AmaWaterways River Cruising

Full Radio Show: Steve Ledson, AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Host & Head of Lebson Winery, Sonoma: In a rather interesting interview Paul Lasley encounters an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise host who happens to have a family history going back over 150 years in the Sonoma Valley in Northern California. Steve Ledson, a fifth generation winemaker, tells fantastic stories about his Great Great Grandfather who was making wine in the 1860s and scores of relatives along the way who farmed produce or made in the Valley for generations. The famous Ledson 16,000 square foot Gothic/Normandy style edifice Castle Hotel is a landmark in the area and Steve Ledson has refurbished a number of old buildings in Santa Rose, such as the art deco Rosenberg department store building that houses a Barnes & Noble and Ledson's executive offices. Ledson hosted an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise from Paris to Barcelona on the Rhone River, called Provence & Spain, and enjoyed it so much he is booking another one as wine host with the full intention of filling the whole ship with his followers. On the cruise in November 2014 there were 40 people who were booked by AmaWaterways and most all of them came away from the cruise as fans and consumers of Ledson wines. About Ledson Family: Our family winery is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, a short one hour drive north of San Francisco. Ledson Staircase Emerging like a gothic blast from the past out of acres of rolling vineyards and pastoral calm, our 16,000 square foot French Normandy winery is known as "The Castle" around the world. Originally designed as our family home, the contractor and designer in me got carried away and it quickly became clear that the architectural showpiece was much better suited to house our planned winery. We specialize in small varietal lots that reflect the genuine diversity of our select vineyards and appellations. Ledson wines are sold exclusively at the winery in Kenwood, in our online store, and at the Ledson Hotel in Sonoma. We have developed a number of different wine club programs, offering members preferred pricing and access to wines not available to the public. With over 70 wines to choose from, there is something for everyone. Boasting beautifully appointed hand-crafted tasting bars, impeccable grounds with picnic areas shadowed by 100-year old majestic oak trees, a fully stocked gourmet market as well as a tasteful clothing and gift boutique--the Ledson Winery is the breathtaking backdrop for an afternoon picnic or a weekend getaway.

Steve Ledson's AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Paris to Normandy, Great Food, Wine, Tours & More: In the segment of interview of Steve Ledson, head of Ledson Winery in Sonoma Valley, with Paul Lasley the subject turns to the AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise that he hosted as a wine expert/vintner from Paris to Barcelona on the Rhone River. Steve Ledson had never been on a river cruise and he loved being able to spend time in the towns and cities to soak up the culture. On big ships that is not possible and Steve was also amazed how the crew was able to remember all the passengers names. Because he was not really sure about river cruising, he didn't fill the boat but AmaWaterays was able to do so and those passengers ended up being fans and consumers of Ledson wines. A French Sommelier was on-board ship proved a big hit and he told Steve, "I normally don't like American wines, but your wines are phenomenal." Steve Ledson said he was overall pleased with the cruise and is in the process of setting up another AmaWaterways Wine Cruise to host and probably to the region of France because of the many friends he has in the wine business. About Ledson Family: Our family winery is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, a short one hour drive north of San Francisco. Ledson Staircase Emerging like a gothic blast from the past out of acres of rolling vineyards and pastoral calm, our 16,000 square foot French Normandy winery is known as "The Castle" around the world. Originally designed as our family home, the contractor and designer in me got carried away and it quickly became clear that the architectural showpiece was much better suited to house our planned winery. We specialize in small varietal lots that reflect the genuine diversity of our select vineyards and appellations. Ledson wines are sold exclusively at the winery in Kenwood, in our online store, and at the Ledson Hotel in Sonoma. We have developed a number of different wine club programs, offering members preferred pricing and access to wines not available to the public. With over 70 wines to choose from, there is something for everyone. Boasting beautifully appointed hand-crafted tasting bars, impeccable grounds with picnic areas shadowed by 100-year old majestic oak trees, a fully stocked gourmet market as well as a tasteful clothing and gift boutique--the Ledson Winery is the breathtaking backdrop for an afternoon picnic or a weekend getaway.

