Amawaterways River Cruising

Full Radio Show: Steve Ledson, AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Host & Head of Lebson Winery, Sonoma: In a rather interesting interview Paul Lasley encounters an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise host who happens to have a family history going back over 150 years in the Sonoma Valley in Northern California. Steve Ledson, a fifth generation winemaker, tells fantastic stories about his Great Great Grandfather who was making wine in the 1860s and scores of relatives along the way who farmed produce or made in the Valley for generations. The famous Ledson 16,000 square foot Gothic/Normandy style edifice Castle Hotel is a landmark in the area and Steve Ledson has refurbished a number of old buildings in Santa Rose, such as the art deco Rosenberg department store building that houses a Barnes & Noble and Ledson's executive offices. Ledson hosted an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise from Paris to Barcelona on the Rhone River, called Provence & Spain, and enjoyed it so much he is booking another one as wine hos

Steve Ledson's AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Paris to Normandy, Great Food, Wine, Tours & More: In the segment of interview of Steve Ledson, head of Ledson Winery in Sonoma Valley, with Paul Lasley the subject turns to the AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise that he hosted as a wine expert/vintner from Paris to Barcelona on the Rhone River. Steve Ledson had never been on a river cruise and he loved being able to spend time in the towns and cities to soak up the culture. On big ships that is not possible and Steve was also amazed how the crew was able to remember all the passengers names. Because he was not really sure about river cruising, he didn't fill the boat but AmaWaterays was able to do so and those passengers ended up being fans and consumers of Ledson wines. A French Sommelier was on-board ship proved a big hit and he told Steve, "I normally don't like American wines, but your wines are phenomenal." Steve Ledson said he was overall pleased with the cruise and is in the process of settin

Sonoma County Winemaking, Natural, Historic, Great Destination says Steve Ledson of Ledson Winery: In the second segment of the Steve Ledson interview Paul Lasley tells him the he "epitomizes what Sonoma County is all about, working the soil growing grapes, making wine, growing produce, creating a hospitable environment with quality products. Ledson replied that he feels blessed, having travel around the world, to live in Sonoma county and he is amazed the range of wines and the amazingly friendly people who populate area. He believes they have more time for visitors compared to other regions and that makes the Sonoma Valley unique. Lasley comments that Sonoma needs to be better known, then he takes that back and says, "No, we need to keep Sonoma as it is and not have it get too popular. It is too good to lose to something like that." Steve Ledson has a collection of over 3,500 photos from his family history and contributes to preservation of historic buildings and building new structures in the old st

Steve Ledson on History of Ledson Winery in Sonoma, Wines, Fantastic Facilities, Exciting New Stuff: In the first segment of his interview with Steve Ledson, On Travel Radio Show host learns that Ledson's Great Great Grandfather was making 8,000 gallons of wine in the 1860s in the Sonoma Valley and the operation have been passed all the way down to him. Many of his relatives over the decades worked for other vineyards planting their grapes. Ledson, who hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise in Provence and Spain, goes into all the various ways his family has been involved in farming, grape production and wine making for the last 150 years, really an amazing story. Their hotel is famous in Sonoma, called the Castle because it looks like something from France, and the Ledson wines are famous. Steve Ledson talked about their terrific Cabernet production and how they have opened a new tasting room in town with a newly hired gourmet chef coming over from Hawaii. About Ledson Family: Our family winery is l

Full Radio Show, Peter Marks, Master of Wine, on Wines & Hosting AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise: This is the full radio show of Peter Marks being interviewed by Paul Lasley, co-host of the On Travel Radio Show, about the wine industry, being a Master of Wine, becoming a Master of Wine and hosting an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise as a Master of Wine. Paul Lasley was duly impressed by upon learning that his guest was a Master of Wine and wanted to know about the regimen Peter Marks had to go through to achieve such a lofty title in the wine world. Marks talks about that and the fantastic time he has educating people about wine during the AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise, from Paris to Normandy on the Seine River, and in general. He told Paul that becoming a Master of Wine was a humbling experience and he never forgets that when standing in front of an audience. He says to himself, "Don't get arrogant, we all had to start somewhere." Peter Marks said that his AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise was one

