Wine 1004

Cruising has evolved significantly, becoming a destination for foodies and wine connoisseurs. In 2025, several itineraries are set to offer unforgettable culinary experiences aboard stunning ships. Here are some highlights of cruises that cater to those who love fine food and wine.

1. Explore Bordeaux with Viking

Viking offers a captivating eight-day Chateaux, Rivers & Wine cruise through Bordeaux, France. Guests will visit the UNESCO-listed Port of Moon, experience a wine and oyster pairing, learn truffle hunting, and taste exquisite Sauternes wine. This cruise aboard the Viking Forseti, which accommodates 190 passengers, runs from March to November, with prices starting at $2,499 per person.

2. Taste your way from Amsterdam to Luxembourg

On the Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle Wine Cruise with AmaWaterways, travelers can sail from Amsterdam to Luxembourg, sampling German wines along the way. Highlights include a canal cruise through Amsterdam, a Kölsch beer tasting in Cologne, and a gondola tour with wine tasting in Rüdesheim. Prices for this seven-night adventure start at $3,639.

3. A West Coast food and wine cruise

National Geographic Expeditions presents the Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History cruise, limited to 62 guests. This engaging eight-day trip features a beer and oyster tasting in Astoria, insights into the Columbia Plateau’s geology, and a private wine tasting in a WWII airplane hangar. Departures take place from March to October, with fares starting at $5,827.

4. Sail with the James Beard Foundation

Windstar Cruises has partnered with the James Beard Foundation, ensuring that award-winning chefs create exceptional menus. On select themed cruises throughout the year, guests can engage in cooking demonstrations, enjoy chef-led dinners and wine pairings, and explore local markets with culinary experts. Various itineraries will be available, with pricing differing by destination.

5. An onboard dining extravaganza

Virgin Voyages will host its Eat & Drink Festival fleet-wide from June 29 to July 27. This year’s theme, “A Taste of Brilliant,” celebrates the launch of the new ship, Brilliant Lady. The festival will feature curated dining experiences inspired by various ports, with special menus and new restaurant concepts onboard.

6. Revel in Japan’s unique dining experiences

Regent Seven Seas is offering exclusive Epicurean Explorer Tours in Japan. Limited to 18 guests, these culinary-focused excursions allow travelers to learn about Japanese culinary traditions, from manufacturing kitchen knives to indulging in Kobe beef and participating in sushi-making classes. The trip is set to depart on October 28, 2025, with fares starting at $9,599.

7. A new cruise ship with culinary prowess

Oceania Cruises will launch its latest ship, Allura, in July. With a high chef-to-guest ratio, this ship promises exceptional dining experiences, including a 10-day Mediterranean Allure itinerary that features visits to local wineries and cooking lessons in picturesque locations such as Sorrento, Italy, and Rhodes, Greece. Prices begin at $4,505 per guest.

These itineraries showcase the growing trend of culinary-rich voyages that combine travel with gourmet experiences, promising a delightful adventure for those with a passion for food and wine.

Business owners in Colorado Springs are expressing concern over President Trump’s announcement of a potential 200% tariff on alcohol imported from Europe, should the European Union introduce a 50% tariff on American whiskey. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that this tariff would benefit U.S. wine and champagne businesses.

Local wine retailers are already grappling with the challenges posed by the industry. Andrew Yun, the manager at Pine Creek Wine & Spirits, highlighted the struggles faced by his business. He explained that the anticipated tariff could significantly impact his operations, especially given the razor-thin profit margins most wine retailers experience. He is apprehensive about whether the 200% tariff will actually be implemented.

Justin Niven, the manager of the Wine Gallery, remarked that this wouldn’t be the first time the wine industry has faced tariffs. The previous Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on wines from France, Spain, and Germany in 2019, which had already driven up prices. Niven hopes that the situation does not escalate to the level of the proposed tariff.

Both managers are closely monitoring the evolving situation, acknowledging that, for now, the 200% tariff remains a threat rather than a certainty. They hope for stability in pricing amidst the uncertainty.

Furry friends have the opportunity to be featured on a wine bottle thanks to Orlando’s Pet Alliance and their 11th annual "My Best Friend Wine Label Contest" in partnership with Quantum Leap Winery. Pet parents can submit photos of their cats or dogs for a chance to have their beloved pet grace the label of the 2024 “My Best Friend Rescue Red Wine.”

Entries are accepted until July 31, with a $5 fee for each submission. Voting for the entries opens on August 1 and runs until August 24, with each vote requiring a $1 donation, which helps raise funds for the organization.

Steve Bardy, the executive director of Pet Alliance, expressed excitement over the contest, highlighting it as a wonderful way for pet owners to support their mission. "It’s always exciting to see proud pet parents showing off their adorable fur babies and seeing all the fun photos that come in," he noted.

