Wine Hosts

Few people are fortunate enough to take their love and passion for something and turn it into a career. Gourmet Wine Getaways’ Peter Kerr just happens to be one of those lucky people. His love of wine started when he lived in Europe and could enjoy tasting and learning about wines from the best wine producing countries on the continent. He later came to the US (to stay) and added the wines of California to his knowledge base (In fact, he has selected wines from Zaca Mesa Winery to taste and compare to the French wines on this AMA cruise).

Peter quickly realized he wanted to share this love, passion and voluminous information with other wine drinkers. It didn’t matter their level of wine expertise; he could and would talk with anyone who was interested in the broad subject of wine and wine/food pairing & do so in a way that was not intimidating. This eventually led to the creation of Gourmet Wine Getaways in 1996 where he serves as “The Wine Consultant” for wine dinners, tastings and wine-centric travel adventures on land and sea.

There are many people walking the planet that have a lot of wine knowledge in their head. But, it can be safely said that there is no one in that category who can make anyone feel more at home than Peter. If you are lucky, you will find a seat next to him and discover this for yourself.

For over three decades, the Orsi Family has nurtured grapevines in Sonoma County's picturesque Dry Creek Valley, just outside Healdsburg, CA. Their sprawling home ranch spans 70 acres, meticulously tended to showcase 11 distinct Italian grape varieties. These varieties have become synonymous with the Orsi Family label, yielding a collection of acclaimed, award-winning wines.

The inspiration behind cultivating these Italian grapes traces back to Bernie Orsi, the visionary proprietor, who, after a transformative family trip to Italy in the early 2000s, fell in love with the diverse old-world grape varieties. This approach to planting Italian grapes in Dry Creek Valley is an homage to the legacy of Italian families who settled in the region in the early 1900s, rekindling a historic connection.

Mark Orsi, a devoted member of the family enterprise, transitioned to Orsi Family Wines after a fruitful 30-year career in the Financial Markets. With a deep-rooted passion for wine, Mark joined the business seven years ago and now serves as the General Manager of the winery and tasting room nestled in Healdsburg, CA.

Featured prominently in the iconic movie Sideways, Fiddlehead Cellars’ owner and winemaker Kathy Joseph is recognized as a pioneer among female winemakers. With unbridled passion and enthusiasm, Kathy creates stylistic Sauvignon Blanc, age-worthy Grüner Veltliner and silky, textural Pinot Noir. She produces about 5,000 cases of wine at Fiddlehead annually, infusing her personal touch in each grape cluster, barrel of wine and bottle that finds its way to the table. Her quest is simple: to incorporate European beauty into these New-World varietals by working with grapes grown in the ideal spot and wines managed with great care and respect in the cellar. All varietals, including Grüner Veltliner from Austria, are celebrated for their successful Old-World pedigree; all have the potential to convey sensory elegance and have proven to gratify a broad range of discriminating palates. Join Kathy and her husband Tom as they lead you along the Rhine River, exploring this rich wine region.

Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own with a 200-year history of award winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established when with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

At Stoller, their roots run deep. The family established the property in 1943 and the vineyard 50 years later. Over the last 30 years, the team has patiently transformed the 400-acre property into the largest contiguous vineyard in Oregon’s Dundee Hills. Much has changed from the original Stoller family farm, but two things remain constant: a pioneering spirit and commitment to their farm. The team continuously seeks new ways to refine and protect its legacy so that it can thrive for generations to come. Stoller’s winery was the first in the world to receive LEED Gold certification, attesting that their winery is sustainably built and environmentally friendly. Stoller takes pride in their B Corp, LIVE, and Salmon-Safe certifications, knowing they back their values with actions when it comes to their commitment to their land, wines, and community. Leading the charge for the past 11 years is President Gary Mortensen. His career spans more than 22 years of senior leadership in the Oregon wine industry, coupled with a decade as a start-up veteran. As a devoted historian, he is committed to preserving and sharing our nation’s diversity and heritage. Gary’s passion for innovation and pushing boundaries has earned Stoller a reputation for excellence that consistently earns the family-owned winery a place on the USA Today 10Best Tasting Rooms Reader’s Choice poll and 2023 Best Winery by Willamette Week’s Best of Portland. In 2022, Gary was named one of the Portland Business Journal’s Executives of the Year, and one of Wine Business Month’s Top Leaders.