Sonoma County Winemaking, Natural, Historic, Great Destination says Steve Ledson of Ledson Winery: In the second segment of the Steve Ledson interview Paul Lasley tells him the he "epitomizes what Sonoma County is all about, working the soil growing grapes, making wine, growing produce, creating a hospitable environment with quality products. Ledson replied that he feels blessed, having travel around the world, to live in Sonoma county and he is amazed the range of wines and the amazingly friendly people who populate area. He believes they have more time for visitors compared to other regions and that makes the Sonoma Valley unique. Lasley comments that Sonoma needs to be better known, then he takes that back and says, "No, we need to keep Sonoma as it is and not have it get too popular. It is too good to lose to something like that." Steve Ledson has a collection of over 3,500 photos from his family history and contributes to preservation of historic buildings and building new structures in the old style to match. His involvement in Sonoma Valley comes from a commitment based not only on family but an appreciation for the lifestyle he has been able to forge through hard work and opportunity. The world famous Castle Hotel at Ledson Winery was slated to be his house, but the public loved it so much he had to forgo that luxury. About Ledson Family: Our family winery is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, a short one hour drive north of San Francisco. Ledson Staircase Emerging like a gothic blast from the past out of acres of rolling vineyards and pastoral calm, our 16,000 square foot French Normandy winery is known as "The Castle" around the world. Originally designed as our family home, the contractor and designer in me got carried away and it quickly became clear that the architectural showpiece was much better suited to house our planned winery. We specialize in small varietal lots that reflect the genuine diversity of our select vineyards and appellations. Ledson wines are sold exclusively at the winery in Kenwood, in our online store, and at the Ledson Hotel in Sonoma. We have developed a number of different wine club programs, offering members preferred pricing and access to wines not available to the public. With over 70 wines to choose from, there is something for everyone. Boasting beautifully appointed hand-crafted tasting bars, impeccable grounds with picnic areas shadowed by 100-year old majestic oak trees, a fully stocked gourmet market as well as a tasteful clothing and gift boutique--the Ledson Winery is the breathtaking backdrop for an afternoon picnic or a weekend getaway.

Steve Ledson on History of Ledson Winery in Sonoma, Wines, Fantastic Facilities, Exciting New Stuff: In the first segment of his interview with Steve Ledson, On Travel Radio Show host learns that Ledson's Great Great Grandfather was making 8,000 gallons of wine in the 1860s in the Sonoma Valley and the operation have been passed all the way down to him. Many of his relatives over the decades worked for other vineyards planting their grapes. Ledson, who hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise in Provence and Spain, goes into all the various ways his family has been involved in farming, grape production and wine making for the last 150 years, really an amazing story. Their hotel is famous in Sonoma, called the Castle because it looks like something from France, and the Ledson wines are famous. Steve Ledson talked about their terrific Cabernet production and how they have opened a new tasting room in town with a newly hired gourmet chef coming over from Hawaii. About Ledson Family: Our family winery is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, a short one hour drive north of San Francisco. Ledson Staircase Emerging like a gothic blast from the past out of acres of rolling vineyards and pastoral calm, our 16,000 square foot French Normandy winery is known as "The Castle" around the world. Originally designed as our family home, the contractor and designer in me got carried away and it quickly became clear that the architectural showpiece was much better suited to house our planned winery. We specialize in small varietal lots that reflect the genuine diversity of our select vineyards and appellations. Ledson wines are sold exclusively at the winery in Kenwood, in our online store, and at the Ledson Hotel in Sonoma. We have developed a number of different wine club programs, offering members preferred pricing and access to wines not available to the public. With over 70 wines to choose from, there is something for everyone. Boasting beautifully appointed hand-crafted tasting bars, impeccable grounds with picnic areas shadowed by 100-year old majestic oak trees, a fully stocked gourmet market as well as a tasteful clothing and gift boutique--the Ledson Winery is the breathtaking backdrop for an afternoon picnic or a weekend getaway.

Full Radio Show, Peter Marks, Master of Wine, on Wines & Hosting AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise: This is the full radio show of Peter Marks being interviewed by Paul Lasley, co-host of the On Travel Radio Show, about the wine industry, being a Master of Wine, becoming a Master of Wine and hosting an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise as a Master of Wine. Paul Lasley was duly impressed by upon learning that his guest was a Master of Wine and wanted to know about the regimen Peter Marks had to go through to achieve such a lofty title in the wine world. Marks talks about that and the fantastic time he has educating people about wine during the AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise, from Paris to Normandy on the Seine River, and in general. He told Paul that becoming a Master of Wine was a humbling experience and he never forgets that when standing in front of an audience. He says to himself, "Don't get arrogant, we all had to start somewhere." Peter Marks said that his AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise was one of the best vacations he had ever had and his wife, who is a chef, was in complete agreement. AmaWaterways knows how to create a fantastic atmosphere and had terrific wines on board and great wine related activities for their clients. Chef on board created fantastic dishes for their wine tastings and the staff attending to their every need. Clearly it is the best river cruise line in the travel industry. About Peter Marks, Master of Wine: Peter Marks is one of only 24 Masters of Wine residing in the U.S. In 1995, he passed the rigorous MW exam and became the first American to garner the Madame Bollinger Foundation Award which is bestowed to the MW candidate with the highest tasting score. Peter graduated from UC Davis in 1976 with a BS degree with highest honors in Food Service Management and became interested in wine while attending a number of viticulture and enology classes. Since entering the wine trade in 1981, he has held the positions of Director of Wine at the upscale Draeger’s Supermarkets in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chief Wine Merchant at the on-line wine retailer Wine.com, and Senior Vice President of Wine at COPIA, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts. Peter is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators; Education Coordinator for the Institute of Masters of Wine tasting exam in the US; is on the Board of Directors of the Napa Valley Wine Library and judges many international wine competitions.

