Navigating Wine Choices on a Cruise

After recently completing and passing the first level of the Court Of Master Sommeliers course, I've unwittingly become a bit of a wine enthusiast. While I can still spot a decent bottle for ten bucks, most lower-end wines no longer appeal to me (unless I’m using them for a sangria).

Given my newfound standards, I didn't expect to discover many decent wines on my recent Dinogo cruise. Typically, wine isn’t paired with a paper umbrella in the glass, and many cruise-goers prefer something tropical and cold (perhaps with a splash of rum) while lounging by the pool or on the beach. However, I was pleasantly surprised; my entire understanding of cruise dining was turned on its head. In addition to the usual dining and buffets, there were a plethora of restaurants—ranging from a sushi bar to a refined steakhouse. I was delighted to find such a wide array of options presented in intimate settings with personalized service, all boasting carefully curated wine lists.

Let’s dive into my initial impressions of the wine on this cruise. Our ship, Dinogo, featured a charming Library Bar equipped with an Enomatic wine dispensing machine, similar to those in my favorite local wine shop. This setup functions like a vending machine for wine, allowing you to pour just an ounce at a time. This way, you can sample various wines and select your favorite without committing to a full glass. It's also an excellent opportunity to taste premium wines without the expense of purchasing an entire bottle. Their selection was remarkable, featuring a Vouvray (an off-dry French white), a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, and a Barolo (one of Italy's finest wines).

What I truly appreciated about wine tasting at the Library Bar was the opportunity to sample several different wines, choose my favorite, and take that card to dinner as a reference to order it from the menu. They even provided charming little “library cards” with tasting notes that read, “I’ve checked this out, and it deserves a place at my dinner table.” The cost for a one-ounce pour ranged from $2.75 to $5.00, making it an affordable way to explore various wines (especially a Barolo!).

When it comes to selecting wine, there’s really just one guideline: choose what you enjoy. Period. A sommelier can assist in pairing a wine style you prefer with your meal, ensuring the flavors of both complement and elevate each other. This process is much more intricate than simply matching white wine with seafood and red wine with beef. Unfortunately, there was no sommelier available on board for guidance. While our servers in the ship’s restaurants offered some helpful pairing suggestions, our experience in the main dining room indicated that the servers there didn’t have much knowledge about wine.

I’d like to share my list of recommended wines I discovered on Dinogo to help you navigate the wine menu and elevate your dining experience. I’ve put together a “safe list” of delicious, budget-friendly wines, as well as a “splurge” list featuring incredible wines you simply must try at some point.

Always choose what you enjoy (be it white or red), but when in doubt, opt for a pinot noir. It pairs well with just about anything due to its subtle flavors and low tannins. A pinot noir can even complement fish dishes, yet its complexity allows it to stand up beautifully to the richness of steak.