Cruising: Fine wines amid the waves

Our trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Tenerife, Canary Islands took us eight days. After spending two days in Tenerife we headed back out to sea. As we cruised into April month it brought us to the Mediterranean Sea, and onwards to Spain. The day before we arrived in the Mediterranean Sea, we attended a lunch that was advertised as a Fine Wine Tasting. I can not think of a better way to have welcomed the arrival of April than tasting fine wines.

Fine Wine Display, Sun Princess © Spaswinefood

When we walked into the dining room the wines were on display, and the tables were ready for a wine tasting. Yes, it was time to taste some wines!

Time to Taste Some Wines

During the tasting we were introduced to six premium wines paired with tapas. 

Fine Wine Tasting, Sun Princess © Spaswinefood

I never get tired of seeing how tables are prepared for a wine tasting. I always love just sitting there, and looking at the table setup before the wines are poured.

 Wine Tasting Table is Ready © Spaswinefood

I am Ready for Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood

Head Sommelier Radu Ilisecu introduced us to six wines from different wine regions around the world.

 We began with a Champagne.

Wine 1: Veuve Clicquot, Brut Champagne, France NV

 Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, France NV © Spaswinefood

Champagne in the Glass © Spaswinefood

I am always excited to begin a wine tasting with a glass of  Champagne. In this case it was a Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne (gold-yellow label). They have been producing its distinctive gold-yellow label since the late 19th century. Veuve Clicquot, one of the largest Champagne houses, was founded in 1772 in Reims by Philippe Clicquot under the label Clicquot. Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, who became the head of the Champagne house in 1798. Seven years later, due to the untimely death of François, his young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, just 27 years old, took over the family business. The Champagne house would later be renamed in her honor: Veuve Clicquot (The Widow Clicquot).

Madame Clicquot is credited with major breakthroughs including, the first known vintage champagne in 1810, inventing the riddling table in 1816, and producing the first known blended rosé champagne in 1818. She played an important role in establishing Champagne as a favored drink of European high society and nobility. The company was purchased in 1986 by Louis Vuitton (part of the LVMH group since 1987), and it continues to expand worldwide.

Wine 2: Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2022

Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2022 © Spaswinefood

This 2022 Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc has won numerous awards and it sure tastes awesome!

Wine 3: Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch, Chardonnay, California 2021

Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch, Chardonnay, California 2021 © Spaswinefood

2021 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch, Chardonnay from California's Carneros is an amazing wine. It gest top reviews by critics and non-critics.

After three awesome white wines we would next taste three 2019 vintages of red wines. A California Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, A Mendoza Bordeaux style Malbec blend, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from California's Napa Valley.

Wine 4: WALT Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita, California 2019

WALT Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita, California 2019 © Spaswinefood

2019 WALT Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir from California's Santa Rita Hills is a Pinot Noir loved by both critics and non-critics.

Wine 5: Bodegas Caro Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2019

Bodegas Caro Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2019 © Spaswinefood

Caro Malbec is joint project by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena. 

This Bordeaux inspired blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon gets great reviews.

Wine 6: Joseph Phelps, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 2019

 Joseph Phelps, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 2019 © Spaswinefood

The tasting concluded with 2019 Joseph Phelps, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. Again a wine with top reviews! 

After tasting three fabulous 2019 vintages of red wines, and the earlier three white wines, it was indeed a delightful exploration of fine wines.

Time for Wine, Princess Cruises © Spaswinefood

Just a Few More Details

It was great to have these tastings led by Radu Ilisecu.

Posing with Head Sommelier Radu Ilisecu © Spaswinefood

Of course special thanks to Excutive Chief, Davide Menabo and his team for the delicious tapas plates.

Excutive Chief, Davide Menabo © Spaswinefood

The tapa plates served during the tasting included the following:

Main Tapas Plate © Spaswinefood

Main Tapas Plate (Veggie Version) © Spaswinefood

What is a wine tasting with tapas without some pasta.

Pasta Too, Tapas Plate © Spaswinefood

Of course there was dessert.

 Dessert, Tapas Plate © Spaswinefood

Thanks to Head Sommelier Radu Ilisecu and Excutive Chief, Davide Menabo, and their teams for making this happen.

Over the course of our cruise we got to know the sommeliers who work in the various restaurants throughout the ship.

 Sommelier Time © Spaswinefood

Thanks to the Sommeliers © Spaswinefood

I was first introduced to wine tasting while cruising last spring on our way back from Australia, when we took a repositioning cruise from Sydney to San Francisco.  Fortunately on that cruise, I also discovered Food and Wine Pair Tastings. We attended two of these events during our South Pacific Travels in last April.