Peter Marks on Becoming Master of Wine, Grueling Written Exams & Blind Tastings, Only 32 in North America: In a fascinating segment of the On Travel Radio Show, co-hosted by Paul Lasley, it is revealed by the guest that he is a Master of Wine which brings a sense of deep recognition from the host. Paul Lasley says that this title is a "recognition of true genius" and he wants to know about the regimen to obtain such a lofty title. Marks notes that there are only 32 Masters of Wine in North America and that becoming is a "truly humbling experience." For this reason, when he gives lectures about wine, Peter Marks always thinks about his struggles in the program to remind himself that "we all must start somewhere." There are various classes during the year, held around the world, and every student is assigned a mentor to perform various assignments. The final exam consists of a three day blind tasting tests that involve white the first day, red the second day and sparkling & desert wines the third day, but they can always throw in a curve ball on the last day. In contrast to Master of Wine and Master Sommelier taste tests, the MW are asked to identify grape variety or region, wine making techniques, describe the quality and asses the maturity, commercial position and more. Marks notes that applying your knowledge to a business environment like is a wine is best served in a glass, in a white tablecloth restaurant, etc. Then a five-day written exam where, unlike the blind tasting, one can use a computer. After that the Master of Wine candidate writes the equivalent of a dessertation to finally become a Master of Wine, which puts one in rarefied part of the wine business. For more about AmaWaterways go to www.AmaWaterways.com About Peter Marks, Master of Wine: Peter Marks is one of only 24 Masters of Wine residing in the U.S. In 1995, he passed the rigorous MW exam and became the first American to garner the Madame Bollinger Foundation Award which is bestowed to the MW candidate with the highest tasting score. Peter graduated from UC Davis in 1976 with a BS degree with highest honors in Food Service Management and became interested in wine while attending a number of viticulture and enology classes. Since entering the wine trade in 1981, he has held the positions of Director of Wine at the upscale Draeger’s Supermarkets in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chief Wine Merchant at the on-line wine retailer Wine.com, and Senior Vice President of Wine at COPIA, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts. Peter is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators; Education Coordinator for the Institute of Masters of Wine tasting exam in the US; is on the Board of Directors of the Napa Valley Wine Library and judges many international wine competitions.

Master of Wine Peter Marks' Career, About Napa Valley & Constellation Brand Wines, On Travel Radio Show: During this segment Peter Marks, Master of Wine, talks about his 35 year career in the wine industry and how he started in the retail section of the business before moving to Napa Valley when he started to work with COPIA, The American Center for Wine, Food and Arts, founded by Julia Child and Robert Mondavi, and had "good run there for 7 years" but it fell on hard times after the 2008 recession and was closed down. Now he is at Constellation Brands, the largest luxury wine company, and his main task is educating the public on wines which he enjoys tremendously. The list of wineries under the Constellation umbrella is certainly impressive and extends beyond California to Canada and Italy. Paul Lasley, a wine journalist for a time, brings a vast knowledge of wine, food and travel is always a great addition to the interviews with wine river cruise hosts for AmaWaterways. Peter Marks is the first Master of Wine he encountered when putting together the AmaWaterways-On Travel Podcast Series and he hopes to interview him again. For more about AmaWaterways go to www.AmaWaterways.com. About Peter Marks, Master of Wine: Peter Marks is one of only 24 Masters of Wine residing in the U.S. In 1995, he passed the rigorous MW exam and became the first American to garner the Madame Bollinger Foundation Award which is bestowed to the MW candidate with the highest tasting score. Peter graduated from UC Davis in 1976 with a BS degree with highest honors in Food Service Management and became interested in wine while attending a number of viticulture and enology classes. Since entering the wine trade in 1981, he has held the positions of Director of Wine at the upscale Draeger’s Supermarkets in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chief Wine Merchant at the on-line wine retailer Wine.com, and Senior Vice President of Wine at COPIA, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts. Peter is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators; Education Coordinator for the Institute of Masters of Wine tasting exam in the US; is on the Board of Directors of the Napa Valley Wine Library and judges many international wine competitions.

