Sunshine, fine wines and rainbows

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.

Chasing Rainbows, North Atlantic © Spaswinefood

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.

Fine Wine Tasting, Princess Cruise © Spaswinefood

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.

 Sunshine, Fine Wines and Rainbows, Princess Cruise © Spaswinefood

Besides tasting wines while at sea we love to walk. 

In the Mood for Rainbows © Spaswinefood

That day it just happen to be a double rainbow day. According to National Geographic:

 In this phenomenon, a faint, secondary rainbow appears above the primary one. Double rainbows are caused by light being reflected twice inside the raindrop. As a result of this second reflection, the spectrum of the secondary rainbow is reversed: red is on the inner section of the arch, while violet is on the outside.

Double Rainbow over Atlantic Ocean © Spaswinefood

After viewing rainbows that sunny morning it was wine time.

Fine Wine Tasting

Our fine wine tasting was held around mid-day in the Santa Fe dining room of the Sapphire Princess. 

Princess Cruise © Spaswinefood

The wines were paired with small bites.

Small Bites Pairing, Princess Cruise © Spaswinefood

Small Bites Pairing (Vegetarian), Princess Cruise © Spaswinefood

The wines included in this fine wine tasting were:

1. Beau Joie Brut, Champagne, France NV

Drinking Beau Joie Brut champagne brought back memories of earlier champagne explorations in France.

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.

Épernay, Capital of Champagne © Spaswinefood

2. Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2023 © Spaswinefood

3. Shafer, Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA 2022

Shafer, Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA 2022 © Spaswinefood

4. Bodegas CARO, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2019

 Bodegas CARO, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2019 © Spaswinefood

5. Masi Campofiorin, Vento, Italy

Masi Campofiorin, Vento, Italy 2020 © Spaswinefood

6. Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, California 2021

Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 2021 © Spaswinefood

The three red wines in the tasting included:

Bodegas CARO, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2019 

Masi Campofiorin, Vento, Italy 2020

Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 2021

Tasting the Fine Reds © Spaswinefood

Taking a Closer Look: The Fine Reds © Spaswinefood

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.

Time for Fine Wine © Spaswinefood (Original by Princess Photographer)

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.

Fine Wine Tasting, Princess Cruise © Spaswinefood

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. 

International Wine Tasting, Crown Grill © Spaswinefood

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

Fine Wine Tasting, Princess Cruise © Spaswinefood

Sabatini's © Spaswinefood (Original by Princess Photographer)

Sunshine, Rainbows and Fine Wines © Spaswinefood

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Exploring Caymus and Wagner Family of Wine while cruising the Atlantic

Our February cruise across the Atlantic Ocean, from Rio de Janeiro to the Canary Islands, took us eight days. Along the way I attended what was billed as a Caymus Wine Dinner. Whenever I have encountered online wine discussions of Caymus wines I have discovered that there are both lovers and haters. Usually this discussion is centered on its Cabernet Sauvignon. These days the Wagner Family produces a diversity wines from Napa Valley, other parts of California, and beyond. During the wine dinner, as we were introduced to Caymus and Wagner Family wines. 

Caymus Vineyards, Princess Cruise © Spaswinefood

Upon our arrival at the event the evening began with the sommelier sharing the Caymus story. 

Ready for Caymus Vineyards & More, Crown Grill © Spaswinefood

I came to not only explore the wines but also, to learn more about Caymus. Of course it is always interesting to have wine conversations with wine enthusiasts.

Caymus and Wagner Family Wine Story

Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards located in Rutherford, has built its reputation for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon. Caymus also produces Special Selection Cabernet, and Napa Valley Zinfandel, honoring the winery's co-founder Charlie Wagner Sr. Chuck Wagner and his late parents, Lorna and Charlie, started Caymus Vineyards in 1972. The Wagners were a family of farmers, with roots in Napa Valley dating back to the 1850s. 

