Chosen by the Wine Ambassador , Lawrence d'Almeida, Silversea offers a selection of approximately 160 different wines. This selection is praised by wine experts for being one of the most extensive complimentary wine lists on board a cruise ship. With approximately 70 different labels representing all the world's major wine regions and each of the principal wine grapes, Italian wines hold particular prominence as a tribute to the company's heritage. On most voyages, a selection of the finest local wines is also added to the list, allowing guests to sample excellent wines from around the globe.
Designed with wine-related destinations in mind and led by Silversea's own Wine Ambassador or qualified sommeliers, the range of themed wine cruises offers a variety of unique wine experiences around the world, from onboard lectures and tastings to excursions. These themed voyages allow guests to sample an exceptional selection of wines and expand their knowledge while visiting spectacular destinations and creating unforgettable memories.
From October 18 to October 31, 2018, Silver Whisper will sail between Lisbon and Fort Lauderdale on a wine-focused voyage, for which the cruise line has partnered with the Comitato Grandi Cru d'Italia and the American Fine Wine Competition. The cruise will introduce guests to wines from both the "Old World" and the "New World" as it sails from one world to the other across the Atlantic. Guests will first sample approximately 33 different varieties of premium Italian wines, provided by the Comitato Grandi Cru d'Italia, a renowned committee that brings together leading Italian wineries to protect and promote the prestige of this illustrious wine-producing nation. Later, 19 varieties of top American wines will be added, thanks to Silversea's partnership with the American Fine Wine Competition. Winemakers, journalists, wine magazine editors, and co-founders of the prestigious American Fine Wine Competition (AFWC), Monty and Sara Preiser from Napa and Florida will join the trip as instructors/hosts. Monty and Sara will present AFWC Double Gold Medal-winning wines and/or bottles from wineries named 'Winery of the Year' to the trip's guests.
Two illustrious members of the ASPI sommelier association, Giuseppe Vaccarini and Gennaro Buono, former best sommelier in the world and best sommelier in Italy, respectively, will join a segment of the transatlantic voyage, to the great benefit of the guests: Vaccarini will accompany the guests on various wine-related shore excursions, while Buono will organize an accredited preparatory sommelier course, meaning that participating guests will disembark from the Silver Whisper with a recognized sommelier qualification.
Four more wine trips are planned for 2019:
- Departing Auckland on January 20 and arriving in Sydney on February 2, Silversea's flagship, the Silver Muse, will host the first wine cruise of 2019. Organized by Lawrence d'Almeida, the cruise will introduce guests to a variety of wines and vintages in an intimate setting. In New Zealand, guests will enjoy a half-day tour of Gisborne wine country; winery visits in Picton; and a tour of Marlborough wine country. In Australia, guests will experience a trip to Ghost Rock Vineyard, among other attractions.
- On February 2, the Silver Whisper will depart Sydney for Bali (Benoa), arriving on February 16. Also led by Silversea's expert Wine Ambassador, the 14-day voyage will visit Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, and Komodo. A wide selection of carefully curated Australian wines will be added to the complimentary wine list. Among the highlights, guests will enjoy a private tour of the iconic Sirromet Winery in Queensland.
- The Silver Cloud will sail from Lisbon to Amsterdam between May 1st and May 13th, taking guests to some of Europe's premier wine regions. Visiting Porto, A Coruña, Gijón, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Belle Île, Douarnenez, Saint-Malo, and Le Havre, the 12-day voyage will also include the opportunity to sample the continent's finest cuisine, particularly in Bordeaux, where guests will enjoy an overnight stay. For this particular trip, Silversea's Wine Ambassador will select different wines from each country throughout the itinerary. Guests will also benefit from engaging wine lectures and tastings on board.
Between May 19 and June 2, the Silver Whisper will sail from London (Greenwich) to Barcelona, stopping in Honfleur, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Le Verdon (Bordeaux), Bilbao, Lisbon, Cádiz, and Málaga. During the voyage, guests can participate in the 2019 edition of the accredited sommelier course on board, meaning they will graduate with a recognized qualification. Guests can also participate in private tours of renowned wineries throughout the trip.
“From rare Italian wines that are virtually unknown to the most exquisite bottles that no other luxury establishment can offer, our range of complimentary and premium wines is designed to give our guests a glimpse into the world’s finest wines,” says Birgit Vadlau, Director of Food and Beverage at Silversea. “Our wine selection is unmatched by any other all-inclusive program at sea. Our wine journeys exemplify the exceptional range of experiences guests can enjoy across Silversea and incorporate the finest flavors of the destinations visited.”.
You can find more information and schedules about wine voyages at: https://www.silversea.com/wine-voyages.html
