Wine connoisseur, here is the cruise for you!  A riverboat cruise up and down the Western coast, visiting the Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries, makes for a delicious combo.  Consisting of small vessel yachts carrying from 22 passengers up to 100 passengers, small ships make up the available line of vessels ready to take interested individuals and couples on a cruise to experience the Californian wineries.  Since liquor is the theme, these cruises rarely include children.  Mostly young adults (ages 30’s – 50’s) and seniors travel the wine tour itineraries.  

 Two companies stand out on the West coastline, American Safari Cruises –  and Cruise West.  These one-of-a-kind cruises boast of “all inclusive” cruises; however, take time to read the fine print.  The “all inclusive” information may actually mean “exclusive.”  These coastal and winery cruises are usually packed with exclusive visits to the wineries on each cruise line’s itinerary.  Rarely will you have time to explore on your own.  To see more of a particular area, you’ll need to schedule your own time to revisit.

Consider the West Coast Winery tours as the new gold rush!  Back in the 1800’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys saw a large influx of settlers looking for gold.  What they didn’t know is the gold lay within the mineral rich soil.  In the Sonoma Valley, the first grapevines were transplanted from Mexico by Franciscan monks.  Unfortunately the grapes known as “mission grapes” didn’t produce a quality wine.  Another upstart for the California wineries came from Agoston Haraszthy, an 1850’s Hungarian immigrant and entrepreneur.  Having imported more than 300 varieties through thousands of vine cuttings, Agoston, father of the wine industry, started his own research as to which grape varieties grew best and produced the most flavorful wine.  Trouble began to ferment for Agoston when he discovered a pest, the phylloxera bug, was inadvertently imported along with some of his cuttings.  Necessity is the mother of invention and by the early part of the twentieth century grapevines had been cultivated to withstand this tiny predator and its onslaught against the future of wine.

Since a bug couldn’t keep the wine industry from taking off, men took on a predatory role against wineries.  Prohibition in the 1920’s seemed to be the demise of winemakers.  A nation wide outlawing of alcohol consumption would hinder the industry for a short time.  However, destiny arose to the occasion and in the Napa Valley wineries began to expand and produce a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that made everyone stand up and take notice!

Not to be outdone, Sonoma Valley wineries created “jug” wines.  High volumes of wine encased in large jugs for public consumption.  The modest table wines developed into high quality wines which received international recognition.

Your best time to cruise the West Coast and sample the wines is during the fall season.  Grapes are harvested and crushed, temperatures relax into the mid 70’s-80’s, and samplings abound throughout the valleys.  River cruises will take you through small ports where private or public settings for samplings can be set up for you.  If wine is an important commodity to you, then you won’t mind not getting to play golf or eat in the fine-dining California restaurants.  What you will discover is new and exciting vintages while getting a look at Northern California’s lush valleys and row upon row of beautiful grapevines. 

Excursions to the vineyards include guided tours of the vineyards with fresh “off the vine” samplings of grapes as you tour the facilities.  Sample California champagne at Schramsberg Vineyards, , a Napa County winery with filled caves of fermenting champagne.  Del Dotto Vineyards located near St. Helena’s hosts the valley’s full bodied reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Sangiovese.  This vineyard has tours of hand dug caves as well as their 1884 distillery.  A special private lunch with wine pairings is the highlight of the tours. Other vineyards worth visiting are:  Clos Pegase – free guided tours through their stone caves, tastings 11:00 am – 2:00 pm – telephone – 1-707-942-4281; Cuvaison – – a favorite for Merlot and Cabernet – 1-707-942-2468.

Sonoma Valley hosts more than 175 wineries.  Besides making the jug wines, Sonoma caters to those with high-end tastes.  At Schug Carneros Vineyard – the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are so rich and complex while tantalizing the taste buds of those seeking delight in wines.  Don’t let Domaine Carneros slip by you.  Only here can you sample their famous Gate Pinot Noir, which is only available at this winery.  Benziger Family Vineyards - is a special winery where you can learn the science of how nature and man work together to produce these excellent wines.  Cabernet, Fume’ Blanc, and Semillon are produced here.  One other vineyard visit which may be included in your itinerary is Viansa Winery. . Here you’ll sample premium Italian varieties while lounging in the Tuscan style villa.  Learn how to match pastas, antipasti, and meats with Pinot Grigio, Arneis, and Sangiovese.

(Photos and resources courtesy of American Safari Cruises, Cruise West, North American and Alaskan Cruises Insight Guides)   

Happy Traveling