Back by popular demand, Lake Lanier Islands Resort is offering their three-hour signature wine
cruise on select Sundays through October 5th, 2014. And, when they informed Suwanee Magazine about
this event, we jumped on board (literally) at the opportunity to partake in one of the excursions.
BY: Rachel Fasig
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, we took the short drive from Suwanee to Lake Lanier and were greeted by a smiling crew; Captain Winston Beaver; Director of Banquets, Robert Wood; and Banquet Captain, Sean Shapoori. As we boarded the “Island Princess”, an 85-foot yacht, with locals and visitors alike, we were handed a glass of sparkling Brut Rose and directed to the antipasto platter and exquisite cheese display with a variety of delicious choices, like: Reypenaer 3-year, Cloth Bound White Cheddar, Sweet Grass Green Hill Brie, Five Counties Cheese, and Vella Aged Jack.
We then headed to the upper deck to take in the fresh air and view as we set sail. As guests relaxed in the sun and took pictures of the sparkling blue water, servers passed gourmet hors d’ oeuvres artfully prepared by the resort’s renowned Culinary Director and Executive Chef, Michael Klein.
Each wine cruise is delegated a specific theme, and we had the pleasure of experiencing a menu of African-influenced foods and wines for this occasion. Every course was carefully paired with an African wine, chosen by on-board sommelier and Empire Distributors representative, Curtis Gauthier. Gauthier took the time to stop by each table throughout each course to describe tasting notes and answer any wine-related questions.
This event prides itself on providing guests with a complete wine-experience as winemakers or industry professionals walk them through the tasting menu. All guests have the opportunity to order the wines they sampled at the conclusion of each cruise.
The first course consisted of Madagascar Shrimp and Monkfish skewers with a Green Ginger Sauce paired with Fleur du Cap Die Bergkelder Selection Sauvignon Blanc. The fresh shrimp meddled perfectly with the melon and tropical fruit notes of this chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Course two was a Confit Duck and Peppadew Salad paired with a Glen Carlou Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay. The third course consisted of delicious Tomato, Yogurt and Chicken Masala Pot Pies – these miniature delicacies were a big hit with many guests asking for seconds or thirds as they washed them down with a chilled glass of Graham Beck Wines The Game Reserve Chenin Blanc. A personal favorite arrived next: Moroccan Lamb “cigars” with an apricot and mustard seed relish perfectly paired with a creamy Cabernet Sauvignon from Graham Beck The Game Reserve wines. The heartiest dish arrived last – a Boerwors Sausage with a red wine-raisin sauce on a vinegar Fingerling Potato Salad, served with Ernie Els Big Easy Red – an aged red varietal with a strong oaky finish. This wine carried us into the dessert hour – as we savored macaroons, chocolate petit fours, key lime tarts, dessert shooters, and Swiss pralines.
Guests lingered over each course and glass of wine while laughing, talking, and soaking in the sun. As we cruised across Lake Lanier and back to the harbor, we realized just how lucky we are to live near such a beautiful place. It was certainly enjoyable to “go on vacation” for the day and experience a high-end wine and culinary experience right in our backyard.
Lake Lanier Islands Resorts is offering additional high-end wine cruises through October 5th with a unique opportunity for a Cigar & Scotch Cruise on October 19th. Tickets are $60 per person or $110 per couple and may be reserved by calling 770-945-8787. For additional information and cruise dates, please visit lakelanierislands.com. ■