Angela Summers was drawn to Oregon by the quiet beauty of the terrain and the brilliant rainbows that frequent the valley. Inspired by the color of the vineyard after harvest, Saffron Fields is nestled in the northern Willamette Valley on an old dairy farm. Our woman-owned winery and sustainably cultivated vineyard produces exceptional wines that reflect the vintage and terroir. In an area known for vibrant Burgundian wines, winemaker Tony Rynders crafts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rose with balance and complexity that are authentic expressions of our estate's rich soils and coastal influences. Voted #1 tasting room in the Willamette Valley, we offer you an intimate and unique destination dedicated to wine, art, architecture, and well-being, surrounded by a stunning Japanese Garden from renowned Hoichi Kurisu. Immerse yourself in contemporary art and architecture as you experience the excellence of our world-class estate-grown wines.

"Embark on a wine journey with me along the enchanting Danube River! I'm Rebecca Sciandri Griffin, a passionate force in the wine industry and proud representative of Sciandri Family Vineyards, my family's verified Micro winery nestled in the picturesque Coombsville area of Napa Valley. At Sciandri Family Vineyards, we craft between 500 and 600 cases of wine per year—equivalent to just about 30 barrels. On our label, you'll find the Sciandri motto, “vino con un tocco di familia,” Italian for “wine with a touch of family.” It perfectly encapsulates our family-owned and operated ethos, where I, alongside my mother Roberta and brothers, Ron Jr. and Ryan, orchestrate the delicate dance of art and science in winemaking. I strive to create memorable experiences and foster lifelong connections with all of our “wine family”. My expertise spans all facets of the wine business, from internet sales and marketing to managing directto-consumer channels, wine clubs, and national distribution. I am fueled by a genuine passion for people, fine wine, and travel. Beyond the vineyards, I co-founded the Coombsville Vintners and Growers association in 2009, a testament to my commitment to building a strong community within the industry. I invite you to join me on this vinous adventure along the Danube, where my love for creating unique wine experiences comes to life. Let's explore the world of fine wines together, discovering the magic that happens when passion, craftsmanship, and the serene beauty of the Danube converge.

Linked Vineyards is the dream of husband and wife, Drew Johnson and Jessica Link, who have teamed up with winemaker Luc Morlet to produce a very small production 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The family vineyard, also their homestead, is perched just above the fogline on a hillside on the southwestern edge of Knight’s Valley at an elevation of 1,200 feet.

While the Linked Vineyards name clearly has ties to the family name, it means so much more. It represents the connection of elements that help create the wine: the unique site, the family (they include Luc here) and all of the friends who pitch in and support them. Their desire is to use a beautiful Cabernet to carry a small piece of their special place in Sonoma County wherever they go, build links to new friends and bring more fascinating people into the fold. With a production of less than 250 cases each vintage, the only way to know about this exclusive “winery” is to meet them yourself or get a bottle of Linked Vineyards Cabernet shared by a very generous friend who is already in the know.

Holly has been a popular Wine Host for AmaWaterways river cruises since 2013. She lives in New York State and is an enthusiastic supporter of the Finger Lakes wine region where she leads many tours to the local wineries, breweries, organic farms, cheesemakers and other locavore destinations. Her business is called “UNCORKED”, and she often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas. Holly is a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators; a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Holly loves to teach and travel and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning.

Since its founding in 2004, m2 Wines has been a rapidly evolving winery that has been crafting award-winning wines in California, known for Zinfandels, Rhone-style wines and audacious blends. Owner and Winemaker Layne Montgomery was fascinated with wine since his early 20’s, and at age 40 thought he’d try his hand at making great wines. He spent two years making his first wines at local wineries that would allow him the space. In 2006, he moved into a cramped industrial warehouse in Lodi, California. At that simple location, Layne crafted the identity of m2 wines. Soon the word that m2 was making great wines began to spread. Layne has received numerous awards for making superb Zinfandel and has since garnered a reputation for producing fine wines from California’s Lodi AVA. Today m2 Wines sits on its own 15-acre vineyard, with a delightful winery premises and tasting room. The dynamic, artisan, age-worthy wines of Layne & Karen Montgomery are from distinctive vineyards in Lodi, the Sierra Foothills, and Napa Valley. The m2 Lodi vineyard produces Zinfandel, Tannat, Petite Sirah and Vermentino. Join Layne & Karen Montgomery on a cruise down the Blue Danube, from Vilshofen Bavaria to Budapest Hungary aboard AmaBella, one of Europe’s grand river ships. They look forward to sharing their prized California wines in two special tasting events and a paired dinner.

