Wine Tasting Menu – Current and Previous Selections

At Tahoe Tastings aboard the Golden Rose, your experience is more than a cruise, it’s a curated journey through Northern California’s most celebrated wine regions. As you travel from the Tahoe Keys Marina, in South Lake Tahoe and cruise along the shoreline to Emerald Bay, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of eight thoughtfully selected wines, beginning with a sparkling pour and flowing through a balanced progression of whites and reds.

Our wine list rotates throughout the season, sometimes daily, allowing us to showcase a diverse range of regions including Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Anderson Valley, Amador, El Dorado, Monterey County, Russian River, Mendocino, and beyond. Each wine is hand-selected from boutique, small-production wineries, many of which are typically only available in their tasting rooms.

From time to time, we feature special selections from outside California, adding an unexpected and memorable touch to your tasting experience.

To extend the experience beyond the water, select bottles are available for purchase at the end of your cruise, perfect for enjoying during your stay in Lake Tahoe or bringing home to your personal collection.

Sparkling Wine

	Domaine Carneros	Napa Valley	Brut Cuvee	Founded by the family behind Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros has been producing méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines in Napa Valley since 1987. This vintage cuvée opens with elegant aromas of white flowers, baked apple and citrus peel, layered with subtle notes of toast and vanilla. Crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the wine is beautifully structured, round and expressive, with a signature long, creamy finish.
	Roederer Estate	Anderson Valley	Brut	Produced by Champagne Louis Roederer, building upon a 200-year tradition of fine winemaking from this family owned company. This vintage is crisp, lively and exuberant, with concentrated youthful fruit showing notes of Fuji apple, pear, white nectarine, strawberry and citrus.
	Schramsberg	Napa Valley	Mirabelle Brut	Mirabelle is Schramsberg’s multi-vintage brut sparkling wine. This young, bright bubbly exhibits crisp acidity and vibrant green apple and citrus fruit. Pinot Noir adds body, mid-palate richness and further fruit character.