Pacific Cruising: Enjoying Wine and Food © Spaswinefood

Cruising the Pacific: Wine and Food © Spaswinefood

Indeed cruising calls for fine wines amid the waves. On a personal note, I loved being introduced to wines during our recent cruises, and stops in port. While typically my wine country travels takes me to wine regions around the world, it sure is fun to have wine adventures at sea. It certainly added excitement to those sea days, which are numerous on a repositioning cruise. I invite you to join me in my wine travels at sea 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

April  2025

A day from Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona Cruise

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Cruising: Exploring Fine Wine, Sun Princess © Spaswinefood

Cuising into Sunrise, Sun Princess © Spaswinefood

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Living the Croatian wine country dream: Rizman Winery tops the list

Croatia's Rizman Winery, a family run winery, has earned its place among Dalmatia’s finest wineries.  It is located, approximately 70 km north of Dubrovnik and 120 km south of Split, in the captivating Komarna wine region. From the winery's patio there are panoramic vistas that encompass the magnificent Pelješki bridge and Pelješac Peninsula. Without a doubt the views from the Rizman Winery are stunning. 

Taking in the Views, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

As we drove over the bridge we continued down the coastline, passing by Rizman Rest Stop,

 before turning into a road, which took us by olive trees, and vineyards to a winery at the top. There on a slope overlooking the Adriatic Sea was Rizman Winery.

Welcome to Rizman Winery

Viticulture is a tradition in the Štimac family, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. The first vineyards were planted by the great-grandfather of today's Štimac family. Mihovil Mijo Popich, who lived to be 96, was known by the nickname of RIZMAN. In honor the first winemaker in the family, the winery bears his nickname, Rizman Winery.

In 2006 22 hectares of vineyards and 1700 olive trees were planted on the estate. In 2012, a winery was built to the highest technological standards for wine production from their estate vineyards. All of their vineyards and olive groves are engaged in ecologically certified production. The Rizman Winery is within the Komarna appellation, where all the wineries are registered organic producers. This project was initiated by Štimac family. 

Prepare to be Impressed

Before I arrived at the winery I had read that Rizman has one to the most beautiful settings for a wine tasting. I absolutely agree! The views from the winery are stunning.

Oh! The Views! Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

When we visited it was early spring. It was a bright day with a little wind. Yes, the views are stunning!

 Loving the Views, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

Rizman Winery is in Croatia's youngest wine growing area, Komarna, Which is a sub-region of South Dalmatia wine region. In case you are wondering Croatia has four wine regions: Istria and Kvarner, Dalmatia, Slavonia and Danube, and Upland Croatia. Dalmatia's stunning landscapes and exceptional wines create an unforgettable journey for wine enthusiasts. 

Komarna is an important sub-region within South Dalmatia, which includes: Pelješac peninsula vineyards, Korčula island vineyards, Konavle vineyards, Komarna vineyards, Neretva vineyards, and Lastovo island vineyard. Komarna grows almost exclusively indigenous varieties. They are Plavac Mali, its genetic ancestor Tribidrag (also known as Crljenak, Primitivo, Zinfandel), and white varieties, Pošip and Rukatac (Maraština). 

Taking in the Views, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

Wine & More notes:

Komarna’s rugged limestone rock makes vineyard management essential as the vines’ roots struggle to survive. Even for the Plavac Mali grape variety, accustomed to Dalmatian tough growing conditions. Although the dolomite soil on the Pelješac peninsula across from Komarna has a similar composition, the limestone rocks of Komarna do not allow water retention, which is why dry periods on Komarna are critical. Wineries collect rainwater to irrigate the vineyards. Despite these challenges, Komarna’s sage and rosemary-scented vineyards continue to produce exceptional wines.

Further along, after discussing other factors, Wine & More concludes: 

That may be why Plavac Mali from Komarna is different, elegant with pronounced red fruit notes, more mature tannins, and less jam and plum notes, but concentrated and powerful as those from renowned Dingač and Postup appellations. Wine & More

Obviously, Rizman Winery (Štimac family) has played a key leadership role in the Kormarna. Given this background information let's take a look at Rizman wines.

Rizman Wines

Rizman Winery has skillfully harnessed the unique microclimate and terroir of Komarna. This family winery makes wines from organically grown grapes from their estate vineyards. Rizman vineyard, 90% of vines are the indigenous varieties of Plavac Mali and Pošip, and Tribidrag. Beside Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Tribidrag they also produce Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier, Tempranillo. They produce white, red, rosé, sparkling, and a sweet wine named Prošek. Their wines captivate the senses with unique character, and are of the highest quality.

