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, which is similar to the South Rhone Valley in France, are winning awards and getting recognized for producing good wines. The Wilson Family is well established and hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise in 2014 and will host another in 2015.

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 Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup.

No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way.

When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.

The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

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 wonderful it was to have a Choucroute dinner at restaurant in Strasbourg, how relaxing and yet invigorating the being an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise host and how he looks forward to the next one.

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 Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup.

No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way.

When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.

The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

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 Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup.

No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way.

When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.

The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

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 Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup.

No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way.

When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.

The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

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 foods, and thus broaden your wine horizons tremendously.

Paul Lasley then asked about house wines in restaurants. Wagner explained that in the United States house wines would invariably be from a mass producer, and while they might be perfectly decent wines the situation in Europe is different and probably better. Restaurants in Europe get their house wines from small producers who are local operations and thus when one asks for a house it is usually really good. Lasley said he had never gotten a bad house wine in Europe.

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 Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup.

No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way.

When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.

The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.”

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 the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup.

No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way.

When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.

The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

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 served at room temperature, however, in today's world many homes hover around 72 degrees while castles of the past were lucky to get above 50 or 55 degrees. Wagner states that red wine should be chilled before being served, something which surprised Paul Lasley.

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 Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup.

No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way.

When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.

The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

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 gain their foothold in the vast world of wines from around the world.

The wine industry has exploded and good wines are created all over the world. One of the big key concepts that wine experts and winemakers constantly hit upon is that local wines must be consumed with local foods, this because they evolved over hundreds if not thousands of years in the same regions.

Paul Wagner is a renowned wine educator based in Napa Valley who was thrilled about the prospect of hosting an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise in Europe.

Read Paul Wagner's Wine Blog, Through the Bunghole, at www.throughthebunghole.com.

For more about AmaWaterways go to www.AmaWaterways.com.

About Paul Wagner:

Paul Wagner studied sociology and education at U. C. Santa Cruz and classical guitar and public performance at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Seville, Spain.

After several positions in Public Relations and Marketing in the wine industry in Napa Valley, Mr. Wagner formed Balzac Communications & Marketing on April 1, 1991. Clients include a broad range of national and international companies and organizations, with primary focus in the food and beverage industries. Current clients include Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, Don Sebastiani and Sons, Trinchero Family Estates, Simply Italian, Consorzio di Chianti Classico, Franciacorta DOCG, D.O. Navarra, Buena Vista Winery, and a host of other wine and food specialists.

He has been an instructor for Napa Valley College's Viticulture and Enology department for the past seventeen years. In addition he teaches at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, and is a guest lecturer at universities throughout the world on wine business, communications, public affairs, wine and wine marketing.

With Liz Thach and Janeen Olsen, he authored a book: Wine Marketing & Sales, Strategies for a Saturated Market by The Wine Appreciation Guild, which won the Gourmand International Award in 2008 for the best wine book of the year for professionals. A second edition of that work was published in 2011. He is a regular columnist for Vineyards & Winery Management Magazine, a member of the board of directors of the Society of Wine Educators and contributes to Allexperts.com in the field of wine and food.

Paul Wagner has judged many national and international wine competitions, is a founding member of the Academy of Wine Communications, a member of the nominations committee of the Culinary Institute of America’s Vintner’s Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Spadarini della Castellania di Soave in 2005. In 2009 he was honored with a “Life Dedicated to Wine” award at the Feria Nacional del Vino (FENAVIN) in Spain.

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 taking bikes out for a tour of the beautiful countryside and much more.

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 Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup.

No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way.

When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.

The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

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 everything involved in his AmaWaterways River Cruise. Terrific crew offering attentive and first class customer service with gourmet chefs able to contribute mightily to making the wine seminars even better with fantastic food pairings; multiple level shore excursions with knowledgeable guides; five star cuisine served in buffet style or sit down; complimentary beer, wine, champagne and drinks; escorted bike tours or ability to take a independent bike excursion through a village or city; large common areas throughout the ship for relaxing and enjoying the castles and lovely countryside; nightly entertainment on board ship; multiple dining facilities and a personal dining room available for each passenger to take advantage of; daily bottled water delivered to the staterooms; state-of-the-art infotainment system in each room with unlimited internet access and a first run movie DVD library on board; on wine river cruises tours of local European vineyards, and much more.

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 Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup.

No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way.

When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day.