Coastal California Cruise Packs in Exclusive Wine Events

[HostDave]

Azamara Club Cruises has lined up wine experts, vineyard visits and exclusive activities for Azamara Quest's Feb. 10 California coastal voyage. The ship will sail round-trip Los Angeles to Monterey and Santa Barbara, with three full days in San Francisco.

'The breadth of programs aboard Azamara’s California coastal voyage is representative of the culturally and destination-immersive experiences that our guests enjoy on every voyage,' said Azamara president and ceo Larry Pimentel. He added that extended stays in port afford passengers the opportunity to 'join in the vibrant nightlife of these wonderful Californian destinations.'

Shipboard lectures will be presented by experts from area vineyards Cline Cellars, Grgich Hills Estate, Trinchero Napa Valley, Wente Vineyards, HALL Wines, WALT Wines and Rocca Family Vineyards. Passengers also can sign up for on-board wine tasting seminars and more intimate, hosted dinners and Chef’s Tables for six to 12 people.

The cruise's included 'AzAmazing Evenings' event, available to all passengers, will be held at the historic Inglenook Winery in Napa Valley on Feb. 13. Owned by Francis Ford Coppola, the 19th century estate will be open exclusively to Azamara that evening for a rare wine tasting complemented by canapés, cheeses, desserts and live music. Attendees will be able to explore the wine caves, barrel room and historic photos on two floors of the old mansion.

Additional excursions, for purchase, include the 'Wine Maker Farm-to-Table Valentine’s Dinner.' Participants will go to Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley, for an intimate dinner hosted by their winemaker. A special menu will be prepared by a top private Napa Valley chef, who sources ingredients from local purveyors to complement the wines.

The 'You Can Be a Winemaker' excursion goes to Trinchero winery in the St. Helena appellation of Napa Valley where winemaker Mario Monticelli will lead a BYOB (build your own Bordeaux) blend session.