Kathie Lee Gifford, former spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line, returned to “The World's Most Popular Cruise Line®” Sunday to introduce her GIFFT Collection of wines at a tasting event for cruise guests on Carnival Breeze at PortMiami.
I was invited to attend this surprise event, but was unable to make it— which really bummed me out because ... hello, wine! I have yet to try Kathie Lee's wine, but I'm betting she knows a thing or two about a good glass of vino (I personally love that she drinks it on air on the Today show!).
What makes this partnership extra special is that Kathie Lee was the line's first spokesperson, working on a series of Fun Ship brand campaigns in the 80s. What's crazy to me is that I can still remember the “If You Could See Me Now” TV commercials ... I was, at the oldest, eight-years-old in the 1980s, so clearly it was a successful campaign!
Created in consultation with California-based Scheid Family Wines—one of the largest vineyard owners in Monterey County—the GIFFT Collection consists of a Red Blend and a Chardonnay, both estate-grown. In September 2014, Wine Enthusiast magazine gave the red 91 of a possible 100 points and the Chardonnay 88 points in its tasting rating.
The GIFFT Red Blend combines Merlot (42 percent), Petite Sirah (25%), Syrah (12%) and Petit Verdot (10%); while the Chardonnay is a flavorful estate-grown Coastal California dry white. Carnival is the only cruise line to feature GIFFT wines, and both varietals are now available at a wide array of bars and in the main dining rooms on all 24 Carnival ships.
“I can’t tell you how exciting it is for me to be back on board with Carnival!” said Gifford. “It’s like coming home again—this time bearing great wines!”
I know that I'm going to try the Red Blend on our next Carnival Cruise ... what about you?
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