February 16, 2026 was a bright sunny day in the North Atlantic as we cruised north. That day at sea we attended a fine wine tasting in the Santa Fe dining room. We were on way to the Canary Islands, and looking forward to stops in Tenerife and Lanzarote. Our trip from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Cruz del Tenerife, Canary Islands was eight days at sea. It was smooth sailing all the way. Of course we are always ready for taking in the sea views along the way. Spotting rainbows on our morning walk added some special charm.
We always enjoy walks around the cruise ship deck while at sea. For us it is the perfect thing to do on a sunny sea day. Since our cruise from Rio de Janeiro to the Canary Islands included many activities during sea days, we also chose to attend wine events. That February day it was a fine wine tasting.
Sunshine, Fine Wines and Rainbows
In case you wonder what is fine wine? I love the following description by Courtney, WSJ, May 22, 2026:
There is no classification of “fine wine,” or a universally agreed upon definition. However, fine wine usually refers to a wine that has been carefully handcrafted using pristine fruit, often from top regions where wines are able to ripen to perfection while retaining enough acidity, creating an experience in the glass that is equal-parts delicious and interesting. Certain traits like an intense concentration, refreshing acidity, perfect balance, complex flavors, a long finish or a clear sense of place can also signify that a wine is a fine wine.
Wine doesn’t have to be long-aged to be considered a fine wine, though this is a common misconception. However, many fine wines are made in such a way—with enough acidity, tannic and concentration—that they are able to age for years if you’d like to. Because of the higher standards, more expensive approaches and higher demand, many fine wines are expensive. On the other hand, you could also discover a wine with all the traits of a fine wine without the hefty price tag (often when the wine comes from an up-and-coming region).
In conclusion a fine wine is defined by its overall high quality versus its age-worthiness. While some excitement may come from searching for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, far more excitement can be experienced by discovering your favorite fine wine. It was a Sunshine, Fine Wines and Rainbows kind of day. More like Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows (Lesley Gore) feeling than Chasing Rainbows kind of day.
Besides tasting wines while at sea we love to walk.
1. Beau Joie Brut, Champagne, France NV
Drinking Beau Joie Brut champagne brought back memories of earlier champagne explorations in France.
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| Champagne Time, Ma Cave Fleury, Paris © Spaswinefood |
This champagne also brought back memories of an earlier visit to the Champagne houses in Épernay. Beau Joie Champange house is located in Épernay.
2. Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
3. Shafer, Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA 2022
4. Bodegas CARO, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2019
5. Masi Campofiorin, Vento, Italy
6. Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, California 2021
The three red wines in the tasting included:
The beauty of being introduced to these fine wines during a cruise is that you can enjoy them later in one of the ships restaurants. We did so at Princess's speciality restaurants. This one of the reasons why we purchase the premier package, which includes fine wine offerings.
After stops in the Canary Islands we headed back out to sea again. For sure the wines that were part of the earlier fine wines tasting was a wonderful wine adventure kickoff at sea.
Here's to Sunshine, Fine Wines and Rainbows Days
Further along I explored Canary Islands wines (see Canary Islands Volcanic Wines). From there, as we cruised onto Casablanca, Morocco, and onwards to Spain, we attended another wine tasting that was advertised as a Tuscan Wine Dinner at sea that was inspired by Frescobaldi. Then, as we cruised into March month, it brought us to the Mediterranean Sea, and onwards to Spain. February 22, 2026 at the Crown Grill we gathered to taste wines from around the world.
I can not think of a better way to welcome our arrival into the Mediterranean Sea than tasting wines from 'around the world. I invite you to join me in my Atlantic Ocean Sea travels and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled sea cruising explorations.
CHEERS!
Sharon
February, 2026
Cruising towards the Canary Islands and onwards
© Spaswinefood
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