To underline the value of its Premium All Inclusive concept, Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with premium brands and now reveals the line-up for the brand’s Meet the Winemaker Cruises, a selection of cruises aboard Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Dawn during which guests will have the opportunity to dine and wine with leaders and legends of the winemaking industry.
With Premium All Inclusive, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a flexible and innovative cruise experience with comprehensive services included in the cruise fare – from varied dining experiences and award-winning entertainment to a wide choice of premium drinks and gratuities on included services.
Norwegian’s Winemaker Dinner series will be hosted at the line’s popular wine venue The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar, and is in celebration of Norwegian’s successful ongoing partnership with the family and other valued beverage partners, including Moët Hennessy.
“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 NCL. “As we strive to continually enhance our beverage program and on-board offerings, these partnerships represent our ongoing goal to serve as innovators in the cruising industry.”
Guests aboard select sailings will have the chance to dive into the seasoned minds of the visiting experts with a complimentary open-forum question and answer session, following the chance to purchase featured wines selected by the wine makers. For a more intimate experience, guests can indulge in an interactive wine tasting and educational seminar hosted by the vintner.
Pricing for the tastings will be $19.95 per person. Guests seeking a gourmet experience can attend an exclusive five course wine dinner, hosted by the vintner or industry expert. The cost of the dinner with wine pairings is $59.95 per person.
The full line-up of the 2017/18 Meet The Winemaker series includes:
22 September 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. Mondavi represents the third generation representative of the prestigious family of wineries in Napa Valley.
28 October 2017, Norwegian Escape: Salvatore Ferragamo, heir of famed Italian fashion house and owner at Il Borro Winery in Tuscany, Italy. Salvatore, whose father Ferruccio, bought the beautiful Il Borro Estate in 1993, has replanted the family’s vineyard and has been releasing delicious Tuscan wines since 1999.
4 November 2017 – Norwegian Escape: Bill Whiting, Director of Wine Education at Banfi Vintners. As the grandson of John F. Mariani Sr., founder of Banfi Vintners, Whiting carries on the tradition of the award-winning Castello Banfi estate, founded in 1919 in the Brunello region of Tuscany.
2 December 2017 – Norwegian Escape: Aarón Sánchez. Famed TV Chef and James Beard award winner, Aarón Sánchez is the official ambassador and spokesperson for Terrazas de los Andes wines and is considered one of the world’s leading contemporary Latin chefs.
17 February 2018 – Norwegian Escape: Gerard Bertrand, renowned vintner of Languedoc-Roussillon. Bertrand, a legendary expert in the winemaking industry, boasts 20 years of experience and a breadth of awards and accolades.
To book your Meet the Winemaker Cruise visit www.ncl.com