Princess Cruises is now offering an exclusive Caimus Vineyards winemaker dinner on ships sailing in North America through April, including all Alaska voyages, and on all ships worldwide through May. Caimus Vineyards and Cabernet Sauvignon are synonymous with wine enthusiasts around the world as one of the most sought-after wines to pour and share around the table for special celebrations.
Available at the popular specialty restaurant Crown Grill for $140 per person, the new Winemaker Dinner utilizes the expansive expertise of Chuck Wagner, owner, and winemaker of Napa Valley’s renowned Caimus Vineyards, to deliver a five-course menu (see below), crafted to complement the tasting notes of his wines.
Dinner, available for 12 guests per seat, will be offered 2-3 times per cruise, depending on the length of the voyage, and interested guests can reserve their seats once on board.
“Our new Caimus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner further elevates Princess’ culinary experience and beautifully showcases the elegance of the cruise,” said Sami Cohen, Princess’ vice president of food and beverage. “Our passionate culinary team and Chuck have curated what promises to be a deliciously memorable and enticing experience that will have our guests talking long after the last course and glass of wine has been served.”
Wagner, together with the culinary team of the Princess, personally selected the wines to be paired with the multi-course menu. In addition to Caimus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, he perfectly paired dinner dishes with varieties from other family offerings, including Caimus-Suisun ‘The Walking Fool’ Red Blend, Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Sea Sun Pinot Noir and Emmolo Sparkling.
“We value family, friends, delicious food, and great wine, along with the many connections between them,” said Chuck Wagner, owner, and winemaker of Caimus Vineyards. “We love how Princess also recognizes that cruise travel fosters deeper relationships with its guests and the destinations they visit by sharing experiences at the table, and we’re thrilled to be pouring our wines and sharing our passion through a specially curated dinner with this beloved cruise line.” line”.
Caimus is a hands-on family affair that Wagner founded in 1972, together with his late parents, when he was just 19 years old. After 50 vintages, he continues to make two renowned Cabernet Sauvignons – Caimus Napa Valley and Caimus Special Selection.
Chuck now works alongside his two children, Charlie and Jenny, and the family also makes a variety of wines from Napa Valley, other parts of California and beyond. Wagner is widely recognized for his leadership in winemaking and industry, and all three Wagners continue to experiment with agriculture and winemaking, continuing the family legacy and commitment to excellence.
In addition to the new dining experience, Caimus Vineyards is also collaborating with Princess on a refreshed wine menu, and Caimus Vineyards will be curating the Crown Grill steakhouse, chops and seafood specials, with wine pairing recommendations on the menu. Later this year, guests will have the opportunity to visit Caimus Vineyards in Rutherford, Napa Valley, and Caimus-Suisun Winery in Suisun Valley, California, on exclusive shore excursions offered on various California cruises.
Openings
Beef carpaccio, celeriac, arugula, shaved parmesan, orange zest, balsamic glaze
or
Marinated Fresh Oyster Mushrooms and Wood Ear Mushrooms green pea granita, roasted hearts of romaine lettuce, smoked citrus dressing
Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, Calif.
First course
Fresh summer black truffle risotto, Parmigiano Reggiano aged 36 months
Caymus-Suisun ‘The Walking Fool’ Red Blend, Suisun Valley, Calif.
Main course
Tournedos Rossini – prime beef tenderloin, blossom artichokes
Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Calif.
or
Seared King Salmon and Giant Prawn
Peruvian potatoes, baby green zucchini and lemon beurre blanc
Sea Sun Pinot Noir, Calif.
Cheeses
Charcuterie and cheese selection
Paired with guest’s wine of choice from the dinner
Dessert
Chocolate Rasberry Dream – intense dark chocolate mousse, chocolate raspberry cream, raspberry compote, chocolate sacher, Dark Chocolate Cornflake Crisp
Emmolo Sparkling Wine, Calif.
Princess first introduced its popular Winemaker Dinner in a private wine cellar-inspired space in the dining rooms on board Royal Princess in 2013.