Calling all wine connoisseurs and those who simply delight in a good red, white or rosé! Holland America Line announced seven BLEND Winemaker Cruises featuring experts from our partner Chateau Ste. Michelle. On each of these special cruises aboard Koningsdam — home to our incredible BLEND experience where guests become winemakers — a different Chateau Ste. Michelle expert will join our vinologist for three, one-hour sessions each day at BLEND. They’ll also be present for our special Cellar Master’s Dinner at Pinnacle Grill where the accent will be on perfect wine and food pairings.

While the first cruise isn’t too far off, there’s still plenty of time to book one of the exciting BLEND Winemaker Cruises:

Leah Adint

Assistant Traveling Winemaker
June 25 – July 2, 2017
7-Day Viking Sagas

Leah holds a bachelor’s degree in viticulture and enology from Washington State University and a Master of Science in enology from the University of Adelaide. After working at wineries in Australia, Burgundy, central England and Scotland, she joined Chateau Ste. Michelle in 2015.

Craig Mitchell
District Manager, UK, Ireland, Scandinavia
July 2 – July 9, 2017
7-Day Norse Legends

Craig is a hospitality graduate who has owned and managed restaurants in the U.K., U.S. and Hong Kong. Working in great restaurants inspired his interest in great wine. Since earning his WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) diploma and an MBA, he’s pursued his passion for Pacific Northwest wines at Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Sander Vriend
Division Manager, Europe
July 9 – July 23, 2017
14-Day Voyage of the Midnight Sun

A graduate of the Amsterdam Hotel and Catering Management School, Sander was introduced to the great variety of wine while working at a two-star Michelin restaurant with a 400-bottle wine list. Since completing his WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) diploma he’s helped expand the market for Washington’s outstanding wines.

Al Portney
Vice President, International Sales
Sept 3-Sept 17, 2017
14-Day Jewels of the Baltic

A 40-year veteran of the wine industry, Al began his career as a wine importer, later shifting his focus to exporting wine for Fetzer Vineyards, before joining Chateau Ste. Michelle. Today, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Pacific Northwest Wine Coalition and is a member of the Washington Wine Commission.

Raymon McKee
Red Winemaker
Nov 8-Nov 19 2017
11-Day Southern Caribbean Wayfarer

After earning a degree in chemistry from Gonzaga University, Raymon worked as a winemaker at Heaven’s Cave Cellars, Covey Run Winery and Claar Cellars, before joining Chateau Ste. Michelle in 2011. Today he manages day-to-day winemaking operations at Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Canoe Ridge Estate red winery.

Paul Asikainen
National Wine Educator
Nov 19-Nov 29 2017
10-Day Southern Caribbean Seafarer

A graduate of Creighton University, Paul is certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Society of Wine Educators. He has a diverse background in hospitality management and wine list development, and has spent seven years managing Conn Creek winery, “pearl” of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Napa Valley wineries.

Thom Horsey
National Wine Educator
Nov 29-Dec 10 2017
11-Day Southern Caribbean Wayfarer

A 35-year veteran of the wine industry, Thom is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and a certified specialist in wine; he is currently pursuing his wine educator certification. After 25 years with Robert Mondavi Winery among others, he joined Ste. Michelle Wine Estates as National Educator in 2013.

Would you like to join one of the BLEND Winemaker Cruises? Tell us below!