Kathie Lee Gifford Wine Joins Carnival

At an event aboard Carnival Breeze in Port Miami, “Today” show television personality Kathie Lee Gifford announced that she is once again teaming up with Carnival Cruise Line, but this time not dancing around in a bathing suit. Enter GIFFT wines.

Kathie Lee Gifford, former spokeswoman for Carnival Cruise Line, shows off her GIFFT wines in front of the Carnival Breeze.

GIFFT wines was created in consultation with California-based Scheid Family Wines and consists of a Red Blend and a Chardonnay, both estate-grown. In September 2014, Wine Enthusiast magazine gave the red 91 of a possible 100 points and the Chardonnay 88 points in its tasting rating.

The GIFFT Red Blend combines Merlot (42 percent), Petite Sirah (25%), Syrah (12%) and Petit Verdot (10%); while the Chardonnay is a flavorful estate-grown Coastal California dry white.

After the announcement Kathie Lee surprised guests in Carnival Breeze’s Ocean Plaza with an appearance, photo ops and tastings of the red and white wines.

Kathie Lee with a guest aboard Carnival Breeze in Ocean Plaza.

“It’s like coming home again—this time bearing great wines!” said Gifford.

Carnival is the only cruise line to feature GIFFT wines, and they are now available at a wide array of bars and in the main dining rooms on all Carnival ships.

Taping a Cruise Radio segment with Kathie Lee.

Final thought: I’m not a wine drinker but as my assistant said yesterday, “GIFFT Red Blend is beautiful in both aroma and bouquet. The flavor of the blend makes it the perfect wine for almost any menu. And it has great legs, just like Kathie Lee!”

photo credit: Andy Newman/NewmanPR