A WINE WITH A VIEW

[HostDave]

What is your definition of perfection? Sometimes it’s the expected answer, such as a gorgeous sunset or a flawless dinner. At other times, what makes something seem “perfect” can be a more complex combination of elements. At its heart, that “something” must be exceptional but it can’t stand alone. We have to notice, appreciate and respond to it. And sometimes, it is the unexpected blend of something extraordinary and both our surroundings and mood that create a moment that is sheer perfection.

At the American Queen Steamboat Company, we’ve become quite familiar with these “unexpected blends.” We see it reflected in the smiles, laughter and appreciation of our guests as they encounter moments that transcend the everyday and become something so outstanding that they know that what they are experiencing is, indeed, complete perfection.

It often happens on the deck of the grand American Queen and most frequently on the Front Porch of America. The setting is idyllic: a broad covered deck peppered by small tables, chairs, rocking chairs and even old-fashioned porch swings. Sitting in a rocking chair or a porch swing while sipping lemonade, sweet tea or a Mint Julep takes guests back to a simpler time. But as flawless as such a moment can be, it is the banks of the river slowly rolling past that elevate the moment to a level of excellence not soon forgotten. The elements all come together to take guests back 100 years to a different, simpler and more elegant time in America.

We expect that guests aboard our newest addition, the graceful American Empress, will find similar moments during her 9-day Pacific Northwest cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers between Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington. Until they happen, we won’t know precisely what combination of delights will create that feeling of total joy but we admit we have a few ideas. We’re pretty sure that a glass of wine at sunset with an ever-changing view of the rugged natural surroundings is going to rank right up there.

When people think of the South and steamboats on the Mississippi River, they think of antebellum homes, hoopskirts, magnolia blossoms and Southern hospitality. When they think of the Pacific Northwest, they think of soaring peaks, jagged mountain ranges, raging rivers, deep canyons, dense pine forests, cascading waterfalls and an untouched wilderness charted by Lewis & Clark. All of those things are accurate representations of the area and of our upcoming cruises on the American Empress beginning in April.

But what they may forget to think of in the Pacific Northwest is refinement, elegance and perfection. The American Empress is a superb floating boutique hotel with every possible amenity, sailing through vistas that have spawned accolades from explorers and pioneers alike. And the region along the Columbia River, especially the area around Walla Walla, Washington, is known for producing fine wines.

In fact, one of our optional Premium Experience Excursions, which we offer in addition to our complimentary Hop-On, Hop-Off shore excursions in every port of call, focuses on wine. The Walla Walla Wine Trail follows the famed path of the same name and features wineries that produce award-winning Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignons, Syrahs, Viogniers and more.

The first wine was produced in the area only a generation ago but Walla Walla is quickly rising in prominence. Many have called the Walla Walla Valley the “next Napa Valley.” What we love about the vineyards around Walla Walla is that most are still small and often family run. There is an authenticity and commitment to the passion of growing grapes and bottling superb wine that is reflected in the taste. Unlike many wines produced by large consortiums and corporations, the wines of Walla Walla are still close to their roots. In many cases, our guests can meet the owners and winemakers themselves.

Walla Walla traces its winemaking heritage back to the late 1970s and the creation of Leonetti Cellar which spawned the establishment of Woodward Canyon and L’Ecole in the early 1980s. All three were ahead of their time: the region didn’t receive official recognition by the American Viticultural Association until 1984. Fast forward three decades later to today and there are nearly 2,000 acres of vineyards and over 100 wineries.

And those 100 wineries create some brilliant wines. And those wines are best sampled in the wineries’ tasting rooms which are often destinations unto themselves. The Eater Seattle website recently ranked Walla Walla’s various tasting rooms and some of their (and our) favorites are describe below:

“Charles Smith: It wouldn't be going out on a limb to say that Charles Smith's downtown Walla Walla tasting room is the sexiest in town. Knotted wood, seasoned metal and rustic concrete set the stage for a truly modern tasting experience.”

“Woodward Canyon: Most people want to stop here for both gustational and historical reasons; Founded in 1981, Woodward Canyon is one of Walla Walla's oldest, and most respected, wineries. But during late Spring and Summer there's a third reason to stop, and that's the food! Straight from Darcey Small's garden, the folks at Woodward Canyon whip up tasty lunch dishes celebrating Walla Walla's agricultural heritage. It's a treat to enjoy these amidst the lush gardens behind the tasting room. There's also the seasonal Lazy S Arrow market, where you can purchase all kinds of goodies — from fresh produce to locally-made charcuterie — that'll leave you feeling like you just visited your favorite Aunt who loaded you up with homemade provisions for your weekend in paradise.”

“Long Shadows: Among Washington's most high falutin' winery concepts, Long Shadows brings together the best winemakers in the world to make wine from the best grapes (if us Washingtonians do say so, ourselves) in the world. This tasting room was built for entertaining and nary an object was scrimped on here — from the outdoor fire pit to the festive curls of Chihuly glass that frame a gorgeous hilltop Palouse view.”

To read the full list of the top 11 Walla Walla tasting rooms, visit the Eater Seattle website. Better yet, join us on an upcoming American Empress voyage and sample the best that Walla Walla has to offer yourself. While sipping a flight of wines in a Pacific Northwest tasting room sounds like perfection, there’s only one way to improve on the atmosphere and that is to place it on a riverboat at sunset on the Columbia River. Imagine enjoying a glass of Walla Walla’s finest on the deck of the American Empress. The juxtaposition of rugged mountains, primeval forests and vast panoramas with a refined, sophisticated bottle of wine is pure heaven. It’s more than heaven: it’s perfection.

Find perfection by making your reservations and paying-in-full before March 31, 2014, to take advantage of one of two extraordinary offers. Choose to save up to $400 per stateroom* on any American Empress voyage from June through October, 2014 or instead select a two-category upgrade** on any 2014 departure of the American Empress in the Pacific Northwest or the American Queen on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers in 2014.

* Book by March 31, 2014, pay-in-full and Save $400 per stateroom ($200 per person) on any 2014 June-October American Empress voyage. Full payment is required at time of booking to redeem this offer. Offer expires on March 31, 2014. This offer cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or discounts; not valid on Group bookings or existing reservations. Savings are only on the price of the cruise, not valid on taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. Promotional fares and amenities are capacity controlled, may vary by sailing and category of accommodations and may be withdrawn without notice. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, are per person and do not include air or land transportation. Port Charges of $69 to $159 per person are additional and not included in the fare. Additional terms and conditions may apply – call for details.

** Offer expires March 31, 2014 and is valid on new, paid-in-full bookings only. Full payment at time of booking is required to redeem this offer. Estimated savings of up to $3200 ($1600 per person) is based on double occupancy for a standard American Queen 9 day voyage. Offer is not valid on Group bookings or existing reservations and cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or discounts. The free 2 cabin category upgrade means that guests will be placed in cabin(s) that are 2 sequential categories above initial cabin(s) requested at time of reservation. This offer is not valid on cabin upgrades into American Queen categories LS, AAA, SO and SI; and American Empress categories LS, A and CS. This offer is based on cabin availability and only while inventory lasts. Cruise fare does not include taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. Additional terms and conditions may apply - call for details