Cunard Announces World's Finest Wine Cellar at Sea on National Wine Day

SOUTHAMPTON, England, May 25, 2016 /CNW/ -- On board Cunard's newly rejuvenated flagship Queen Mary 2, passengers will now be able to indulge in a unique collection of 450 fine wines, including the highly sought after California Screaming Eagle at $4,500 per bottle, which is to be served by the glass for the very first time.

Additionally a unique collection of vintage port wines, the only assortment of its kind in the world, has been specially assembled to join the enhanced wine cellar. The 46 different vintage ports, each produced in a key year of Cunard's 176-year history, will form part of a specially commissioned permanent display in the new Carinthia Lounge. This is being created as part of the ship's major 25 day refit this June that befits the status of the world's only ocean liner.

Guests on board the luxurious Queen Mary 2 can now experience The Cunard Wine Academy, an all sensory experience of food and wine pairings, tastings and producer master classes for the appreciation of even the most advanced wine graduate¹.

To enhance guests' enjoyment of the elegant wines without compromising the quality, the introduction of the new Coravin™ wine pouring system used on board, uses a needle to extract the desired quantity of wine required from a bottle.

"With thoughtful planning and a keen attention to detail, our new fine wines as well as our unique port collection, inspired by Cunard's history, are evocative of our craftsmanship," said Richard Meadows, President, Cunard North America. "With the addition of The Cunard Wine Academy, we proudly offer guests yet another exclusive and enriching experience in an unforgettable journey."

"Our sommeliers together with our suppliers have searched the world for exciting new additions to Cunard's famous wine list," said Anthony Habert, Cunard's Head of Fine Wines. "We're proud that we can offer a wine to compliment every palate and occasion."

Notes to editors:

• New Queen Mary 2 wine list featured below
• Video explaining more available here
• Cunard's selection of beverages also includes a large array of whiskey and cognac  

About Cunard
Defining true excellence at sea with over 175 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator of luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth that are renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Cunard has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840.Today Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Seabourn and fathom. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

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Exclusive wines available to purchase by the glass and bottle on board Queen Mary 2 Remastered:

Wine	Description	Year	Price per bottle	Price per 75ml glass	Price per 150ml
Château Lafite-Rothschild, 1er Cru Classé		2001	$950	$105	$199.50
Château Latour, 1er Cru Classé		1993	$795	$87.50	$166.95
Château Margaux, 1er Cru Classé		1998	$675	$75	$141.75
Château Haut-Brion, 1er Cru Classé		1996	$725	$80	$152.25
Château Mouton-Rothschild, 1er Cru Classé		1998	$775	$85	$162.75
	Five 50ml glasses of Les Premiers Grand Crus Classés de Médoc are served together with an explanation of their common theme and differences.
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 'Le Montrachet', France	Obviously the best of the white wines of  the Côte d'Or and probably of all the white wines of the world. No winery is more famous, or produces such legendary wines in Burgundy than Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.  Often abbreviated as DRC, the winery makes some of the most exclusive and expensive wines in the world.	2001	$4,250	$470.00	$890.00
Pétrus, France	Pétrus is undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed wines of Bordeaux and certainly the best of Pomerol. Its unique terroir and astounding care taken in the winegrowing and winemaking make it one of the most remarkable wines on Earth. Its global recognition coupled with an extremely high demand makes it one of the hardest wines to source in great condition.	1996	$2750	$300	$580
Sassicaia, Italy	Sassicaia is the most collectible wine to come from Italy. The now historic wine is single-handedly responsible for launching the Super Tuscan movement and remains one of the most sought-after wines in the world.	2007	$450	$49.50	$95.00
Barca Velha, Portugal	Barca Velha is the epitome, the unquestionable symbol of the highest quality of Douro wines. Barca Velha is the basis on which was built the reputation of Casa Ferreirinha, the specialist brand with the greatest quality tradition in the Douro and one of its most renowned world-wide standard bearers. Barca Velha is made only in truly exceptional years.	2004	$450	$49.50	$95.00
Vega Sicilia 'Único', Spain	Vega Sicilia is the most emblematic Spanish bodegas. A historic wine cellar, over 150 years old, which has become a myth, an icon recognized worldwide thanks to the sheer quality of its wines. Vega Sicilia Único is a wine of legend	2007	$385	$42.50	$80
Screaming Eagle, United States	The most sought after California CultWine in the World! The rarity and expense of this renowned and sought-after Napa Cabernet blend means few have ever tasted the wine, let alone been granted entry into the winery.		$4,500	$495	$945
Penfolds 'Grange', Australia	Penfolds Grange is Australia's most famous wine and is officially included in the list of Iconic Legacy of South Australia. Penfolds Grange is considered the point of reference against which nearly all other Australian red wines are measured. More and more, it has become an international benchmark for Shiraz, together with the finest wines from the Rhône Valley of France.		$550	$120	$230
István Szepsy 'Esszencia', Hungary	The wine of kings and the king of wines" according to Louis XIV.		$550	$120	$230
Château d'Yquem, France		1996		$42.50	$80

¹ Graduates of The Cunard Wine Academy will receive the Wines and Spirits Education Trust Levels 1 & 2 examinations on board.

SOURCE Cunard