SEATTLE, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- As a part of the popular Wines of Washington (WOW) promotion, the Washington Wine Commission is teaming up with AAA and Holland America Cruise Line to offer a wine-themed cruise onboard the September 30, 2006 sailing of the ms Zaandam cruising three days from Vancouver, BC to San Diego, CA.

Guests who book the WOW Coastal Cruise will enjoy the opportunity to cruise with honorary guests who are all recognized Washington wine and culinary experts and enthusiasts including:

-- Fran Bigelow, Owner and Chocolatier, Fran's Chocolates -- Joel Butler, MW, one of the first two resident Americans to earn the Master of Wine credential and Director of Wine Education, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates -- Kim Clothier, National Sales Manager, L'Ecole No. 41 -- Tom Hedges, Owner and Proprietor, Hedges Family Estates -- John Sarich, TV Host and Culinary Director, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

The guest hosts have developed exclusive presentations especially for WOW cruise guests including a lively "in-the-know" panel discussion amongst presenters and others guests on the state of the Washington Wine industry. The Washington wine-themed events will kick-off during sail-away from Vancouver with an exclusive Wines of Washington tasting party.

The WOW cruise features "members-only" style events such as a timely discussion on sustainable agriculture paired with a tasting of exclusive Bordeaux blends that illustrate the topic, highlighting wines from L'Ecole No. 41 off-shoots Seven Hills Winery and Pepper Bridge Winery; and Chateau Ste. Michelle's Spring Valley Vineyards.

A truly one-of-a-kind Washington product, Red Mountain Fortified -- a port-style wine from the Hedges Family Estate -- proves the perfect companion to the delectable chocolate recipes that Fran Bigelow of Fran's Chocolates will demonstrate for WOW guests.

And even wine can't escape politics as guests dive into the International Politics of Wine in the 21st Century featuring numerous politically-charged wine topics as interpreted by wine industry veteran Tom Hedges.

The delicious relationship between wine and food takes center stage during demonstrations and tastings in the cruise ship's state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Center and five-star Pinnacle Grill restaurant which unites Northwest- inspired cuisine with international favorites Frette linens, Bulgari china and Riedel stemware.

Cruise guests also have the option of making a reservation for one of the wine-maker three course lunches ($45) or five course dinners ($95) in the Pinnacle Grill hosted by the honorary guests. Extra special Washington wine selections will be the highlight of each meal to match the award-winning cuisine for a genuinely sublime dining experience on the high seas.

The three-day cruise aboard the 1,432-passenger ms Zaandam sails from Vancouver on September 30 and disembarks in San Diego on October 3, 2006. The WOW coastal cruise package includes a private welcome cocktail reception, a Wines of Washington cruise gift and four expert wine and culinary presentations offered over the two sea days, allowing ample time to enjoy the ships other amenities and activities.

The Wines of Washington coastal cruise package prices are $299 for an interior stateroom and $349 for an outside stateroom. Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy, in US dollars.

For more information or to book the WOW coastal cruise, contact the nearest AAA office, call 1-800-430-9001, or visit http://www.aaa.com/.

AAA Contacts: Janet Ray, 425-646-2058 or Steve Pomranz, 425-646-2090 Holland America Line Rose Abello, Mary Schimmelman 206-286-3404 pr@hollandamerica.com

CONTACT: Janet Ray, +1-425-646-2058, or Steve Pomranz, +1-425-646-2090,
both of AAA Washington; or Rose Abello or Mary Schimmelman, both of Holland
America Line, +1-206-286-3404, 1-800-637-5029, or pr@hollandamerica.com

Web site: http://www.hollandamerica.com/

Web site: http://www.aaa.com/