PHOTO: The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape. (photo by Jason Leppert)
Beginning in September, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Dawn will soon host a series of Meet The Winemaker Cruises during 2017 and 2018.
Guests will have the opportunity to literally wine and dine with industry greats.
“Given the incredible reception of Michael Mondavi’s past visits aboard our ships, we are excited to expand upon this concept to provide our guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with renowned experts within the winemaking industry,” said Mark Kansley, senior vice president of Hotel Operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, in a press release.
“As we strive to continually enhance our beverage program and onboard offerings, these partnerships represent our ongoing goal to serve as innovators in the cruising industry.”
When the Norwegian Escape launched in 2015, it first introduced The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar as an educational venue for seminars, tastings, pairings and workshops. It further features a curated wine list and service from a Court of Master Sommeliers-certified sommelier.
In 2016, The Cellars was repeated onboard the Norwegian Dawn as well. The wine bar presents the line’s Winemaker Dinner series in partnership with the Mondavi family and other collaborators such as Moët Hennessy.
On the specific theme cruises, there will be chances to interact with winemakers and experts during seminars and activities. On day two of each sailing, for instance, a complimentary Q&A will be held in the atrium followed by the opportunity to buy showcased wines and have them signed at free meet-and-greets.
Interactive vintner-hosted tastings will also be available at The Cellars for an in-depth educational look at the wine world and each master’s unique area of expertise featuring seminar-specific vintages. Such tastings will cost $19.95 per person.
Meanwhile, for $59.95 per person, an exclusive wine dinner can be booked with a vintner or wine expert. Featured will be five courses paired with wine selected specifically for each. Limited reservations for tasting seminars and wine pairing dinners can only be made once onboard.
Available wine theme cruises and special guests:
—September 22, 2017 – Norwegian Dawn: Michael Mondavi, founder of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate, co-founder of Folio Fine Wine Partners and co-founder of The Cellars – A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar.
—October 28, 2017 – Norwegian Escape: Salvatore Ferragamo, heir of the Italian fashion house and owner at Il Borro Winery in Tuscany, Italy.
—November 4, 2017 – Norwegian Escape: Bill Whiting, Director of Wine Education at Banfi Vintners and grandson of John F. Mariani Sr., founder of Banfi Vintners.
—December 2, 2017 – Norwegian Escape: Aarón Sánchez, TV Chef and James Beard award-winner, as well as official ambassador and spokesperson for Terrazas de los Andes wines.
—February 17, 2018 – Norwegian Escape: Gerard Bertrand, award-winning expert with two decades of experience and vintner of Languedoc-Roussillon.
The Norwegian Escape sails from Miami, Florida, and the Norwegian Dawn departs from Boston, Massachusetts.
For more information, contact a travel agent, call 866-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
This post first appeared on TravelPulse.
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