Peter Marks, Master of Wine, on Fantastic AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise from Paris to Normandy: There are only 41 Masters of Wine in North America and Peter Marks, based in Napa Valley, is one of them. He hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise from Paris to Normandy on the Seine River and had an absolutely fabulous time. His wine, who has traveled extensively, told him it was her third favorite vacation, the honeymoon and a trip to San Francisco Giants spring training being the other two. Marks found it so nice that one just gets off the ship and steps into the middle of town, with nice restaurants, open markets and more just waiting to be patronized. Marks always enjoys educating people about wine and the passengers on board were eager to learn about wine, food and travel. AmaWaterways provides luxurious accommodations on the ship, five star cuisine with the chefs more than willing to create special dishes for the wine seminars, multiple level shore excursions, arranged tours of local vineyards on wine river cruses, nightly entertainment, free flowing champagne at breakfast, beer and wine at lunch at dinner and buffet style or sit down meals. a personal dining area that every guest can access during their cruise and much more. Wine experts like Peter Marks, who is an exceptional one, have two things they say all the time to those learning about wine; 1) Local wines should be consumed with local foods, especially in areas like Europe, because they have been evolving together for hundreds if not thousands of years; 2) Drink wines that suite your tastes and not wines that some expert, or supposed expert, tells you is the wine to drink. Personal preference is vital to enjoying wines. About Peter Marks, Master of Wine: Peter Marks is one of only 24 Masters of Wine residing in the U.S. In 1995, he passed the rigorous MW exam and became the first American to garner the Madame Bollinger Foundation Award which is bestowed to the MW candidate with the highest tasting score. Peter graduated from UC Davis in 1976 with a BS degree with highest honors in Food Service Management and became interested in wine while attending a number of viticulture and enology classes. Since entering the wine trade in 1981, he has held the positions of Director of Wine at the upscale Draeger’s Supermarkets in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chief Wine Merchant at the on-line wine retailer Wine.com, and Senior Vice President of Wine at COPIA, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts. Peter is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators; Education Coordinator for the Institute of Masters of Wine tasting exam in the US; is on the Board of Directors of the Napa Valley Wine Library and judges many international wine competitions. For more about AmaWaterways go to www.AmaWaterways.com

AmaWaterways Best River Cruise Line says Mick Wilson, Wine River Host on Multiple Cruises in Europe: In this segment of his interview with James Lowe, host of the syndicated Jiggy Jaguar Radio Show, Mick Wilson, who hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise, talks about how amazingly wonderful AmaWaterways was during their cruise. He said he has peeked in on some of the other boats moored on the river and they had nothing on AmaWaterways, and that was just looking at the ship. The food on-board ship is five star cuisine and when Mick did his wine seminars the chefs were fantastic in coming up with terrific dishes to enhance the wines from Wilson Creek Winery, those provided on-board ship and encountered at the various vineyards toured during the river cruise on the Danube River. When the Europeans allowed the river cruise lines to build longer ships, going from 360 feet to about 450 feet long, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of cabins while increasing the number of dining facilities and common areas. This decision was in keeping with their commitment to first class quality in every aspect of their operations. From top-notch service to a state-of-the-art infotainment system in every room with unlimited Internet access; from multiple level shore excursions and escorted bike tours to a number of fantastic themed cruises; from large staterooms with to roomy bathrooms to bottled water delivered daily to the rooms; from free flowing beer, wine champagne and drinks to buffet and sit down style dining; from nightly entertainment on board to hot tubs and pools with swim up bars; from the lovely sun deck for viewing the castles and countryside to luxurious bed linens; from double balconies to a personal dining room available to every passenger during the cruise; these are just a few of the aspects of an AmaWaterways River Cruise that sets them apart from the rest of the industry.

Temecula Valley Winemaking, Conditions Identical to South Rhone Valley in France says Mick Wilson: During his interview with James Lowe, host of the Jiggy Jaguar Radio Show, Mick Wilson is asked to talk about the lovely grape growing climate in the Temecula Valley, south of Los Angeles. As of 2015 threr are forty wineries in operation in Temecula Valley with another twenty in the planning stages. Eli Callaway, famous for his golf clubs, was the first to break ground in Temecula when it was really an undeveloped area. The climate bears a striking resemblance to the South Rhone Valley in France with warm days and cool nights and a gap in the mountains, called the Rainbow Gap, brings a cool Pacific ocean breeze twenty miles inland. Temecula Valley got really noticed when South Coast Winery got the California Winery of the Year award in three of five years running. The well known regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma took notice as Temecula continued to produce quality Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet, Zinfandel, Grenache, and other premium wines. Fifty different grapes are planted in the valley and the area is rapidly becoming a well known for fun and good wines. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

Raw Start of Wilson Winery in Temecula Valley, South Of L.A., Mick Wilson on James Lowe Radio Show: A new area, between Los Angeles and San Diego about 20 miles inland, has just begun producing award winning wines and a number of new vineyards are in the planning stages. They heard about a winery for sale in the Temecula Valley, but when they inquired the owner decided not to sell, but the family was set on becoming vintners in the valley. They were originally from Minnesota and brought that Midwest hospitality to South Pasadena and then, after they purchased 20 acres of raw land, to Temecula Valley. At first it was a touch and go as the eight Wilson's plowed all money back into the business and lived in trailers on the property. But now they are one of the biggest in the area and have a huge facility for weddings, corporate events, weekend concerts with big picnic area and a tasting room that seats 300 people, many at massive bar to promote a more intimate environment. Now wineries in the area, which is similar to the South Rhone Valley in France, are winning awards and getting recognized for producing good wines. The Wilson Family is well established and hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise in 2014 and will host another in 2015. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