Mike Owen’s lifelong wine journey has taken him from California to France, from the cellar to the judging table, from a wine aficionado to a wine businessman. Mike and his wife Melissa own and operate Crystal Basin Cellars in the Sierra Foothills of the El Dorado appellation. Working with almost 20 different grapes provides an extensive line-up of award-winning wines. Mike has great success with Rhone varieties planted at high elevations. You can literally taste the difference in these flavorful wines. Who doesn’t want to talk about and sip great Syrah and Mourvedre? Mike’s palate, easygoing informative approach, plus his serious, wine-geeky patter set him up to be an All-Star host for AmaWaterways. Crystal Basin’s winemaking history extends back nearly 40 years. Let Mike and Melissa them share their enthusiasm on an unforgettable trip.

Lisa and Rob Russell, fourth-generation vintners of the Grifenhagen and Russell families, are owners of Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, an 80-acre vineyard and 12,000-case winery on their family’s permanently preserved 435-acre farm in Westport, Massachusetts. Their operation and farm play an important role in preserving the rural agricultural character of their small seaside town. Rob has focused on farming since 1985, and Lisa has managed onsite events, the wine club and retail sales since 2017. Rob is now the winery’s General Manager.

Marco Montez joined the Westport Rivers Cru in 2019, bringing advanced wine making knowledge and expertise. Marco offers a unique winemaking perspective as he owns a family winery in Portugal in addition to his responsibilities with Westport Rivers.

Westport Rivers specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, which have been served in the White House and lauded by Oprah. The winery also farms and vinifies Chardonnay, Riesling, and more esoteric whites such as Pinot Gris, Rkatsiteli, Grüner Veltliner, and Schönburger. Like the wines of Alsace, most of Westport’s wines are fully fermented to dryness, gloriously aromatic, and deliciously crisp. This makes them excellent pairings for both exotic and simple foods.

Join Lisa & Rob Russell and Claudia & Marco Montez to sail along the beautiful and historic Rhine River. Taste and enjoy both the wines from Westport Rivers and the Alsace wine region while learning about the challenges and rewards of farming and pioneering world-class wines in the Southeastern New England AVA. Discover the similarities and differences between the wines of Westport Rivers and Alsace and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow wine lovers on this unique and unforgettable experience.

Third generation winemaker Bion Rice’s great grandfather grew grapes for the Inglenook Winery in the 1890’s. His grandfather remembered picking grapes on that vineyard as a boy. When his parents planted a 25-acre vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley in 1990, the legacy continued. After five years of harvesting, cellar work, and enology training under renowned winemaker Daniel Gehrs, Bion produced his first solo-vintage as Head Winemaker in 1997 at his family’s Sunstone Vineyard and Winery in Santa Ynez. Having studied art and filmmaking in college, Bion wanted to fuse his passion for art and wine in an innovative way. In 1999, he produced the first vintage of Artiste featuring the art of James-Paul Brown on the front label, inspiring Bion to start his own winery. Artiste’s “Tasting Studio” was opened in 2003, and it quickly became a mustexperience destination for wine enthusiasts who also appreciate art. The tasting experience included painting on large easels with canvases, art journaling, and wine blending classes. Artiste became the home of “Art Inspired Wines,” an approach to blending wine that Bion invented, developed, and perfected. He artfully blends wines in response to the emotional, instinctual, thought-provoking, and sometimes synesthetic experiences derived from artworks, translating a visual medium into the senses: aromas, flavors, and mouth-feel. Every wine is a limited-edition work of art itself and is never replicated.

Following their dreams, three friends came together, Gina, Cat and Flint; full of talent, ideas, and the passion to create exceptional wines. At Wit Cellars, we are committed to artfully crafting outstanding wines, which respect the elegance of each region, and the talents of each wine grower. Our experienced, knowledgeable, and committed winemakers, Flint Nelson and Cat Warwick, along with the WIT team create exceptional wines for those whom we have touched, and those whom we have yet to touch. We accomplish this by blending our individual strengths and talents. In doing so, we foster a fun, positive atmosphere that supports our principles and culminates in a healthy, happy life style. WIT speaks to thoughtful, meaningful interactions with friends, a lightness of mood, and certain elegance of style–which is the spirit of WIT Cellars.

