Ahead of National Wine Day (25MAY), AmaWaterways unveiled its new French itinerary debuting in 2024, Flavors of Burgundy, which will sail guests on a journey along the Saône River visiting a collection of France’s "most prestigious vineyards."
This announcement comes along with the unveiling of wine hosts who will welcome guests on AmaWaterways’ 2023 and 2024 series of Celebration of Wine River Cruises. Clients can choose from over 60 hosted departures each year designed to delve into the flavors of Europe through a menu of wine and culinary experiences.
“Since the debut of our Celebration of Wine River Cruises in 2010, we’ve continued to see increasing demand for these epicurean experiences giving our guests the opportunity to sip local wine while sailing through breathtaking wine regions of the world alongside acclaimed North American and European wine hosts,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways.
The Flavors of Burgundy itinerary takes travellers on a river cruise journey between Dijon and Lyon highlighting the French flavors throughout the Burgundy region. This itinerary will bring guests to some of France’s "most iconic vineyards" and châteaux as can enjoy regional cuisine and treats on board and in the ports visited along the way.
According to AmaWaterways, each Celebration of Wine River Cruise features "enhanced experiences" and is hosted by a qualified wine expert from North America or Europe. AmaWaterways’ curated line-up of wine hosts represents a selection of wine experts including vineyard owners, winemakers, certified sommeliers and wine educators. The hosts bring hand-selected wines on board to serve during a special meal, tastings, or seminars, all included in the price of the cruise. Some wines come from the expert’s own winery while other selections may be sourced from wineries located along the river cruise itinerary.
In 2023, AmaWaterways offers more than 60 Celebration of Wine River Cruises. A sample of itineraries and wine hosts to choose from include:
- Taste of Bordeaux: Travellers will sail to France’s wine capital, Bordeaux, and explore chateaux, vineyards and indulge in wine tastings in the towns of Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac and Cadillac. In addition, travellers can extend their stay with a pre-cruise land package of two-nights in Bilbao and two-nights in San Sebastian and a post-cruise land package which includes two-nights in the Loire Valley and one-night in Paris. Guests can choose from eight Bordeaux Celebration of Wine River Cruises in JUN, JUL, AUG, OCT and NOV of 2023, including:
- 09NOV 2023 with wine host Mark Newman, CEO of Accolade Brands Inc. and SteakHouse Vineyards, CA.
- Magna on the Danube: Travellers will explore Danube on board the AmaMagna between Budapest and Vilshofen. The adventure through Austria, Germany and Hungary takes guests through capital cities to indulge in the flavors of the regions, like the apricot-scented wines of Austria’s Wachau Valley. While cruising on board AmaMagna, guests can enjoy an exclusive wine festival in Spitz, Austria. Travellers can extend their journey with pre- or post-cruise land packages in Budapest and Prague. Guests can choose between two AmaMagna Celebration of Wine River Cruises in OCT and NOV of 2023, including:
- 12NOV 2023 with wine host Guy Davis, winemaker and owner of Davis Family Vineyards, Healdsburg, CA.
- Captivating Rhine: During this wine-themed journey along the Rhine River, travellers can discover the flavor of this region through experiences such as wine tastings and a vineyard hike in Rüdesheim, known for its Riesling wine. In addition, guests can extend their journey with a two-night pre-cruise land package in Amsterdam or a post-cruise land package with two-nights in Lake Lucerne and two-nights in Zurich. Guests can choose from three Captivating Rhine Celebration of Wine River Cruises in AUG and NOV of 2023, including:
- 09NOV 2023 with wine host Anna-Maria dos Remedios, winemaker and owner of Idle Hour Winery, Oakhurst, CA.
For more information, visit AmaWaterways' website.