White Wine

	Adelaida	Paso Robles	Picpoul Blanc	100% Picpoul Blanc, grown on an organic certified vineyard, giving vibrant characteristic aromas of wet stone, sea breezes, lemon curd, and hints of tropical pineapple. The complimentary array of flavors ranges from citrus fruit to white peach, finishing with an essence of freshly baked bread.
	Andis Wines	Amador County	Sauvignon Blanc	Grown on the Andis Estate at an elevation of 1,500 feet, this wine was fermented and aged in a concrete, egg-shaped tank and developed a well-defined minerality. A refreshingly crisp wine with tropical notes and aromas.
	Balletto	Russian River Valley	Pinot Gris	This expressive Pinot Gris balances crisp acidity with remarkable weight and presence. Aromas of citrus and delicate slate open into layers of ripe fruit, while the palate reveals vibrant lime, a silky texture, and subtle tannins that add depth. The result is a beautifully structured wine with energy and elegance, finishing long and refined.
	Bella Grace Vineyards	Amador County	Graces Blanc	This bright crisp white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino and Viognier is named after the winemaker’s grandmother. Light notes of peach and honey lead into a silky mouthfeel and juicy finish. A customer favorite winery, we have also poured their Vermentino and Petite Sirah.
	Bloodroot Wines	Sonoma County	Chenin Blanc	100% Chenin Blanc grown in Sonoma County and bottled in Clarksburg. Balanced acidity with apple and pear notes as well as bright citrus zest and lime. Crisp and textured with pineapple and mango notes on the nose, with a finish of honeysuckle on the palette.
	Boyle MacDonald	Calaveras County	Sangiovese Bianco	Soft white peach, Granny Smith apple, and Canary melon on the nose, carry through on the palate with flavors of nectarine, mango and a hint of fresh strawberry.
	Cass Wines	Paso Robles	Côte du Rhone “Blanc”	“Mr Blanc” which is a classic Côte du Rhone “Blanc” has a clear lemon-green color that reveals aromas from each of the three elements. Roussanne, Marsanne and a touch of Viognier brings aromas of lemongrass, tropical fruit and poached pear, lemon curd, grapefruit, and white peach.
	Castoro Cellars	Paso Robles	Falanghina	The grape variety originated in southern Italy where it is often served with fresh seafood. Falanghina is a very aromatic wine with floral tropical fruit notes and a hint of minerality. It is medium bodied, dry-yet-fruit forward, and finishes crisp.
	Dry Creek Vineyard	Sonoma County	Chenin Blanc	Aromatics of honeydew, white peach and jasmine spring forward from the glass with floral notes of citrus blossom, watermelon rind and pineapple. On the palate, refreshing flavors of peach, grapefruit and jasmine with hints of mandarin, cucumber and lemon curd. The mouthfeel is soft but inviting, with a lively acidity.
	Iron Hub	Amador County	Chardonnay	Lovely aromas of pear, apricot, honey crisp apple, and vanilla continuing to unfold with a rich, creamy body and a touch of sweet oak. There is a long finish that is both smooth and fresh. 13 months in french oak.
	Le Doubblé Troubblé Wine Co.	Columbia Gorge, Washington	Grüner Veltliner	Originating from Austria but sourced from the Pear Blossom Vineyard in Washington, this wine is a symphony of pure deliciousness. Imagine a dance of complexity and bold fruitiness that’s met with a backbone of refreshing acidity. A stainless steel fermentation gives birth to a crisp, clean character that’s simply irresistible.
	Le Vigne Winery	Paso Robles	Sauvignon Blanc	This Sauvignon Blanc greets the nose with a vibrant medley of grapefruit and white peach, joined by crisp aromas of green apple and subtle hints of pineapple and passion fruit. On the palate, lively flavors are complemented by refreshing notes of lemongrass, lending to a zesty, mineral finish.
	Limerick Lane Cellars	Russian River Valley	Fáilte	“Fáilte,” meaning “welcome” in Irish, embodies the wine’s warm and hospitable character. Grenache Blanc lends vibrant citrus and stone fruit notes, complemented by Viognier’s fresh peach and apricot aromatics.
	Lucy	Monterey County	Pico Blanco	86% Pinot Gris and 14% Pinot Blanc stands as an example of the elegance and finesse from Monterey with cool-climate wines. Bright notes of lemon zest leap from the glass followed by hints of delicate orange blossom and floral elegance, highlights of ripe pear, yellow peach. Complex finish with zesty acidity.
	Navarro Vineyards	Anderson Valley	Première Reserve Chardonnay	About a quarter of the barrels for the Reserve bottling are new with three-quarters of this Chardonnay aged in seasoned barrels to retain fruit. The result is a rounded entry, Chardonnay flavors of poached pear and citrus framed with barrel and cellar flavors suggesting toasted pine nuts and butter.
	Starfield Vineyards	El Dorado County	Viognier	With intensely tropical aromatics and an ultra-luxurious body, this is a truly exceptional expression of Viognier. The palate strikes an intriguing balance between its rich texture and bright acidity that seamlessly weaves in and out all the way through to the lingering finish. This wine is a delicious sipper. 94 Points.

