Explore California's Wine Country Up Close and Personal with

Cruise West

Indulge yourself in the wonderful world of California wine, on a leisurely cruise experience that takes you deep into the famed Napa and Sonoma wine valleys. You will enjoy a day of exploring Sausalito and beautiful San Francisco Bay. Both wine novices and connoisseurs will enjoy tastings and interactive discussions about the history, mystery and delicacies of wine.

Each afternoon, you'll return from your day's adventures in the Wine Country to experience delightful hours on board ship, cruising on the rivers and the bay. A Guest Wine Speaker joins you on board to offer special tastings and personal insights into the world of fine wine

Vintner's Choice 4 night/5 days

Experience an epicure's sampler of the wine country's best

Departure dates: Sept. 24, Oct. 1,8,15,22, 2007

Day 1 - SAIL FROM SAN FRANCISCO Prior to boarding the Spirit of Yorktown in San Francisco you will be transferred from San Francisco Airport to Cruise West's hospitality area at the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy the delights of Fisherman's Wharf until boarding time. You will be welcomed onboard with a flute of Champagne or Champagne punch and a toast
as you cruise by the San Francisco skyline. Following a delicious dinner, gather in the lounge for a short presentation and casual conversation. Overnight, cruise up-bay to set the stage for a busy day in the Napa Valley.

Day 2 - HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NAPA VALLEY Note: you may visit today's wineries in an alternate order. Winery selection is subject to change. You will be treated to a cooking demonstration, "Cooking With Wine," by the chefs at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Greystone campus and have time to peruse their amazing cooking store.
Lunch will be served at the world-renowned Auberge du Soleil restaurant perched on the slope of Rutherford Hill, affording an impressive view of the entire Napa Valley. This exclusive Cruise West lunch will feature food and wine pairings explained by the sommelier.

Nestled along the historic Silverado Trail, Mumm Napa's spectacular views can be seen while tasting from the glass-enclosed tasting salon or outside on the terrace. Later, you will head back to CIA for an engaging wine program (may include wine blending) taught by the professionals at Greystone. Back onboard ship enjoy a leisurely cocktail hour and a delicious dinner.

Day 3 - SAUSALITO Enjoy the relaxing morning sail into Sausalito. Brunch will be served onboard as the Spirit of Yorktown ties up near the charming seaside town of Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. There will be time for you to walk and explore this artists' town on your own. Additional optional activities include exploring the Bay Model, inflatable excursion craft tours of Richardson Bay, the Marin shipyard or shopping. Your day will end with a twilight bay cruise and onboard wine tasting.
Day 4 - CHOICES There will be time for shopping and exploring at the park-like Sonoma Plaza, the largest of its kind in California. The Plaza is an eight-acre square at the heart of Sonoma's unique historical district.

Or... For those of you who would like the opportunity to personalize your cruise by exploring one of your individual passions there will be optional tours available: The Cabernet Lovers Limo Tour will visit three amazing wineries known for their high-end Cabernet Sauvignons: Quintessa, Silver Oak, and Joseph Phelps. (Wineries subject to change.) - or - Enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride over the lovely Napa Valley. - or - Tour the olive grove at Round Pond during the harvest / press season. You will have a chance to see olive oil pressed, and taste it, while enjoying the music that accompanies the harvest workers. Return to the Spirit of Yorktown for lunch. The afternoon will be filled visiting two wineries in Sonoma. At St. Francis you will be treated to food and wine pairings, touring, and tasting. St. Francis Winery is known for its Cabernets, Meritages, and Chardonnays. The Chateau St. Jean visit will include tasting and time to appreciate its magnificent gardens. This winery is known for its Cabernets and Chardonnays. Back onboard the ship you will experience a leisurely cocktail hour with featured wines followed by a delicious dinner.

Day 5 - RETURN TO SAN FRANCISCO You will want to be out on deck early this morning to take in the view as we cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge before returning to the San Francisco pier for disembarkation. A transfer to San Francisco's airport is included. See the box on the right for a delightful way to extend your stay in San Francisco.

Prices starting as low as $1949 per person

Email or call 877-485-7221 for more info