Though born in Kentucky, Jarod didn’t fall in love with the grape juice inside oak barrels until he moved to Oregon and attended culinary school as an aspiring chef. Learning about food—its sources, techniques, and surprises—led him first to Oregon wine country as a harvest intern, and then to Oregon State University for his bachelor's degree in viticulture and enology. Following winemaking stints at Willamette Valley's Cana’s Feast, Archery Summit, and Argyle, Jarod joined ROCO Winery in 2017 as Assistant Winemaker where he continues to pursue his passion for crafting world-class sparkling wine.

When he's not in the cellar, Jarod uses his culinary skills to develop food pairings and menus for wine club events and winery dinners.

For seven years, Sheri has proudly led the service team in providing distinguished guest experiences in the tasting rooms, tours, special events, and offsite engagements for Chateau Montelena Winery. A native of Orange County California, she is a 35-year hospitality veteran who is passionate and keenly focused on the artistry of hospitality. She began her hotel career in 1988 in entry-level positions that taught her comprehensive guest service and relationship-building techniques. Over the years her roles evolved into an emphasis on food and beverage management and operations. Her leadership and strategic abilities allowed her to transition to executive roles for rooms division, general manager, and corporate project manager. In 2013, Sheri returned to her food and beverage roots by joining Zov’s Restaurant Group, overseeing all operations for the multi-unit James Beard Award-winning company. In September 2016, Napa Valley became a natural progression in her career where her love for food, wine, and hospitality blended into one rewarding role at Chateau Montelena. She has earned her Certified Specialists of Wine certification and is a passionate advocate for the wine industry and the Montelena brand. You are cordially invited to join Sheri on a voyage down the beautiful Seine River, from Paris through historic Normandy to the Atlantic and back. We’ll visit Chantilly, Epernay, Paris, Les Andelys, Le Havre, Honfleur, Omaha Beach, Giverny and Rouen. On board the AmaLyra, Sheri will conduct two tastings on board and one paired dinner with the extraordinary, multi-award-winning wines of Montelena. This is a delightful experience for lovers of fine wine, French cuisine and art history. Join us!

“No two vintages are the same; which provides us with a unique and expressive wine each year. This makes the entire process of making wine exciting, mysterious and ever changing.” - Aurora Aurora is the daughter of Luis and Janice Coria, the owners of Coria Estates. Rori, as her family and friends call her, grew up helping her folks working in the vineyard and behind the scenes in the administrative side of owning a 60 acre vineyard. Rori decided to go back to school and study Winemaking, and in a few short years, Coria Estates had their first crush under label in 2013! Rori started her career in winemaking in 2011. She studied at the Northwest Wine Studies Center, and has interned at Oregon wineries, as well as studied winemaking and worked a vintage abroad in Tasmania, Australia. She believes in being hands off stylistically in the winery and letting the fruit speak for itself. She believes that if you manipulate a wine too much, you lose the natural essence of the fruit you started with.

Her passion for wine has grown and is now producing upwards of 15 different styles of wine each harvest; from Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon to Sauvignon Blanc! She is always learning and feels that every harvest is an opportunity to try something new, whether it’s new yeast, a new varietal or different oak barrels, it’s a chance to learn and grow.

Winemaker Noah Fox Reed and General Manager Cameron James each share over 20 years of experience in the wine industry and direct the production, operations, sales & marketing at Tinte Cellars. Tinte Cellars is a family-owned winery, established by Tim Gamble and Teresa Spellman Gamble in 2018. Their mission is to combine an award-winning, Washington-focused winery with a social mission to inspire the community to support those in need in Washington state. A Washington native, Noah was busy earning his degree in Philosophy when he first became interested in wine. He began studying winemaking at Walla Walla Community College and his passion crystalized when he worked his first harvest in 2003. Noah journey took him to Australia for a harvest and then back to Eastern WA, ultimately working as an Assistant Winemaker. In 2014, looking for a new challenge, he took charge of the program at William Church and now masterfully manages winemaking for Tinte Cellars. Cameron grew up amongst the vines in the Sonoma/Napa Valley wine country. While finishing college Cameron began working in the wine industry in a tasting room. A healthy mix of curiosity and ambition lead to positions that brought a diverse set of skills and knowledge. In 2008, Cameron moved into the luxury hotel industry, ultimately leading the food and beverage program at Meadowood Napa Valley. In 2016, Cameron returned to the wine industry and lead several luxury and high-volume properties before taking the opportunity to join Tinte Cellars in 2021 as General Manager

