Romantic Danube River Cruise, July 24-31, 2027, with Csaba & Sandy Szakal of En Garde Winery

En Garde Winery
Csaba & Sandy Szakal – Founders

En Garde founder and winemaker Csaba Szakál has a deep-rooted passion for winemaking that stems from his childhood spent on his family’s vineyards in Hungary. Growing up, he learned the value of hard work and the careful attention required to nurture grape vines and fruit trees. Immersed in four generations of Hungarian winemaking, Szakál’s disciplined approach is a beautiful blend of cherished old-world traditions and invigorating new-world innovation.

Csaba is passionate about the exquisite flavors of Sonoma County Russian River coastal pinot noir and the rich complexity found in high-elevation cabernet sauvignon from three Napa Valley mountaintop AVA’s. Collaborating closely with top growers in California’s Napa and Sonoma counties, he creates exceptional wines that highlight the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. Through his hands-on approach, Szakál consistently produces high-quality fruit, even in challenging vintages, resulting in wines that authentically capture the essence of the terroir and varietals.

Encouraged by the accolades of their loved ones and fueled by their shared passion, Szakál bid farewell to his IT career, returned to his roots and embraced his true calling: winemaking.

In 2007 Csaba and wife Sandy took a leap of faith, starting from scratch their En Garde Winery in the Sonoma County CA town of Kenwood.  Their maiden creation, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the pinnacle of Diamond Mountain, captured hearts and palates alike, earning a prestigious 95 points and revered CELLAR SELECTION designation from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

You’re invited! Join us aboard AmaMora, one of Europe’s grandest river ships.  On board we will share with you our prized wines during two special tasting events and a paired dinner. The wines of En Garde will be contrasted with the wines of Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria’s Wachau Valley and Hungary.

This is a special river cruise down the Blue Danube, from Vilshofen Bavaria to Budapest Hungary, with all meals, sites and “must do” tours and activities included. There’s also a special 3-night pre-cruise tour of delightful Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, a beautiful city never destroyed during WWII and 4-night post-cruise tour of Hungary. 

Join us!

Csaba & Sandy Szakal

Owners & Winemakers