Peter Marks on Becoming Master of Wine, Grueling Written Exams & Blind Tastings, Only 32 in North America: In a fascinating segment of the On Travel Radio Show, co-hosted by Paul Lasley, it is revealed by the guest that he is a Master of Wine which brings a sense of deep recognition from the host. Paul Lasley says that this title is a "recognition of true genius" and he wants to know about the regimen to obtain such a lofty title. Marks notes that there are only 32 Masters of Wine in North America and that becoming is a "truly humbling experience." For this reason, when he gives lectures about wine, Peter Marks always thinks about his struggles in the program to remind himself that "we all must start somewhere." There are various classes during the year, held around the world, and every student is assigned a mentor to perform various assignments. The final exam consists of a three day blind tasting tests that involve white the first day, red the second day and sparkling & desert wines the third day,

Master of Wine Peter Marks' Career, About Napa Valley & Constellation Brand Wines, On Travel Radio Show: During this segment Peter Marks, Master of Wine, talks about his 35 year career in the wine industry and how he started in the retail section of the business before moving to Napa Valley when he started to work with COPIA, The American Center for Wine, Food and Arts, founded by Julia Child and Robert Mondavi, and had "good run there for 7 years" but it fell on hard times after the 2008 recession and was closed down. Now he is at Constellation Brands, the largest luxury wine company, and his main task is educating the public on wines which he enjoys tremendously. The list of wineries under the Constellation umbrella is certainly impressive and extends beyond California to Canada and Italy. Paul Lasley, a wine journalist for a time, brings a vast knowledge of wine, food and travel is always a great addition to the interviews with wine river cruise hosts for AmaWaterways. Peter Marks is the first Master o

Peter Marks, Master of Wine, on Fantastic AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise from Paris to Normandy: There are only 41 Masters of Wine in North America and Peter Marks, based in Napa Valley, is one of them. He hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise from Paris to Normandy on the Seine River and had an absolutely fabulous time. His wine, who has traveled extensively, told him it was her third favorite vacation, the honeymoon and a trip to San Francisco Giants spring training being the other two. Marks found it so nice that one just gets off the ship and steps into the middle of town, with nice restaurants, open markets and more just waiting to be patronized. Marks always enjoys educating people about wine and the passengers on board were eager to learn about wine, food and travel. AmaWaterways provides luxurious accommodations on the ship, five star cuisine with the chefs more than willing to create special dishes for the wine seminars, multiple level shore excursions, arranged tours of local vineyards on

AmaWaterways Best River Cruise Line says Mick Wilson, Wine River Host on Multiple Cruises in Europe: In this segment of his interview with James Lowe, host of the syndicated Jiggy Jaguar Radio Show, Mick Wilson, who hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise, talks about how amazingly wonderful AmaWaterways was during their cruise. He said he has peeked in on some of the other boats moored on the river and they had nothing on AmaWaterways, and that was just looking at the ship. The food on-board ship is five star cuisine and when Mick did his wine seminars the chefs were fantastic in coming up with terrific dishes to enhance the wines from Wilson Creek Winery, those provided on-board ship and encountered at the various vineyards toured during the river cruise on the Danube River. When the Europeans allowed the river cruise lines to build longer ships, going from 360 feet to about 450 feet long, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of cabins while increasing the number of dining facilities and common areas

Temecula Valley Winemaking, Conditions Identical to South Rhone Valley in France says Mick Wilson: During his interview with James Lowe, host of the Jiggy Jaguar Radio Show, Mick Wilson is asked to talk about the lovely grape growing climate in the Temecula Valley, south of Los Angeles. As of 2015 threr are forty wineries in operation in Temecula Valley with another twenty in the planning stages. Eli Callaway, famous for his golf clubs, was the first to break ground in Temecula when it was really an undeveloped area. The climate bears a striking resemblance to the South Rhone Valley in France with warm days and cool nights and a gap in the mountains, called the Rainbow Gap, brings a cool Pacific ocean breeze twenty miles inland. Temecula Valley got really noticed when South Coast Winery got the California Winery of the Year award in three of five years running. The well known regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma took notice as Temecula continued to produce quality Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet, Zinfandel,

Raw Start of Wilson Winery in Temecula Valley, South Of L.A., Mick Wilson on James Lowe Radio Show: A new area, between Los Angeles and San Diego about 20 miles inland, has just begun producing award winning wines and a number of new vineyards are in the planning stages. They heard about a winery for sale in the Temecula Valley, but when they inquired the owner decided not to sell, but the family was set on becoming vintners in the valley. They were originally from Minnesota and brought that Midwest hospitality to South Pasadena and then, after they purchased 20 acres of raw land, to Temecula Valley. At first it was a touch and go as the eight Wilson's plowed all money back into the business and lived in trailers on the property. But now they are one of the biggest in the area and have a huge facility for weddings, corporate events, weekend concerts with big picnic area and a tasting room that seats 300 people, many at massive bar to promote a more intimate environment. Now wineries in the area, whic

Full Radio Show: Paul Wagner, Wine Educator & AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Host, on On Travel Radio: This podcast is the full radio show of Paul Wagner being interviewed by Paul Lasley, co-host of syndicated On Travel Radio Show, talking about being a wine educator, teaching in Napa Valley, the proper way to think about wine, food and travel and hosting an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise from Zurich to Amsterdam on the Rhine River. Paul Wagner believes that wine is the most intimate expression of human culture and shows his knowledge of wines from all over the world. They talk about a variety of European wines and how Italy considers wine its most important export, this beyond the famed sports car and fashion companies everyone knows. In California wine is made from 60 different grapes, in France 200, in Italy 4,000 to 6,000. Wagner noted that one could drive around Spain for a month and never taste all the different wines, with local foods of course, and never taste them all. He talks how wonderfu

Choucroute Dinner in Strasbourg w/ Paul Wagner & Chef Wife, Napa Valley Wine Tasting Styles: The final segment of the interview with famed wine educator Paul Wagner had him tell about one particular part of hosting an AmaWaterways luxury wine river cruise. They stopped in Strasbourg, one of the great cities of the world, and Paul and his wife went to dinner at a local establishment whose specialty was the Choucrote, which involves lots of port and sauerkraut. Paul's wife is a chef and when they were asked if they wanted a reisling or sylvaner wine they took both. After a fairly huge meal with copious amounts of wine they both thanked their blessings the AmaWaterways ship was within close walking distance. They slept much of the next day. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Bur

Wine, Food & Travel Triple Crown Winner, Wine Most Intimate Expression of Human Culture, Paul Wagner: In an enlightening segment of his interview with Paul Lasley, renowned wine educator Paul Wagner says that "wine is the most intimate expression of human culture." He tells the listeners that Italy believes that the most valuable export they have is wine, this from the land of sports cars and fashion houses. In California they make wine from 60 different grapes, in France 200, in Italy, 4,000 to 6,000. Each town has a story and winery that can be traced back hundreds of years. And this is what makes wine, food and travel go together so well. For more about AmaWaterways go to www.AmaWaterways.com. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Me

Tips for Enjoying Local European Wines, Restaurant House Wines Terrific, Local Wineries Smaller: The conversation in the interview of Paul Wagner, renowned wine educator, and On Travel Radio Talk Show host Paul Lasley turns the wide variety of wines in California, the United States and the world. California wine production has exploded, now with nearly 4,000 wineries statewide. Napa Valley is obviously the premier region but there more being added every year. In the United States there are about 10,000 winery operations located in all 50 states, which is amazing. And that is what makes it so much fun to travel; finding new wines along the road along with new experiences. Wagner, who hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise on the Rhine River, then talks about how he was given an award from a prestigious wine organization in Spain and how flattered he was to receive such an honor. He noted that one could travel around Spain for a month and drink over a hundred different wines, while tasting the local fo

Wine Cruising with Paul Wagner & AmaWaterways, German & Napa Valley Wine Tastings in Luxury: In talking about his experience hosting an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise Paul Wagner, a respected wine educator who teaches in Napa Valley, relates that the German Wine Institute provided him with some of the best German Dry Reislings for wine tastings along the cruise. Then the passengers were able to try the Napa Valley wines from some terrific wineries for additional tastings with food pairings. Cruising the Rhine River while tasting these fine wines was certainly a treat not only for Paul Wagner but all the passengers eager to learn more about wine, food and travel. Local wine with local food is the way to go as both have evolved together for hundreds if not thousands of years. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on t

Real Reason Wine Cork Given, Smell Important, Taste Vital & Red Wine Temp Key says Paul Wagner: A real wine education awaits anyone who takes a class from Paul Wagner or goes on an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise he is hosting. In this segment of an interview with Paul Lasley, on the On Travel Radio Show, this renowned educator reiterates that wine experts never admit to knowing everything or close while haughty amateurs use it a social weapon. Wagner also notes that when he asks Master Sommeliers what wine to drink with a certain dish, the answer always came back that people should drink what they like. That is key. Then an explanation of the real reason the cork is presented, which came from verification of authenticity of vintage rather than smell, and then Wagner explains how the human sense of smell is far more powerful than taste. Another key factor is temperature. White is served chilled and that, Wagner explains, is good because it will warm up in the glass. But red wine is supposed to be serv

Wine Experts Never Think They Know All, Haughty Amateurs Bring Arrogance to Wines Says Paul Wagner: Wine expert Paul Wagner, based in Napa Valley, hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise along the Rhine River, from Amsterdam to Zurich, and had a fantastic time in every sense of enjoying a semi-working vacation. Each AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise host, mostly winemakers but also experts like Wagner, arranges for wines from their local region, gives wine seminars with tastings and food pairings, helps conduct tours of local European vineyards which also involve tastings and mingle with passengers who are eager to learn more about wine and food. During this segment of an interview with Paul Lasley, host of syndicated On Travel Radio Show, Paul Wagner talks about the nature of being a wine expert and never getting too caught in one's vast knowledge. Wagner believes that "no true wine expert ever thinks they know it all," it is only haughty amateurs with an attitude who make it harder for those seeking to g

Full Radio Show: Mick Wilson, AmaWaterways Wine Cruise Host, on Enjoying Wine & River Cruising: In this radio show Mick Wilson, co-founder and co-owner of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Valley, talks about the Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula Valley wine making and his experience hosting an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise down the Rhine River with AmaWaterways. He, with his parents and wife, completely enjoyed hosting a wine river cruise and had nothing but high praise for AmaWaterways. From the first rate crew to five star cuisine; from the luxurious ship to the fascinating shore excursions; from the roomy staterooms to the large common areas around the ship for relaxing and watching the castles and scenery go by; from the help the Wilson's got with their wine seminars and food tastings from the crew and chefs to the tours of local European vineyards; from the terrific passengers eager to learn about wine and food to strolling through towns and cities with a rich history; from relaxing on the Sun Deck to t

Wine, Travel & Fun w/ Wilson Creek Winery, AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Experience Beyond Compare: Mick Wilson was a co-host, with his parents, of an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise on the Rhine River in Europe and he relates what an absolutely fabulous time he had on the whole experience. In the first part of this segment, during an radio interview with Paul Lasley on the syndicated On Travel Radio Show, Mick Wilson talks about how his family's American Midwest hospitality has been injected into everything about the Wilson Creek Winery. Large picnic grounds with live music every weekend, a wine tasting room with 300 bar style seats, large facilities for parties, weddings and corporate events, really a gathering place as much as a working vineyard. Then the conversation turns to the overall experience of an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise for hosts and passengers. Proceeding along the Rhine River in a luxury river cruise ship, accommodating 160 people, Mick Wilson went on to praise just about ev