WHY IT RATES: American Queen Steamboat Company has always had fascinating itineraries to choose from. This just adds a whole new dimension, especially for oenophiles. – Rich Thomaselli, TravelPulse Senior Editor

PHOTO: American Queen Steamboat Company will now sail you right into wine country in the Pacific Northwest. (Courtesy American Queen Steamboat Company)

American Queen Steamboat Company, operator of America’s most opulent and luxurious paddlewheel vessels, announces extraordinary itineraries through the Pacific Northwest wine country for 2016.

With Washington home to over 240 wineries and Oregon close to 700, the Washington and Oregon wine industry is booming with quality wine produced all along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The American Queen Steamboat Company will introduce guests to the region’s world-class wines and deliver memorable culinary experiences onboard the American Empress and onshore during the “Vineyards, Vintages and Varietals” themed cruises.

SEE MORE: What It’s Like To Sail On The American Queen

“We are proud to have partnered with several local wine producers to enhance our onboard complimentary program,” shares American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes. “We invite guests to experience the bounty and beauty of the Pacific Northwest while also embracing the spectacular wines of the region.”

Guests onboard the American Empress can inspire their palate with extraordinary wines of the Washington and Oregon regions on the “Vineyards, Vintages and Varietals” themed cruises. Whilst cruising amidst the natural beauty of the region, guests will have the opportunity to meet with local wine makers for exclusive tastings and pairings of the celebrated, hand-selected wines and get acquainted with the nuances of traditional wine-making.

In addition to these special onboard tastings, pairings and lectures from partnering wineries, the award-winning chefs will incorporate local wines of the region into a variety of culinary creations throughout each voyage.

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A wealth of onboard enrichment activities will expose guests to the history, culture and landscapes that have contributed to each mouthwatering aroma, bite and sip. There is no better venue to experience America’s Pacific Northwest wine country than on the river aboard the exquisite American Empress.

Those eager to experience wine country onboard the American Empress can choose from the below itineraries whose ports of call include Astoria and The Dalles, Ore. and Stevenson and Tri-Cities, Wash.:

* Roundtrip Portland, Ore. (Vancouver, Wash.) November 12 – 20, 2016: This sailing includes onboard tastings, pairings and lectures courtesy of Columbia Winery, Archery Summit, Double Canyon, Duck Pond Cellars, Desert Wind Winery and Waterbrook.

* Roundtrip Portland, Ore. (Vancouver, Wash.) November 19 – 27, 2016: This voyage includes onboard tastings, pairings and lectures courtesy of Waterbrook, Pendulum, Primarius, Browne Family Vineyards, Good Ridge Estate and Mercer Estates.

Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, fares for nine-day sailings on the American Empress begin at $2,649 per person based on double occupancy. All journeys include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in all ports, complimentary wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities.

For additional information and reservations, please contact the American Queen Steamboat Company at 888-749-5280, visit www.aqsc.com or call a professional travel agent.

SOURCE: American Queen Steamboat Company press release