The Wright vintage
Travelers with time to kill -- or a hostess gift to buy -- at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport might try La Bodega Winery, said to be the country's only licensed winery in an airport. The winery was launched in 1995 by Gina Puente, who now owns it with her husband, John Brancato. La Bodega sells five wines made exclusively with Texas grapes under its own label, including Aero Port, released in honor of last December's 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C., as well as another 25 or so varieties representing some 20 Texas wineries, according to manager Martin Honeycutt. La Bodega's merlot picked up a bronze medal in this year's Finger Lakes wine competition and another bronze at the Los Angeles County Fair, one of the largest competitions in the country, Honeycutt said. La Bodega is open for tasting and sales in DFW's Terminal A, Gate 15, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon-8. La Bodega wines cost $20-$50 a bottle. Call 972-574-1440.
On a grand scale
While many resorts are scrambling to add spa services and low-carb meals demanded by health-conscious patrons, one Mexican resort is rolling out the red carpet for overweight travelers. Freedom Paradise Resort in Tulum in the Mayan Riviera, just south of Cancun, bills itself as the world's first and only "size-friendly" resort. Rooms are larger, doorways are wider, and about half the furnishings, including dining chairs and poolside lounges, are double width, said Jurriaan Klink, commercial director for the property. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers, rather than tubs, with shower benches available on request. The resort's four swimming pools have gradual steps, instead of ladders, and there is a 300-yard beach so guests can sunbathe in relative privacy. People of all sizes will enjoy the resort about 2 miles from the famous Tulum ruins. Klink said typical visitors tend to be a couple with one member plus size and the other slender; families are also welcome.freedomparadise.com. 866-548-3995.
© Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.
