From our experience one of the best ways to learn about wine is to visit wineries. If you’d rather not drive then consider a wine themed cruise that includes winery visits.

In January 2013, DelFosse Vineyards and Winery located near Charlottesville, Virginia is sponsoring a trip in New Zealand and Australia. Claude DelFosse, owner and vintner at DelFosse Winery & Vineyard will escort the New Zealand and Australia Wine-Themed Cruise. This cruise includes 12 nights with an option for one more day. Claude is experienced with escorting cruise trips as he has already escorted two other cruises: one to the Mediterranean and one to Burgundy and Provence.

The 2013 cruise includes sightseeing, leisure at sea and visits to wineries. The winery agenda includes visiting Waiheke Island with visits to Stonyridge Vineyard, Mudbrick Vineyard, and Cable Bay Vineyard. Later on, the cruise includes a visit to Tirohana Estate and Martinborough Winery.

Two optional tours are available and it is possible to add an extra night stay in Sydney.

The fare includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, tours, 12 nights, taxes and gratuities. For details on the cruise visit http://www.yourcruisesource.com/d/10581483_36448.htm.

Cheers! Kathy