As temperatures rise, canes begin to grow and budbreak approaches. In California, this usually occurs in April or May. This may be most hazardous time of vineyard cycle, as remnants of Winter weather can hurt vines during this vulnerable stage. Flowers begin to form in June.

Grapes begin to develop and by mid-August, vineyard reaches a time called veraison. This is time when some grapes begin their color change and is another critical time in vineyard life cycle. During veraison, vineyard manager may prune leaves as well as some grape bunches. At this stage, sugars are undeveloped and grapes still taste sour.

Although tradition dictates that harvest will occur 100 days after flowering, decision to begin is ultimately vineyard manager's. A date is selected based on varietal as well as sugar and acid levels. Testing for latter two variables is frequent in final weeks and days.

The weather can dramatically affect grapes at this stage either positively or negatively. Late rains can dillute sugar levels and excessively high temperatures can detrimentally lower acidity. This can make wines either flat and boring or overly alcoholic. The risks of leaving grapes on vine for too long must be weighed against need to develop varietal characteristics.

After vineyard manager accounts for all of variables and decides that time is right, harvest begins and cycle starts over again.

Eco-Parks

Xcaret An eco-Mayan theme park for whole family. A must see if you visit Mayan Riviera. Prepare to spend your entire day at Xcaret as there are a million and one things to do and see. An excellent light and sound show, swim with dolphins, snorkelling, underground river runs, sea trekking, butterfly park, a Mayan village, and much more. For more information: www.xcaret.net

Xel-Ha Xel Ha is a eco-park with a large lagoon for snorkelling. It is a great place for first time snorkellers. Inner tubes and life vests are free, and you can rent snorkel gear or bring your own. Amazing cave system, cenotes, lagoon and snorkelling with thousands of tropical fish. For more information: www.xel-ha.com

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico's largest parks, covers more than 1 million acres of coastal jungle or about 20 percent of state of Quintana Roo's land. This virgin wilderness is home and sanctuary to innumerable species of tropical flora and fauna, of which, jaguar found here is counted as one of many protected species. Offers eco-trekking through mangroves, lagoons and rivers. Get a close-up look of wildlife in reserve in their natural habitat.

Aktun Chen Witness spectacular geological formations and swim in crystal clear fresh water in underground caves. Spider monkeys and a serpentarium (snakes) can be seen. For more information: www.aktunchen.com

Xaman-Ha Aviary Located in Playacar, this exotic bird sanctuary is a wonderful natural habitat for some 60 species of tropical birds that populate jungles of Yucatan peninsula. Scarlet macaws, flamingos, herons and may other beautiful feathered creatures can be found here.

Jardin Botanico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera Beautiful botanical gardens sprawling with exotic species of tropical fauna in lush Mayan rainforest. The gardens sit on 60 hectares of jungle and mangrove. A groomed loop trail provides easy walking to various collections of plants, all beautifully displayed in their natural environment. A scenic lookout tower is a bit of a challenge to climb but rewards brave with a panoramic view from mangrove to sea, and out over jungle.

Shopping

Playa del Carmen Shopping The pedestrian street 5th Avenida in heart of Playa del Carmen is lined with boutiques filled with goods from all over Mexico and world. With handicrafts such as fine silver jewellery to hammocks there are shops that cater to every budget.

The stores that cater to tourists typically carry items such as carved wood and stone, hammocks, leather goods, paintings and sculptures. However, there are also high-end galleries featuring artworks from San Cristobal and Oaxaca for serious Mexican art collector.

If you'd prefer to venture off main strip, there are funky little treasures to be found in small plaza between 6th and 8th ave.