Returning for its seventh year, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Meet the Winemaker series promises an impressive guest lineup that includes new and familiar specialists.
A new addition to the series is Emma Walker, a Master Blender at Johnnie Walker who holds the highest rank in whisky craftsmanship. She will join the September 17 sailing on Norwegian Prima as it sails through Northern Europe. Cruise guests can learn the brand history and savour the wide range of aged whiskeys.
Also new is chef Ashley Breneman, who began her career studying at Le Cordon Bleu culinary institute and has worked for numerous celebrity chefs, including Gordon Ramsay on the hit show MasterChef. She is now the executive chef at Certified Angus Beef. She will be on the July 9 sailing aboard Norwegian Encore to Alaska.
Fourth-generation winemaker Miguel Torres, who pioneered planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain, creating Mas la Plana in 1970, will meet with guests aboard Norwegian Encore’s April 9 Eastern Caribbean voyage.
Returning fan-favourite hosts include celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, world-class winemaker and member of the historic fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo; Napa Valley icon Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate; and The Drinks Business Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient Gérard Bertrand, among others.
The regular series provides wine enthusiasts and gourmands an exclusive opportunity to engage with winemakers and connoisseurs through enriching and interactive seminars and activities on board. Cruise guests can also purchase wines on board that are otherwise only available by visiting the wineries directly.
Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to get one-on-one exposure to esteemed winemakers and their collection of wines, all while visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable vacation.”
More information can be found on the Meet the Winemaker series site.
