A Wine Lover’s Dream
By Stacey Zable
A Wine Lover’s Dream
By Stacey Zable
Raise your glass and set sail on a Windstar Cruises’ itinerary designed especially for wine enthusiasts.
Windstar Cruises, already known for its voyages that are “180 Degrees From Ordinary”, is taking it one step further with its “Select Sailings by Windstar” itineraries designed for travelers seeking even more immersion and special details. One such opportunity is the seven-night “Wine Cruise: Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Rivieras” sailing from Rome to Barcelona Nov. 3, 2025, on Wind Surf, one of their sailing ships. Daily port stops along the way take you along the magnificent coastlines of Italy, Monaco, France, and Spain. For wine aficionados it is a chance to not only sample select vintages, but delve deeper into their heritage, discover how they are made, and pair them with Windstar’s superior cuisine.
Executive Chef Aaron Meneghelli from Napa Valley’s Louis M. Martini joins the sailing to present two exclusive enrichment seminars with wine tastings. Meneghelli will share the more than 90-year history of Louis M. Martini as well as background on the craftsmanship of their wines. His Italian heritage from Northern Italy is integrated into his culinary style and while on board you can also indulge in gourmet cuisine paired with the extraordinary wines.
Explore more about the local wines of the region through curated excursions off the ship. In Italy, the “Portoferraio, Countryside Drive & Wine Tasting” tour includes a stop at the Azienda Agricola La Chiusa estate, whose vineyard overlooking Portoferraio was visited by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The visit features an explanation of wine production at the farmhouse and tastings of the estate’s extra virgin olive oil and wine. The “Cannes, Concierge Collection: Provence Wine Tasting With Chateau Ste. Roseline” while in the iconic port showcases the wine country of southern France during two tastings including an exploration of the history and production of the wines. It includes a visit to the Chateau Sainte Roseline in Les Arcs and its vineyard created by Pope Jean XXII. See the chapel and enjoy wine tastings.
Next, tour and enjoy more wine samples at Chateau Saint Martin, which has always been owned by women. Another stop in France offers the “Sanary Sur Mer, Le Castellet & Tasting” excursion featuring a sampling of three house wines and two house olive oils. In Spain, the “Palamos, Concierge Collection: Bell Lloc Winery” excursion includes a visit to the Bell Lloc Estate’s vineyards and underground cellar as well as dining on local cuisine during a farm-to-table lunch with wine parings.
“Explore more about the local wines of the region through curated excursions off the ship.”
As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar provides a superior onboard culinary experience. It offers a number of open seating dining venues with specialty alternative restaurants included in the cruise fare. Meals include fresh, seasonal local ingredients and dishes from each port. Amphora is Wind Surf’s main restaurant for dinner, with a menu that features a variety of dishes that feature rotating items from James Beard Foundation-affiliated guest chefs.
“Meals include fresh, seasonal local ingredients and dishes from each port.”
The multi-course experience includes a choice of wines. Wind Surf’s outdoor signature restaurant Candles offers its own alfresco wine pairings. The French-inspired Stella Bistro, the ship’s alternative restaurant, boasts a variety of wines paired to the meal. Breakfast and lunch are presented alfresco, with a choice of full service or buffet-style offerings in Veranda. The Signature Onboard Barbecue is a highlight featuring international cuisines paired with entertainment.
Go Beyond the Reach of Ordinary
Immerse yourself in the journey, in ways you may never have imagined possible.
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After more than 25 years as a restaurant General Manager, I’ve taken my passion for five-star service and shifted it from the dining room to destinations around the world. I’ve spent the last four years planning seamless, stress-free vacations that are as unforgettable as the people taking them.
I bring the same dedication to detail, vendor management, and quick problem-solving that I used to deliver in the hospitality industry—now applied to curating flawless travel experiences. My clients are more than just customers—they’re VIPs, and I treat each trip as if I were planning it for myself.
As the owner of Vacation Planners of West St. Louis County, I’m proud to combine my personalized service with the tools, resources, and perks of a nationally recognized brand. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family getaway, or the ultimate bucket-list adventure, I listen closely, plan meticulously, and make sure my clients return home already dreaming of their next journey.
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