The winning dog and cat will have their images, names, and stories featured on the wine label. Additionally, grand prize winners will receive a case of wine and a feature in Pet Alliance’s "Wags and Whiskers" newsletter. Runners-up in each category will also earn prizes, and all winners and their families will be invited to an event at Quantum Leap, the winery set to reopen this month at a new location on Lake Fairview.

Over the years, the contest has raised nearly $380,000, significantly aiding Pet Alliance, which provides shelter, medical care, and food assistance to over 3,500 homeless dogs and cats annually.

For those interested in participating, entries can be submitted through gogophotocontest.com/mybestfriend or directly at petallianceorlando.org.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria, has been named the Best Wine Capital of Europe in 2025, following a poll of over 284,000 wine enthusiasts from 82 countries. This title recognizes Plovdiv’s long-standing winemaking tradition, which dates back over 5,000 years. With its stunning scenery and unique terroir, the region produces a variety of excellent wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and local specialties like Mavrud and Rubin. The city hosts various wine festivals, making it an inviting destination for wine lovers and tourists.

Here are the other nine top wine destinations recommended for 2025:

1. La Rioja, Spain:Located near Bilbao, La Rioja is celebrated for its Tempranillo grape, yielding rich red wines. The area offers numerous vineyards with accommodations, such as the architecturally stunning Hotel Marqués de Riscal.

2. Bordeaux, France:Renowned for its red blends, Bordeaux is home to approximately 6,000 wine estates. Visitors can enjoy immersive experiences at the Cité du Vin and luxurious stays at properties like Château Grand Barrail.

3. Douro Valley, Portugal:A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Douro Valley is known for its Port wines. Visitors can explore picturesque vineyards and stay at Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House for an enriching experience.

4. Tuscany, Italy:Famous for wines like Chianti Classico, Tuscany offers scenic views and rich cultural experiences. COMO Castello Del Nero provides a luxurious stay with gourmet dining options.

5. Champagne, France:The birthplace of sparkling wine, the Champagne region boasts wineries like Moët & Chandon and offers a luxurious stay at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa.

6. Piedmont, Italy:Known for Barolo and Barbaresco wines, Piedmont features rolling hills and medieval villages. The 5-star Principi di Piemonte offers a refined stay amid this beautiful region.

7. Alsace, France:This region showcases the blend of French and German heritage, producing distinctive white wines. The charming villages along the Alsace Wine Route provide a picturesque backdrop for wine exploration.

8. Mosel Valley, Germany:The valley is famous for Riesling vineyards and offers a combination of scenic beauty and historical architecture. Moselschlösschen Spa & Resort is a recommended spot for relaxation.

9. Santorini, Greece:Recognized for its distinct wines like Assyrtiko, Santorini’s volcanic soil contributes to unique flavors. Visitors can enjoy guided tours at various wineries and luxurious stays at hotels like Santorini Secret Suites & Spa.

These destinations offer rich histories, stunning landscapes, and exceptional wines, making them must-visit spots for wine enthusiasts in 2025.

Here’s a curated list of 20 award-winning white wines from the U.S. that cost $10 or less. Each wine has been distinguished by major wine competitions and recognized for their quality and value.

In creating this list, results from several prestigious wine competitions were analyzed, including the Decanter World Wine Awards, Wine Spectator, and the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Recommended White Wines

• Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington – $10
  Known for its bright aromatic quality, this Riesling features notes of peach, green apple, and florals, with a balanced sweetness and a crisp finish.

• Barefoot Moscato, California – $6
  This wine is fruit-forward and accessible, showcasing peach, apricot, and citrus flavors, with a light and refreshing sweetness.

• Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay, Central Coast, California – $10
  With aromas of apple and vanilla, this wine presents a creamy texture complemented by well-balanced acidity and light oak notes.

• Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc, California – $9
  Recognized for bold flavors, this Sauvignon Blanc includes grapefruit and lime, finishing crisp and refreshing.

• Bogle Vineyards Chardonnay, California – $10
  A family-owned winery producing sustainable wines, this Chardonnay offers flavors of green apple, pear, and light oak with a creamy finish.

• Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc, California – $6
  Exhibiting crisp lime, pear, and a hint of green herb, this wine is known for its refreshing qualities.

• Fetzer Shaly Loam Gewürztraminer, California – $8
  With notes of lychee, rose petal, and spice, this wine is balanced with a touch of sweetness.

• Liberty Creek Pinot Grigio, California – $5
  Light and drinkable, this Pinot Grigio offers refreshing notes of pear, citrus, and green apple.

