Amista Danube Wine Cruise

A Journey to Treasure…

 

…magic, community and connection.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I'm excited to share a series of short weekly posts that take you behind the scenes, revealing memorable moments that have shaped our journey at Amista Vineyards.

Imagine standing on the deck of a river cruise ship on a crisp fall evening, gliding along the Danube through the heart of Budapest. Glittering city lights dance on the water, and a sense of wonder fills the air.

That’s the magic Mike and I experienced during our unforgettable Danube wine cruise. Let me share the three things that made this journey truly special.

Priceless Moments

This was Mike’s and my first cruise—and, though we didn’t know it then, it would also be his last. Mike, my late husband, wasn’t always enthusiastic about traveling but would end up having the time of his life. That cruise was no exception.

One of the highlights was hosting an Amista wine dinner on the ship. Mike beamed with pride, sitting at the head table, chatting with the chef about cooking techniques, and watching winemaker Ashley present our wines to an engaged audience.

Later in the lounge, guests approached Mike to ask about the wines and how he had brought his winemaking dream to life. He was touched, even if he wouldn’t admit it outright.

In those moments, I could see how much it meant to him that we had built Amista together from nothing—a shared dream turned reality.

Precious Relationships

While the breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine were unforgettable, it was the relationships we deepened—and the new ones we formed—that made the cruise truly extraordinary.

My mother and stepfather, both in their late eighties at the time, joined us on the cruise. It was my mom’s first trip to Europe, and she embraced every moment.

From excursions to events, she didn’t miss a thing. Watching her and my stepfather dance in the lounge after our Amista wine dinner was pure joy.

One of my favorite memories was our girls’ night out in Vienna, where we attended a concert in a stunning palace.

We also met Marge and George, who were part of a lively group in the dining room. Their warmth and humor drew us in, and we quickly became fast friends. Our shared love of cooking, wine, and laughter has kept us close ever since.

After the cruise, Doug and Tamara, our gracious trip hosts from Expedia Wine Cruises, invited us to join them on their drive to Prague. Along the way, they arranged a fascinating visit to a Budweiser brewery.

In Prague, we met up with dear friends from Europe—Bertram, Traudl, and their daughter Anina, who had flown in from Germany and Belgium to spend time with us. These friendships, some decades old, were renewed and deepened during those precious few days.

The Spirit of Community

The sense of community that blossomed on this cruise was a delightful surprise. Organized by our local wine association, the cruise included six wineries, each hosting winemaker dinners.

Despite representing different wineries, we all gathered in the same dining room each night, creating a shared space where conversations flowed and friendships flourished over great food and wine.

Even though the other winery owners and I live and work in the small Dry Creek Valley, we rarely have time to connect socially. This cruise gave us the chance to bond, not just as colleagues but as friends.

Beyond the wineries, the spirit of community extended to our wine club members from across the country. Seeing them connect with one another, share stories, and cheer us on during the winemaker dinner was heartwarming.

One evening, we gathered for a private toast and wine tasting at the Captain’s Table, a moment that encapsulated the friendly, welcoming essence of Amista.

A Journey to Cherish

Years later, those of us who shared this magical Danube wine cruise still reminisce about the experiences, friendships, and memories we made.

It wasn’t just a trip; it was a celebration of life, connection, and community—proof that wine has the power to bring people together in the most meaningful ways.

If only I could bottle the magic of that brisk fall evening on the Danube with Mike, surrounded by glittering lights and warm laughter. It’s a memory I’ll hold close forever.