Rosé Wine

	Adelaida	Paso Robles	Rosé Blend	Cinsaut, Counoise, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Delicate pink hue with aromas of ripe strawberries, white peach and subtle floral notes with a hint of fresh herbs. On the palate the wine reveals a lively yet refined character with vibrant red fruit flavors of raspberry and watermelon.
	DAOU	Paso Robles	Grenache Rosé	Crafted from Grenache in a classic Provençale style, this pale rosé offers delicate aromas of peach, apricot and citrus layered with soft floral notes. The palate is light yet expressive, with vibrant flavors of nectarine, melon and subtle tropical fruit balanced by crisp acidity. Smooth and refreshing, it finishes clean with a silky, elegant lift.
	Dawn's Dream	Santa Lucia Highlands	Pinot Noir Rosé	Pale pink with brilliant clarity, this rosé opens with vibrant aromas of grapefruit, orange and a touch of lavender. The palate is bright and refreshing, with notes of crisp apple, pear, lemon and juicy mandarin, carried by lively acidity. Clean and elegant, the finish is refreshing and effortlessly inviting, perfect for warm, sun-filled days.
	Dono dal Cielo	Placer County	Tã Rosé	Dry traditional Zinfandel Rosé, showcasing strawberries and watermelon. Light bodied with lively flavors of pink grapefruit and rhubarb. Pairs well with herbed cod, lobster, shellfish and oysters.
	Materra Cunat Family Vineyards	Napa Valley	Rosé Blend	Estate blend of Malbec and Grenache, the aromatics are very inviting, with notes of watermelon, guava, rose, and a hint of lychee, with refreshing acidity and a crisp, dry finish. Yoshino Rosé is named for Yoshino Mountain in southern Japan, a world heritage site originally preserved by Miki Cunat’s great grandfather.
	Raen	Sonoma County	Monarch Challenge Rosé	Blend of organic Pinot Noir and organic old vine Grenache, opening with a bouquet of strawberries, white peach and apricots. Notes of wet stone and lime blossom with berries and white nectarine on the palate and a hint of citrus and strawberry.

