Exclusive Wine Cruise

Hosted by Curt Pipes, Assistant General Manager, Las Positas Vineyards, Livermore, CA

Curtis Pipes is the Chef and Assistant General Manager of Las Positas Vineyards in California’s Livermore Valley. His new wine label, Phenom, was created to honor his mother. His first release, 2017 Inciptis, is a unique French and Spanish blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, Garnacha, and Graciano. Aged in French oak barrels for 32 months with all the fruit coming from Las Positas Estate Vineyards. Inciptis features aromas of black cherries, boysenberries, and plums with flavors of cherry cola, white peppercorns, and a touch of vanilla. Phenom 2 – “Fuhgeddaboudit“ – is a red blend featuring the Italian varietals of Barbera, Nebbelio and Sangiovese and will be released later this fall with Phenom 3 scheduled for next year.

Q&A With Curt Pipes

1. Why do you believe you are the right wine host for this cruise? Share your credentials and passion for wine.

I believe I'm the right wine host for this river cruise because I have a passion for wine, food and people. Having a culinary background, managing restaurants and working in the wine business for the last 8 years have helped me develop a unique skill set of pairing food & wine.

Click here to learn more about our fascinating wine host

2. Tell us something special about yourself that would make someone unfamiliar with you want to travel with you on this river cruise?

Having over 20 years in the hospitality business, with a extensive restaurant background, a passion for the culinary arts & wine industry I bring years of experience of pairing food & wine to each guest on this cruise.. This cruise offers me the ability to showcase our wines and work with the Chef to create a memorable pairing experience.

3. What was your “Aha Moment” when you fell in love with wine?

My " Aha " moment was back in 1997 while in culinary school one of my instructors took my class on a wine tasting trip all over Santa Barbara County. We tasted all over but when we visited Sea Smoke Cellars and had the chance to try their Estate Pinot Noir's, especially the '94 vintage I immediately fell in love with wine and how it compliments all cuisine.

4. What is one thing you are most looking forward to on your river cruise?

This will be my first time visiting France, being a " foodie" and having the chance to fly into Paris and experience the trip to Normandy is like a dream come true. Along with meeting new people who are excited to learn more about the marriage of food & wine, this will truly be a memorable experience for me.

5. What is something fun/unique you wish to share—perhaps something nobody knows until now?

I love dressing and being in character for Halloween. I've been Ace Ventura, Billy Madison , Ron Burgundy and Guy Fieri.

6. What is one of the most interesting places you have traveled to and why?

This last summer I went on a Fishing Trip with my father to Alaska and had the chance to fish in the Copper River Valley during their Salmon run. It is my favorite fish in the world.

7. If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only have one bottle of wine, what would it be and why?

I guess it would have to be that 1994 Sea Smoke X Pinot Noir.