Windstar, in partnership with Culinary & Wine Delights of Spain, exploring the local wine, culture, and regional cuisine of Spain. With a range of food and wine sampling; culinary demonstrations; and themed shore excursions, guests will eat and sip their way through Spain both on and off the yacht on the April 19th voyage.
On board, guests will enjoy two cooking demonstrations led by a SAVEUR guest chef. Winemaker Jorge Ordonez, the largest importer of Spanish wines, and a master sommelier will host two special dinners and lead guests through two wine lectures. Throughout the voyage, daily wine tasting and tapas will be served before dinner.
Guests will also have the opportunity to explore Spain’s rich wine and culinary history onshore with two complimentary shore excursions. Here are some highlights of the excursions which will be offered:
Cádiz Overview and Sherry Cellar Tour and Tasting
Capture views of the must-see sights of Cádiz before adjourning to the Moorish-influenced small town of Jerez de la Frontera, the widely acclaimed “Sherry Capital of the World.” In fact, it was the town’s Moorish name of “Scheris,” which gave sherry its name. Jerez lies in the fertile hinterland of Cádiz and with its own micro-climate, provides the ideal environment for growing sweet grapes. While visiting the “bodega” (cellars) you will learn about the process of sherry making, from grape cultivation to bottling, followed by a delicious tasting.
Traditions and Tapas in Málaga
One of the best ways to experience the rich culture and cuisine of the Costa del Sol is to experience the most typical way to eat in Spain. During this tour you will visit three “tascas” (restaurants) to taste Spain’s delicious tapas, small bite-sized dishes which are the popular alternative to full meals in this region. As you travel between each tasca, you will have a chance to admire the beautiful architecture of the Alcazaba Palace, a historic castle built in the 11th century as the residence of the Arabian Caliphs or Kings; the Gibralfaro Castle, an ancient Moorish fortress, which offers breathtaking views of the city and its bay; as well as the ruins of the former Roman Theatre, the façade of the Bullring.
The Origins of Paella in Vallencia
Travel with a chef to the Valencia Central Market, located in an impressive 1928 modernist building, where he will walk you through the process of selecting the prefect ingredients for making a Valencian paella, a regional rice dish consisting of vegetables, meat, and beans. Once the ingredients have been collected, you will travel to the seaside restaurant La Rosa where the chef will explain the mouth-watering process of making this traditional dish and finally you will have the opportunity to savor the paella along with some Spanish wines.
Mallorca Uncorked
Mallorca has proven to be a great producer of fine wines over the last decades. On this wine-focused trip you will discover the Macia Batle cellars located in the village of María del Camí in the heart of the most traditional wine region in Majorca. Here, you will explore its vineyards and learn the art of the wine-making process before you enjoy a wine degustation.
Olive and Orange World
Travel into Sóller (Mallorca) to see Ca’n Det, a typical stone house that is more than 400 years old and one of the three original “tafonas” that still produces virgin olive oil in the age old traditional way using millstones, wicker mats, and hydraulic press. Enjoy a typical Majorcan lunch made with these products served in a tranquil outdoor setting.
Culinary & Wine Delights of Spain sailing will take place on Wind Surf departing from Lisbon, Spain on April 19, 2014, for eight days visiting Cádiz, Málaga, Almería, Cartagena, Valencia, Sóller and culminating in Barcelona. Guests who book by August 31, 2012 can take advantage of an introductory offer of $2,999 per stateroom (based on double occupancy), plus receive a complimentary one-year subscription to SAVEUR Magazine.
For more information about the new Culinary & Wine Delights of Spain and to book, contact a travel professional, call Windstar at 800-258-7245 or visit www.WindstarCruises.com.
