NCL: Meet The Winemakers 2023 Series


Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the exciting lineup of its popular “Meet the Winemaker” series which returns for its seventh year with new experiences featuring Emma Walker, Master Blenderat Johnnie Walker and will also be hosted for the first time by Norwegian Prima.

The Meet the Winemaker series offers wine enthusiasts and foodies the exclusive opportunity to interact with winemakers and other connoisseurs through various seminars and enriching activities such as intimate wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive cooking demonstrations and onboard meet-and-greets.

“Our Meet the Winemaker series is back and getting better,” said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line‘s president and CEO. “Each year we aim to elevate this exclusive experience and we believe we have done so in this seventh year of the programme with an impressive roster of guests. These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to gain individualized exposure to esteemed winemakers and their wine collection, all whilst visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable holiday aboard our innovative fleet.”

An important innovation this year is the participation of a special guest, /c Walker, a Master Blender from Johnnie Walker, which is the highest rank in whisky craftsmanship, she has spent over a decade perfecting whisky production, maturation and blending processes. Emma will be on board for a 17 September 2023 departure on NCL’s award-winning new ship, Norwegian Prima, to Northern Europe for NCL’s first Johnnie Walker cruise where guests will be able to learn about the brand’s history and sample the wide range of aged whiskies.

Also noteworthy in the line-up is Chef Ashley Breneman, Executive Chef of Certified Angus Beef, who has already been featured throughout the NCL fleet in the specialty restaurant, Cagney‘s. Breneman will join returning winemaker Antonio Hidalgo for the July 9, 2023 departure aboard NorwegianEncore to Alaska to add a culinary element to the Meet the Winemaker experience.

Fourth-generation winemaker Miguel Torres, who pioneered the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain by creating ‘Mas la Plana’ in 1970, will be making his culinary programme debut aboard NorwegianEncore from 9 April 2023 in the Eastern Caribbean.

The fan-favourite hosts who will return on board are: Celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, who will be aboard Norwegian Bliss in the Mexican Riviera from 2 April 2023; world-class winemaker and member of the historic fashion house, Salvatore Ferragamo who will be aboard NorwegianBliss in Alaska from 22 April 2023; Napa Valley icon Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate who will be aboard Norwegian Escape in Bermuda from 22 October 2023; Gérard Bertrand, “The Drinks Business” recipient Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 who will be aboard Norwegian Joy in the Western Caribbean from 28 October 2023; and RandyUllom of the Kendall-Jackson Family who will be aboard Norwegian Escape in Bermuda from 29 October and Diane Flamand with the DomainesBarons de Rothschild Lafite Wine Dinner, who will be aboard NorwegianBliss in Alaska from 10 June 2023.

Don’t miss more Norwegian Cruise Line updates, news and reviews on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer.

Giorgia Lombardo

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