River-Cruises

Exclusive Wine Cruise ROMANTIC DANUBE NOVEMBER 15-22, 2017

anna_marie

Hosted by Anna Marie Dos Remedios, Co-Owner and Winemaker
Idle Hour Winery, Oakhurst CA

Anna Marie dos Remedios began making wine in 2007, focusing on small lot, single-vineyard designated wines from some of California’s best wine grape growing regions. She studied at the prestigious UC Davis winemaking program to better understand the chemistry of wine and winemaking. Anna Marie and partner Deb Payne started Idle Hour Winery focusing on traditional methods, native yeast fermentation, gravity flow racking and use of neutral French Oak barrels. The result is an elegance and freshness which are the hallmarks of the smooth and subtle Idle Hour vintages. The winery is located in Oakhurst, just outside the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. The site is home to both the Idle Hour Winery and Queen’s Inn by the River, an 8 room boutique hotel with wine bar and beer garden. Idle Hour Winery opened a tasting room in Carmel Valley in the heart of Monterey County last year to promote their Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noirs as well.

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Q&A With Anna Marie Dos Remedios

Why are you the right wine host for this cruise? Share your credentials and passion for wine.

I studied winemaking under the UC Davis winemaking certificate program and currently am working toward WSET Level 3 certification and a Master Level certification of Bordeaux from the Wine Scholar Guild. My travels with AmaWaterways adds to my experience as a winemaker, giving me exposure to the larger wine world and drives me to push myself to grow and educate myself and others on the terroirs of Europe. I try to inspire people I meet every day to understand wine and the place where it comes from. My winery is a small part of the wine universe and I want to help guests understand not only what makes my wines special but how they can navigate through wines around the world and understand what the fuss is all about. What better place to do this, than on an AmaWaterways cruise!

Tell us about yourself and your passion for wine!

In my first career as a photojournalist, I was best in situations like news or sports, where I relied on my instincts to put myself in the right place to capture the moment and tell the story. I have taken the same approach with my winemaking. I make single vineyard wines to showcase the vineyard’s influence on the varieties I produce. I use native yeast to ferment in small fermenters to slow the process and keep the temperature low and use gravity flow to move the wine; both gentle methods that help the wines remain aromatic with flavors inherent to the variety, “capturing the moment” and allowing the wine to tell its story.

How did you first fall in love with wine?

A winemaker friend brought a tank sample of cloudy Viognier to dinner one evening, one that they were finishing to bottle. I had never tasted the variety before and once I tasted it, I knew it would be the white variety I would focus on. Two weeks later I was on a plane to Condrieu, the village in the Northern Rhone Valley of France, where Viognier reigns supreme. This was the moment when I knew that I wanted to make wines that speak of variety and place.

What is one thing you are most looking forward to on your river cruise?

I am excited to explore and learn the history of the central European countries on the river cruise. Germany, Austria and Hungary are in the top ten countries of wine production for the EU and I am looking forward to focusing on the wines from these countries during our tour. The U.S. imports of wine from these countries is relatively small, so it will be interesting to taste and tour and discover the wines they make from obscure varieties like Silvaner, Dornfelder, Portugieser, Weisburgunger and Zweigelt to name a few.

What are you most looking forward to on your river cruise?

I consider myself a perfectionist, I suppose, except I engage in high-risk winemaking by using native yeast and aging all my wines on the sediment, a perfectionist without control. Winemaking is all about chemistry. Most winemakers take the safe, controlled route. I prefer to let the wines shape their course. I don’t see control as necessary in disciplined winemaking. Some would disagree I’m sure.

What is one of the most interesting places you have traveled to?

I organized a tour for a group to South Africa in 2011 for a 12 day Safari at Kruger National Park and tour of Stellenbosch, the wine region. It was a beautiful country and I feel like we experienced a lot on this trip, not just the beauty and culture and amazing animals, we witnessed life in this country after Apartheid. Segregation still exists. It seemed, in Stellenbosch, much like Napa, except for the vast fields of shanty towns opposite the manicured tree-lined wine country streets lined with vineyards. It was a stark reality to face during our privileged, 5 star vacation. I think the discussions borne out of this experience by our group, made us more aware of the life in a democratic society that we take for granted.

If you were stranded along on a desert island and could only have one bottle of wine, what would it be and why?

I would choose a bottle of premier cru Gevrey Chambertin, an aged vintage, any producer. It is the village in Burgundy, on the Cote d’Or, where I find my favorites of Burgundy. The wines are more structured yet still remain feminine and can be grandly aromatic and complex with aging.

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in the many flavors of Europe on one of AmaWaterways unique Wine Cruises, which let you add a unique, epicurean dimension to one of our European itineraries. Like our standard river cruises, guests have the opportunity to join tours that highlight the famous sights in each port of call. These special itineraries, however, offer guests a perfect blend of wine-related experiences and excursions in grand capitals and charming towns. You’ll taste local cuisine, discover how wine is made and, of course, partake in tastings — all at no additional cost. Whether you have a seasoned appreciation for fine wine, or simply indulge in a sip here and there, this is a wonderful way to uncork the traditions of the local culture and learn about the region you’re visiting.

About the Wine Region – Wachau Valley

Brilliant architectural masterpieces and vine-strung hillsides on the Danube River have inspired artistic creations for hundreds of years. The Romantic Danube journeys through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, so you can experience some of the most celebrated wines and sights in Europe’s heartland.

Over 3,700 acres of terraced vineyards rise from Austria’s illustrious Wachau Valley. Located between the towns of Melk and Krems, this cooler-climate wine region brings a wide variety of refreshing, peppery white-grape wines to fruition. Grüner Veltliner is considered to be the most important grape in Austria. Grown in loess soils by the river’s edge, these favored wines offer aromatic stone fruit flavors reminiscent of the terroir. Riesling, the second most popular grape, loves rocky inclines, so it is extensively sewn into the rich hillside. Fruity notes and floral scents surface from these unique whites.

Itinerary Overview ROMANTIC DANUBE (WINE CRUISE)

7-NIGHT CRUISE
CRUISE FROM : Vilshofen to Budapest
Framed by rolling hillsides, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River has captivated musicians, artists and poets throughout the centuries. Travel to legendary destinations on a 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest. Explore a 2,000 year-old city, savor Wachau Valley wines, and experience the timeless beauty and fascinating history of Vienna and Budapest.
COUNTRIES: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
RIVERS: Danube

At A Glance ROMANTIC DANUBE (WINE CRUISE)

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
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Included Features ROMANTIC DANUBE (WINE CRUISE)

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7-NIGHT CRUISE

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Europe River Cruises
Europe River Cruises

Dates & Prices

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EMBARK November 15
7-NIGHT CRUISEVilshofenBudapest
Save $750 Per Person
PRICES ARE PER PERSON
ADD 3 NIGHTS PRAGUE PRE-CRUISE
Notes:
ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges not included in cruise price$168 per person.

Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; A+, AA+ & Suites 100% of twin price. Please see terms below for details.

Single Supplement for Land$480 per person.

BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Itinerary ChangePlease note that due to local closures, we will not visit Bratislava during cruises departing in November or December. Guests will instead spend this time in Vienna and the Wachau Valley.
Terms & Conditions:

All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-40.

Ship

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AmaStella
This 158-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive Twin Balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, in-room Internet access and more.Learn more

Gallery

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