Chef Jon Ashton and Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas Lead a Delectable Vintage Room Journey

It’s quite possible to explore the world through a wine glass without ever departing your favorite Crystal ship. With cellars boasting upwards of 10,000 bottles of the most acclaimed vintages from Bordeaux to Barbera and a team of sommeliers each certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Crystal Serenity is an ideal home base for any oenophile. In the latest episode of “Crystal Cruises Presents: A Culinary Journey Hosted by Jon Ashton,” this home base explores the best of one of the greatest epicenters of crisp, fruit-forward white wines and other varietals: Auckland, New Zealand.

Chef Jon Ashton and renowned Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas visit two premier wineries outside of the cosmopolitan hub in search of the best wines to serve during an elegant dinner in the ship’s Vintage Room that evening. The table is set for just 14 guests to sip and savor the accompanying flavors that Crystal’s Executive Chef Verner Brenner and Chef de Cuisine David George have created, with signature New Zealand wine sharing the spotlight. Six courses, six wines – each sporting a flavor profile designed to bring out the best in the other. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer marry perfectly with delicacies like scallop crudo, pastry-wrapped pheasant, crab risotto and pavlova.

Each new course of the evening may inspire your next incredible culinary experience, whether you’re entertaining two dozen of your closest friends, or simply sharing the perfect bottle of New Zealand Chardonnay for two.

Keep following the Crystal Insider as Chef Jon and Crystal Cruises’ culinary team explore the flavors and signature cuisines of the world aboard Crystal Serenity.