Contrary to popular belief, boats are actually much safer than cars, which inexplicably sink every time you drive them on water. Take a proper water-road ride while sipping the proper libation with today’s Groupon: for $45, you get an 80-minute Wine on the Water Holiday Magic cruise around Alamitos Bay and Naples Island with Corks Away in Long Beach (a $93 value).
Cruise the waters of Alamitos Bay in Wildflower, a classic 30-foot sailboat built in 1961 and beautifully restored by captains Nate and Shane for its new role of transporting two of every wine to higher grounds. Aficionados and novices alike will thrill at the Wine on the Water experience, an 80-minute sail paired with a four-course wine-and-appetizer tasting. For this deal, you'll get the Holiday Magic wine cruise, which includes tantalizing hot chocolate for non-wine drinkers and heated lap warmers to keep fine-food tasters toasty and comfortable. The tasting starts with an Argentinian brut sparkling wine served with dried cranberries, cashews, and almonds, followed by a Brownstone merlot accompanied by pita bread and hummus. The next course contains an Argentinian malbec/cabernet sauvignon with Corks Away's signature pesto loaf—a scrumptious combination of provolone, pesto sauce, cream cheese, pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes. When a wine steward appears holding a bottle of port wine, a tray of ginger cookies, the cruise's specialty homemade magic bars, and a basket of retired Beanie Babies, the fourth and final course is officially under way. Availability is limited because the boat can only carry enough salt-packed octopus bacon for six passengers, so check their website for times and dates.
Reviews
Long Beach Things to Do reviewed Corks Away Wine Cruises. Seven Yelpers give it an average of five stars.
- The Corks Away experience aboard Wildflower is, at once, magical, breathtaking, unforgettable and purely, almost gushingly, romantic. – Long Beach Things to Do
- We were treated like royalty from beginning to end. These guys have turned their passion into a career which makes for a good time for everyone involved. – Amy K., Yelp
Corks Away
Devoted surfers, sailors, and wine connoisseurs Nate and Shane channel their passions for sea waves and sips into scenic beverage cruises offered by Corks Away. Together they pilot the vintage 1961 sailboat, Wildflower, which they refurbished themselves, and its sister vessel, the Sunflower, through the waters surrounding Long Beach. Though the content of the cruises varies by season, past voyages have included mimosa flights, wine tastings, and pairings of gourmet appetizers. The duo can even accommodate large groups with their 72-foot 1920s wooden schooner, the Dirigo II, which stays docked to board 25 passengers comfortably.