A Taste of Elegance: Inside the Explora Journeys Wine List

March 29, 2025

Explora Journeys has redefined luxury cruising—not with overindulgence, but with refinement. At the heart of this elevated experience is a wine program that’s as thoughtful as the destinations themselves. Imagine a voyage where every glass connects you to a region, every pairing enhances the story on your plate, and every sip becomes part of your journey.

When you book through a Scott & Thomas concierge, you gain access not only to exclusive cruise rates but to the kind of insider knowledge that turns a great trip into a legendary one.

A Global Tapestry, Poured by the Glass

Wine aboard Explora Journeys isn’t just a beverage—it’s a passport to terroir. The expertly curated list spans more than 250 hand-selected labels from around the world. But this isn’t about excess. It’s about intention.

Each bottle has a purpose: showcasing small family-owned vineyards, sustainable producers, and lesser-known gems from storied regions. From the silky reds of Burgundy to the bold Pinotages of Stellenbosch, every label tells a tale worth savoring.

Pair these wines with cuisine at venues like Emporium Marketplace, where regional varietals meet global dishes in a chic, relaxed setting. A Scott & Thomas travel advisor can help match your itinerary to the culinary highlights on board, ensuring you don’t miss a single perfect pairing.

Bubbles with a Backstory: Champagne & Sparkling Highlights

Luxury is incomplete without the celebratory pop of Champagne—and Explora delivers. Expect offerings from prestigious maisons such as Dom Pérignon and Ruinart, alongside rare artisanal sparklers that reflect the character of their origins.

At Marble & Co. Grill, Explora’s modern European steakhouse, the Champagne menu is designed to elevate each course—from delicate amuse-bouches to rich cuts of dry-aged beef. It’s not just a meal; it’s a decadent ritual.

Harmony on the High Seas: Wine Pairings That Tell a Story

Every dining venue aboard Explora Journeys is a stage for culinary storytelling—and wine is the narrator. Each restaurant features its own bespoke wine pairing, carefully crafted to highlight flavor, balance, and region.

Whether you’re savoring seared scallops with a glass of mineral-driven Albariño at the Med Yacht Club or enjoying the comforting richness of braised lamb with Chianti Classico, the combinations are thoughtful and memorable.

The culinary team draws inspiration from Michelin star traditions, with many guest chefs bringing experience from starred kitchens around the world. It’s dining with a narrative—one best experienced with the expert planning of Scott & Thomas.

For Collectors and Connoisseurs: Rare Bottles That Impress

Those with a taste for the extraordinary will find their haven in the Connoisseur’s Wine List—a reserved selection featuring bottles from Château Margaux, Screaming Eagle, Ornellaia, and other coveted producers. These are not always listed and are offered in very limited quantities, adding an element of exclusivity for true oenophiles.

Imagine an intimate dinner at Anthology, Explora’s collaboration space for world-renowned chefs, paired with a vintage Bordeaux or a rare Super Tuscan. These moments are designed to dazzle—and are best secured with the advance planning and insider access that comes from working with a Scott & Thomas concierge.

Taste, Learn, Explore: Aboard and Ashore

Aboard Explora Journeys, wine isn’t just served—it’s celebrated. Whether sailing on Explora I or the new Explora II, guests enjoy a curated wine experience that elevates every moment of their luxury cruise. Participate in sommelier-led tastings and interactive masterclasses covering everything from grape varietals to regional histories. These events often take place in intimate lounges or inside the Emporium Marketplace, where a rotating selection of fine wines allows for informal exploration—perfect for true wine cruises enthusiasts.

Depending on your itinerary, shore excursions may include vineyard visits, cellar tours, and meet-the-maker experiences—particularly in wine-rich regions like Italy, France, and Portugal. Onboard, a wide range of restaurant offers complements these excursions, featuring fine dining menus thoughtfully paired with regional wines.

Let a Scott & Thomas advisor tailor your trip to include these rare, often capacity-limited experiences, ensuring every port call is as rewarding as life onboard.

A Toast to the Journey

On Explora Journeys, wine isn’t a footnote—it’s a feature. A way to celebrate the world, one glass at a time. Whether you’re enjoying a crisp Sancerre on deck at sunset, indulging in a vertical tasting of Napa reds, or letting a bold Cabernet elevate your steak at Marble & Co. Grill, the wine program is nothing short of spectacular.

Let Scott & Thomas elevate your cruise experience from luxurious to unforgettable. With exclusive rates and a personalized concierge service, we make sure your next journey is one worth toasting.

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