In recent years the Wagner Family has expanded their portfolio. These days Chuck and two of his children, Charlie and Jenny, produce diverse wines from Napa Valley, other parts of California and beyond. The wines are produced under Wagner Family of Wine labels. Briefly the wines are produced under these labels Caymus Vineyard (Napa Valley Cabinet Sauvignon, Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon), with other Wagner Family of Wine labels including Caymus-Suisun (Grand Durit -Petite Sirah, Walking Fool), Mer Soleil and Sea Fun (coastal Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, from areas like Santa Lucia Highlands), Conundrum (multi-varietal blends), Emmolo (Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and rosé from estate and Napa Valley fruit), Red Schooner (grapes sourced internationally, like Malbec from Argentina), and Bonanza (California Cabernet Sauvignon). Some of these wines were shared during dinner.

Caymus Dinner

Cocktail, Caymus Dinner © Spaswinefood

The winemaker's dinner included the following wine and food pairings:

Menu for Caymus Dinner © Spaswinefood

I always like a dining experience where we meet the chef.

Intro to the Chef, Caymus Dinner © Spaswinefood

What follows is a summary of the discussion around the table and findings from my research.

Openings

1. Beef Carpaccio

 Beef Carpaccio, Caymus Dinner © Spaswinefood

2. Marinated Oyster Mushrooms and Wood Ear Mushrooms (Vegetarian Option)

Marinated Oyster Mushrooms and Wood Ear Mushrooms © Spaswinefood

The opening plates were paired with Mel Soleil Chardonnay.

Mel Soleil Chardonnay, Monterey County, CA 2023 

Mel Soleil Chardonnay, Monterey County, CA 2023  © Spaswinefood

First Course

This course was a Fresh Summer Black Truffle Risotto.

Fresh Summer Black Truffle Risotto © Spaswinefood

The wine pairing was a Caymus Suisun, Walking Fool Red Wine Blend.

 

Caymus Suisun, Walking Fool Red Wine Blend 

Caymus Suisun, Walking Fool Red Wine Blend © Spaswinefood

Walking Fool wine, a blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, is produced from grapes grown in the Suisun Valley, near Napa Valley.

Main Course 
There were two choices for the main prime beef tenderloin (Tournedos Rossini ), or salmon and prawns.

Tournedos Rossini © Spaswinefood

The wine pairing for this dish was Caymus Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.

Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2021

Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2021 Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2021

The salmon dish was paired with Sea Sun Pinot Noir, CA

There was also a vegetarian option.

Vegetarian Plate © Spaswienfood

Dinner concluded with a Cheese plate and Dessert.

Cheese Plate 

Cheeses © Spaswinefood

Cheeses © Spaswinefood

We were also introduced to the pastry chef.

Chef, Caymus Dinner © Spaswinefood

Meeting the culinary staff and spending special time with the sommelier is always a highlight for me. I discovered there is certainly a wide range of wines produced by the Wagner Family.

Dessert

It is always delightful to end a wine and food pairing dinner with dessert.

Chocolate Raspberry Dream

 Chocolate Raspberry Dream © Spaswinefood

It is hard to beat attending a wine dinner during those sea days, of which there are many sea days on an Atlantic crossing. While cruising to the Canary Islands I enjoyed hearing Wagner Family Wine Story, and learning about the various wines included in Wagner Family of Wine portfolio. Of course the Wagner Family wines were also available on the Princess Cruise wine lists during the cruise, such as Emmolo, Sparling Wine.

Emmolo, Sparling Wine, California NV © Spaswinefood

 Later, I would explore  Canary Islands wines before we headed back out to sea (see Canary Islands Volcanic Wines). As we cruised into Casablanca, Morocco, and onwards to Spain, we attended another wine tasting that was advertised as a Tuscan Wine Dinner. I can not think of a better way to have welcomed our arrival to Morocco than a Tuscan Wine Dinner at sea that was inspired by Frescobaldi. 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 from Rio to the Canary Islands

© Spaswinefood

Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2021 © Spaswinefood

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Cinque Terre: A tourist favorite and one of Italy's oldest winemaking regions

Cinque Terre, on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, is home to five historic towns  (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore). Its coastline villages with pastel colored home perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, and the surrounding historic terraced vineyards on hillsides, are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park (established in October 1999) which, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site two years later. During our Mediterranean cruise last spring I took a one day tour of Cinque Terre. The tour included visiting three of those villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore). Ideally you need more time however, even on a tight time line, it was a good intro to Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore. 

