Between 1865 and 1895, Napa pioneers planted the original grape vines that still produce beautiful fruit today. A century later, the Miller family purchased the Silverado Vineyard, one of the first three planted to Cabernet, and established what quickly became an award-winning wine brand. Now Silverado partners with Princess Cruises to offer a personal wine blending experience at sea.

Just as an artist blends the paints on a palette to achieve the perfect hue, the winemaker blends distinctive varietals to achieve the qualities they seek—including color, taste, texture, and finish. At the Silverado Wine Blending Experience, a skilled vintner will introduce you to the unique characteristics of four classic wines— Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon—from historic Silverado Vineyards in California’s Napa Valley. Then you’ll learn how to blend them into a creation that’s uniquely your own, practicing an art that winemakers around the world have been perfecting for generations.

Your Personal Wine Blending Experience

The Silverado Premium Wine Blending Experience on Princess Cruises is an entertaining and interactive journey into the world of wine blending. It takes place in Vines wines bar onboard at least once per voyage, usually on at-sea days. To ensure an intimate and personalized experience, the class is limited to eight participants. The cost is $37 per person.

The fact that the Silverado varietals used are from small lots makes the wine blending experience even more special. Princess Cruises has a long-standing relationship with Silverado Vineyards honored by the fact that these limited production wines are available only to Princess.

First, you’ll get to sample the four rare Napa Valley wines individually to learn the traits each will bring to the blend you create. Once you’ve become familiar with your ingredients, an expert winemaker guides you in creating your very own custom red wine blend.

The wine blending experience also includes a take-away Blending Guide and Princess Preferred Guest shipping rates for the Silverado Vineyards Wine Club (because you’ll want more when you get home!).

Onboard, Princess serves all four of the wines featured in the wine blending experience by the glass and the bottle in Vines, and only the Cabernet by the bottle in the main dining room. Other Silverado wines – Sauvignon Blanc and Sangiovese – are served by the glass in Vines and by the bottle in the main dining room.

If you’re ready to test your winemaking skills and taste the results, contact Covington cruise specialists to book your Princess Cruise and Silverado Wine Blending Experience.

Covington Travel is pleased to recognize Princess Cruises as a valued partner and sponsor of this post.