Sandy Fenton and Lyn Farmer "toasting" in the only Relais & Chateaux wine restaurant at sea onboard the stunning ultra-luxurious Silversea "Silver Spirit" while sailing the romantic Mediterranean.

Lyn Farmer is Silversea's Wine Ambassador and host of the Silversea Wine and Food Channel. He is also a widely published author , James Beard Foundation Award-winning writer on wine and food , the Senior Editor of Wine News magazine and Director of Miami Wine & Food Festival.

With the ever-growing importance of food and wine while traveling and particularly when cruising, Sandy recently had the opportunity to talk frequently with Lyn onboard the "Silver Spirit" this May.

Q - How did you first become interested in being a wine expert?

A - First off, I prefer the term "wine lover" - I love everything about wine. The way it looks, smells, tastes. Where it comes from. How it pairs with different foods. The way it enhances food - the way it enhances the entire dining experience. The pleasure and enjoyment of sharing a bottle of wine with someone you love.

Q - What are your favorite wine regions to visit and tour when you are cruising onboard Silversea?

A - They are always changing and currently I have four new favorites. I am so impressed with the wines and scenery in Norway (the Fjords are spectacular) ; Scotland (for both wine and scotch) ; Provance and New Zealand. Q - I know you spend about 95-100 days each year onboard a Silversea ship. Is there such a thing as a typical day for you?

A - Not really. Sea days and port days are very different. During sea days I am busy preparing for my daily show as host of Silversea's Wine and Food Channel. I also serve as moderator for onboard culinary presentations and wine tastings. I enjoy having lunch and dinner with passengers - getting to know them and of course talking all about our different travel experiences…and wine. It is so important to me that passengers, rather our guests, know they do not need to have a great knowledge of wine to truly enjoy a glass…or two.

Q - Do you lead wine tours as port excursions?

A - Occasionally, but I prefer to have the actual winemakers come onboard for presentations to our guests, particularly at sea. I am also actively expanding our tastings, our pairings and culinary experiences to include spirits and beers, particularly the delicious regional craft beers found around the world.

Q - Are there any other projects you are currently working on?

A - Actually yes - not sure how I'm going to fit it in, but I will. I am working on a pilot program for PBS titled "Understanding Wine" - so we'll see what happens.

Q - And finally Lyn…if you had to chose your favorite wine for lunch, dinner, cocktails - what would it be?

A - Oh Sandy…ok - if it has to be one - we're having champagne. It's delicious, it goes with everything (or nothing) and with all the choices available, it doesn't need to be overly expensive in order to be good. Cheers!

TIP - Silversea is a gracious, ultra-luxury and all-inclusive cruise line consisting of smaller ships and off-the-beaten path itineraries. Be sure to talk to your AAA cruise specialist about the savings and all-inclusive value.