• The Naked Grape Chardonnay, California – $5
  This straightforward wine showcases flavors of apple and tropical fruit with a smooth finish.

• Chateau Souverain Sauvignon Blanc, California – $10
  Featuring crisp lime and grapefruit along with a hint of minerality, this wine finishes clean and refreshing.

• Sutter Home White Zinfandel, California – $6
  A popular pink wine, it bursts with strawberry and melon notes, complemented by refreshing sweetness.

• Gnarly Head Pinot Grigio, California – $10
  Known for its value-oriented, fruit-forward profile, this Pinot Grigio includes crisp pear and citrus with a clean finish.

• Almaden Chardonnay, California – $3
  With a history dating back to the 1850s, this Chardonnay is consistently good, highlighting ripe apple and vanilla flavors with a buttery finish.

• Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio, SE Australia – $6
  This wine is approachable and features green apple and pear notes, finishing crisply.

• Franzia Crisp White, California – $3
  Famous for boxed wine, it offers citrus and floral notes with a clean finish, making it a great value.

• Folie a Deux Menage à Trois Moscato, California – $10
  Known for its bold flavors and approachable blends, it presents sweet notes of peach and apricot.

• HRM Rex Goliath Sauvignon Blanc, California – $5
  This wine is easy-drinking, showcasing citrus and tropical fruit notes with a refreshing finish.

• Bella Sera Pinot Grigio, Veneto Italy IGT – $8
  This Italian-inspired wine features a blend of pear, lemon, and crisp apple flavors.

• Concannon Vineyard Glen Ellen Reserve Chardonnay, California – $5
  Known for quality at accessible prices, this Chardonnay offers apple, pear, and vanilla notes with a well-rounded finish.

• Flip Flop Left Coast Riesling, California – $6
  This fun and approachable Riesling includes peach and floral notes with a touch of sweetness.

These selections offer excellent value and are perfect for casual enjoyment or everyday drinking.

The North Coast Wine Challenge is gearing up for its 13th annual event, which will take place from April 1 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. This year, the competition will feature significant updates aimed at enhancing participants’ experiences and showcasing more diverse wine styles.

Judged by a panel of 34 regional experts, including winemakers, sommeliers, and wine buyers, the challenge is committed to focusing exclusively on wines produced from grapes grown in California’s North Coast AVA, which includes Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Marin, Lake, and Solano counties. The competition’s criteria for entry require that the winery not only be located in California but that the wine also be labeled to reflect one of these specific AVAs.

In a notable shift, the competition will now categorize orange wines and nouveau-style reds separately, aiming to give these styles the attention and recognition they deserve. Chief judge Daryl Groom highlighted the growing popularity of these wine styles among consumers and expressed optimism that the new categories would encourage local wineries to enter.

Additionally, a new category for nonalcoholic wines has been introduced, reflecting a trend recognized by retailers that indicates growth in this segment. Groom hopes that adding this category will inspire local winemakers to explore nonalcoholic options, even if entries may be limited at first.

This year will also see the introduction of the Winemaker of the Year award, which will be based on the number of gold medals a winemaker earns throughout the competition. This award will join the existing “Best of the Best” honor, which recognizes the highest-rated wine.

Last year, the top honor went to Trentadue Winery for their 2021 La Storia Cuvée 32. The winners of this year’s challenge will be announced via Facebook Live on April 2, with a complete list of gold and double-gold awardees published in The Press Democrat’s Feast section on April 16.

Wine lovers are encouraged to mark their calendars for the North Coast Wine & Food Festival on June 14, where they can taste the winning wines alongside culinary offerings from local restaurants.

For more information about the event, visit the North Coast Wine & Food Festival website. For details on the competition, check the official North Coast Wine Challenge site.

HAMMONDSPORT, NY — The Finger Lakes wine industry is bracing for potential effects from an emerging trade conflict between the United States and Canada. With winemaking being a significant part of the region’s economy, local vintners are reevaluating their sales strategies heading into the 2025 season.

"We’re all just looking at this with our fingers crossed and saying we’ll see what happens," expressed Jordan Harris, the Winemaker and COO at Heron Hill Winery in Hammondsport. He noted the situation is rapidly evolving, making it hard to predict future impacts.

In response to U.S. tariffs on various Canadian imports, Canadian provinces, particularly Ontario and Quebec, have removed American-made alcoholic beverages from their shelves. This shift is problematic for wineries like Heron Hill, which had previously counted on sales across the border. "By removing American wines from the shelves, it effectively creates more space for Canadian products," Harris pointed out, adding that he doubts their wines will regain shelf space due to consumer habits potentially shifting to local alternatives.

