World-Renowned Wine Critic James Suckling Named Holland America Line’s New Wine Curator
Suckling
tapped to cultivate and develop an industry-leading wine list for the cruise
line
Seattle, Wash., March. 5, 2018 —
Holland America Line is tapping into the expertise of one of the world's most
acclaimed wine critics, James Suckling, to curate an extensive new wine list
that will be featured on all ships in the premium fleet. As Holland America
Line's official Wine Curator, Suckling will lead the design and development of
the premium line's wine offerings and provide wine selection tips on the menus
and wine lists of all shipboard dining venues and bars.
Holland America Line currently features more than 300 labels from more than 30
countries, and Suckling is working with the cruise line to review and craft a
new vision for the wine program. When the list is complete, a large majority of
the selection will have an impressive rating of 90 points or higher — based on
Suckling's own 100-point scale. Holland America Line expects to have the new
list in place fleetwide by the end of 2018, in time for the launch of Nieuw Statendam.
"Wine is a big part of the cruise experience for many of our guests, and having
the best wine list at sea, or anywhere, allows us to guide novices to find
their new favorite label or indulge an aficionado who appreciates our deep
selection from global wineries that can be hard to find," said Orlando Ashford,
president, Holland America Line. "It is an honor to welcome James Suckling as
our wine curator, and we know he's going to create an unrivaled list and
further develop our wine-pairing program so our guests can have the perfect
wine with every meal."
"What better way to enjoy and learn about wine than on a cruise with Holland
America Line," said Suckling, who last year rated more than 17,000 wines with
his team around the world. "Wine is an experiential product that brings family
and friends together and enhances life, just as the special travel experiences
delivered by Holland America Line."
About James Suckling
Suckling began his wine critic career in 1981 as an assistant editor for Wine
Spectator magazine. Four years later he moved to Paris, France, to establish
Wine Spectator's European bureau. This put him at the center of European wine
production and cemented his relationships with thousands of vintners, as well as
contributed to his expanding knowledge of wines throughout the continent. In
total, Suckling spent nearly 30 years as senior editor and European bureau
chief of Wine Spectator and as European editor of Cigar Aficionado.
In 2010 Suckling launched JamesSuckling.com, a site that evolved from
seeing a need for wine information to be communicated in a more modern way.
Suckling and his team of critics rate about 17,000 wines a year, and Suckling
estimates that he's tasted close to 200,000 wines in his career.
Suckling also promotes and creates pieces for Lalique, the famous French
crystal manufacturer. He also makes documentary movies. In 2017 Suckling
received a knighthood from the Italian government — Cavaliere dell'Ordine della
Stella d'Italia — for his decades-long coverage of Italian wines. He also
recently received an honorary citizenship from the town of Montalcino for his
almost 40 years of writing about and rating Brunello di Montalcino.
Suckling is the father of Jack and Isabel. Jack is the tasting editor for and
has tasted 5,000 wines for JamesSuckling.com. Suckling's wife, Marie
Kim-Suckling, a former wine merchant originally from Seoul, South Korea, is
vice president of the international media wine company. He still lives near
Florence, Italy, part of the year, as well as in Hong Kong, China, and in Napa
Valley in California. For more information, visit JamesSuckling.com. Visit James Suckling on
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and WeChat as well as JamesSuckling.com.
Editor's note: Photos
are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/mbo8hldj.
— # # # —
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social
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at hollandamerica.com.
About
Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:
CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers
more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or
dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 113-day itineraries,
the company's cruises visit all seven continents, with highlights including
Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations, Cuba cruises and
exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and
popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada and New England, Bermuda,
Europe and the Panama Canal. The line welcomed Koningsdam in 2016 and has a second
Pinnacle-class ship,
Nieuw Statendam, to
be delivered in December 2018. A third Pinnacle-class ship, due for delivery in
2021, recently was announced.
The company is undergoing $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its
position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature
innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on
destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their
knowledge through an exclusive partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine; during
an America's Test Kitchen show; at Explorations Café presented by The New York
Times; and by taking a Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment
fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard
and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can be savored at a variety
of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's
esteemed Culinary Council, comprising world-famous chefs who design dishes
exclusively for our guests.
CONTACT: Sally Andrews PHONE: 800-637-5029 EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com