By Lenn Thompson, Long Island Editor and Editor-in-Chief

Les Not only is Les Howard, a Long Island native and winemaker at Pindar Vineyards, improving the wines at the winery, he's organizing some unique promotions for wine lovers.

He has just announced that he has partnered with with Crystal Cruises and Food and Wine Travels to create “Wines and
Food of the Mediterranean,” an exclusive Winemaker’s Cruise that sets
sail on May 25, 2010 from Venice to Barcelona for twelve days aboard
the six-star Crystal Serenity.

The Winemaker’s Cruise includes educational wine tastings and
seminars, a winemaker’s dinner, a private shore excursion to a winery
and much more.

“This is going to be a great cruise, especially for wine lovers,” said
Les. “It’s all about exploring the wines of the Mediterranean
region, and I’m putting together on-board events and shore excursions
that will make this a really fun, unique experience.”

Rates start at $4,540 per person — not cheap, but $2,000 of that is shipboard credit to spend "as you wish."

Get detailed information, including a more-complete itinerary.

And, if you're interested in hearing more about the event, Les will be hosting an informational session this Saturday, September 12 at 7 p.m. at Pindar Vineyards in Peconic. Mediterranean food and Pindar wines will be served.

There is no charge for the session, but space is limited and RSVPs are required. To RSVP, all 800-827-4813, extension 1021 or send and email to info@foodandwinetravels.com