Continuing its long-standing tradition of robust, engaging curated epicurean experiences, AmaWaterways announced its 2018 Wine Cruise line-up with 50-plus itineraries hosted by North American winemakers, winery owners and expert oenologists. Designed to provide an immersive wine experience, AmaWaterways’ Wine Cruises blend the best of both New and Old World viticulture by offering guests unparalleled access to some of North America’s top winemakers, and the opportunity to experience the iconic wine regions along Europe’s stunning waterways.
“Wine has always been a passion of mine, so to see our guests enjoy these educational and immersive experiences with such esteemed Wine Hosts is really rewarding,” commented Rudi Schreiner, president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “Since introducing the concept of wine cruises more than seven years ago, we continue to see an increased interest from our guests, and plan to expand even further our partnerships with the North American wineries and wine experts hosting these incredible adventures.”
The variety of North American wine regions represented by the Wine Hosts, as well as the expertise and guidance shared during the trips, have contributed to making these Wine Cruises so popular. The 2018 line-up showcases enterprising husband and wife co-owners, families who share the passion and pride of wine making, as well as at least nine remarkable women who are making their mark in the wine business. AmaWaterways 2018 Wine Hosts include:
- Martin and Megan Clubb, co-owners of L’Ecole N° 41 in Walla Walla Valley, WA, are third-generation winery owners who bring over 30 years of experience in the industry and have won numerous awards including being named Wine & Spirits magazine’s “Winery of the Year” for 14 consecutive years.
- Anthony Bell, winemaker and owner at Bell Wine Cellars, is known for making the famed Georges de Latour, and has been deeply involved in many aspects that contribute to modern winemaking in Napa Valley, including drawing the map defining the Carneros appellation.
- Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, founders of Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, TX, re-introduced the concept of winemaking in Texas. The Bonarrigos planted their first vineyard in 1977 and soon became pioneers of the Texas wine industry having established Messina Hof as the fourth winery in the state.
- Sally and Fred Schweiger designed and developed the Schweiger Estate with the help of family, and welcomed their first official harvest in 1984. Today the Schweigers are proud to be the longest property owners in the esteemed Spring Mountain AVA in the legendary Napa Valley with ownership spanning four generations of living and working on the family estate.
- Amelia Ceja, president of Ceja Vineyards in Napa, CA, became the first Mexican-American woman ever to be elected president of a winery, and in 2005 was recognized by the California legislature as “Woman of the Year” for breaking the glass ceiling in a very competitive business. She received the coveted 2013 Academy of Marketing Science Distinguished Marketer Award for turning wine consumers into wine aficionados with her subtle blend of viticulture, down-home cuisine and a Web-based marketing campaign.
Additional 2018 Wine Cruises include Wine Hosts from Le Vigne Winery in Paso Robles, California; Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaphack, New York; Kriselle Cellars in White City, Oregon; Alpha Omega Winery in St. Helena, California; and King Family Vineyards in Crozet, Virginia, among many others. For a full list of AmaWaterways Wine Cruises and profiles on the respected Wine Hosts, visit www.AmaWaterways.com/explore/wine-hosts/2018.
In addition to the educational, onboard lectures and wine tastings hosted by these award-winning winemakers from North America, AmaWaterways offers a diverse selection of shore excursions that immerse guests in the local terroir and culinary culture of the region they are visiting. Visits to private cellars, strolls through stunning vineyards and authentic encounters with world-class vintners and artisans are featured on AmaWaterways’ shore excursions and enable guests to make real connections with the rich culture and history of France’s Bordeaux, Burgundy and Alsace regions; Germany’s Moselle and Rhine valleys; Austria’s Wachau and Portugal’s Douro River area.
As an added incentive, guests who book an AmaWaterways Wine Cruise by November 30, 2017 will receive an exclusive Early Booking Reward of up to $1,500 off per stateroom available on select dates, excluding Portugal. Visit www.AmaWaterways.com/special-offers for more details.
For more information, or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your travel professional, visit www.AmaWaterways.com or call (800) 626-0126. Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmaWaterways and Twitter @AmaWaterways.
