Dry Creek Vineyard Exclusive Shore Excursions, April 29 - May 6, 2019

Wednesday May 1, 2019: Exclusive Cologne Tour and Beer Tasting Excursion

Join your wine hosts Kim and Don together with your fellow Dry Creek Vineyard enthusiasts for this exclusive afternoon tour of Cologne with beer tasting at a local brewhouse! You will depart the ship at 2:30 pm for a 1-hour guided tour through the Old Town. Then explore one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral. Following your cathedral tour enjoy a short coach ride to Malzmühle, an institution among Cologne’s most well-known and intimate brewhouses. There you will be treated to a sampling of three different craft beers including freshly-tapped Mühlen Kölsch, Germany’s famous beer made only in Cologne! Also included in your tasting is the legendary Koch’sche Malzbier (malt beer), still brewed exactly as it was in 1858. You will also be treated to a selection of local food specialties typical of Cologne to top off your experience.

Your exclusive tasting experience ends at approximately 6:00 pm, after which you can relax on the short coach ride back to the ship.

Cost: $29 USD per person. (Note: times are approximate and may change due to unforeseen circumstances.)

Saturday May 4, 2019: Strasbourg Excursion with Winery Tours and Tastings

Space is limited to 30 guests -- SOLD OUT --

Join your wine hosts Kim and Don together with your fellow Dry Creek Vineyard enthusiasts for this full day of fun! You will depart the ship at 9:00 am for a short coach ride to beautiful Strasbourg. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la République before embarking on a guided walking tour through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Following your city tour you will have approximately 90 minutes of free time for shopping and lunch on your own.

At 12:30 PM, rejoin your coach for a guided tour through the Alsace countryside on our way to Domaine Hubert Metz in Blienschwiller, a small wine village in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route. The 10-hectare vineyard is located all around the village and is sustainably farmed (certified Terra Vitis). The wine cellar dates back to 1728 when it was the Cave of the Tithe where the tax of the tithe was deposited. The family vineyard with its exceptional heritage has passed from father to son for many generations. We will be met there by the female owner of the winery, Céline Metz, the daughter of Hubert Metz. Céline will lead us on a tour through the ancient cellar and will guide us through a tasting of five outstanding Metz wines, including some older library vintages and a Grand Cru.

After some time to enjoy the winery, we will re-board our coach for a short drive to Domaine Albert Seltz in Mittelbergheim, ranked among the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France'. Albert, the 14th-generation owner and winemaker, took over from his father in 1980 when he was only 19 years old. At that time, Albert had already developed a sense of the potential of his estate and a passion for the Sylvaner variety. He immediately cut production by two thirds, reduced yields, and converted to strictly organic practices. In the cellar he practices minimal intervention, employing indigenous yeasts and sur lie aging. Albert will personally guide us through a tour of his beautiful winery after which he will treat us to a tasting of five exceptional wines, including older vintages and a Grand Cru.

We will return to the ship at approximately 5:30 pm.

Cost: $169 USD per person. (Note: times are approximate and may change due to unforeseen circumstances.)

FAQs

What's the refund policy?

Excursion costs are per person, USD, and subject to availability. Excursions must have a minimum of 20 participants to operate. Full payment is due at time of booking and is non-refundable 60 days prior to sailing. Approximately two weeks prior to sailing, we will confirm that the excursions are operating; in the event we cancel an excursion all payments will be refunded. By booking an excursion, you agree to the special terms and conditions for wine cruises. Travel insurance is recommended. Specific sightseeing venues, wines, and wineries are subject to change without notice. Every effort will be made to provide suitable substitutions. In the event of heavy highway traffic, the overall length of the excursion may be extended. THESE TOURS INCLUDE CONSIDERABLE WALKING WITH SOME STAIRS AND UNEVEN SURFACES, AND ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR GUESTS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY OR GUESTS WHO UTILIZE A WHEELCHAIR. Other restrictions may apply. For full terms and conditions contact Expedia CruiseShipCenters, North Bay.