Four Wine Experts Chosen For Un-Cruise Adventures’ New Culinary & Wine Cruises on Columbia & Snake Rivers

Nine wineries visited on weeklong small ship river cruise aboard S.S. Legacy

Pairing river cruising with a wine-rich region in the Pacific Northwest, Un-Cruise Adventures’ new Ameritage! Four Rivers of Wine and History itinerary quenches the thirst of travelers interested in learning more about wine while cruising along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The line has chosen four wine experts to accompany travelers aboard the S.S. Legacy.The 88-guest S.S. Legacy, a replica coastal steamer reminiscent of the ships that once plied the rivers in the early 1900s, offers the new weeklong, wine-centric itinerary roundtrip Portland, OR.  A wine expert sails on board for the week to interact with guests and lead wine tastings along with food pairings.

•    August 15 with Steven (a certified sommelier) and MaryAnn Sinkler, winemakers and owners of the Wine Shack in Cannon Beach, Oregon

•    August 22 with Kevin Correll, winemaker and owner of Barrage Cellars,  a boutique winery in Washington State

•    August 29 with Jameson Fink, a wine expert with a decade of experience in the retail industry, an award-winning blogger of all things wine and currently the wine editor at MSN.com

•    September 5 with Joel Butler, one of the first two American Masters of Wine (1990) and owner of World of Wine in Redmond, Washington

“We created the new Ameritage river cruise itinerary to highlight the culinary and wine offerings in the Pacific Northwest,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “With a wine expert on board, tastings, food pairings and visits with winemakers, guests can expect a well-rounded week of Northwest wines along with the striking scenery found on the Columbia & Snake Rivers.”

The inclusive itinerary features four rivers—Columbia, Snake, Willamette and Palouse—and highlights the burgeoning wine regions in Washington and Oregon including Walla Walla, recently named one of the top ten wine regions in the world. Tastings at nine wineries are included in the cruise fare.  Wineries may include Springhouse Cellars, Maryhill Winery, AniChe Cellars, Bergevin Lane, Dunham Cellars, Terra Blanca, Sunshine Mill Winery and others. A visit to the Wine Shack in Cannon Beach includes tastings of Washington and Oregon wines. The Oil & Vinegar Bar nearby presents tastings of infused olive oil.

Highlights of the cruise include cruising through scenic Columbia River Gorge, transiting of eight sets of locks and dams, and visits to Hood River, Walla Walla, Astoria and Cannon Beach. Excursions explore towering Multnomah Falls, Palouse Falls State Park, eclectic Maryhill Museum, Hanford Interpretive Center and Whitman Mission.

A seasonal menu aboard the S.S. Legacy features fresh, local ingredients from the Northwest. Wines from Washington and Oregon will be paired with meals; a seven-course wine-paired dinner will be held one evening. Inclusive wine theme cruises offer on board interpretation by a heritage leader, a wine expert, and guided tours combined with innovative meals; premium wine, beer and spirits; a massage;  all taxes and fees and transfers. Rates begin at US$3,695 per person, double occupancy.  All winery tasting fees are included.

From April through November, the line also offers the Legacy of Discovery itinerary on the Columbia and Snake Rivers focusing on the history of the area with included tours to points of historical interest each day and a Heritage Team on board for Living History presentations.  Lewis and Clark buffs may choose theme cruise dates with Todd Weber, an expert on American history and the Lewis & Clark expedition—May 16, 23; October 31; November 7, 2015.   And on August 8, 2015 Letters from Home, a singing duo specializing in 1940s style harmonies, tap dancing and comedy joins the cruise.