Finally, a cruise which combines two of my favorite things: wine and the Columbia River Gorge. American Safari Cruises is offering their "Rivers of the West - Wine and Culinary Tour" which takes passengers on an 8 day/7 night cruise exploring the Columbia River Gorge, leaving from Portland, Oregon and continuing on to Lewiston, Idaho (or, you can choose the reverse), with stops in between for wine tastings, jet boating through Hell's Canyon and kayak tour of the Palouse canyon.

These cruises begin at $4,395 for a double-occupancy stateroom ($4,995 for a single stateroom) during the month of March and early April, with prices beginning at $4,895 during October and November. Wine regions you will explore include Walla Walla appellation, Red Mountain and Yakima appellation, and Columbia Gorge appellation. If you have some time when the cruise ends, don't forget to visit the Willamette Valley, close to Portland, for some outstanding Pinot Noirs.

For more information about this fabulous cruise, go to www.americansafaricruises.com.