Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has partnered with FOOD & WINE, a leading authority on the best of what’s new in food, drink, travel, design, and entertaining, for a new series of gastronomic expeditions.
Aboard National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, wine lovers and gastronomes alike will embark on an eight-day Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey Presented by FOOD & WINE expedition of the Pacific Northwest. Guests will delve deep into the region’s rich history, harvests, and landscapes, while also indulging their senses with culinary splendors and world-class wines of the region.
Departures are scheduled for March, April, September and October 2024.
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“The bountiful diversity in the Columbia and Snake Rivers region is every chef’s dream!” said Ana Esteves, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic.
“With the opportunity to source fresh ingredients directly from farmers along the way, this new itinerary perfectly captures the best culinary delicacies of the region. The immensity of the canyons and gorges with miles of wheat fields and grains paired with the most stunning orchards in central Washington, the fresh wild-caught seafood of the coast, and the lush Oregon forests where our partners forage mushrooms, all make this one of my favourite culinary itineraries and a place on Earth that every food lover should visit,” Esteves said.
When they’re not off exploring by foot or Zodiac, guests will enjoy regionally-inspired menus designed around ingredients and wine sourced from within 320 kilometres of the destination; an extensive wine list featuring more than 40 regional varietals curated by Esteves in collaboration with FOOD & WINE; nightly onboard wine tastings; and more.
“The expedition follows the Columbia River through some of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful wine country—Oregon and Washington regions like the Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, and others,” said Isle. “It’s been an adventure in itself choosing the wines for this series of exclusive expeditions and being able to taste them while in the heart of the landscape they come from should be an extraordinary experience for anyone on the trip.”
National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion each feature 31 outside cabins and suites. These US-flagged vessels were purpose-built and expertly designed to navigate shallow and tight waterways, making it possible for guests to travel deeper and further than larger ships.
The inaugural Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey Presented by FOOD & WINE expedition sets sail from Portland, on 31 March 2024, aboard National Geographic Sea Bird with Isle sailing as a special guest.
Find out more at expeditions.com/landing/foodandwine.