Un-Cruise uncorks river itinerary with nine included winery visits

The week-long 'Ameritage! Four Rivers of Wine & History' itinerary is offered Aug. 15, 22 and 29 and Sept. 5. It includes the Columbia, Snake, Willamette and Palouse rivers and highlights Washington and Oregon wine regions including Walla Walla. A local wine expert will be on board for the week to lead presentations and tastings.

Tastings at nine wineries are included in the cruise fare. Wineries may include Springhouse Cellars, Maryhill Winery, AniChe Cellars, Bergevin Lane, Dunham Cellars, Terra Blanca, Sunshine Mill Winery and others. A visit to the Wine Shack in Cannon Beach includes tastings of Washington and Oregon wines. The Oil & Vinegar Bar nearby presents tastings of infused olive oil.

'The diversity of experience found in the Columbia River region is phenomenal—waterfalls, Lewis and Clark history, monuments and museums, rain forest and wheat fields, locks and dams, but also world-class appellations and wineries,' said Capt. Dan Blanchard, Un-Cruise ceo. The new itinerary, he added, dedicates more time ashore to visit wineries.

Other highlights include cruising through scenic Columbia River Gorge and visits to Hood River, Walla Walla, Astoria and Cannon Beach. Excursions explore Multnomah Falls, eclectic Maryhill Museum, Hanford Interpretive Center and Whitman Mission. A skiff ride travels into a scenic canyon to Palouse Falls.

Inclusive wine theme cruises offer on-board interpretation by a heritage leader, a wine expert, guided tours, premium wine, beer and spirits, all taxes and fees and transfers. Rates start at $3,695 per person, double occupancy. 

S.S. Legacy, a replica coastal steamer emulating the steam ships that plied the rivers in the early 1900s, also sails a week-long 'Legacy of Discovery' route on the Columbia and Snake from August to November this year and April to November 2015.