Whether you are a wine novice or a self-described oenophile with your own wine cellar, we invite you to enjoy the “Celebration of Wine River Cruises” through Europe’s most celebrated wine regions with our river cruise partners.
These thrilling wine-themed European sailings provide a unique and delicious dimension to already enticing itineraries – with enhanced epicurean experiences included in the price of the cruise.
Taste of Bordeaux
8 Days | Bordeaux Round Trip
Indulge in the world-famous wines of Bordeaux as you cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Sample exquisite blends and vintages while taking in the stunning vineyard landscapes.
Good to Know:
Bordeaux is the largest controlled wine region in France, made up of several subregions, each with its own strictly governed appellation, unique climate and terroir that define it. When you look at the wine labels here, something seems to be missing – the type of grape. In Bordeaux, the grape variety is simply not as significant a quality market as where the grapes are grown. So, rather than being named “Cabernet Sauvignon” or “Merlot,” you will find that these wines are named after the château and appellation they come from.
Impressions of the Seine & Paris
8 Days | Paris to Le Havre
Explore the Champagne and Calvados regions along the Seine river, savouring the crisp bubbles of Champagne and the rich apple brandy of Calvados.
Good to Know:
With countless vineyards close by, France’s second largest waterway allows you to sample some of the country’s most renowned wines and ciders. The wine variety that instantly characterises northern France comes from the Champagne region about 90 miles east of Paris. Stemming from chalky soils and cool temperatures, these sparkling varieties produce a sweet effervescence and unparalleled quality that merit exclusive classification as the one and only wine known as “Champagne.” However, our Wine Cruises along the Seine River often take on a “Tour de France” approach, including varietals from multiple regions, such as Bordeaux and Provence.
Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle
8 Days | Amsterdam – Luxembourg
Explore the Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine, famous for its Riesling wines. Taste the fresh and fruity characteristics of this popular white wine.
Good to Know:
Famous for its winding river, the Moselle wine region is considered the oldest in Germany, with historic wine presses found dating back to Roman times. Unlike other wine regions, the Moselle is unique in that many of its vineyards grow at sharp angles – in fact, the world’s steepest vineyard is in the Moselle Valley! The climate and hills also lend themselves to periods of intense fog that produce “noble rot,” a strangely beneficial fungus that creeps onto grapes and results in sweeter wines, including much-lauded German Rieslings.
Flavours of Spain & Portugal
11 Days | Porto – Madrid
Discover the beauty of Portugal’s Douro Valley, where the famous port wine is produced. Taste the fortified wine while admiring the terraced vineyards along the river banks.
Good to Know:
The birthplace of Port wine would simply not exist today if it hadn’t been for the centuries of determined winegrowers who laboriously carved rows of vines into the steep, dramatic terrain.
The process used to make Port wine depends on brandy being added to partially fermented grape must – the juice that contains the fruit, seeds and stems. This halts fermentation, leaving sugar in the mixture and results in a sweeter wine with a higher alcohol content. This vinification process was discovered in 1678 and is still used to this day. Ruby, Tawny and Vintage are three of the most prevalent styles produced.
Colours of Provence
8 Days | Lyon – Arles
Cruise through the Rhone Valley, known for its delicious rosé wines. Immerse yourself in the Provencal culture and cuisine while enjoying a glass of refreshing rosé.
Good to Know:
Pale pink and with a low alcohol content, Provencal Rosé wines are the “gold standard” for Rosés and are typically blended with Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. The Rosés of the Côtes de Provence region are crisp and fruity with a hint of pepper and call to mind summer even in the midst of winter.
From 1308 until 1388, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church was relocated from Rome to Avignon. During that time, the papal courts developed a taste for the local wine and promoted viticulture throughout the region. Wines from this region came to be known first as Vin du Pape and later as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which you can taste on this Provence itinerary.
Why book a wine river cruise?
Every Wine River Cruise is hosted by an enthusiastic wine professional who leads you through tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies you on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board. Guided by their passion and expertise, you’ll delight in discovering one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine and elegant cuisine.
Indulge in wine perfectly chosen to meld with the food on your plate and on your palate at an unforgettable dinner designed to heighten the relationship between the two. Rosemary-crusted lamb? A clear match for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Oysters on the half shell? Try a Loire white.
One of the most delightful aspects of our Wine Cruises is visiting Europe’s unique vineyards and wineries. Whether you’re strolling through France’s 14th-century Château de Montaigne or visiting Austria’s historic and majestic Burg Clam, you’ll taste history every step of the way among storied vines.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Europe’s finest wine regions with our trusted river cruise partners such as AmaWaterways. Book now at Global River Cruising to take advantage of great savings and secure your spot on an unforgettable wine adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, Wine River Cruises with AmaWaterways offer a unique and immersive experience that will delight your senses and create lasting memories.
If you want to discuss our wine river cruises, please give us a call (0800 471 4754) or send us an email to discuss your cruise preferences and we will do the rest.
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About Christine Foulds
I’m originally from Germany and traveling has always been a part of my family’s DNA. Over the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in 5 different countries (USA, Austria, Russia, Peru and the UK) and learnt to speak 3 foreign languages (Russian and Spanish are getting a bit rusty though). I thoroughly enjoy working with travel enthusiasts who like to explore and visit new parts of the world as much as I do.
View all posts by Christine Foulds