Full Radio Show: Paul Wagner, Wine Educator & AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Host, on On Travel Radio: This podcast is the full radio show of Paul Wagner being interviewed by Paul Lasley, co-host of syndicated On Travel Radio Show, talking about being a wine educator, teaching in Napa Valley, the proper way to think about wine, food and travel and hosting an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise from Zurich to Amsterdam on the Rhine River. Paul Wagner believes that wine is the most intimate expression of human culture and shows his knowledge of wines from all over the world. They talk about a variety of European wines and how Italy considers wine its most important export, this beyond the famed sports car and fashion companies everyone knows. In California wine is made from 60 different grapes, in France 200, in Italy 4,000 to 6,000. Wagner noted that one could drive around Spain for a month and never taste all the different wines, with local foods of course, and never taste them all. He talks how wonderful it was to have a Choucroute dinner at restaurant in Strasbourg, how relaxing and yet invigorating the being an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise host and how he looks forward to the next one. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

Choucroute Dinner in Strasbourg w/ Paul Wagner & Chef Wife, Napa Valley Wine Tasting Styles: The final segment of the interview with famed wine educator Paul Wagner had him tell about one particular part of hosting an AmaWaterways luxury wine river cruise. They stopped in Strasbourg, one of the great cities of the world, and Paul and his wife went to dinner at a local establishment whose specialty was the Choucrote, which involves lots of port and sauerkraut. Paul's wife is a chef and when they were asked if they wanted a reisling or sylvaner wine they took both. After a fairly huge meal with copious amounts of wine they both thanked their blessings the AmaWaterways ship was within close walking distance. They slept much of the next day. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

Wine, Food & Travel Triple Crown Winner, Wine Most Intimate Expression of Human Culture, Paul Wagner: In an enlightening segment of his interview with Paul Lasley, renowned wine educator Paul Wagner says that "wine is the most intimate expression of human culture." He tells the listeners that Italy believes that the most valuable export they have is wine, this from the land of sports cars and fashion houses. In California they make wine from 60 different grapes, in France 200, in Italy, 4,000 to 6,000. Each town has a story and winery that can be traced back hundreds of years. And this is what makes wine, food and travel go together so well. For more about AmaWaterways go to www.AmaWaterways.com. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

Tips for Enjoying Local European Wines, Restaurant House Wines Terrific, Local Wineries Smaller: The conversation in the interview of Paul Wagner, renowned wine educator, and On Travel Radio Talk Show host Paul Lasley turns the wide variety of wines in California, the United States and the world. California wine production has exploded, now with nearly 4,000 wineries statewide. Napa Valley is obviously the premier region but there more being added every year. In the United States there are about 10,000 winery operations located in all 50 states, which is amazing. And that is what makes it so much fun to travel; finding new wines along the road along with new experiences. Wagner, who hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise on the Rhine River, then talks about how he was given an award from a prestigious wine organization in Spain and how flattered he was to receive such an honor. He noted that one could travel around Spain for a month and drink over a hundred different wines, while tasting the local foods, and thus broaden your wine horizons tremendously. Paul Lasley then asked about house wines in restaurants. Wagner explained that in the United States house wines would invariably be from a mass producer, and while they might be perfectly decent wines the situation in Europe is different and probably better. Restaurants in Europe get their house wines from small producers who are local operations and thus when one asks for a house it is usually really good. Lasley said he had never gotten a bad house wine in Europe. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.”

Wine Cruising with Paul Wagner & AmaWaterways, German & Napa Valley Wine Tastings in Luxury: In talking about his experience hosting an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise Paul Wagner, a respected wine educator who teaches in Napa Valley, relates that the German Wine Institute provided him with some of the best German Dry Reislings for wine tastings along the cruise. Then the passengers were able to try the Napa Valley wines from some terrific wineries for additional tastings with food pairings. Cruising the Rhine River while tasting these fine wines was certainly a treat not only for Paul Wagner but all the passengers eager to learn more about wine, food and travel. Local wine with local food is the way to go as both have evolved together for hundreds if not thousands of years. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

Real Reason Wine Cork Given, Smell Important, Taste Vital & Red Wine Temp Key says Paul Wagner: A real wine education awaits anyone who takes a class from Paul Wagner or goes on an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise he is hosting. In this segment of an interview with Paul Lasley, on the On Travel Radio Show, this renowned educator reiterates that wine experts never admit to knowing everything or close while haughty amateurs use it a social weapon. Wagner also notes that when he asks Master Sommeliers what wine to drink with a certain dish, the answer always came back that people should drink what they like. That is key. Then an explanation of the real reason the cork is presented, which came from verification of authenticity of vintage rather than smell, and then Wagner explains how the human sense of smell is far more powerful than taste. Another key factor is temperature. White is served chilled and that, Wagner explains, is good because it will warm up in the glass. But red wine is supposed to be served at room temperature, however, in today's world many homes hover around 72 degrees while castles of the past were lucky to get above 50 or 55 degrees. Wagner states that red wine should be chilled before being served, something which surprised Paul Lasley. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

