Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will offer its Meet the Winemaker experience, a program featuring renowned winemakers and culinary experts who share their knowledge and experience with an intimate group of guests aboard the company's newest ships.
The Meet the Winemaker program offers wine enthusiasts and food lovers of all levels an exclusive opportunity to connect with winemakers and other experts through a variety of enriching seminars and activities, including intimate wine tastings, paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations, and onboard meet-and-greets. Guests can also purchase exclusive wines onboard that are only available at the wineries.
“Our Meet the Winemaker program is back and better than ever,” says Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.
A new addition to this year's program includes special host Emma Walker, a master blender at Johnnie Walker, based in Menstrie, Scotland.
Also joining the team is chef Ashley Breneman, who began her career studying at the culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu and has worked for numerous renowned chefs, including Gordon Ramsay on the hit show “MasterChef.” She is currently Executive Chef at Certified Angus Beef®, one of the nation’s leading beef brands.
Fourth-generation winemaker Miguel Torres, a pioneer in planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain, creating 'Mas la Plana' in 1970, will also make his debut on the culinary program.
Popular hosts returning to the show this year include celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez; winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo; Michael Mondavi, of the Michael Mondavi family estate; and 2023 “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year award winner, Gérard Bertrand, among others.
The complete line-up for the Meet the Winemaker 2023 program includes:
● April 2, 2023 – Norwegian Bliss, Mexican Riviera: With award-winning celebrity chef and TV personality Aaron Sanchez
● April 9, 2023 – Norwegian Encore, Eastern Caribbean: With fourth-generation winemaker Miguel Torres
● April 22, 2023* – Norwegian Bliss, Alaska: With world-class winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo of Il Borro estate in Tuscany, Italy, which produces world-class wines
● June 10, 2023* – Norwegian Bliss, Alaska: With the Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite wine dinner hosted by special guest Diane Flamand
● July 9, 2023* – Norwegian Encore, Alaska: With Antonio Hidalgo of the world-renowned, family-owned Spanish sherry house, Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana, and Certified Angus Beef® Executive Chef Ashley Breneman
● September 17, 2023 – Norwegian Prima, Northern Europe: Meet the Master Blender with Emma Walker, Master Blender at Johnnie Walker
● October 22, 2023 – Norwegian Escape, Bermuda: With Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate
● October 28, 2023 – Norwegian Joy, Western Caribbean: With Gérard Bertrand, winner of The Drinks Business Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 award
● October 29, 2023 – Norwegian Escape, Bermuda: With Randy Ullom of the Kendall-Jackson Family
Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a special wine-paired dinner featuring Certified Angus Beef®.
