The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. And Destination Cellars Offer Customized Wine Travel Experiences To Ritz-Carlton Rewards Members

CHEVY CHASE, Md., Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. in conjunction with Destination Cellars, a private luxury wine club announces unique access to special, customized wine travel experiences around the world for members of Ritz-Carlton Rewards®.

From intimate tastings to one-on-one time with top winemakers in breathtaking destinations, Destination Cellars specializes in personalizing incredible journeys for affluent food, wine and travel enthusiasts. Now, these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities are available as part of The Ritz-Carlton Rewards membership.

"Of all the world's great epicurean travel experiences, few are as bespoke as the ones provided by Destination Cellars," said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.  "The Ritz-Carlton Rewards now offers members the opportunity to embark on their own private wine tour, complete with regional culinary demonstrations, creative wine-blending sessions and exclusive access to 125 of the world's most prestigious wineries in nine countries," he added.

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards continues to develop relationships within the luxury arena to further deliver on our promise to members, offering exclusive access to extraordinary experiences" commented Chris Tammaro, Vice President, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards. "Working with Destination Cellars, an authority in the global field of winemakers, we are providing access to a world that we know is a passion point for Ritz-Carlton guests worldwide."

Consider some of the possibilities now available through Destination Cellars: waking up in La Bandita, an exquisite eight-bedroom Tuscan villa, for six days of guided tours of Montalcino in the fall (available from October 20 through December 20), with time in the kitchen sampling Tuscan wines as you learn how to make fresh pastas, sauces and breads. True oenophiles will savor a sumptuous Brunello tasting featuring Casanova di Neri Brunello and, since this is Tuscany, a decadent five-course white truffle dinner.

In addition to access to customized wine trips, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program members will also have direct access to some of the world's most exclusive and rare wines. Led by Estate Sommelier Sean Q. Meyer, who has served as sommelier and wine director for such culinary icons as Thomas Keller of The French Laundry, and made wines for some of Napa's premier vintners, Destination Cellars is ready to recommend and source the perfect bottle, whether you're designing your own personal cellar, looking for a present or planning a special trip.

From legendary vineyards to unforgettable meals, the ultimate wine adventure awaits. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards members are invited to discover an exclusive epicurean journey limited only by their wildest dreams.

For information, visit www.ritzcarltonrewards.com/destinationcellars.

About Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 80 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

SOURCE Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.