Our Rizman Winery experience was a wine tasting over lunch.

Wine Tasting, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

Rizman is celebrated for its exceptional wine varieties, which include their esteemed Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Tribidrag. We tasted all three of these.

Rizman Winery, Pošip 2023

Rizman Winery, Pošip 2023 © Spaswinefood

Rizman Winery, Pošip 2023 © Spaswinefood

I loved this expressive Pošip. Fresh, and lively with minerality typical of limestone bedrock and soil is a good description.

Rizman Winery, Primus Plavac Mali, 2021 

Rizman Winery, Primus Plavac Mali, 2021 © Spaswinefood

Primus Plavac Mali, as its name implies, was the first Plavac Mali produced by the winery. The hand picked grapes are from best vineyard locations, with great care taken in the fermentation and aging process. This ensures a fine Plava Mali is produced.

Rizman Winery, Tribidrag (right) & Pošip 2023 (left) © Spaswinefood

I found the Rizman Tribidragto be nicely balanced wine with tempting fruit aromas. It gets good reviews both by critics and Vivino users.  Tribidrag is known as Zinfandel in the US, and Primitivo in Italy. Croatian Tribidrag, known since the 15th century, is also known by other synonyms.

Rizman Winery, Rusula 2024

Rizman Winery, Rusula 2024 © Spaswinefood

Rusula is the old Dalmatian name for rosé. Rizman Winery, Rusula is made with Plavac Mali juice and limited skin contact. I loved the gentle expression of this Plavac Mali rosé.

They also produce a sparkling wine, which I did not taste.

Cheese Plate, Rizman Winery Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Loving Lunch, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

We finished our tasting with a Rizman Prošek. 

Introducing Prošek, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

Rizman Winery, Prošek © Spaswinefood

We loved being introduced to Rizman Winery Prošek. My understanding is this wine is not readily available, except at the winery. We did buy a bottle for later to enjoy. Prošek is a dessert wine that is traditionally made in South Dalmatia. It is made using dried wine grapes in the passito method. The composition is typically of Bogdanuša, Maraština, and/or Vugava (all native Croatian white grapes) however, higher-end versions are a blend of the base white grapes and Plavac Mali. Rizman Prošek is a higher-end version.

Many thanks to the owner and staff who hosted us for a wine tasting over lunch. He took us on a brief tour after lunch.

Barrel Room, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

Bottling was happening while we did our walk through.

Touring Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

Visitors to the Rizman Winery can not only enjoy tasting wines with the most scenic backdrop but dine in the restaurant. They offer a number of wine and food tasting options. They also offer B & B accommodations. Based on what I experienced I would love to return.

 Through the Window © Spaswinefood

This is such a beautiful area to plan a Croatian wine country dream escape to Rizman Winery. Special thanks to Mirena Bager at Croatian Premium Wine Imports for helping me plan our wine adventure. 

Also, special thanks to

 the Rizman staff

. 

After this winery visit I can easily say 

Rizman is one of Croatia's best. We were very impressed by this winery and its wines.

I invite you to join me in my Croatian wine 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

April 2025

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Remembering Those Views, Rizman Winery © Spaswinefood

Wine Country Adventures, Croatia © Spaswinefood

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Checkout the latest Croatian wines available in US at: Croatian Premium Wine Imports

Our stop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands included some wine exploration

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife was our port of call in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa. The Canary Islands is known for its rugged volcanic islands, with black and white sandy beaches. Tenerife, the largest island, is dominated by Mount Teide, an active volcano, which is part of Teide National Park. After exploring Tenerife's beautiful Teide National Park, and discovering some its volcanic history, we were introduced to Canary Islands wines. Hence, the next day, fortunately we had two days in port, it was necessary for us to check out Canary Islands wines in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands © Spaswinefood

Earlier while touring Teide National Park at a restaurant stop for coffee the guide brought up the topic of Canary Island wines. He stressed to try some Canary Islands wines from Tenerife if possible. Someone picked up a bottle of Tenerife wine during our coffee stop.

Gran Tehyda Tinto, D.O. Valle de la Orotava, Canary Islands, Spain © Spaswinefood

Canary Islands Wines 

After a little research I discovered that this particular wine is produced from a local red grape variety, Listán Negro. YES, after we were informed about the Canary Islands wines, our second day in port we were off to Santa Cruz to checkout some of the local wines. Based on my research I discovered that there are 80 grape varieties grown on the islands, with 24 of them being local varieties, like Listán Negro and Listán Blanco. 

Brian McClintic, Master Sommelier writing about Canary Island wines for Wine Folly noted:

The highest elevation vineyards in Europe reside on a small island. The perimeter of this island houses small, sea level beach towns. In the middle of the island lives a 12,200 foot volcano. It takes an hour to drive from one end to the other, but from village to village, it seems as though you’ve gone to the moon and back. Jungles, deserts, tropical beaches, and mountains…it’s like every ecosystem became an expat and moved here. By rule, Spanish. By influence, Portuguese. By geography, a stone’s throw from Africa. Brian McClintic, Master Sommelier

So after a little research on Canary Island wines off I went to taste some local wines in Santa Cruz at Guannabí Restaurante. Once introduced to wine events and stops during cruises it has become a priority for this #winelover. This post will feature local wines we encountered our last day in port. We managed to be in Santa Cruz during lunch time, and so it was a perfect time to try some. 

Exploring Canary Island Wines at Guannabí Restaurante 

We choose three plates from the lunch menu at Guannabí Restaurante to accompany two local wines produced with Listán Negro and Listán Blanco grapes. 

Let me introduce the wines and food plates.

Listan Negro (left) & Listan Blanco (right) © Spaswinefood

In the Glass: Listan Negro (right) & Listan Blanco (left) © Spaswinefood

Wine #1: White Wine : Altos de Trevejos, Bambú Blanco, D.O. Abona (Listán Blanco, Albillo, Verdello)

Wine#2: Red Wine: El Ancón, Listán Negro, D.O. Tacoronte -Acentejo

 In the Glass:  © Spaswinefood

The wines we paired with three plates. We began with a plate of local cheeses.

Cheese Plate, Guannabí Restaurante © Spaswinefood

During our Teide National Park tour the guide pointed out that potatoes were important to Tenerife, and suggested we try various potato dishes. That influenced our decision to order a few local potato dishes to pair with the wines. 

Food:  Papas Arrugadas

 Papas Arrugadas, Guannabí Restaurante © Spaswinefood

Papas Arrugadas (Wrinkled Potatoes) is prepared with small new potatoes boiled in salt water that evaporates, leaving the potatoes with a thin layer of salt and wrinkled potato skins. The dish hails from the Canary Islands, where the potatoes are served with a sauce called mojo, such as mojo verde, and mojo rojo.

Plate : Papas Panaderas

Papas Panaderas, Guannabí Restaurante © Spaswinefood

Papas Panaderas, Guannabí Restaurante © Spaswinefood

Our plate of Papas Panaderas was served with poached eggs, cheese and sauce.

We enjoyed our wine and food pairing lunch. So glad we order the potato dishes and local cheeses. This was an excellent kick-off for tasting Tenerife wines. When we tasted the wines alone we were not excited however, when paired with local foods we liked them. Vivino gives the two wines we tasted fair reviews.

Exploring Tenerife Wine & Food © Spaswinefood

The restaurant has a good list of Spanish wines. You might recognize most on the list  however, we came to try the local wines. I am always happy to discover local wines.

Wine List, Guannabí Restaurante © Spaswinefood

Enjoying Local Wines, Guannabí Restaurante © Spaswinefood

On a personal note, I loved being introduced to local wines. I loved the opportunity to taste these two Tenerife wines.

Tasting Tenerife Wines, Guannabí Restaurante © Spaswinefood

The Guannabí Restaurante was a great option for us to explore local wines and cuisine.

Guannabí Restaurante, Santa Cruz de Tenerife © Spaswinefood

I suspect to taste the wines with local cuisine was the very best option.

Exploring Santa Cruz de Tenerife © Spaswinefood

While typically my wine country travels takes me to wine regions around the world it was fun to have this wine adventure during our port of call on this TransAtlantic repositioning cruise. This  on land wine adventure certainly added excitement to those sea days, which are numerous on a repositioning cruise. I was first introduced to exploring wine tasting opportunities while cruising last April when we took a repositioning cruise from Sydney to San Francisco. 

Pacific Cruising: Enjoying Wine and Food © Spaswinefood

Cruising the Pacific: Wine and Food  © Spaswinefood

I invite you to join me in my wine adventures while cruising the Atlantic Ocean, or traveling 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 2025

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona Cruise

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A Santa Cruz de Tenerife Day © Spaswinefood

Sunrise, Atlantic Ocean © Spaswinefood

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