Wine Experts Never Think They Know All, Haughty Amateurs Bring Arrogance to Wines Says Paul Wagner: Wine expert Paul Wagner, based in Napa Valley, hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise along the Rhine River, from Amsterdam to Zurich, and had a fantastic time in every sense of enjoying a semi-working vacation. Each AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise host, mostly winemakers but also experts like Wagner, arranges for wines from their local region, gives wine seminars with tastings and food pairings, helps conduct tours of local European vineyards which also involve tastings and mingle with passengers who are eager to learn more about wine and food. During this segment of an interview with Paul Lasley, host of syndicated On Travel Radio Show, Paul Wagner talks about the nature of being a wine expert and never getting too caught in one's vast knowledge. Wagner believes that "no true wine expert ever thinks they know it all," it is only haughty amateurs with an attitude who make it harder for those seeking to gain their foothold in the vast world of wines from around the world. The wine industry has exploded and good wines are created all over the world. One of the big key concepts that wine experts and winemakers constantly hit upon is that local wines must be consumed with local foods, this because they evolved over hundreds if not thousands of years in the same regions. Paul Wagner is a renowned wine educator based in Napa Valley who was thrilled about the prospect of hosting an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise in Europe. Read Paul Wagner's Wine Blog, Through the Bunghole, at www.throughthebunghole.com. For more about AmaWaterways go to www.AmaWaterways.com. About Paul Wagner: Paul Wagner studied sociology and education at U. C. Santa Cruz and classical guitar and public performance at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Seville, Spain. After several positions in Public Relations and Marketing in the wine industry in Napa Valley, Mr. Wagner formed Balzac Communications & Marketing on April 1, 1991. Clients include a broad range of national and international companies and organizations, with primary focus in the food and beverage industries. Current clients include Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, Don Sebastiani and Sons, Trinchero Family Estates, Simply Italian, Consorzio di Chianti Classico, Franciacorta DOCG, D.O. Navarra, Buena Vista Winery, and a host of other wine and food specialists. He has been an instructor for Napa Valley College's Viticulture and Enology department for the past seventeen years. In addition he teaches at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, and is a guest lecturer at universities throughout the world on wine business, communications, public affairs, wine and wine marketing. With Liz Thach and Janeen Olsen, he authored a book: Wine Marketing & Sales, Strategies for a Saturated Market by The Wine Appreciation Guild, which won the Gourmand International Award in 2008 for the best wine book of the year for professionals. A second edition of that work was published in 2011. He is a regular columnist for Vineyards & Winery Management Magazine, a member of the board of directors of the Society of Wine Educators and contributes to Allexperts.com in the field of wine and food. Paul Wagner has judged many national and international wine competitions, is a founding member of the Academy of Wine Communications, a member of the nominations committee of the Culinary Institute of America’s Vintner’s Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Spadarini della Castellania di Soave in 2005. In 2009 he was honored with a “Life Dedicated to Wine” award at the Feria Nacional del Vino (FENAVIN) in Spain.

Full Radio Show: Mick Wilson, AmaWaterways Wine Cruise Host, on Enjoying Wine & River Cruising: In this radio show Mick Wilson, co-founder and co-owner of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Valley, talks about the Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula Valley wine making and his experience hosting an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise down the Rhine River with AmaWaterways. He, with his parents and wife, completely enjoyed hosting a wine river cruise and had nothing but high praise for AmaWaterways. From the first rate crew to five star cuisine; from the luxurious ship to the fascinating shore excursions; from the roomy staterooms to the large common areas around the ship for relaxing and watching the castles and scenery go by; from the help the Wilson's got with their wine seminars and food tastings from the crew and chefs to the tours of local European vineyards; from the terrific passengers eager to learn about wine and food to strolling through towns and cities with a rich history; from relaxing on the Sun Deck to taking bikes out for a tour of the beautiful countryside and much more. For more about AmaWaterways go to www.AmaWaterways.com About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

Wine, Travel & Fun w/ Wilson Creek Winery, AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Experience Beyond Compare: Mick Wilson was a co-host, with his parents, of an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise on the Rhine River in Europe and he relates what an absolutely fabulous time he had on the whole experience. In the first part of this segment, during an radio interview with Paul Lasley on the syndicated On Travel Radio Show, Mick Wilson talks about how his family's American Midwest hospitality has been injected into everything about the Wilson Creek Winery. Large picnic grounds with live music every weekend, a wine tasting room with 300 bar style seats, large facilities for parties, weddings and corporate events, really a gathering place as much as a working vineyard. Then the conversation turns to the overall experience of an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise for hosts and passengers. Proceeding along the Rhine River in a luxury river cruise ship, accommodating 160 people, Mick Wilson went on to praise just about everything involved in his AmaWaterways River Cruise. Terrific crew offering attentive and first class customer service with gourmet chefs able to contribute mightily to making the wine seminars even better with fantastic food pairings; multiple level shore excursions with knowledgeable guides; five star cuisine served in buffet style or sit down; complimentary beer, wine, champagne and drinks; escorted bike tours or ability to take a independent bike excursion through a village or city; large common areas throughout the ship for relaxing and enjoying the castles and lovely countryside; nightly entertainment on board ship; multiple dining facilities and a personal dining room available for each passenger to take advantage of; daily bottled water delivered to the staterooms; state-of-the-art infotainment system in each room with unlimited internet access and a first run movie DVD library on board; on wine river cruises tours of local European vineyards, and much more. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.

