LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS OFFERS TASTE OF THINGS TO COME

“Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey: Harvests, History and Landscapes” to

Spotlight Regionally Inspired Sustainable Food through Partnership with Portland-based Food Alliance

 Guests traveling the Pacific Northwest with Lindblad Expeditions this fall will enjoy a delicious culinary hint at a newly enhanced regional itinerary set to debut in 2012.

The new onboard dining program features a menu dominated by local and sustainable foods in addition to a selection of wines and craft beers that have gained the region international acclaim, and sets the stage for next year’s launch of Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey: Harvests, History and Landscapes  www.expeditions.com/pacificnorthwest.

Scheduled to launch next September aboard the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, this natural, cultural and culinary 7-day/6- night adventure will unveil a spectacular landscape millions of years in the making and a vibrant patchwork that encompasses high art, fine foods, award-winning wines along some of the route Lewis & Clark followed on their Corps of Discovery Expedition.

The new program (which builds on Lindblad’s 20+ years of exploration in the region) will provide a chance to experience the Pacific Northwest like never before, thanks in part to a series of fascinating new experiences that will celebrate the land as well as the spectacular harvests it yields. Highlights will include a trip to The Gorge White House, a 102-year-old working family farm that features breathtaking and panoramic views of both Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Guests will be hosted by the farm’s owners Jerry and Camille, multigenerational farmers who grow heritage pears, apples, berries and greens using environmentally respectful and innovative techniques. The visit will culminate with a delicious meal using farm ingredients, and served on the property’s garden patio.

 Guests will also tour and taste the fruit of the vines from leading Columbia Gorge wineries. The focus on Pacific Northwest viticulture will continue back onboard, where an array of award-winning regional wines will be served, specially selected by Executive Chef Gary Jenanyan (former executive chef at Robert Mondavi Winery).

 The journey will begin by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Fort Clatsop, where the explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, guests can walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. The voyage will also offer plenty of chances to enjoy the region’s trademark natural splendor, adjusting itineraries to allow for even more time to take in the majestic sights of Multnomah Falls, Crown Point and other landmarks.

Of course, no trip to the Pacific Northwest would be complete without plenty of opportunities to get out and experience its natural wonders firsthand. This journey offers a vast array of options ranging from hiking and kayaking adventures to Zodiac cruises in the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge or Palouse River.

Through independent inspections, this non-profit organization ensures that food is produced by well-treated workers, meat products come from humanely-raised animals, and that regional soil, water and wildlife habitat are protected and enhanced. A majority of the food served on the ship will be a reflection of their work.

Lindblad Expeditions and the Food Alliance will work together to highlight a variety of the region’s leading providers, including Country Natural Beef, a cooperative of 120 family ranches in 13 Western states; Tillamook Cheese, made up of 110 dairy farms committed to animal welfare and dating back to 1909; Draper Valley Farms, the pioneer of Washington and Oregon-raised fresh chicken since 1935, and many more.

There will be ten weekly departures in 2012 from September 14 – October 27. Rates begin at $3,990 per person based on double occupancy for a Category 1 cabin for September and October, 2012 expeditions. For more information or to book your Lindblad Pacific Northwest experience today, visit www.expeditions.com or  The Cruise Line.