Adventures in Wine and Whitewater

ANGELS CAMP, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- If wine is the most civilized thing in the world, why not enjoy it in the wilderness on a "Wine on the River" adventure in California, Idaho, Oregon or British Columbia?

The trips are designed for people who love wine and also enjoy the adventure of whitewater rafting, but Steve Markle, Marketing and Partnerships Director for veteran river outfitter O.A.R.S., says "Our wine trips are ideal for anyone with a palette for adventure and fine wine, including first-timers provided they are in good physical condition." O.A.R.S. is one of the premier outfitters in the country according to publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and National Geographic Adventure and has been running rafting trips on the rivers of western North America since 1969.

What makes these tantalizing wine-tasting adventures so special? Iconic wilderness scenery and Class III-IV whitewater rafting combined with comfortable beach camping, knowledgeable wine stewards, and gourmet cuisine prepared by a guest chef. Wines are carefully chosen to complement the menus each night, making dinner more akin to riverside dining at a fine restaurant than camp fare.

The season kicks off on May 4th with an exceptional, two-day whitewater rafting adventure on California's Tuolumne River, just outside of Yosemite National Park. The Tuolumne River (nicknamed the "T"), is a designated Wild & Scenic River that is one of California's most pristine rafting runs and one of the most challenging, too (this winter's above-average snowpack will make it an especially exciting spring).

By day, rafters will navigate a series of thrilling whitewater rapids (assisted by O.A.R.S.'s capable guides, of course), stopping occasionally for mini-hikes up side canyons carved by waterfalls. In the late afternoon Gay Callan, owner of Chatom Vineyards will present a selection of award-winning wines from the Sierra Foothills, which will be paired with mouth-watering menus prepared by Bob Anderson, Executive Chef of V Restaurant and former chef of the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite.

Additional Wine on the River trips on the Tuolumne include May 11 (a 2-day trip, $525 pp), August 17 and August 23 (both 3-day trips, $791 pp).

For more information about these and other O.A.R.S. wine trips, please visit the following link: www.oars.com/our_adventures/winetrips.

After all, why limit yourself to four-star restaurants when you can enjoy four-star meals under four million stars?

Since 1969 O.A.R.S. has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world.  O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes.  For more information on O.A.R.S. gourmet wine and culinary adventures, including a free 80-page color catalog, call O.A.R.S. at 1-800-346-6277, email the company at [email protected] or visit www.oars.com.

SOURCE O.A.R.S.