River Cruising with Wilson Creek Winery, Tasting Ancient Vintages & Great German Dry Reislings: Mick Wilson, one of the founders and co-owners of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Valley, is interviewed by Paul Lasley on the On Travel Radio Show about tasting fantastic German wines while hosting a luxury AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise on the Rhine River. He talked about tasting ancient vintages that are hundreds if not thousands of years in the making, the famous dry Reislings that are so much different than the sweet Reislings available in the United States. During an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise the vintner hosts bring wine from their vineyards that will be used in on-board wine seminars with food pairings and local wines for comparison. Each host also helps conduct tours and mingle with the passengers, many who are wine aficionados eager to learn about wine, food and travel. The watchwords from many wine experts are: local wines must be consumed with local foods because they have evolved together over hundreds if not thousands of years. For more about AmaWaterways go to www.AmaWaterways.com. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

Mick Wilson's Amazing Tales about Hosting AmaWaterways Wine River Cruises Throughout Europe: After being a wine river cruise host for AmaWaterways, from Prague to Budapest, Mick Wilson was interviewed by Paul Lasley on the syndicated On Travel Radio Show about his experiences on the Danube River with AmaWaterways. He loved the trip and enjoyed educating passengers of wine from his winery in the Temecula Valley, a new region to wine making that is just south of Los Angeles about 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean as the crow flies. Mick Wilson, a co-owner of Wilson Creek Winery with the rather large Wilson family, knew that many of the passengers would be new to wines from the Temecula Valley region, he is used to that, and found it challenging conducting tastings that contrasted with European varietals and fascinating doing it with AmaWaterways' chefs creating five star cuisine for the food pairings. AmaWaterways is widely considered the premier river cruise line in the travel industry and their line of wine river cruises that consistently sell out well in advance. Each wine river cruise host conducts a series of wine seminars, with food pairings, on board ship and at local European vineyards that the passengers get to tour along the route. Wine River Cruises are now operating on the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Seine, Mosel and Douro Rivers, the last one in Portugal. About Mick Wilson: Mick has been a co-owner and employee at Wilson Creek since its founding in the late nineties. Mick has received the coveted Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as the Certified Specialist of Wine accreditation from the Society of Wine Educators. "My desire is to know as much as I can about wine. The more one knows about wine, the more fun it is. I also want to continue to learn so that I may help empower our guests and staff on their wine knowledge and wine experience." About Wilson Creek Winery: Nestled at the end of Rancho California Road in Temecula Valley lies our family estate vineyard and winery. When the Wilson family acquired a 20-acre winery in 1996, our intentions were simple. We wanted to run a fun, family business producing great wines from the conducive climate and soil of the Temecula Valley. In fact, the only previous winemaking experience in our family was Gerry and Rosie Wilson's attempts to make dandelion and rhubarb wine in their basement in Minnesota! We've come quite a long way.... Home of the famous Almond Sparkling Wine, the winery has garnered numerous prestigious international wine awards and Gerry is proud that Wilson Creek is unofficially the official winery of many Navy ships, including eight aircraft carriers. The entire family is still involved. You can feel the energy and personal touch when you visit the large tasting room, and visit with the family members that are always on the property. The ambience of Wilson Creek continues to be very warm and welcoming. Among the many guests favorites, the award winning Decadencia® Chocolate Dessert Wine is served in an edible chocolate shot glass for an extra special touch. If you have visited the winery, then you have seen the fabulous pavilion and gazebo and jazz stage. Weddings are our specialty, and we have had hundreds of amazing weddings. Plan your next private event with us or to attend an upcoming winery event. Be sure to join our Wine Club to begin enjoying the special privileges of being part of our extended family.

