# Koningsdam's Coastal California Cruise Is The Ultimate Experience For Wine Lovers *By James Hills — Updated January 2022* When you think of "wine cruises", typically you think of riverboats floating through European destinations like those along the Rhine, Rhone, and Garonne (Bordeaux) or maybe even Portugal's Doro river. However, one of the absolute best ways to experience North America's best wine regions is on a Coastal California cruise.  What we liked about sailing on Holland America Line's Koningsdam was that it created an immersive experience - on the ship, as well as in port as well. ## A California Wine Country Coastal Cruise Vacation Truthfully there are many [wonderful west coast cruises](https://cruisewestcoast.com/) right now sailing from Los Angeles and San Diego that will take you to ports including Ensenada, Santa Barbara, San Francisco etc. However, Holland America Line managed to put all the pieces together in a way that frankly I wasn't expecting. Our cruise was the inaugural voyage for Koningsdam from San Diego and so there was some shuffling of the port stops. However, the original itinerary we had scheduled featured visits to five wine regions over the course of seven days. These included: San Diego and Temecula, Santa Barbara, Monterey (Carmel Valley), San Francisco (Sonoma, Napa, Livermore / Tri Valley etc.), and then south to Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe / Calafia Valley near Ensenada in Baja California. Some itineraries also offer an overnight in San Francisco so you can visit both Napa and Sonoma on different days or spend time in the city itself enjoying some of America's finest wine shops, restaurants, and artisanal food. ### Drinking Our Way Through 150 Years Of Holland America Line History At Half Moon Bar Half Moon Bar on Holland American Line Rotterdam celebrates 150 years of maritime history. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ngDSi3L0pIE6G8IvNALVsw.428) ### Hollywood Sunsets & Mexican Horizons Cruise Set sail on a vibrant journey through the stunning coastlines of Mexico, where sun-soaked days and lively nights await. Experience the unique charm of each port while enjoying the luxurious amenities onboard. Virgin Voyages (affiliate) [View Sailing Details](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ngDSi3L0pIE6G8IvNALVsw.505) ### Book A Virgin Voyages Cruise Discover the ultimate cruise experience with Virgin Voyages, where every detail is designed for your enjoyment. Enjoy unique itineraries, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional dining options. Virgin Voyages (affiliate) [View Sailing Details](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/ngDSi3L0pIE6G8IvNALVsw.606) Promoted by FlowAds For folks who have never explored the spectrum of California wine regions, this means that in one week you'll be able to sample the finest wines available in California across nearly every style except German / Northern European varietals that need colder weather to achieve their full potential. However, the diversity you can experience here as you travel across 600 miles of Pacific Coastline from Ensenada to San Francisco is remarkable. This is a journey that you simply can not experience in any other way aside from a [cruise vacation](https://www.mantripping.com/cruises.html). During the experience, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy some of America's best wines including: Rhone varietals in San Diego, Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara and Monterey, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in Napa and Sonoma, before heading down to Ensenada where the local wineries are rapidly developing offerings on par with any other California wine country. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/dIzmS1VsJO1xaDjb8tHUlQ.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/dIzmS1VsJO1xaDjb8tHUlQ.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/dIzmS1VsJO1xaDjb8tHUlQ.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/dIzmS1VsJO1xaDjb8tHUlQ.2396) Promoted by FlowAds ## A Coastal California Wine Cruise Is More Than Just Port Visits After spending the day exploring on land, Koningsdag has a fantastic program of wine-related experiences to further immerse wine enthusiasts. These range from introductory as well as more advanced, premium, wine tastings and a staff of sommeliers who were truly passionate about sharing their knowledge with guests of all levels of experience. In this way, what is a "California wine experience" expands to include opportunities to explore Oregon Pinot Noir, Washington State wines, and other selections from around the globe from Holland America Line's extensive wine cellar. ## Create Your Own Wine At Blend Perhaps most exciting for myself was their Blend program created in partnership with Washington State's Chateau Ste Michell. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to create your own wine ... this is as close as most people will ever get. Certainly it is the closest you'll get for the price.  This wine blending experience is currently available on two Holland America Line ships including: Nieuw Statendam and Konignsdam.  During the approximately 1-hour experience, a small group of wine enthusiasts were educated about a selection of five wines (2 different cabernet sauvignon, 2 different merlot, and 1 cabernet franc) and then given the opportunity to create their perfect Bordeaux Blend. For many less experienced wine enthusiasts there's a notion that blends are inherently bad. In large part this is because you can take inferior wines and combine them together to create a very good and easy drinking wine that appears on store shelves at value prices. However, there's nothing inherently negative about the process. In fact, quite the opposite. Some of the most expensive wines in the world are Bordeaux blends because hundreds of years ago the French realized just how powerful these components were when blended together in a bottle to create a unique expression. This is one way that the Blend experience will transform your understanding of wine and how different climates and terroir can lead to radically different expressions within the same type