You are invited to spend a day ‘under the Tuscan Sun’ to visit one of the few wineries in the world that can boast
a perfect “100” rating from Wine Spectator!
Considered to be “rebels” of the wine world, the “Super Tuscans” of Italy came into vogue in the late 1980’s as a handful of reds from the region gained international attention. The wines were sold as vini da tavola, or table wines, because their use of international varietals, principally Cabernet Sauvignon, made them ineligible for official wine categories. They were "Super" Tuscan reds -- superior in quality and outside of official premium wine designations. Today, the Super Tuscans form an impressive legion of top‐-quality and often pricey wines. One producer included in this elite club is Tenuta dell’Ornellaia.
As special Wine Cruise guests, you will start the day’s journey into the land of the Super Tuscans with a short stop on the way to Ornellaia to wet your palate with some of the offerings of this area’s claim to fame. You will be personally led through an introductory tasting of wines from three of the local Tuscan DOC areas.
Your next stop brings you to the famous Super Tuscan wine estate Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, where you will discover for yourself what compels the wine industry’s top publications to include their wines in the ‘Top Wines of the Year’ lists over and over, year after year. You begin your tour with a walk through Ornellaia’s famed Bellaria Vineyard before proceeding on to their winery. Since 1981, when Tenuta dell’Ornellaia was established, this beautiful and unspoiled area has become synonymous with winemaking of the first order and has seen the birth of great labels such as: Ornellaia, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia, Masseto and Le Volte. Ornellaia’s philosophy on winemaking is “quality without compromise,” and you are invited to experience this integrity first hand during a tasting of several of their varietals before enjoying a Tuscan four-course wine-paired luncheon.
One last stop, before your ride back to the ship, where you will have the opportunity to walk off your meal and shop for a bottle or two Super Tuscan wines in the spectacular old town of Bolgheri, or the “golden Oasis of the Maremma” as it has been described. Here everything has kept its original aspect and you feel the sensation that time has stopped for the moment.
Tour Includes: English-speaking guide, transportation, bottled water on the bus, all entrance and tour fees, winery tour, tasting and lunch served with wine and all local taxes.
Not Included: Driver or guide gratuities.
Per Person Price: $359.00 USD
Click here to download the registration form