NCL’s ‘Meet the Winemaker’ series to bring food & wine experts to the high seas

2016 Escape Lifestyle Photo Shoot
By James Harrison


Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) revealed the line-up for its Meet the Winemaker series, the program that features winemakers and culinary experts bringing their knowledge to a group of guests on board the company’s newest ships.

The Meet the Winemaker series provides wine enthusiasts and foodies of all skill levels with an opportunity to engage with winemakers and other connoisseurs through various seminars and activities. The programming offers guests wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations and meet-and-greets on board. Guests can also purchase wines on board that are otherwise only available by visiting the wineries directly. 

“Our Meet the Winemaker series is back and better than ever,” Harry Sommer, president and CEO, NCL said.

“Every year we aim to elevate this exclusive experience and I believe we’ve done just that as we enter the program’s seventh year with an impressive guest line-up.

“These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to get one-on-one exposure to esteemed winemakers and their collection of wines, all while visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable vacation aboard our innovative fleet.”

A new and noteworthy addition to this year’s series includes special guest Emma Walker. Walker, a Master Blender at Johnnie Walker, has spent over a decade perfecting whisky production, maturation, and blending processes. She leads the Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist team based in Menstrie, Scotland, where she has access to more than ten million casks of maturing Scotch whisky. She will join the 17 September, 2023 sailing on Norwegian Prima, in Northern Europe for NCL’s first-ever Johnnie Walker cruise where guests can learn the history of the brand and enjoy the range of aged whiskies.

Emma Walker (Supplied)

Also notable to the program is chef Ashley Breneman, executive chef at Certified Angus Beef, which is featured across the NCL fleet in its specialty restaurant, Cagney’s. Breneman, who began her career studying at Le Cordon Bleu culinary institute and has worked for numerous celebrity chefs, including Gordon Ramsay on Master Chef, will join returning winemaker Antonio Hidalgo for the 9 July, 2023 sailing aboard Norwegian Encore to Alaska.

Ashley Breneman (Supplied)

Fourth-generation winemaker Miguel Torres will also make his debut to the culinary program aboard Norwegian Encore’s 9 April, 2023 Eastern Caribbean voyage. The Miguel Torres Chile family winery has a presence in over 100 countries and has established itself over the past 30 years.

Returning fan-favourite hosts include celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez; world-class winemaker and member of the historic fashion house, Salvatore Ferragamo; Napa Valley icon Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate; and “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient Gérard Bertrand, among others.

Salvatore Ferragamo (Supplied)

Michael Mondavi (Supplied)

The complete 2023 Meet the Winemaker series line-up includes:

  • 2 April, 2023 – Norwegian Bliss, Mexican Riviera: Featuring award-winning celebrity chef and TV personality Aaron Sanchez
  • 9 April, 2023 – Norwegian Encore, Eastern Caribbean: Featuring fourth-generation winemaker Miguel Torres
  • 22 April, 2023 – Norwegian Bliss, Alaska: Featuring world-class winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo of The Il Borro estate in Tuscany, Italy, producing world-class wines
  • 10 June , 2023 – Norwegian Bliss, Alaska: Featuring Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Wine Dinner Hosted by Special Guest: Diane Flamand
  • 9 July, 2023 – Norwegian Encore, Alaska: Featuring Antonio Hidalgo of the globally recognised family-owned Spanish Sherry house, Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana, and Certified Angus Beef® Executive Chef Ashley Breneman 
  • 17 September, 2023– Norwegian Prima, Northern Europe: Featuring Emma Walker, Master Blender at Johnnie Walker
  • 22 October, 2023– Norwegian Escape, Bermuda: Featuring Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate
  • 28 October, 2023– Norwegian Joy, Western Caribbean: Featuring Gérard Bertrand, “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient
  • 29 October, 2023– Norwegian Escape, Bermuda: Featuring Randy Ullom from the Kendall-Jackson family

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