of grape. Likewise, you can combine the strengths of different types of wine to create something that wouldn't be possible from a single vineyard expression. The culmination of Holland America Line's Blend experience though is being able take your bottle to dinner and have the sommelier present and pour it for you, as well as even sample it and help recommend pairing options. This is something most people will never get to experience. However, it is easily accessible aboard Koningsdam for a small fee. (prices are highly variable currently but ours was $59 for a couple producing one bottle) ## Koningsdam Is More Than Just A California Wine Cruise! When you combine all of these opportunities that Holland America Line has brought together for wine enthusiasts and then layer them on top of a spectacular ship with wonderful service, phenomenal musical entertainment, and incredible food then you have everything you need for the ultimate cruise experience for wine lovers. It is important to note that this is a different type of experience than you might have in the Caribbean ... or even on other ships operating California coastal wine cruises to the same ports. Holland America Line cruises aren't parties where you will be up late at night dancing and tossing back tequila shots. The BB King Blues Club, Billboard Onboard Piano Bar, and RollingStone Rock Room had some of the best musical entertainment on any ship and set the mood perfectly. Additionally the Holland America Line bartenders are extremely talented should you want more than just wine to drink. This coastal California wine cruise though is a different experience than you might expect if you have only sailed the Caribbean with cruise lines such as: Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or even Princess.  Even our experience a few weeks later on [Holland American Line Rotterdam](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3257:guys-will-love-sailing-on-holland-america-line-rotterdam&catid=23) was more lively, a bit younger, and more party focused as you might expect since it attracts a different group of people. While the price is relatively similar to those lines, this is a more premium experience that attracts people looking to explore the world around them and learn something while doing so. The atmosphere on Holland America Line isn't for everyone. Generally speaking things are more conservative when it comes to dress codes and the ship is VERY quiet after 10pm. Despite this, we enjoyed it immensely as it offered a chance to relax while exploring new ideas and meeting people who shared similar passions. ***If you are looking to try a Holland America Line Coastal California wine cruise, make sure to contact Heather from Flow Voyages, our Travel Advisor partner. She can be [reached by email through her website](https://www.flowvoyages.com) or by phone: 630-779-9301*** September's Pick Princess Cruises ### 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound) Why we picked it: seven days of glaciers with the sailing done overnight, so you wake up somewhere new without losing a day to travel. The northbound run ends in Anchorage if you want to add land time. [View This Cruise](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/J0fc0Gd3vynWGsyO3mC-kA.497) [Dominican Daze $125.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/J0fc0Gd3vynWGsyO3mC-kA.1) [Mexican Riviera Halloween Cruise](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/J0fc0Gd3vynWGsyO3mC-kA.506) [Book Your Next Alaska Cruise On Holland America Line](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/J0fc0Gd3vynWGsyO3mC-kA.607) Promoted by FlowAds Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/9GA_1A2HauYTy9H58ayOQw.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 15 January 2022 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### More Than Caribbean Beaches, Eight All-Inclusive Resorts Built for The Perfect Father-Son Getaway Jun 21, 2026 [More Than Caribbean Beaches, Eight All-Inclusive Resorts Built for The Perfect Father-Son Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/all-inclusive-resorts-father-son-getaway.html) #### Amazing Mancation Ideas Dec 09, 2018 [Amazing Mancation Ideas](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazing-mancation-ideas.html) #### Cruises Are Expensive, Here's How to Finance Your Guys Trip Without Sinking Your Wallet Jun 20, 2026 [Cruises Are Expensive, Here's How to Finance Your Guys Trip Without Sinking Your Wallet](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/financing-guys-cruise-vacation-guide.html) ### Related Articles #### Five Reasons THC Drinks Belong in Your Outdoor Adventure Kit [Five Reasons THC Drinks Belong in Your Outdoor Adventure Kit](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/thc-drinks-outdoor-adventure-kit.html) #### The Families Behind the Bottle: 13 Wines to Open With Dad This Father's Day [The Families Behind the Bottle: 13 Wines to Open With Dad This Father's Day](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/fathers-day-wine-roundup.html) #### Cocktails for Cinco De Mayo: 18 Drinks That Celebrate the Spirit of Mexican Culture [Cocktails for Cinco De Mayo: 18 Drinks That Celebrate the Spirit of Mexican Culture](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/cocktails-for-cinco-de-mayo-beyond-classic-margaritas.html) #### 11 Fall Whiskey Cocktails And Old Fashioned Riffs For Cold, Crisp Nights [11 Fall Whiskey Cocktails And Old Fashioned Riffs For Cold, Crisp Nights](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/fall-whiskey-cocktails.html) #### Kalahari's Chef Bob On The 21 And Over Food And (Not Just) Wine Festival Coming To Sandusky [Kalahari's Chef Bob On The 21 And Over Food And (Not Just) Wine Festival Coming To Sandusky](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/kalahari-sandusky-food-and-wine-festival-preview.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Koningsdam's Coastal California Cruise Is The Ultimate Experience For Wine Lovers](https://mantripping.com/travel/konignsdam-california-wine-cruise.html)* **Tags:** California Guys Trip Ideas, Baja California Guys Trip Ideas, Wine, Travel Ideas, Drinks, Cruising, Wine Travel