THE SPIRIT OF PUERTO VALLARTA From Festivals to Recipes to Hotel Packages, Tequila is the Toast of the Town

Puerto Vallartas Fideicomiso de Turismo celebrates the rich culture and history of the region with a variety of events and festivities honoring its favorite spirit, tequila.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO August 13, 2004 -- Puerto Vallartas Fideicomiso de Turismo celebrates the rich culture and history of the region with a variety of events and festivities honoring its favorite spirit, tequila.

Puerto Vallarta is situated in the State of Jalisco where about all the tequila in Mexico is made. Here in the Sierra Madres west of Guadalajara is a mile-high region where subtropical climate and the right terrain come together to create ideal growing conditions for a particular cactus which tequila is distilled from. This is the "agave" cactus, a member of the "maguey" family, a beautiful, giant, spiny-leafed cactus which is often the subject in native Mexican paintings. This region has been designated by the Mexican government as the only place in Mexico where tequila is authorized to be produced. Understandably, tequila has become the soul of the region seen everywhere from festivals to recipes and hotel packages.

December 6 12, 2004, Puerto Vallarta will proudly host the First International Festival of Tequila featuring more than 20 worldwide producers of the most important brands of liquors and wines available today. The festival will highlight the most important products of specific geographical Origin such as Tequila/Mexico, Sake/Japan, etc. (Appellation control The best wine and product specialists, such as sommeliers and tasters, as well as government representatives of the guest countries, will meet in conferences and specialized workshops to share the latest information about each product. The Mexican National Drink, tequila, will be featured prominently, further securing its reputation as one of the most prestigious Origin drinks in the world. www.deorigen.com.mx

A good place to start the Tequila education in Puerto Vallarta is La Casa de Tequila located downtown at 589 Morelos. The staff at La Casa de Tequila has always known the magic of good tequila, and what a difference the brand (hence quality) can make. Excellent bottles of tequila and cigars are available for purchase, or they can be enjoyed along with the array of tequilas, snacks and salsa in the adjacent garden bar area. If tequila is a mystery to you, this is a great place to start cracking open its secrets, with good prices and a wide selection. Open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 10pm. For more information please call (52) 322-222-2000.

Just in time for the holidays, Bernhard Steffen Guth and Ulf Henriksson, the chef/owners of local restaurant hot spot, Trio, offer this quick and easy recipe sure to make entertaining a snap. This year, keep your entertaining as simple as possible. Vow to spend more time with family and friends than in the kitchen. states Guth. A quick way to make the cocktail party shine is this easy recipe for Merry Margaritas, continues Henriksson.

Merry Margarita
1 1/2 oz Tequila
1 oz Rose's Lime Juice
1 1/2 oz Triple Sec
1 1/2 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
2 oz Cranberry Juice

Add all ingredients into blender with ice. Blend until smooth. Makes one glass. Trio is a cosmopolitan yet casual eatery located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Trios superb culinary touch is hallmarked by Mediterrenean flavors with hints of Mexican spice. Trio is located at 264 Guerrero and is open for Dinner: 6:00 to 11:30 PM and Lunch (Nov - Apr) weekdays from noon to 3:30 PM. For more information about Trio, please visit www.triopv.com or call 52-322-222- 2196.

Additionally, the Buenaventura Hotel and the Hacienda Hotel in Puerto Vallarta offer a variety of the regions best tequila including Herradura, Cazadores, Don Julio, Jesus Reyes and Jose Cuero. Guests can sample the tastes of the region separately or enjoy a mixed cocktail including the signature La Paloma cocktail, a tasty mix of tequila, Squirt soda (can be substituted for Fresca or Mountain Dew) and a squeezed slice of lime. For more information about the Buenaventura Hotel and the Hacienda Hotel, please call (52) 322-226-7000 or visit www.hotelbuenaventura.com.mx.

Just cant get enough of the spirit of Puerto Vallarta? Local hotels take the tradition of tequila so seriously, some even offer hotel packages based around this nectar of the gods. Villa del Palmar & Villa del Mar Beach Resort and Spa Puerto Vallarta offers the perfect blend of location, friendly intimacy, quiet relaxation and recreational activities. This all-suite property is ideally situated directly on the beach of Banderas Bay. Minutes to downtown Puerto Vallarta and a short drive from the Puerto Vallartas airport, every one agrees there is something special about this resort. The Spirits of Puerto Vallarta Escape offers 4 nights accommodation in a Studio Suite, 1 bottle of Jose Cuervo Gold tequila per stay, in addition to welcome fruit basket in room. This package is available at $215.00 tax included per person based on double occupancy and is valid through October 18, 2004. For reservations please contact: 1-866-PALMARS or e-mail protected from spam bots

About Puerto Vallarta:
Puerto Vallarta was selected by CONDE NAST TRAVELER readers as the eighth best destination in the world in their annual Readers Choice Awards in the November 2001 issue, as well as number one international destination because of the remarkable amiability of the local folk. Puerto Vallarta was the only destination in Mexico that made the list. Located on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallartas charm remains largely undiscovered, along with its cobblestone streets, stunning beaches, plentiful marine life, lush Sierra Madre Mountains, exceptional restaurants, fine Gourmet Festival, new golf courses and vibrant art culture. For more information about Puerto Vallarta, call your travel agent or toll-free at 888-384-6822, or direct at (52) 322 22 41175; fax: (52) 322 22 40915. Log on at www.visitpuertovallarta.com.
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