This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Cruise line launches own sparkling wine
US cruise company Holland America Line will release its first own-brand fizz, produced in Washington’s Columbia Valley, at the end of this month.
From the end of October Holland America Line will offer its own traditional method sparkling wine across its fleet of ships. Created in partnership with Four Feathers Wine Services, the fizz will be available by the glass and bottle in all Holland America’s onboard restaurants and bars, as well as in gift packages for rooms.
Four Feathers is a family-owned winemaking company in Washington that farms wine grapes across six estate vineyards and makes and packages custom wines for nearly 300 clients across the US. The Zirkle family, which owns Four Feathers, has been growing fruit in Washington State since the 1880s and all its vineyards are certified through the Sustainable WA programme.
“Our goal was to create a wine that elevates a sense of luxury on board,” said Drew Foulk, senior beverage manager for Holland America. “Whether our guests are celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging during their voyage, we aim to provide them with something truly exceptional.”
The cruise line describes the flavour profile of Holland America Brut Sparkling Wine as offering “ripe peach, shortbread, and vanilla custard on the nose” with “apple fritter, crème brûlée, and praline” on the palate with “fresh citrus and Granny Smith apple following through the finish”.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Holland America to craft this exceptional sparkling wine,” said Four Feathers general manager Rebecca De Kleine. “This wine showcases the best of our estate-grown fruit and strikes a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do — from vineyard practices to production, ensuring that our commitment to environmental stewardship enhances the quality and integrity of this wine.”
Sea change
It follows on from Holland America releasing an exclusive gin, in honour of its 150th birthday. With a name nodding to the cruise line’s Dutch heritage, De Lijn Gin is is made with Dutch-inspired botanicals, including orange and rose, along with elderberry, lemon verbena, lemon, raspberry and juniper.
Several other cruise lines have also joined the trend of creating their own spirits, including Oceania Cruises which partnered with whisky brand Chapter 7 to craft an exclusive 20-year-old small-batch cask of whisky to celebrate the launch of its new ship, Vista.
Meanwhile, Garda DOC revealed to the drinks business earlier this year that it was not against green-stamping a range of “super-premium canned wines” to be released for the yachting set to enjoy onboard their vessels while sailing on Lake Garda.
Related news
Did Brexit kill the booze cruise?
Why the drinks industry is sharpening its focus on cruise ships