By
Rebecca Gibson |
Passengers onboard Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2 can attend exclusive wine-tasting sessions in the Grande Reserve, one of seven onboard restaurants.
Wine-tasting sessions are being offered to groups of up to 12 people, along with the opportunity to enjoy selections chosen to accompany complementary food.
Florian Sender, the vessel’s sommelier, puts together a different collection of wines for each session. He said: “In total we have about 19,000 bottles on board with some 450 various cuvees originating from 14 different countries. There is simply no limit to the creativity and new ideas that can come into play in our tastings.”
The collection – which includes rare wines and distinctive vintages – is stored on Deck 2, where the ship’s motion is at a minimum.
“The most expensive wine onboard Europa 2 is the 2008 Romanée St Vivant Domaine Romanée Conti from Burgundy, but the price range varies; we also offer good wine starting at €20 to €30,” said Sender. “When it comes to selecting champagne, we keep both the well-known brands and those known as winegrowers’ champagnes. These are produced in small quantities and are distinguished by their high quality.”