4 minute read
When Holland America Line launched its own branded sparkling wine, produced exclusively in partnership with Four Feathers Wine Services, it was more than just a cruise-ship beverage. It marked a bold move into the world of private-label excellence. Debuted fleetwide in October 2024, this Brut Sparkling Wine recently earned a remarkable 90-point rating from Wine Enthusiast. The wine was praised for its aromas of apple, saline, and a burst of lemon zest, along with its crisp, clean mouthfeel and zippy acidity. Crafted to be the most-served adult beverage at sea, this sparkling wine reflects Holland America’s commitment to delivering luxury, celebration, and quality with every glass on every voyage. I had the chance to speak with Rebecca De Kleine, the winemaker behind the bottle, to learn more about how she and her team at Four Feathers approached the project.
Interview with Rebecca De Kleine, Winemaker at Four Feathers
Joe’s Daily: Sparkling wine destined for sea service brings unique demands. What adjustments—if any—did you make in crafting a wine that would be served across varying climates and palates onboard?
Rebecca De Kleine: Our goal was to craft a sparkling wine with broad appeal — something versatile enough to stand alone and also complement a wide range of dishes served onboard. While no wine pairs perfectly with everything, this one comes remarkably close. We focused on structure, balance, and freshness, ensuring it performs well in different climates and with the diverse culinary offerings onboard.
Joe’s Daily: Four Feathers has long been led by a team of accomplished women winemakers. How has that continuity of leadership shaped your approach to collaboration, innovation, and mentorship within the wine industry?
Rebecca De Kleine: At Four Feathers, we hire the best people for the job — and today, that happens to be an incredible team of women winemakers. I’ve spent thirteen years here, nine of them in a leadership role, and have been fortunate to collaborate with people who are driven by quality, open to innovation, grounded in humility, and committed to teamwork. Mentorship — both giving and receiving — has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, and that spirit of collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.
Joe’s Daily: The wine has been praised for its balance of acidity, minerality, and fruit. What were the key winemaking decisions or vineyard practices that helped achieve this profile?
Rebecca De Kleine: It all starts in the vineyard. We select blocks specifically for sparkling wine, often from our coolest sites like McNary and Zillah Ranch. Early picking helps preserve natural acidity, and we make precise press cuts to avoid bitterness and phenolic extraction. Every step is intentional — from vineyard to bottle — and our investment in Champagne-based consulting has brought a level of precision and finesse that really shines in the final wine.
Joe’s Daily: Have you had the chance to hear from cruisers who’ve enjoyed the wine onboard? If so, how does that kind of feedback compare to feedback from the traditional tasting room or retail setting?
Rebecca De Kleine: Not yet — but I fully intend to take an Alaska cruise soon, both for the fun of it and to hear firsthand what guests think! Getting real-time feedback from travelers enjoying the wine in such a unique setting will be incredibly valuable.
Joe’s Daily: Four Feathers works closely with Washington’s Columbia Valley terroir. How do you approach it when crafting sparkling wines?
Rebecca De Kleine: Intentionality is everything. The Columbia Valley can run quite hot, so we’re strategic about site selection and timing. We farm certain blocks specifically for sparkling — picking early to retain acidity and structure. Sparkling wine isn’t an afterthought here; it’s built from the ground up with care, precision, and purpose.
The story of Holland America’s signature sparkling wine is one of precision, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality. From the vineyards of Washington’s Columbia Valley to the elegant tables across the fleet, the result is a wine that elevates every occasion at sea. To better understand the onboard vision, I also interviewed Drew Foulk, Corporate Senior Manager of Dining & Beverage at Holland America Line, for CruiseNews.com. His perspective on creating a memorable, fleetwide beverage experience adds another layer to what makes this sparkling wine a standout on every voyage.
