Windstar Cruises Formulates New Wine Program

Windstar Cruises has always been one of our top choices for laid back sailing expeditions in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and the Mediterranean. We've always found the food and wine to be top notch and the cruise line continues to improve its offerings in these areas.

Just last week Windstar announced its new Yachtsmen's Discovery Wine Program, which features Wines By the Glass, Wine Flights, and Wine Tastings. The first two options are already available onboard Windstar's motor-sail-yachts: Wind Spirit, Wind Star, and Wind Surf. Wine Tastings will begin in early 2010.

Six ounce Wines by the Glass are available from $6.50–$14.50 per glass in the Lounge and The Restaurant on all three ships as well as in the Yacht Club and in Degrees on Wind Surf.

Twenty-one wines comprise the Wines By The Glass menu, offering guests a choice of 14 distinct varietals/blends, drawn from the soils of 13 distinct appellations from Pacific Rim locales of California, Washington, Oregon, Australia, and New Zealand. Ten white wines, 10 red wines, and one blush in the varietal categories of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Vin Gris de Cigare are offered.

Wine Flights will feature a selection of four glasses of wine for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Wine Tastings will be scheduled sessions on each sailing and led by a sommelier. Here guests will sample a selection of varietals and learn about each one in an intimate, relaxing environment.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or call Windstar Cruises at 1-(800) 258-7245.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com