Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers guests a unique opportunity to travel with Jay Schuppert, President of Cuvaison Estate Wines, on a Mediterranean sailing aboard Wind Surf departing April 4, 2010, from Lisbon, Portugal.

Windstar’s Signature Collection Host Series features distinguished guests and lecturers throughout the 2010 season, including Schuppert who will host a wine lecture and wine tastings. Prior to Cuvaison, Schuppert was with Kendall Jackson, San Francisco-based Southern Wine and Spirits Distributors and was Executive Chef of the Crystal Palace Restaurant in Aspen, Colo.  Today, Schuppert leads the premium winery to record profits and global presence. Schuppert will lecture on the wine-making process and conduct wine tastings during the sailing.

Cuvaison’s winery is situated on the historic Silverado Trail in Northern Napa Valley and is known for its award-wining wines. Since 1969, Cuvaison Estate Wines has been hand-crafting classic and elegant Napa Valley wines. Cuvaison’s estate grown wines capture the uniqueness of their Carneros and Mount Veeder estate vineyards and reflect the finest attributes of each vintage. From vine to bottle, Cuvaison does their best to maximize sustainability efforts in order to minimize the impact on our environment. Cuvaison complies with the code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices and holds certifications from Bay Area Green Business and Napa Green Certified Land and Winery. Cuvaison wines are distributed throughout the United States, in 45 international markets, first class airlines and top-rated cruise lines. For more information on Cuvaison Estate Wines, visit www.cuvaison.com.

Wind Surf’s 7-day Lisbon to Barcelona itinerary includes ports in Tangier, Morocco; Málaga, Spain; Alicante, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Valencia, Spain. Cruise rates start at $2,399 per person, based on double occupancy.

Wind Surf accommodates 312 guests and offers deluxe, oceanview staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L’Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Bridge Suites give guests the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Culinary wonders abound in Wind Surf’s The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marché and Candles. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate Windstar’s complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking from the ship’s water sports platform. 

Windstar recently announced the latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative featuring added amenities and enhancements to its luxurious ships in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions. With this latest initiative, Windstar continues to raise the bar, delivering a vacation experience that is “180 Degrees from Ordinary.”