Wolff Vineyards is located on 125 acres of ecologically friendly, certified sustainable farm just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo California, scenic beaches, and major tourist attractions. The vineyard and winery are in the Edna Valley and San Luis Obispo Coast Appellation, 4.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean providing a coastal marine influence. The vineyard was planted in 1976 and the winery opened in 1999. Wolff Vineyards is family-owned where every member brings their own passion and unique talents consistently producing high accolade wines. Jean-Pierre Wolff Ph.D. and Elke Wolff are the principal owners, their two sons Clint and Mark are respectively tasting room-events manager and assistant winemaker. Elke bringing her public accounting background and Jean-Pierre his engineering and scientific background managing the vineyard, winery, as well as being head of the “Wolff Pack.” Jean-Pierre is fluent in French, a seasoned European traveler, and a frequent host of vineyard tours and “vines to wine” educational presentations with an emphasis on cool climate and Rhone wine grape varieties. The overall business philosophy is reconnecting farming with nature, having a passion in wine making, being European influenced and Central Coast California inspired.

Located in the beautiful hills above Saratoga, CA, House Family Vineyards was founded by Dave House in 1998. As part of the Santa Cruz Mountains winegrowing region, House Family produces award-winning wines from their estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay.

As a family member, Jim has been involved in the vineyard and winery operation since the beginning. He has been the winemaker since 2010. Jim believes in the value of letting the wine express itself with a minimal amount of intervention, and oversees the harvest, fermentation and aging processes with a gentle hand. Jim's approach has paid off greatly, as House Family produces award-winning wines, which repeatedly garner both local and national critical acclaim.

As a champion of the Santa Cruz Mountain’s AVA, Jim serves as the president of the Winegrower’s Association. Along with his fellow growers, he believes that organic and sustainable farming are the best path forward to creating world class wines.

Established in 2002, Sojourn Cellars produces highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. We source fruit from celebrated vineyards in both Sonoma and Napa Valley, where we work closely with vineyard owners who use world-class growing methods for cultivating grapes of the highest quality. Our hands-off winemaking style allows the character and personality of these special vineyard sites to shine through in the finished wines.

Randy Bennett started as Sojourn’s Assistant Winemaker in 2008. He is now responsible for making all the Sojourn wines and overseeing cellar operations and vineyard management activities. He works closely with our growers and cellar crew to achieve Erich’s vision for the wines each vintage. Randy is also Sojourn’s General Manager, running the day-to-day operations of our production, marketing, and business operations. Randy’s introduction to winemaking came under the tutelage of Thomas Brown and Mike Smith while working in the wine caves of Nicholson Ranch in Sonoma. Randy was introduced to the art of making distinctive high-end wines during his time helping Thomas and Mike, as they produced wines for Schrader Cellars, Rivers-Marie, Myriad Cellars, Tamber Bey, and Nicholson Ranch.

Breathless Wines is a family affair, built by the love of three sisters, and the passion for life that their mother passed down to them. The sisters are dedicated to creating sparkling wines that pair well with life’s special moments. Located in Healdsburg, CA, Breathless Wines Earned Rising Wine Stars “Winery of the Year” in 2020.

Sharon Cohn is one of the 3 sisters who own Breathless Sparkling Wines. She is the “glitz, glamour and panache” behind the bubbles of Breathless. Sharon is the “feet on the street” of Breathless, traveling with the bubbly far and wide to meet with restaurants and retailers to share the passion behind Breathless. Sharon’s love of travel grew after four years in the US Air Force and she has enjoyed traveling to places far and wide: Canadian Rockies, Greece, Italy, Calgary and places that take her wherever there are mountains—her favorite!

