World Renowned Chefs and Winemakers Bring the Destination Alive for Residents
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – Residents of The World, Residences at Sea, are invited to immerse themselves in one-of-a-kind epicurean experiences. As the privately-owned mega yacht and home to 150 families from around the world circumnavigates the globe, it’s the only place on earth where food and wine connoisseurs can share one-of-a-kind delectable adventures, all from the comfort of home.
Imagine walking through centuries old Bordeaux vineyards alongside the award-winning winemaker who created the wines you will be tasting at an intimate dinner that evening, or immersing your senses as you join a Michelin-star chef at a local market to help pick out produce for a private master class. Those who enjoy what they sample in the vineyard can stock up, direct from terroir to their onboard cellar. On The World, all of this and more is possible.
Calling at more than 100 destinations annually, including top wine-producing regions and gastronomically rich ports, acclaimed chefs and winemakers are invited to come aboard to showcase their heritage and individual flair. They join the Ship’s onboard team in ‘bringing the destination alive’ for Residents and Guests through food and wine, a unique cultural experience.
Each of the families that call The World home have a host of expert sommeliers and chefs available around the clock, whether for private dining using local, market-fresh produce or assistance in purchasing specific vintages from vineyards.
Guest Chefs and Winemakers Aboard The World
Throughout its history, The World has played host to an impressive roll call of chefs and winemakers, including celebrated Chef Silvio Nickol of the historic Palais Coburg in Vienna; representatives from classic French Champagne house Fleury and acclaimed Portuguese winemakers Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serodio Borges, among others. Thanks to The World’s established relationships with many wineries, top vintners are invited on board to host tastings when travelling through wine-growing regions giving Residents a rare insight into winemaking philosophies and terroir, direct from the masters. The Ship has welcomed numerous guest chefs, winemakers, master distillers and mixologists, who share their knowledge, passion and skills by hosting dinners, master classes, tastings, and demonstrations.
Epicurean Expeditions
Alongside the impressive program of guest chefs and winemakers, The World also arranges visits to vineyards that are often closed to the public, as well as private dining at some of the world’s most sought-after restaurants. These trips are carefully curated, with The World’s expert team arranging only the most unique, one-of-a-kind experiences. Instead of dining in the main restaurant, Residents might enjoy an exclusive dinner at the chef’s table, with a private tour of the kitchens led personally by the head chef.
Shoreside highlights have included a duet of tours through Portugal’s Alto Douro wine region, commended by UNESCO as a “cultural landscape of outstanding beauty”, which has been producing port wine for over two millennia. Quinta de Pacheca, one of the region’s leading traditional wine estates, is reached via a scenic journey along the Douro River revealing terraced vineyards and rolling hills. Residents will tour the winery and sample ports and wines alongside a specially prepared lunch.
Thanks to their long-standing relationships with wine producers, The World’s Beverage Manager Kelley Schaefer and his team have the distinct advantage of arranging private events ashore for individual Residents with a particular interest. Previous highlights include Cape Town, South Africa (Ebon Sadie, Stark-Conde, Klein Constantia and De Toren), Sete, France (Chateau de Beaucastel in the Chateauneuf du Pape province), Bilbao, Spain (region of Rioja) and a visit to a world-class distillery in Oban, to discover the traditional art of whisky production.
Expert Advice On Board
The World is home to a team of highly accomplished chefs and certified sommeliers, giving Residents access to exceptional expert knowledge 24/7. Constantly striving for innovation and perfection, the Food & Beverage Team delights in creating exceptional experiences for Residents, both on board and ashore. From exploring neighborhood markets in search of the perfect local ingredients for a beach barbecue, to accompanying Residents on wine-buying missions at privately owned vineyards, to hosting Residents’ private tastings for wine, spirits, whisky, and cognac – the options are endless.
“The culinary team on The World has one of the most envious positions that chefs could ever dream of,” says Executive Chef Geoffrey Murray. “We have a continuous stream of markets from which to choose in the most wonderful locations on the planet. Every few days as the Ship sails the globe our choices are renewed. We ‘bring the destination alive’ gastronomically. In fact, our Residents encourage us to challenge ourselves by cooking unique and special products – direct from fisherman or forest, we bring them back and craft bespoke dining experiences. We create everlasting memories for our Residents and Guests that are only possible on The World. It’s the true definition of luxury.”
With a capacity of 15,000 bottles and more than 1,200 hand-picked selections from 19 countries, a contemporary cocktail program, and a top tier spirits selection of over 300 labels, The World’s wine selection rivals most shoreside cellars. While The World sails the globe, Mr. Schaefer and his well-connected and knowledgeable team of sommeliers use the opportunity to explore various wine regions. They personally visit wineries to purchase the rarest and most sought-after wines, often produced in miniscule quantities and seldom available to purchase through traditional wine merchants.
“There are no limitations set by our Residents regarding the wines we select for them,” says Mr. Schaefer. “We have absolute freedom to choose the wines and have many exceptional bottles currently in the cellar. The rarest are Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 1961 and Château La Tour Blanche, Sauternes 1941. Our Beverage Team ensures Residents’ favorites are always stocked.”
The strength of The World’s wine list is its diversity and exclusivity. Comparing its collection to a land-based Michelin star restaurant shows clear advantages for the Ship. “We buy most of our wines locally in the regions of production,” Mr. Schefer added. “Based on our journey, we visit every wine country or region at least every two years. We have developed lasting relationships with a lot of wineries around the globe. Many of the greatest wines we carry are produced in very small amounts and are not widely distributed. Several have iconic status and are made available to us by the wineries. Our playground is the whole planet.”
The World has been awarded two prestigious accolades in the respected The World of Fine Wine magazine’s World’s Best Wine Lists for nine consecutive years, receiving three stars, the highest possible, and leading its category as Best Ship Wine List. The World’s celebrated wine list is described as having “an amazing commitment to diversity.”
About The World
Launched in 2002, The World® is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes on board and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service.
Media Contacts: For additional information or to request images of The World, please contact:
Jayne Alexander
+44 (0)20 3709 7809
jayne@dovetail-agency.co.uk
Joanna Merredew
+44 (0)20 3709 7809
joanna@dovetail-agency.co.uk