History of Temecula Valley Wine Making with Mick Wilson, AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Host: During his interview with Paul Lasley, on the syndicated On Travel Radio Show, Mick Wilson talks about the short history of winemaking in the Temecula Valley, just south of Los Angeles and 20 miles inland from the coast. Mick Wilson, co-owner of the Wilson Creek Winery, hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise in Europe and was pleased at being able to introduce the Temecula Valley wines to passengers who had never heard of this relatively new region of wine making. Similar to the South Rhone Valley in France, the Mediterranean climate has a nice ocean breeze, hot days and cool nights that is ideal for growing wine grapes. Forty years ago there was virtually no development in the region, thirty years ago Eli Callaway, famous golf club designer, began a winery and now there are 40 wineries in the area with ten more about to built in next few years. AmaWaterways will have Mick Wilson and his family host another wine river cruise in November 2015. Each wine river cruise host conducts a series of wine seminars, with food pairings, on board ship and at local European vineyards, assist in conducting tours of those same vineyards and mingle with the passengers. The wine river cruise program is a huge hit with AmaWaterways clients and they often sign up for another wine cruise immediately, often with the same hosts and years in advance. About Mick Wilson: Mick has been a co-owner and employee at Wilson Creek since its founding in the late nineties. Mick has received the coveted Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as the Certified Specialist of Wine accreditation from the Society of Wine Educators. "My desire is to know as much as I can about wine. The more one knows about wine, the more fun it is. I also want to continue to learn so that I may help empower our guests and staff on their wine knowledge and wine experience." About Wilson Creek Winery: Nestled at the end of Rancho California Road in Temecula Valley lies our family estate vineyard and winery. When the Wilson family acquired a 20-acre winery in 1996, our intentions were simple. We wanted to run a fun, family business producing great wines from the conducive climate and soil of the Temecula Valley. In fact, the only previous winemaking experience in our family was Gerry and Rosie Wilson's attempts to make dandelion and rhubarb wine in their basement in Minnesota! We've come quite a long way.... Home of the famous Almond Sparkling Wine, the winery has garnered numerous prestigious international wine awards and Gerry is proud that Wilson Creek is unofficially the official winery of many Navy ships, including eight aircraft carriers. The entire family is still involved. You can feel the energy and personal touch when you visit the large tasting room, and visit with the family members that are always on the property. The ambience of Wilson Creek continues to be very warm and welcoming. Among the many guests favorites, the award winning Decadencia® Chocolate Dessert Wine is served in an edible chocolate shot glass for an extra special touch. If you have visited the winery, then you have seen the fabulous pavilion and gazebo and jazz stage. Weddings are our specialty, and we have had hundreds of amazing weddings. Plan your next private event with us or to attend an upcoming winery event. Be sure to join our Wine Club to begin enjoying the special privileges of being part of our extended family.

Start of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Valley, South of L.A., Now Exploding with Wine Production: In the last 20 years the Temecula Valley, south of Los Angeles and just inland, has seen an explosion of vineyards from nothing. The ocean breeze comes through the Rainbow Gap 20 miles away and with hot days and cool nights it a perfect Mediterranean climate, similar to the south Rhone Valley, for growing wine grapes. Mick Wilson, who hosted an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise with his parents and wife, is part of the large Wilson family that founded the Wilson Creek Winery in 1996 and they have found success after starting from scratch. They were a socialite family in South Pasadena brought their Midwestern hospitality to the Temecula Valley and their facility hosts upwards of 1,200 people a day every weekend at their picnic grounds with live music and their massive wine tasting room. The Wilson Creek Winery has flagship wine in the Almond flavored sparkling along with a line that includes Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonay and more. Mick Wilson is being interviewed on this podcast by Paul Lasley on the On Travel Radio show about hosting an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise in Europe. He thoroughly enjoyed hosting the cruise and educating the passengers on wines from the Temecula Valley, with many unaware of the place, and pleased at what they tasted along with five star food pairings on board the first class AmaWaterways river cruise ship. About Mick Wilson: Mick has been a co-owner and employee at Wilson Creek since its founding in the late nineties. Mick has received the coveted Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as the Certified Specialist of Wine accreditation from the Society of Wine Educators. "My desire is to know as much as I can about wine. The more one knows about wine, the more fun it is. I also want to continue to learn so that I may help empower our guests and staff on their wine knowledge and wine experience." About Wilson Creek Winery: Nestled at the end of Rancho California Road in Temecula Valley lies our family estate vineyard and winery. When the Wilson family acquired a 20-acre winery in 1996, our intentions were simple. We wanted to run a fun, family business producing great wines from the conducive climate and soil of the Temecula Valley. In fact, the only previous winemaking experience in our family was Gerry and Rosie Wilson's attempts to make dandelion and rhubarb wine in their basement in Minnesota! We've come quite a long way.... Home of the famous Almond Sparkling Wine, the winery has garnered numerous prestigious international wine awards and Gerry is proud that Wilson Creek is unofficially the official winery of many Navy ships, including eight aircraft carriers. The entire family is still involved. You can feel the energy and personal touch when you visit the large tasting room, and visit with the family members that are always on the property. The ambience of Wilson Creek continues to be very warm and welcoming. Among the many guests favorites, the award winning Decadencia® Chocolate Dessert Wine is served in an edible chocolate shot glass for an extra special touch. If you have visited the winery, then you have seen the fabulous pavilion and gazebo and jazz stage. Weddings are our specialty, and we have had hundreds of amazing weddings. Plan your next private event with us or to attend an upcoming winery event. Be sure to join our Wine Club to begin enjoying the special privileges of being part of our extended family.