When it comes to crafting wine, Cara brings an uncommon wealth of knowledge and passion to Sonoma-Cutrer. After receiving her enology degree at the University of California at Davis, Cara spent a year traveling the other winemaking regions of the world, working at wineries in Australia, Chile, and New York while also studying the craft in New Zealand, Eastern Europe, Italy, Germany, and France. Out of money but full of energy, Cara joined the Jekel Vineyard winemaking team in 1998. In 2000, she was selected as the Winemaker/White Wines at Fetzer Vineyards. Cara often talks about the first time she tasted Sonoma-Cutrer and in that moment, she knew that this food-friendly, well-balanced style was the wine she wanted to make. She got that wish when she joined the Sonoma-Cutrer team in 2005 and immersed herself in crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in our classic, Burgundian style. Winemaking is often a family profession and, true to form, Cara is married to another Sonoma County winemaker and they live with their two children near the winery. When Cara isn’t busy making wine, she enjoys skiing, hiking, and volunteering with local nonprofit organizations.

Toussaint Cellars is a micro boutique winery established in 2016 by Paul and Gina Toussaint in the Santa Barbara County wine region of California.

Paul is the winemaker and has lived in the Santa Barbara area for 40 years. He learned to love the unique vineyard characteristics and many varietals grown in the Santa Barbara wine region and developed a great appreciation for the local winemakers. He started making his own wines 15 years ago.

Wines are handcrafted in limited quantity to fully express the unique varietal and vineyard characteristics of Santa Barbara County AVA’s. Most grapes are sourced from smaller vineyards to offer a unique expression of Santa Barbara varietals.

French, Italian and Spanish varietals are produced to be enjoyed with family and friends, great food and music. You can find their wines at local wine festivals, events and river cruises. Or through the website at ToussaintCellars.com

Mary Joli is the SE Regional Sales Manager with Willamette Valley Vineyards in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley. Mary brings with her a wealth of wine knowledge and experience from 20 years in the Oregon wine industry, starting in wine shops specializing in Oregon Pinots, and later with several small production Oregon wineries. Mary has managed tasting rooms and hosted special events and vineyard weddings. The last 14 years Mary has worked for Willamette Valley Vineyards on the National Sales Team managing Distributor relations in 8 states across the south US and travels throughout Europe hosting riverboat cruises for Ama Waterways.

As a TWA international flight attendant Mary traveled extensively throughout Europe where she first discovered the joy of drinking elegant old world wines. Over a four year period Mary tasted her way across Europe and developed a palate and passion for wine. After settling down and raising a family Mary returned to the workforce to pursue her passion for wines, of traveling and meeting new people, working with Willamette Valley Vineyards has enabled her to live her dreams.

At home in Oregon Mary enjoys hiking, organic gardening and kayaking on the Willamette River. She actively enjoys Oregon’s endless forests, snowy mountains, rugged coastline and, of course, its elegant wines!

Australian Clare Tudor has always had a passion for wine – the places it comes from, the people who make it and the story of how it ends up in your glass.

After an inspiring year living all things wine in Napa California, Clare became a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and began her career as Wine Director for a Los Angeles restaurant group. With wine education spearheading her passion, Clare has trained numerous budding Somms and oenophiles. Her infectious passion attracts people from all walks of life wanting to know more about the wonderous world of wine with every sip and swirl.

With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and television industries, Clare truly is a global wine expert. She also operates her own luxury wine travel business in Provence, France and you’ll always find her curiously exploring vineyards and intriguing wines throughout Europe, the Americas and the lands Downunder.

Knapp Winery, now 40 years old, was one of the first wineries established in the Finger Lakes (FLX) AVA, and has always have a tradition of quality and innovation. Cole and Karen Wilson have been the proud owners of this outstanding and historic brand since 2021, and are dedicated to producing high quality and expressive wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. They are long-time residents and supporters of FLX wines; this adventure has allowed them to realize a long-time dream of supporting the region. Karen also works as a pediatrician in Rochester, NY, while Cole brings his unique background in wine and finance to the business. In addition to the winery, Field & Vine restaurant is a farm to table restaurant tucked into the vineyard. Cole is also a member of the Rochester-Finger Lake Châine des Rôtisseurs, the gastronomic society that has partnered with AMA Waterways.

Knapp Winery offers premium estate reds such as Cabernet Franc, and Blaüfrankisch, a German/Austrian vinifera, alongside whites such as signature Rieslings and Chardonnay. Knapp continues to innovate with varietals like Saperavi, a unique Georgian variety that’s gaining new appreciation across the country. Knapp is also the only winery east of the Mississippi to grow the Austrian grape Siegerrebe, the love child of Gewurtztraminer and Madeleine, which creates a wine with aromatic and floral characteristics, and a pleasing minerality.

