Solar Eclipse Spain Tour & Douro River Cruise, Aug. 10-22, 2026, with Ficklin Vinyards

FICKLIN VINYARDS

Ficklin Vineyards is the renowned U.S. maker of award-winning port from its winery in Madera, California. The family-owned business was founded on Sept. 30,1946 by David Ficklin. The Ficklin family began by planting 15 acres of Portuguese varietal grapes: Souzao, Tinta Cao, Tinta Madeira, Alverelhao and Touriga. Today Ficklin Vineyards is the oldest port winery in America, widely acclaimed as producing America’s finest Port wines created in the Portuguese tradition.

PETER FICKLIN – MASTER WINEMAKER

As Master Winemaker, Peter Ficklin has established Ficklin as a world-renowned brand reflecting premium Port production in the United States. His 1991 Vintage Port was awarded a silver in Olympic-style competition against Port wines from around the world.

He has continued the legacy of the Old Vine Tinta Port, the standard of American Ports, as the most awarded Port in the United States–and now winner of an elusive 100-point perfect score in competition. Peter has expanded Ficklin Vineyards Port with a wide range of styles, including the highly awarded Aged 10 Years Tawny Port; critically acclaimed Vintage Ports, including International award winners; and in 2011, the first Rosé Port, receiving Gold in every competition entered.

DENISE ENGLAND – GENERAL MANAGER

As General Manager of Ficklin Vineyards, Denise England is involved with all aspects of the business from strategic planning to production operations. She is responsible for driving profitable revenue growth through the wine industry’s 3-tier channel system. She brings her diverse international management and marketing experience and her appreciation for excellence as she enthusiastically expands the legacy of Ficklin’s premium award-winning Port wines.

Denise graduated with honors completing a Bachelor’s in Management/Marketing, and a minor in Consumer Psychology from California State University Fresno, as well as attending WISE (Wine Industry Sales Education) Academy in Napa and achieved a certification from Wine Spectator.

A SPECIAL INVITATION

On August 12, 2026, there will be a total solar eclipse, as the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, completely obscuring the Sun. The eclipse will pass over the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, AND northern Spain.

To witness and enjoy this extraordinary celestial event, and to experience the best of Portuguese and Spanish wines, Peter Ficklin and Denise England cordially invite you to join them on an inclusive 12-night holiday tour and river cruise, consisting of:

• 5-nights in Spain, visiting Madrid, Valladolid and Salamanca
• Private rooftop eclipse viewing at Bodegas Dominio de Cair, a lovely Spanish winery with a rich history and very close to the eclipse centerline
• 7-night Douro River cruise from the Spanish border to Porto, aboard the luxury river ship AmaVida, with two tasting lectures from Peter.

This exclusive holiday is dedicated to science, great food, and fine wine, with plentiful sunshine at no extra cost. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical wine experience. Book via this website. Feel free to share this with any friends who might enjoy this unique vacation experience.

Join us!

Peter Ficklin and Denise England