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Experience Oregon & Washington Wine Country Aboard a Replica Coastal Steamer

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Join Me for a 7-Night Wine-Themed Cruise on the Columbia, Snake & Willamette Rivers

Evidence of the ice age floods is easy to spot — 15,000 years later, the results are as profound as they are delicious.

Lifting a glass of glinting ruby-hued wine, it’s impossible not to appreciate the lasting effects ancient geology had on this remarkable region. Complex soils, ample sun,  just-so winds, and the unwavering dedication of Oregon and Washington winemakers—this combination of factors have yielded spectacular results.

I’m pleased to announce that once again, I’ll be partnering with UnCruise Adventures as the wine expert on two ‘Rivers of Wine’ cruises. Together we’ll explore five AVA’s traversing dramatic topography as we make our way east along the Columbia—from alpine forest to semi-arid desert—we’ll visit multiple wineries followed by nightly onboard tastings and presentations. I’ll co-host the wine presentations along with the ship’s talented resident sommelier.

Rivers of Wine Map

Itinerary

Day 1 Portland, Oregon–Embarkation

A crew member shows you to your cabin. After a short time getting situated, gain your bearings with a spin around the ship before heading to the lounge where sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres await as you set sail from the City of Roses along the mighty Columbia River.

DAY 2—Hood River & Columbia Gorge Scenic Area

Multnomah Falls

Start your day with a stop at the towering Multnomah Falls, then depart for a relaxed afternoon as you take in the cool climate winemaking at its best. Enjoy a tasting at Hood River’s beautifully rustic Springhouse Cellar—a working winery housed in a former turn-of-the-century fruit cannery and distillery. At Mt. Hood Winery, the expertise of eight generations of winemakers is yours to savor—tour and taste at this century-old farm under the watchful gaze of the winery’s volcanic namesake. Back on board, cruise upriver through the Columbia River Gorge’s diverse collection of ecosystems. At 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, this river canyon cuts the only sea level route through the Cascade Mountains.

 

 

 

DAY 3—Walla Walla, Washington

Basel Cellars
Basel Cellars

Named one of the top ten wine regions in the world, this world-class wine country was shaped by its distinctive microclimates, rich volcanic soil, and picturesque rolling hills. Swirl a glass with the owners of Walla Walla’s Basel Cellars Estate Winery. Later in the afternoon, stroll through historic downtown Walla Walla—there’s plenty of free time to visit the boutique shops, whimsical art galleries, and tasting rooms that dot Walla Walla’s bustling main street. Then, relax back aboard the S.S. Legacy, as you sail onward to the Snake River Canyon.

 

 

 

 

DAY 4—Palouse Falls State Park

According to the Palouse tribal legend, four giant brothers pursued a mythic creature called “Big Beaver.” Fighting gallantly, each time Big Beaver was speared, the canyon walls were gouged until he tore out a yawning canyon, the river tumbled over a cliff, and the falls were born. Arriving at the falls, by way of bus along the Palouse River, notice the jagged canyon walls and the deep marks of Big Beaver’s claws. This afternoon, there’ll be an onboard tasting and presentation which I’ll co-lead.

 

 DAY 5—Red Mountain

Terra Blanca
Terra Blanca

A visit to the Walter Clore Center provides palette pleasing access to Washington wine experts—learn about the diversity of the state’sTerra Blanca Estate Winery & Vineyard wine and food products, perfect food pairings, and sample wines from a featured AVA. Then it’s off to discover the pride of the Red Mountain appellation—the smallest wine-grape growing region of Washington by acreage and known for its critically acclaimed reds. Savor a tour, tasting, and lunch at the exquisite Terra Blanca Estate Winery & Vineyard. Explore Terra Blanca’s sprawling vineyards, excavated wine caves, and neatly manicured estate grounds. Later in the day, we’ll gather for another onboard tasting and presentation followed by a Q&A session (if you have a burning wine question, please ask away!) before dinner.

 

 

 

DAY 6—The Dalles, Oregon

The entrepreneurial spirit, award-winning wines, and natural beauty of Maryhill Winery are yours to discover. Tour vineyards and a wine cave, taste wines from the barrel, and take in the expansive views of Columbia River Gorge cliffs stretching 1,000 feet below. After lunch aboard the S.S. Legacy, the afternoon in The Dalles is yours as you please—a tour and taste at Columbia Valley’s quirky Sunshine Mill Winery, stroll downtown or along the Riverfront Trail, or perhaps peel a grape and simply relax on deck.

 

DAY 7Willamette Valley

The jewel in Oregon’s crow, scenic Willamette Valley is an oenophile’s mecca with over 250 wineries and six distinct sub-appellations. At Hawks View Cellars, tour the sustainably farmed 50-acre estate vineyard and sip award-winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Then tour and taste at a couple of our hand-picked wineries—take in Parrett Mountain’s southern views while sipping Archer Vineyards’ old-vine varietals, or nestled among the Dundee Hills, is family-run Domaine Serene, specializing in Pinot Noir from eco-cultivated vineyards. You’ll gain an insider’s view of this world-renowned region. Tonight, we pull out all the corks for a wine extravaganza and city lights cruise along the Willamette River—raising one last glass to toast friendship and wine at the captain’s dinner.

 

 

 

DAY 8 Portland, Oregon – Disembark

Sated, your week of wineries and river cruising has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast with friends and say farewell to the crew before disembarking for your included transfer to the Portland airport.

 


Cruise Dates & Pricing

Be sure to take advantage of the $200 per person discount by using the PROMO CODE on this flyer when you book!

Departures Tour Type Price Book
Oct 21, 2017 7-Night River Cruise Fares from $3,695 Book Now

 

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR