Those sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder west coast cruises with stops in San Francisco now have a rare opportunity to visit the Sonoma Valley winery owned by John and Nancy Lasseter.
While taking the 75 minute ride from port to the winery, the guide will present a brief history on Sonoma Valley’s wine region and surrounding areas. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by Nancy Lasseter directly. Guests will be granted exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the heart of the winery to observe different stages of the harvest process.
Nancy will take guests into the vineyards to taste different grape varietals right from the vines and to learn how ripeness is determined. Celebrated winemaker, Julia Iantosca, will provide insight into the craft of artisan winemaking. If the timing is right, guests might even get to witness the crushing of ripe wine grapes, the first step in the age-old process of winemaking.
At the conclusion of the harvest activities tour, guests will take a short walk along the vineyards and insectaries’ to beautiful Lake Serendipity, a rarely-seen jewel of the estate.
Nancy Lasseter has enlisted the help of renowned chef, Sondra Bernstein, to design food that pairs perfectly with the 5 Lasseter Family wines. Nancy will talk about each wine and the delectable flavors that guests will experience. After the meal and wine tasting, guests will have approximately 45 minutes for leisure activities by the pond. Guests may participate in a friendly game of sand volleyball, petanque (French bocce ball) or just relax in the tranquil setting. Guests will also have time to browse (and purchase) the Lasseter Family wines for sale and Sondra’s gourmet pantry items.
The excursion is not for the feint of wallet, however. The 21+ only crowd will be shelling out $475 per person for the opportunity. In addition to the tour and meal, each guest will also receive a souvenir bottle of Lasseter Family wine, signed by Nancy and John Lasseter and winemaker Julia Iantosca.
For more information on the excursion, visit its official page.