Wine Tasting Cruises —
4-Day Sails June 5–8 and August 24–27, 2008; and a 6-Day Sail September 15–20, 2008
Led by the charming and talented Jane Barrett Barnes, each evening aboard the Taber we will visit a different country, tasting and discussing that country's varietals and viticultural history. Meals will include paired wines, with Jane and our Chef working together to craft a menu to show off the wines perfectly.

"Jane Barrett's knowledge of wine is deep, her enthusiasm infectious, and her approach disarmingly simple — her tastings are a joy." —Michael Green, Wine Consultant, Gourmet Magazine

Since 1992, Jane Barrett Barnes has been sniffing, sipping and enjoying wines with top industry leaders. She has worked with the Four Seasons, Champagne Veuve Clicquot, the International Wine Center, restaurateur Joseph Bastianich, the American Institute of Wine and Food and most recently Paterno Wines International. No armchair connoisseur, Jane has visited the vineyards of Tuscany, Piedmont, Campania, Chile, Burgundy, the Rhone, Greece and the Napa Valley. She is passionate about the history, culture and enjoyment of wine and loves to share her knowledge and experience with others in a relaxed, fun setting. Check out a sample menu and wine-list on our Floating Feast page.

Guest comments: 2005 Wine Week

"This is our third trip on the Stephen Taber and each one has been terrific and different from the last. The wine tasting this year was fantastic. Jane's enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. May you always have as much fun as we did this year. By the way, this is the "perfect" vacation- rain, cold, sun, heat, whatever — it's still perfect." —Sue & Dave from Owings, MD

"This has been a great week! The wine tastings have been great! Jane arranged themes that covered a lot of ground with many, very high quality wines. The stories, the friendships and the ever perfect wit of Captain Noah made the days even more delightful." —Mark & Katherine from Seattle, WA

"Thank you so much for all you do to make it fun to be on the wonderful Stephen Taber — she's the best. The wine tasting week was soooo much fun. Jane's expertise was great....and the meals and good humor; just everything is so 'Taber'." —Bonnie & Bob from Fairview Park, OH

Homecoming Week & Schooner Gam —
6-Day Sail June 16–21, 2008
A windjammer gathering of the entire fleet! Relive the age of sail during this quiet rendezvous of more than a dozen 19th-century-style sailing ships.

Great Schooner Race — 6-Day Sail June 30–July 5, 2008
More than two dozen tall ships gather for an exciting all-day race in which guests may participate. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the Great Schooner Race, North America's largest annual gathering of tall ships!

Captain's Favorites — 6-Day Sail August 4–9, 2008
This one's easy. Captain Noah's birthday is August 8th, so this week, you guessed it, we eat all his favorite things and sail to all his favorite places. And then we get to throw him in the harbor. A tradition as old as the sea, and not even the captain can avoid it.

Camden Schooner Celebration — 4-Day Sail August 28–31, 2008
The fleet gathers in picturesque Camden Harbor for festivities reminiscent of the days when hundreds of coastal schooners lined the waterfront. Festivities include a parade of sail, flag-raising ceremonies, live music, dancing and fireworks. This weekend trip will feature the Schooner Crew Talent Show — not to be missed — and a relaxing morning spent in beautiful Camden Harbor.

Photo and Lighthouse Cruise — 6-Day Sail September 1–6, 2008
We are proud to have as our special guest, award winning photographer John L. Shipman. John will be teaching informal classes on digital photography. We will also make a special effort to visit as many of Maine's beautiful lighthouses as possible.

WoodenBoat Sail-In —
6-Day Sail September 8–13, 2008
The fall gathering of the fleet takes place in Brooklin, Maine, headquarters of WoodenBoat Magazine and WoodenBoat School. Now in its 22nd year, the event includes refreshments, live music, tours and a harbor full of historic schooners.

Taber Music & Story Telling Cruise with Capts. Ken and Ellen Barnes — 4-Day Sail October 1–4, 2008
This trip is just like every other wonderful cruise on the Taber, except we'll be joined by none other than Capts. Ken and Ellen Barnes, who will headline evening performances. Special appearances by Jan and Evelyn Kok, and others.

Fall Foliage Trips — 4-Day Sails October 1–4, 6–9, and 10–13, 2008
For those of you who have never seen the fiery hills and islands of Maine from the water, you are in for a treat. The typical weather is crisp and cool, the breeze is strong and steady, and we have the whole bay to ourselves. Coastal hardwoods begin to show in late September, and by our last cruise, the hillsides are crimson, yellow, and orange — truly a sight to behold.