5 Amazing River Cruises with Wine Experiences
Published Monday, May 3rd 2021 - Updated Wednesday, October 23rd 2024
Whether you are a wine novice or a self-professed oenophile with a wine cellar, a river cruise is a perfect chance to indulge in the ultimate trifecta: travel, wine, and elegant cuisine.
You’ll be joined on board by a Wine Host who enthusiastically shares their passion for wine with you. They’ll lead wine tastings and a food and wine pairing dinner during the river cruise. The Wine Host will also join you on excursions to historic wine cellars, local wineries, and iconic vineyards. These unique itineraries offer guests a perfect blend of wine-related experiences with typical excursions in grand capitals and charming towns.
Wine lovers are spoiled with so many different choices when it comes to selecting a river cruise. Here are just a few of the amazing river cruises with wine experiences.
Danube River Cruise
A wine-themed Danube River cruise allows you to indulge in architecture, timeless music, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights. Apricot brandy tasting, chocolate tasting in Dürnstein, and an exclusive wine tasting in Spitz at Burg Clam are only a few of the epicurean experiences.
Admire the beauty of the Wachau Valley and visit one of Austria’s most outstanding wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg. While there, taste some of the superb Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines.
Rhine River Cruise
Wine lovers can enjoy cruising along the Rhine River. Upscale river cruise lines combine standard excursions with onboard offerings of the local wine. Also, you will enjoy extras like wine-and-food pairings and winery tours.
Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles, the legendary Rhine River will captivate you. Germany’s Rheingau wine region is rich in history and tradition, and it is the ideal place for the delicate Riesling and Pinot Noir grape varietals.
Bordeaux Region, France
France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux, offers renowned vineyards where you will discover timeless traditions from the winemakers themselves. Indulge in delicious wine tastings of Bordeaux’s legendary red blends. Be treated to an in-depth explanation of the differences between Bordeaux’s Left Bank and Right Bank wines as you taste your way through Bordeaux.
After cruising the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, revel in five extraordinary châteaux visits in the Loire Valley. Then conclude your journey with an overnight stay in Paris. This trip is for anyone interested in the best of French culture, lifestyle, wine, and food.
Douro River Cruise
The River Douro is a journey from the coast right across Portugal through a steep valley with vines growing on stone terraces. Charming native farms and rambling vineyards cling to the steep side of the Douro River Valley.
The picturesque community by the river, Porto, stores most of the world's Port in old cellars. You get to learn about the intriguing 400-year-old history of Port and the processes involved alongside tasting. Historic places, unspoiled beauty, and distinctive wines are yours to be enjoyed as you savor the flavors of Portugal.
Burgundy and Provence
Besides providing captivating views of medieval towns and colorful landscapes, the Rhône and Saône rivers take you through prized wine regions in southeastern France.
From romantic cities to foodie havens to artistic epicenters, this river cruise itinerary enlivens all your senses. Spend the night in Paris before going to France’s culinary capital, Lyon. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and indulge in local vintages like Beaujolais, Côtes due Rhôone, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Then go on an authentic truffle hunt and learn how to pair chocolate with wine.
If you have friends or family members who enjoy a good glass of wine, let’s get you all on a wine river cruise!
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