Inaugural Expedition Kicked Off in
Portland, OR, with FOOD &
WINE's Executive Wine Editor Ray
Isle and Debuts New Onboard and Land-Based
Programming
NEW
YORK, April 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wine
lovers and gastronomes rejoice! National Geographic Sea
Bird has embarked on the inaugural Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and
History expedition, co-created by Lindblad
Expeditions-National Geographic and FOOD &
WINE. The first in a new series of gastronomic expeditions,
this extraordinary journey promises to immerse guests in the rich
tapestry of culture, cuisine and history along the iconic waterways
of the Pacific Northwest.
Onboard, guests will enjoy regionally inspired menus designed
around ingredients and wine sourced almost entirely from within 250
miles of the destination and with farmers and fishers committed to
sustainable practices; an extensive wine list featuring more than
40 regional varietals curated by Esteves in collaboration with
FOOD & WINE's Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle; nightly onboard wine tastings;
exclusive access including a private museum event and vineyard
tours; cocktails, canapes, and spectacular scenery while transiting
towering locks; and more. Expert-led discussions and immersive
excursions will also offer discerning travelers insights into the
rich, natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest,
offering a deeper understanding of the ecosystems, traditions and
personalities that shape this captivating region.
"Our reimagined Columbia and
Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History expedition represents a
unique fusion of adventure, education and culinary exploration. Our
guests will deep-dive local food history and learn more about why
the geological complexities of this region make it so culinarily
rich and diverse," said Ana Esteves,
Vice President of Hotel Operations, Lindblad Expeditions. "Our
collaboration with FOOD & WINE has presented us with an
exciting opportunity to further deepen our commitment to the local
farmers, fishermen and foragers we work with along the way. We are
proud of the new experience we have created together to offer
guests an unforgettable journey, remarkable conversations around
the dinner table and a unique connection to this rare yet
extraordinary food region!"
Embarking on this pioneering voyage, travelers will be guided by
seasoned experts and naturalists into a world where history comes
alive and flavors are bountiful. From the historic seaside town of
Astoria through the rugged cliffs
of the Columbia River Gorge and an array of celebrated wine
regions—including the charming vineyards of Walla Walla
Valley—every moment of the expedition offers an opportunity for
discovery and delight.
"I'm thrilled that we're finally launching to the world this
unique collaboration between FOOD & WINE and Lindblad
Expeditions-National Geographic, and—even more than that—I'm happy
that I'll get the chance to experience it firsthand, alongside a
ship full of eager, and hopefully hungry, travelers on the
inaugural voyage," said Isle. "The Pacific Northwest is one of the
great wine regions in the world, one that I've been to and written
about many times, and today we're embarking on a new type of
expedition: traveling the world in a glass."
Nimble and intimately scaled, National Geographic Sea
Bird and its sister ship National Geographic
Sea Lion — which will also sail this new itinerary —
each feature just 31 outside cabins and suites. These U.S.-flagged
vessels were purpose-built and expertly designed to navigate
shallow and tight waterways inaccessible to larger ships. Due to
this intentional, unique design, Lindblad Expeditions-National
Geographic is able to access fast-moving channels where whales come
to feed, transit a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest,
approach waterfalls in secluded coves, and sail into small bay
anchorages perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.
The inaugural season of the new Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and
History expeditions will run through April
28, 2024, when the two ships then reposition to
Alaska for a season packed
with once-in-a-lifetime experiences exploring seldom-seen areas of
The Last Frontier. Beginning Sept. 21,
2024, the ships will return to the Pacific Northwest for the
fall 2024 season, where the changing leaves signal to guests an
entirely new experience, fresh bounty and exciting flavors.
For itinerary details and more information about this exciting
collaboration between FOOD & WINE and Lindblad
Expeditions-National Geographic, visit
www.expeditions.com/expeditions/columbia-and-snake-rivers-journey.
About Lindblad Expeditions:
Lindblad Expeditions reveals the beauty and wonder of the world by
leading high quality, authentic and immersive travel to the world's
most remarkable and wild places. In collaboration with National
Geographic Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
Expeditions is a co-brand that offers expeditions in 120+
destinations across all seven continents for curious and discerning
travelers seeking to experience the world from a new
perspective.
For reservations or additional information on voyages to some of
the most beautiful, remote, and fascinating places on Earth,
visit www.expeditions.com, call (855) 734-3271 to speak to
an Expedition Specialist, or contact a travel advisor. Connect with
Lindblad Expeditions on Facebook, Instagram,
YouTube, and Pinterest.
About National Geographic Expeditions:
For more than 135 years, National Geographic Explorers have
ventured across continents and into remote cultures, down to the
oceans' depths and up the highest mountains to further their
understanding of the world. National Geographic Expeditions builds
upon this legacy, inviting travelers to embrace their inner
explorer and encounter the wonders of the world
firsthand — up close and in depth — and be
inspired by the experience. With many ways to explore the world via
Signature Land, Expedition Cruise, River
Cruise, or Private Jet, National Geographic Expeditions
gives travelers unparalleled access to the world through the eyes
of knowledgeable Experts. Additionally, traveling with National
Geographic Expeditions helps further the work of the global
community of National Geographic Explorers around the world.
Through every trip booked, travelers support the National
Geographic Society's researchers and Explorers who work to
preserve, protect, and advance our understanding of the planet.
About FOOD & WINE:
Food & Wine celebrates the global epicurean experience with its
award-winning magazine, website, social platforms, newsletters,
podcasts, premium events such as the Food & Wine Classic in
Aspen, and accolades like its
annual Best New Chef awards. With rigorously tested recipes and the
most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel, and home
coverage, the brand inspires and empowers people to discover,
create, and devour the best in food and drink—every day and
everywhere. FOOD & WINE is part of the Dotdash Meredith
publishing family.
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SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions