Crystal AirCruises, the ultra-luxe private aircraft tours from premier cruise line Crystal, has partnered with Wine Spectator magazine for a globe-trotting wine lover’s odyssey.
Departing on June 1st 2018, the customised Boeing 777 will transport guests to the world’s most famous wine regions for tasting and educational experiences accompanied by leading sommeliers and wine experts.
The aircraft, which carries only 84 passengers in an ‘executive class’ elevated far beyond even the finest first-class grades, is staffed by butlers, concierge staff and a Michelin standard executive chef.
Lie-flat beds, top-entertainment and communication systems, a plush dining room, full bar area and the very finest fabrics and furnishings propel this private jet experience to dizzying heights of grandeur.
The air tours, of which there are seven, are carefully curated to open rich and diverse land experiences to the select guests including stays at top hotels and specialist accommodations. Wine Spectator have chosen the ultimate wine estates to visit in the storied regions of Bordeaux, Champagne/Paris, Tuscany, Mendoza, Santiago and Cape Town.
The St.Regis, San Fransisco is the starting point for this exciting journey and the base for Bon Voyage festivities.
Mendoza in Argentina is the first port of call and an excellent base to explore Latin America’s largest winemaking region. Bodegas, nestled among a snowy Andean landscape, offer the opportunity to savour and sip world-leading Malbec.
Chile’s Casablanca Valley, home to fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, is the next stop.
A couple of days are spent in South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley where there are opportunities to learn the art of blending at South Africa’s Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, experience a mini-safari at the Aquila Private Game Reserve and visit the iconic Table Mountain.
Then comes Tuscany with its exquisite landscape of vineyards, silvery olive groves and hilltop towns. Guests can choose Chianti tasting at 16th century Castello Della Paneretta Winery, dining at Michelin-starred La Torre, truffle hunting with the local Savini family and exploring the surrounding landscape by Vespa.
The world heritage city of Bordeaux is arguably the centre of world wine and a definite highlight of this trip. Four days here give guests plenty time to visit Chateaux Margaux and Pomerol, take a hot-air balloon ride over Saint-Émilion, and dine at Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay’s Le Pressoir d’Argent and Phillippe Etchebest’s Le Quatrième Mur in Bordeaux, France.
Finally a stay in Paris completes the trip. As well as the obvious sights, guest can roam the vineyards and underground cellars of the Montagne de Reims, enjoy exclusive access to the Louvre and Palace of Versailles, and experience Michelin-starred dining at Le Fouquet’s and Victoria.
The “Savoring the Winelands” Crystal AirCruise is available for booking now with fares of $73,000 per person.
Photos courtesy of Crystal AirCruises