Cinque Terre, Italy © Spaswinefood 

Cinque Terre a top tourist attraction is one of Italy’s oldest winemaking regions. This region produces wine following a painstaking process, which has not changed much since Roman times. I loved the fact that the tour included a wine tasting, and some time on your own to enjoy some of the local cuisine.

During my March visit the weather was ideal. I would recommend visiting Cinque Terre in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when the weather is generally good because there are fewer tourists. In this post I will share some vignettes from my brief tour.

Off to Visit Cinque Terre's Villages

We traveled from Livorno's port to La Spezia where we continued onto Monterosso, the western most village in Cinque Terre. Since vehicles can not travel beyond Monterosso visitors to Cinque Terre villages they must visit by train or boat to reach destinations beyond this point. For those with more time to explore Cinque Terre there are cliffside hiking trail links the villages, and offers sweeping sea vistas. For sure visitors delight in seeing its seaside villages with colorful houses and vineyards clinging to steep terraces. The harbors of Cinque Terra villages are filled with fishing boats. Its trattorias offer seafood specialties, and pastas with Liguria region’s famous sauce, pesto. 

Since Monterosso al Mare was the first village that we toured I will begin there, followed by Vernazza, and Riomaggiore.

Monterosso al Mare

As soon as we arrived we were off the bus, and walking down the cliffside to our first village stopover. 

Monterosso is the largest of the five villages.

Arriving at Monterosso © Spaswinefood 

As our local guide who took us on a tour of the village, she explained details along the way. Our first encounter was with a retired professor, a friend of the guide, who lives in the village.

Meeting a Friend, Monterosso © Spaswinefood 

We were introduced to how the local vineyards are managed in a steep terrace environment. The village is known for its white wines, grapes, and olives. Many lemon trees can be seen throughout Monterosso.  

While touring Old Town we stopped by a tower.

Monterosso Old Town Tower © Spaswinefood 

In the same plaza there was a church. 

Church, Monterosso © Spaswinefood 

After a very brief introduction we continued onto the harbor to take in views of Old Town and the ocean.

Touring Monterosso © Spaswinefood 

During our walk we visited an overlook point where I enjoyed taking in views Old Town and the ocean.

Sea View: Monterosso © Spaswinefood

After our walkabout I went back to an area, not far from the meet up point.

Old Town, Monterosso © Spaswinefood

Monterosso is the only town that allows vehicles in town.

Street View, Monterosso © Spaswinefood

I had time to enjoy coffee and a snack at a local cafe.

Time for Coffee: Monterosso © Spaswinefood

While in town I noticed an advertisement for wine tasting and a cooking class. The Cinque Terre is know for its pesto.

Experiences offered in Monterosso © Spaswinefood

After touring around town on my own I returned to the designated meet up point, at the tunnel entrance. Then we were off to the Train station on the other side of the tunnel.

Tunnel Entrance to Monterosso Train Station © Spaswinefood

Monterosso Train Station © Spaswinefood

Vernazza

Not long after boarding the train we arrived in Vernazza, an historical fishing village. Vernazza's colorful houses surround its small marina.  

Welcome to Vernazza © Spaswinefood 

After a brief introduction by our guide off we went on our own to explore. Even on an early spring time morning there were plenty of tourists out and about.

