travel connection
Wine on the high seas
By T. Foster Jones
MAKING FINE WINE is a blend of science
and art. It is the result of a host of varying
environmental factors and, typically, the combination of several different grape varieties,
each in varying quantities, overseen and
orchestrated by master vintners to create a
unique and excellent vintage.
Creating a fine travel event is no less complex a process, involving the combination of
many different elements, pulled together by
travel experts to create a unique and excellent
experience.
In May 2009, 100 Costco members will
have the opportunity to enjoy a Costco Travel
Buyer’s Choice cruise that blends all the highlights of a seven-night pleasure cruise with
the oenophilic delights of private wine tastings in the presence of an expert in both wine
and the culinary arts.
The Princess Cruises sailing from Los
Angeles to Vancouver, British Columbia,
which offers explorations of the wine regions
of Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Astoria,
Oregon, to all passengers, also features events
exclusive to the Costco members who take the
voyage.
Costco members will enjoy private
onboard tastings of California, Oregon and
Washington wines, as well as wine and food
classes, hosted by Chateau Ste. Michelle culinary director, TV host and author John Sarich.
Members will also attend a private “blending”
event at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville,
Washington, and will receive a signed copy of
Sarich’s third cookbook, Best of Taste.
“At Chateau Ste. Michelle, John conducts
cooking classes, wine and food tastings, wine
dinners and special events, all designed to further people’s enjoyment and understanding of
wine and food,” says Lauren Anderson, cruise
buyer for Costco Travel. “John’s innovative
approach to matching food and wine reflects
his unique culinary background.”
“It’s all about exploration,” says Sarich,
“which is analogous to taking a cruise. On
this trip we get the whole Pacific Coast, with
the wine regions and the foods that they partner with geographically.
“It’s all about the process of discovery,
and rediscovery, of tastes. I love to help open
up people’s eyes to the possibilities. It’s a lot
of fun.”
The blending event at Chateau Ste.
Michelle will introduce guests to the process of
making wine—the art and science involved.
“Most wines don’t use just one variety of
grapes, but several,” says Sarich. “The wine-maker will bring in a variety of different wines
and let guests make up some mixes of their
own. It lets each person see how different
wine can taste, depending on how the percentages of each wine varies.”
“For John, educating others about the joy
of wine and food is not simply a job, it’s a passion,” says Lauren.
Which, as it turns out, is an essential ingredient to creating just about anything. C
The Costco Connection
For complete vacation information, visit
costco.com and click on “Travel” or call
Costco Travel toll free 1-877-849-2730.
BUYER’S CHOICE
WineC ruise
Sail aboard Sapphire Princess
from Los Angeles to Vancouver, B.C.
for an exploration of the wine regions of
Santa Barbara, San Francisco
and Astoria, Oregon.
SEVEN-NIGHT CRUISE INCLUDES:
• Private tastings and classes onboard ship
with Chateau Ste. Michelle Culinary
Director and TV host, John Sarich
• Complimentary cookbook
by John Sarich
• Private event with John Sarich
at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
• $25 per-person shipboard credit
• One 6" x 8" photo voucher
• Optional events featuring a guest
chef and wine experts (additional cost)
FROM $929 PER PERSON*
Balcony Stateroom
Valid for 5/9/09 sailing.
Visit costco.com or call Costco Travel
toll free at 1-877-849-2730.
Culinary and wine
expert John Sarich will
host Costco members on
sea and on land.
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE
PRINCESS CRUISES
*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy, is
valid for select stateroom categories only, and is true and
accurate at time of printing. Prices do not include govern-
ment taxes/fees of $70.09, fuel supplement of $56
and gratuities. Refer to applicable Princess brochure or
princess.com for terms, conditions, and definitions, which
will apply to all bookings. Restrictions and blackout dates
might apply. All offers and inclusions are subject to avail-
ability, may change or be terminated without notice and
are valid for new bookings only. Unless otherwise noted,
offers are not combinable with select rate codes, coupons
or other offers. Travel purchases are not included in the
Executive Membership 2% Reward program. Offer shown
is cruise-only and valid on select dates. Cancellation and
change fees might apply. Costco Travel disclaims liability
for any inaccuracies or typographical errors. Ship's registry:
Bermuda. Costco Travel is registered as a seller
of travel in each of the states listed: California
registration number: CS T 2054248-50 · Florida
registration number: ST 32555 · Hawaii regis-
tration number: TAR 5595 · Iowa registration
number: TA 620 · Nevada registration number:
2007-0060 · Washington registration number:
WST 602042600. Registration as a California
Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by
the state. 08TR1104 6/08
