the holidays, driving fares up. Holiday travel dates with surcharges are: Dec. 22, 23 and 26, and Jan. 2.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER:
To celebrate the season, Travelocity is offering travelers a little holiday bonus. When a traveler books a qualifying hotel or flight + hotel package by Dec. 15, Travelocity will send a $200 travel coupon that can be used for another trip in early 2012.

TRAVEL TIPS:

First and foremost, travelers need to arrive at the airport early to navigate the crowds – at least two hours in advance. If you can, check in online 24 hours in advance of your flight to secure your seat assignment and pay for your checked bags to save on the baggage fee. Also, don’t forget the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule — all liquids must be in a 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger. Before you leave, check your carrier’s baggage policy, check your flight status and also check traffic.com for any potential problems on the road so you can allow for extra time to get to the airport if needed.

Make your life easier and wear shoes that slip on/off so you don’t hold up the line. I would also suggest wearing shoes that don’t promote swelling of your feet.  For some reason the temperature on an airplane can either be very cold or smoldering hot so wearing layers that you can add or peal away. Remember no matter how much money you pay for your flight you still won’t be offered blankets or pillows so bring what you think will keep you and your family comfortable and happy.

For families with kids traveling with milk or formula remember they will allow a bottle through security, but you will still have to discard any water bottles beforehand.

Bring food, snacks, toys and reading material.  Unless you want to buy a box lunch that you probably won’t like pack your the night before.

Traveling with kids and car seats is tricky so make sure you meet the measurement regulations.  To save your back from carrying those cumbersome car seats look into purchasing a Go Go kidz Travelmate car seat stroller (this company has many products to choose from).  Those with babies my ultimate favorite that I used with my little guy which was great for nursing while you walk or sit anywhere is the ERGOBabycarrier.  There are so many innovative products for traveling with kids.  Visit your local consignment shop or visit online stores like eBay (a great place to bid on new items or buy gently used items), Amazon (also offer new or used items) TARGET, Babies “R” Us, and/or my personal favorite diapers.com.  Heck if you have a friend that has something you need and is not using it just borrow!  As a parent you never have enough hands for all that needs to be carried and/or pushed through the airport.

Travelers can go to http://www.windowseatblog.com/ for nationwide updates.  To follow happenings at LAX, follow @flyfromla. Follow on twitter @travelocity.

GG wishes you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year and if I forgot a celebration or you don’t celebrate just have a Happy Peaceful Day!!!!!

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