Connoisseur

 
Disney’s the Wine King
Robert Mondavi and Disneyland Resort are teaming for an adventure. Disney’s California Adventure to be exact. The two companies are creating a California wine country “experience” as part of the 55-acre theme park now in development adjacent to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Opening in 2001, Disney’s California Adventure will celebrate the fun and diversity of California, as well as the state’s finest accomplishments. An expanded Disneyland Resort also will include a shopping, dining, and entertainment area, and a new deluxe hotel. The multifaceted wine complex will offer millions of visitors an educational and entertaining introduction to premium California wines. This experience, complete with vineyards, will feature a film presentation on the rich history of California winemaking, several wine-tasting counters, a special reserve tasting area for more in-depth food and wine experiences, a gourmet food and retail area, and a restaurant modeled after the Vineyard Room, the private dining room at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, California.

Just Relax
All spas are not created equal. And the diversity in spa vacation offerings is quickly growing. Whether your goal is renewal, relaxation, beauty and wellness, weight management, or other interest, the latest Spa Traveler catalog will help you select the best destination option. Featuring more than 80 spa destinations throughout Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, this user-friendly resource guide describes each featured spa and its niche. A second catalog highlighting North American spa vacation destinations also is available. For more information, call 800-300-1565.

75-Year-Old Runs to Grand Canyon
It’s a feat not many could accomplish. But this 75-year-old will not be deterred from running 65 miles to the Grand Canyon — daily. Steam engine No. 4960, which rolled onto the track brand-new in 1923, is celebrating its 75th year by returning to its daily run to the Grand Canyon with Grand Canyon Railway passengers on board. Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from the depot in Williams, Arizona, through Sept. 30. During the 21⁄4 hour journey, the train meanders through three unique

eco-systems consisting of two national forests, high desert plains, and small canyons, and arrives just steps from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Turn-of-the-century railroad travel is emulated with strolling musicians and western characters. There’s even a reenactment of a robbery on the return trip. Passengers may choose from five classes of service. For more information, call 800-THE-TRAIN.

Dalmore the Merrier
Those who enjoy the pleasures of a fine cigar now have The Dalmore Cigar Malt, a premium 86-proof single malt scotch created as the ideal cigar complement. Imported by Jim Beam Brands Co., The Dalmore Cigar Malt is the work of master blender Richard Paterson. His secret: A distinctive aging process. Special casks once used to mature Oloroso sherry for 15 to 25 years are selected to age The Dalmore Cigar Malt. The significant traces of sherry that remain in these barrels mingle with the Dalmore as it ages, resulting in a sherry presence not found in traditional scotches.

A Grand Escape
Grandparents across the country have voted: Orlando is the top city to take your grandchildren on vacation. And “grandtravel” (grandparents vacationing with the grandchildren without the parents) is becoming one of the fastest-growing trends in the travel business. Other cities ranking in the top favorites among grandparents are Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New York City. Survey participants were asked which month they would prefer to travel. The answers were no surprise. Top choice was the summer months when most children are on vacation from school, followed by the spring.

Get Down
Ogallala Down Company of Ogallala, Nebraska, is applying an innovative technology to a traditional process, resulting in all-natural, hypoallergenic “Hypodown” pillows and comforters. The elegant bedding products offer consumers who are allergic to traditional down an alternative. Hypodown is the combination of white goose down and Syriaca clusters. Syriaca, also known as milkweed, grows abundantly across the United States. Syriaca, which traps and suppresses the allergens in down, was first used in the 1600s by the French in an effort to produce silky soft fabrics. The Royal Butterfly Collection is the latest line of Hypodown comforters and pillows. The products are named after butterflies because the Syriaca plant provides a habitat for the monarch butterfly. Ogallala’s products are marketed through specialty stores nationwide. The Hypodown combination is said to be warmer, more durable, and more breathable than down alone. For more information, call 800-658-4370, or visit Ogallala’s Web site at www.ogallaladown.com.