Currently, Heron Hill Winery has not yet felt the effects as the peak season has not commenced. However, Harris anticipates challenges with the arrival of summer, particularly due to the ban on American alcohol in Canada and a likely decrease in Canadian tourism. "A significant portion of our business relies on travelers from Canada who visit the Finger Lakes for wine tours," he stated.

Despite signing a deal with a Canadian distributor to increase their market presence in Canada earlier this year, the winery was unable to ship wine across the border before the American products were banned.

Looking ahead, Harris sees potential solutions to mitigate the impact, including targeting areas like Buffalo to expand their customer base. He believes that many Buffalo residents, who used to travel to Canada for wine tasting, may consider exploring Finger Lakes wines instead.

The U.S. wine industry is facing significant challenges after Canada imposed a 25% tariff on several American products, including wine. This action comes in retaliation to new tariffs set by the U.S., which, although some were paused until early April, have already begun to disrupt trade relationships.

Benjamin Aneff, the president of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance, expressed concerns about how these tariffs will affect U.S. wine suppliers. He highlighted that the tariffs represent a massive problem for the industry, impacting both producers and consumers.

This scenario underscores the complexity of international trade and the ripple effects tariffs can have across various sectors, particularly for businesses reliant on exporting goods. As negotiations continue, the outlook for the U.S. wine industry remains uncertain, prompting calls for reevaluation of the trade policies affecting it.

Located in New York’s West Village, Cora is a New-American wine bar defined by an impressive focus on North American wines. Led by sommelier Emmeline Zhao, executive chef Joseph Bliffen, and pastry chef Janice Sung, Cora sets itself apart in a city where European wines typically dominate.

Cora features a curated wine list that emphasizes sustainability and highlights winemakers from diverse backgrounds, a refreshing change in New York’s dining scene. According to Zhao, this approach complements their culinary mission: "If the food celebrates who and where we are, why wouldn’t the wines?”

The team behind Cora also previously operated Dogwood Café, known for its Chinese-American pastries. This expertise can be seen in Cora’s menu, which combines innovative dishes such as kinako twice-baked croissants with classics. Their commitment to crafting everything in-house, from bread to pasta, showcases their dedication to quality and sustainability.

Cora offers nearly 20 wines by the glass, including selections from lesser-known regions like Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia, alongside the more recognized wines from California and Oregon. This comes at a time when the U.S. wine market is facing challenges, with a noted decline in demand for still wines, but Zhao remains optimistic about the value of domestic wines and hopes others will follow suit.

Despite the hurdles of opening in a bustling city—supply chain delays and regulatory obstacles—Zhao maintains a collaborative attitude toward neighboring restaurants, emphasizing community over competition. With over 1,000 wine bars in New York state, including 677 in the city, Zhao and her team are focused on establishing Cora as a beloved fixture in the West Village rather than pursuing immediate expansion.

Looking ahead, Zhao emphasizes the importance of providing quality food, beverage, and hospitality, aiming to create a warm atmosphere that nourishes and uplifts their guests.

Regardless of the views of your wine-loving friends, there is no universally accepted method for serving wine. You can pour wine into a water glass, and you might just find an article that supports that idea—just as easily as you’ll find one arguing against it. As a casual wine drinker myself, I don’t hold strong opinions on the matter, yet I recognize the benefits of a quality wine decanter, particularly when it comes to enhancing the drinking experience.

Decanting wine involves transferring it from the bottle to another vessel. This technique serves two primary purposes: separating sediment that may have formed at the bottom and aerating the wine. Aeration allows the wine to interact with oxygen, softening any bitter tannic flavors and enabling its aromatic qualities to fully express themselves.

Though the importance of decanting may vary depending on the specific bottle, I remain a strong advocate for using decanters. These vessels are designed to enhance air exposure, often resulting in some striking designs that can elevate your dinner table aesthetics. A beautiful decanter not only makes your wine more enjoyable but also acts as a functional piece of art.

Here are some standout wine decanters that are not only cool but also sure to impress at your next dinner party:

• Holcomb Birdie Glass Wine Decanter: This decanter features a unique stainless-steel aerator modeled after a badminton birdie and comes with a chic wood trivet. Priced at $150.

• Alessi Eugenia Wine Decanter: This elegantly designed decanter captures a modern touch with exaggerated angles reminiscent of midcentury retrofuturism. Available for $65.

• La Riccia Pinch Decanter: Handblown from recycled glass, each piece has an organic quality, showcasing the craftsmanship that goes into it. Priced at $275.

• Fazeek Vice Versa Carafe: This multi-purpose carafe boasts a playful design, adding a splash of color to your dining table, and is available for $129.

Each of these choices has its own unique flair, making them not just decanters but conversation starters at any gathering. Investing in one could elevate your wine-drinking ritual and transform it into an unforgettable experience.