Red Wine

	Amador Cellars	Amador County	Barbera	Spicy clove and cinnamon greet you on the nose with bing cherry and mixed berry as well as fresh lavender and a mild toasted bread character. The palate is very bright yet graceful with silky texture and a memorable finish. “Best Barbera in the Sierra Foothills” several years in a row.
	Assiduous	Santa Cruz County	Pinot Noir	Unfiltered, hands-off style with minimal intervention, giving aromas of freshly smashed melons and raspberry alongside elegant floral elements and a peppery spice. The sharp raspberry compote flavors of the palate are lifted by mace, sumac and rose petals, making for a very engaging sip. 95 points rating.
	Boyle MacDonald	Napa Valley & Calaveras County	Red Blend	71% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Napa Valley Cabernet Franc, 12% Sierra Foothills Malbec.
	Bruno Giacosa	Alba, Piedmont, Italy	Barbera	Shines with an intense ruby red color and expressive aromas of cherry, plum and forest fruit notes matched with a balanced, lively mouthfeel and acidic freshness on the finish. Produced from 30 year old vines and aged in oak for 14 months, this classic Barbera is impressively complex and elegant.
	Buehler Vineyards	Napa Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Brimming with fruit aromas and flavors biased to the black fruit end of the Cabernet spectrum: plums, blackberry, and black currant. Rich and full-bodied on the palate.
	Campos Family Vineyard	Contra Costa County	Lou Red Blend	Estate Zinfandel, Barbera, and Petite Sirah. Delicate in color, cherry blossom bouquet, medium-bodied, undertones of cherry, and blackberry, with hints of pepper and clove. “Lou” was part of their “Give Back Series” for the ALS CURE Project & The Lou Gehrig Society.
	Cass	Paso Robles	GSM	40% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah combined in perfect balance of fruit, spice, savory and sweet flavors with aromas of strawberry and rose petal jam and Herbs de Provence.
	Caymus-Suison	Suison Valley	Petit Sirah	Durif is synonymous with Petite Sirah, the widely grown grape in the Suisun (su-soon) Valley region – Caymus added “Grand” to the name for its grand style. Jammy but not too fruity, incredibly smooth, dry but not overly tannic, beautiful deep red color. Notes of plum, toasted oak, soft and totally enjoyable.
	Clos du Val	Napa Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	This fresh and vibrant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with aromas of blackberry, mulberry, cassis, and violet. On the palate, bright flavors of cranberry, red plum, cherry, and lavender are intertwined with supple tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, smooth finish.
	Equalizer	Chalk Hill, Sonoma	Red Blend	Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot showing cherry-berry aromas with flavors of kirsch, licorice and dark chocolate covered cherry.
	Four Winds Cellars	Calaveras County	Cabernet Sauvignon	Dark cherry in color, it begins with aromas of mulberry, cassis, vanilla, dark chocolate espresso and graphite. A gorgeous texture envelops every part of your palate, flooding it over with full, plump notes of elderberry and wild raspberry.
	Frank Family	Napa Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Classically styled with aromas of sweet blackberries, violets and vanilla. Espresso, nutmeg and cedar appear on the palate supported by silky tannins.
	Hatcher	Amador County	Zinfandel	A well-balanced Zinfandel from one of Amador County’s most well-known vineyards, Shake Ridge Ranch. Lovely cherry and berry aromas with berry flavors and a hint of spice and vanilla on the finish from aging in French Oak. The mouthfeel is rich and tannic, full bodied. Hatcher is a customer favorite, we've also poured their Malbec, Alicante Bouschet, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto and Syrah.
	Iron Hub	Amador County	Zinfandel	Well-balanced Zinfandel from one of Amador County’s most well-known vineyards. Lovely cherry and berry aromas with berry flavors and a hint of spice and vanilla on the finish. Another customer favorite, we've poured 4 different versions of Iron Hub's Zin.
	Iron + Sand	Paso Robles	Cabernet Sauvignon	Dense purple in color, this wine opens with aromas of dark cherries, blackberry preserves and a dusting of coco powder and clove. On the entry, ripe, dark fruit flavors hit the palate before rounding out to earthy, rich chocolate covered cherries complemented by lively acidity and fine tannins life.
	Keenan	Napa Valley	Merlot	Aged 18 months in French and American oak. Aromas of dark cherries, chocolate wafers and sweet spice with creamy tannins and a velvety texture.
	Lepe Cellars	Carmel, Monterey County	Petit Verdot	Organic and natural wine showing wild strawberry and light anise on the nose with plum and cherry flavors and smooth tannins.
	Maxville	Napa Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	A deeply scented wine with aromas of bramble berries, violets and mocha. Full bodied with pleasant acidity and flavors of wild blackberries, tobacco leaf and cedar.
	Mendel	Argentina	Malbec	This Argentinian Malbec has aromas of sweet French oak, espresso, black plum, raspberry, and violets. The wine is full-bodied, dense, deep and chewy with flavors of black raspberry, plums, roasted herbs, and mint.
	Naggiar Vineyards	Nevada County	La Boheme Blend	Bordeaux blend that rounds out the wine tasting tour with a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot.
	Navarro Vineyards	Anderson Valley	Pinot Noir	Méthode à l’Ancienne Pinot Noir, big and concentrated with flavors of dark plum and cherry with a touch of toffee and leather; great with fresh or smoked salmon.
	Starfield Vineyards	El Dorado County	Tannat	Originally from Southwest France with blueberry jam, clove and violet aromas. Bold structure and savory character.
	Tooth & Nail	Central Coast	Carbonic Red Blend	This red blend opens with inviting aromas of strawberry cream, tea leaves and summer herbs. Bright Rainier cherry and subtle notes of cedar and cinnamon unfold on the palate, carried by a light, sleek texture. Carbonic fermentation adds freshness, making it especially enjoyable slightly chilled.
	Via Romano	El Dorado County	Barbera	Barrel aged for 24 months expressed as clove, raspberry truffle, almond and earthy notes on the nose. A medium high acidity is readily noticed on the palate as well as luscious black cherry. This leads to a medium finish of cherry and toasted nuts. We've also poured Ribolla Gialla, Vermentino, Fiano and Carolina.
	Whitehall Lane	Napa Valley	Tre Leoni Red Blend	This blend has depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, tar, licorice, black olives, vanilla, pencil shavings, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with fresh blackberries, mixed berry cobbler, toasted walnuts, and chocolate-covered cherries. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.