Exploring Vernazza © Spaswinefood 

Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, Vernazza © Spaswinefood 

The historic Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church (shown in the center of above photo), stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Ligurian Sea, just off the main square, Piazza Guglielmo Marconi. The church was built in 1318 in Gothic-Ligurian style. Its distinctive 40-meter-high octagonal bell tower is topped with an elegant cupola. The church is dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch, the patron saint of Vernazza.

Side Street, Vernazza © Spaswinefood 

During my walkout about I spotted plenty of souvenir type shops. Of course there was a wine shop, Enoteca La Cantina Del Molo.

Enoteca, Vernazza © Spaswinefood 

It was recommended to try the gelato and I did.

Gelateria Vernazza © Spaswinefood 

All too soon it was time to head to the pick up point.

Marina, Vernazza © Spaswinefood 

After further explorations, I went to the marine to take a boat to our next village.

Waiting for a Boat: Vernazza © Spaswinefood 

Soon we were off to our next stop Riomaggiore.

Traveling from Vernazza to Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

Riomaggiore al Mare

It was not long before we were arriving in Riomaggiore, the most southern village in Cinque Terre.

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre © Spaswinefood 

The town climbs up along the ridges overlooking the sea.

Colorful Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

It is captivating as Riomaggiore's stone houses with colored façades and slate-roofs come into full view.

Arriving in Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

Upon arrival we disembark, and are off to discover some of the village's delights.

Off to Explore Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

We begin with a stroll through the historic center.

Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

Upon arrival at our third village we had a wine tasting at Enoteca Internazionale. It was my opportunity to sample the local juice, Enoteca Internazionale in Monterosso’s old town, and opt for a flight of five Cinque Terre red or white wines–one from each town. 

Enoteca Internazionale, Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

For our tasting there were two white wines available for tasting.

Wine Tasting at Enoteca Internazionale © Spaswinefood 

Enoteca Internazionale, Monterosso © Spaswinefood 

I took a closer look at one of the wines poured.

Sassarini, Vendemmia Cinque Terre DOC 2024 

Sassarini, Vendemmia Cinque Terre DOC 2024 © Spaswinefood 

It was a delight into to Cinque Terre wines. Besides the wines there were some local food samples to try, including its famous pesto sauce. Cinque Terre is the bithplace of pesto.

Tasting Local Food & Wines © Spaswinefood 

I did take notice of wine tasting options offered at Enoteca Internazionale. Perhaps you might prefer to opt for a flight of five Cinque Terre red or white wines (one from each town). 

Wine Tasting Offering at Enoteca Internazionale © Spaswinefood 

After the wine tasting I explored the village a little before lunch.

Exploring Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

Part of the charm of exploring Riomaggiore was discovering the best option for lunch. Given I had met up with a few new friends on the tour I joined for lunch at a local restaurant. We ordered a pasta for lunch.

Pasta with Pesto Sauce, Riomaggiore  © Spaswinefood 

Pasta, Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

After an awesome lunch I still had a little time to explore the village some more. 

One of my stops included a church, Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista (Church of St John the Baptist) located on Piazza don Giovanni Minzoni. Its construction began in the 1200s, and was completed in 1307. While there are a number of churches in Riomaggiore, this two colored stone (striking façade of  horizontal dark green and white marble stripes) church is well worth visiting. 

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

All too soon, it was time to return to our pickup point.

Seaside at Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

As I left for the meetup point near the train station, I took another look at those stunning cliffside terraces and ocean views.

Remembering Riomaggiore © Spaswinefood 

Soon we were on the train, and heading back to La Spezia where the bus was waiting to take us to our cruise ship in Livorno's port. I was so exited that I managed to make it to Cinque Terre during our stops in the Mediterranean Sea. For a more in-depth introduction to Cinque Terre I would recommend at least a 2-3 day visit. This would allow for a more in-depth exploration of this historic region, walking the hiking trails, exploration of its gastronomic delights and more. I invite you to join me in my Mediterranean 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 explorations. 

CHEERS!

Sharon

March, 2026

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cruising Meditteranean

© Spaswinefood

 Ligurian Sea, Cinque Terre © Spaswinefood 

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