SeaDream Yacht Club Appoints Elisabeth Dønheim as Wine Director

SeaDream Yacht Club has appointed Elisabeth Dønheim as Wine Director, effective 1 September 2015.

In this role, the seasoned sommelier and chef will lead concept development of the wine program in collaboration with respective departments, onboard crew and vintner partners across the globe.

Donheim most recently served as hotel manager at the Hotel Angvik known for delivering one of the most innovative culinary experiences in Norway. Her hospitality pedigree also includes manager of Norway’s Vårsøg Hotel, chef at London’s legendary three Michelin-star restaurant Fat Duck in Bray, and sous chef for the Hotel Britannia in Trondheim.

“The wine program of SeaDream Yacht Club is unmatched and the intimacy of only 112 guests allows us to deliver an experience with world-class wine makers and vintners in a casual format,” said Dønheim. “I look forward to forging relationships with wineries to provide one-of-a-kind shore excursions and bring leading wine authorities to SeaDream I and SeaDream II.”

As newly named Wine Director, Dønheim is tasked to develop new Wine Voyages of which five itineraries remain in the 2015 Mediterranean season.

Showcasing the most picturesque yachting ports of the region, each of these dedicated Wine Voyages provides guests with heightened wine experiences including seated tastings featuring wineries from regions visited, a Wine Master Class Tasting led by an internationally recognized wine expert and one tasting held by a top winemaker. At an exclusive Winemaker’s Dinner taking place onboard, the chef will craft a special menu to complement the wine of the winemaker joining for the evening. Casual tastings are organized throughout sailings to highlight local producers or favorite wines from the SeaDream cellar.

“It is an exciting time for SeaDream Yacht Club, watching our Wine Voyages take off in popularity with both past guests and those new to our unique style of sailing,” said SeaDream Yacht Club President, Bob Lepisto. “We welcome Elisabeth’s leadership and commitment to continually raising the bar on these voyages and our entire wine program.”