There is something magical about Lake Coeur d’Alene. Add dinner, wine and a sunset cruise around the lake with someone special and you have a lasting memory in the making. The Coeur d’Alene resort hosts nightly sunset cruises May through mid-September. Chef Bill Hill brings his 25 years of experience to the table creating a buffet of deliciousness sure to delight your tastes. The leisurely cruise provides plenty of breathtaking views and a little bit of history as you pass by the lakes popular points of interest.

I’ve lived in Spokane for nearly 35 years and had no idea that these cruises were available. Even more exciting is that on Wednesday the emphasis is on a local winery and on Thursday a local craft brewery. Not only can you eat a fantastic meal but interact with and talk to the winemaker and brew-master. During my recent experience I had the privilege of meeting the great people at Coeur d’Alene Cellars. The winemaker shared his passion and the winery owner, Kimber was such a delight as well.

Visit the CDA CRUISES website for a listing of upcoming wine and beer cruises and to purchase tickets.

Dinner each night is the same creation of Steamship Round of Beef and Baked King Salmon, Three Cheese Au Gratin Potatoes, Summer Green Salad, Chef’s Pasta Salad, Rolls, and Sunset Cheesecake. The salmon was especially delicious and melted in my mouth.

The cruises are about $50 per person. The wine, beer or full service bar is no-host. During the wine and beer cruises, guests are greeted with a complimentary taste and have the opportunity to choose from a selection of drinks that will compliment the dinner. During our cruise there were five wines to choose from. For $15 you got three 2 ounce pours and a glass of your choosing (so basically two glasses of wine).

I highly recommend this for a date night or for a great way to impress visiting friends and family. The nightly cruises depart at Independence Point which is just about 200 yards to the west of the main entrance to the Coeur d’Alene resort.

COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS

Coeur d’Alene Cellars was founded in 2002 by Kimber Gates and her parents Dr. Charlie and Sarah Gates. With a production of 3400 cases annually, CDA Cellars boasts 16 current releases with an emphasis on quality Rhone varietals. All CDA Cellars fruit hails from premium vineyards in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope and Columbia Valley.

Join them at their winery and the cozy Barrel Room No. 6 at 3890 N Schreiber Way in beautiful Coeur d’Alene Idaho. For more information on their wine and events visit the CdA Cellars website.