The FLX AVA climate is very similar to that of Germany, Austria, Alsace, and Switzerland, which is why Cole and Karen were so excited to participate as wine hosts on this AMA Waterways Rhine river cruise. They are looking forward to sharing complementary wines that highlight the similarities and differences between these unique regions.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Bordeaux wine country with Cindy and Jeff Coggin, who specialize in hosting intimate groups on unforgettable river cruises. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just discovering the world of fine wines, Cindy and Jeff’s easygoing charm and infectious passion will guide you on an unforgettable journey through the captivating stories, rich traditions, and diverse flavors of Bordeaux. Jeff has decades of travel experience to go along with a Level 2 Award in Wine (with Distinction) from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. Cindy has a background in incentive planning and working with destination management companies to create new and different experiences.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and awaken your senses through interactive tastings and lively discussions. You'll gain invaluable knowledge and experience exploring the diverse spectrum of wines this famed region has to offer. Unravel the Mysteries of Left Bank vs. Right Bank Reds. Delight in the Crisp Refreshment of White Bordeaux. Indulge in the liquid gold of Bordeaux – Sauternes.

Embark on an engaging discussion as they share their passion for the stories behind the wines. Delve into Bordeaux’s rich history, where tales of legendary wines intertwine with the evolution of a land blessed with exceptional terroir. We'll explore the 1855 classification, a landmark ranking that sparked fervent debate and continues to hold undeniable influence – even as the world of wine has undergone dramatic changes.

Each sip of Bordeaux is a journey through time, history, and the passionate craftsmanship of generations of winemakers. Come, join us, and discover the magic that unfolds in every bottle.

In 2006, a girl from Arizona decided to head to Oregon to sip Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. It was there she met an ambitious wine enthusiast who had a dream to plant his own vineyard and make World Class Wine. On that very weekend, John and Jody Wrigley met, fell in love, purchased 200 acres and started on a lifetime adventure. Fueled by passion, these two have built a beautiful life in the heart of Oregon’s wine country. John has amassed numerous wine awards and Jody continues to promote and cheerlead her favorite wine-maker. They invite you to join them on their adventure and live by their motto that “All dreams are possible”.

David Bauer’s passion to design and deliver the ultimate guest experience with food and wine led him to Los Milics Vineyards, which was voted one of the top ten new wineries in the U.S. in 2023 by USA Today. Intrigued by the award-winning wines and inspired by the natural and manmade landscape, David immediately understood the promise and potential of Los Milics and joined the team in 2022.

David brings decades of hospitality expertise to Los Milics in the worlds of culinary, wine, events, and guest experience. He created events for corporate clients in New York City, LA, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chicago, Dallas, and other major cities that were notable for presentation: both food and ambience. Some of his signature recipes have become staples in well-known stores.

A gifted host, David relishes the challenge of introducing Arizona wines to wine aficionados. He enjoys seeing the surprise on his guests faces when they savor Los Milics rustic red blends, refreshing rosés, and bright whites. Just ask him and he’s happy to talk about how the terroir in Southern Arizona influences which grapes Los Milics Vineyards chooses to plant and harvest.

David has been a frequent guest on Arizona television stations where he performed cooking demonstrations and shared tips on home design and entertaining. Prior to focusing on food and wine, David had a successful career in marketing, advertising, and branding. David has spent his adult life in Arizona and is excited to be part of the exciting Arizona wine story.

Prior to starting the journey into the world of grape growing and wine making, Kathy and her late husband Gary owned and operated a community pharmacy for over 20 years. In 1995, they relocated to Johnson City, Texas and bought land for the vineyard and winery. Always a lover of wine, Kathy's background in pharmacy involved studies in organic and biochemistry which made for a natural progression into being a part of the art and chemistry of wine making. As one of the first wineries in the Texas Hill Country, Texas Hills Vineyard matched the climate to the grape varietals by planting Pinot Grigio, Syrah and Sangiovee in the vineyard. Receiving recognition for their Pinot Grigio in 1997 and followed with many more accolades including winning a Gold medal for his Kick Butt Cab at an International Double Blind wine tasting competition. The Texas Hills Vineyard philosophy for making wine is: “Make wine that tastes good, not just follow what others are doing, follow your own sense of quality and good taste”. This philosophy is reflected in their motto: “Wine to Share With Friends”. Kathy looks forward to sharing their award-winning Texas Hill Country wines and making new friends on this cruise.