Wine is a hallmark of most European river cruises, as many of the waterways flow right through the continent’s prime grape-growing regions. But as the popularity of river cruising continues to rise, special interest voyages have joined the ever-expanding list of itineraries, including wine cruises. These cruises are catered to wine enthusiasts and offer unique experiences which may include special lectures, tastings and pairings during the trip. Passengers will also visit world-famous wineries and vineyards and may be treated to an onboard menu of exclusive wine and culinary experiences designed to delve deeper into the flavours and tastes of Europe.
If you’re a wine connoisseur, read below to discover the best rivers winding through Europe’s wine regions.
The Dordogne and Garonne Rivers – Bordeaux, France
Considered the holy grail of wine regions, Bordeaux is home to numerous renowned vineyards producing world class vintages, such as Saint-Emilion and Château Lafitte Rothchild. Set sail through the heart of Southwestern France along the stunning Dordogne and Garonne, which merge to form the Gironde Estuary, located downstream of Bordeaux and featuring a series of small islands. In addition to visiting magnificent wineries, this region offers the opportunity to wander through archaeological marvels and historic landmarks, as well as explore the world of gourmet French cuisine. Numerous cruise itineraries are offered through the Dordogne and Garonne, with departure from Bordeaux, Blaye, or Pauillac.
The Saône and Rhône Rivers – Burgundy and Provence, France
Not only does a Saône-Rhône river cruise provide the chance to discover one of Europe’s most magnificent waterways, it also takes you on a journey through France’s culinary heartland, taking in the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, and some of the country’s most preserved landscapes. Depending on the itinerary, a cruise through this region will give the chance to visit several iconic cities with rich historical and cultural pasts, such as Arles, Avignon, Montelimar, Lyon and Valencia. From the vineyards of Burgundy, which traces its winemaking roots back more than 2,000 years, to the famed lavender fields of Provence, a trip along these waterways offers something to delight wine lovers, history buffs and connoisseurs of all types.
The Danube River – Wachau Valley, Austria
The Danube river rises in the Black Forest, a large mountain range in Southwest Germany, and flows for some 1,770 miles along the borders of ten different European countries. A cruise along this river is perfect for those longing for the romance of Old-World Europe, with picturesque views of grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube, and opportunities to visit timeless cities like Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Between the cities of Melk and Krems in Lower Austria is the Wachau Valley—a famed wine region and one of the most scenic stretches of the river. Within Wachau Valley you’ll find charming towns, verdant vineyards, hilltop ruins, castles, and monasteries. It is also a very popular destination for cycling tours.
Moselle River – Germany
Flowing through France, Luxembourg and Germany, the Moselle River delivers remarkable views of narrow terrace-shaped valleys the river has cut into the landscape, steep vineyards, and fairy-tale castles. With a warm climate and high levels of sunshine that are particularly favourable for growing grapes, the Moselle region is well-known for its spectacular wines, most notably Riesling, Elbling, Müller-Thurgau, Kerner and Auxerrois. During the Middle Ages, aristocrats and monks founded many vineyards in the area—some of which still exist today. A few highlight destinations of a typical Moselle cruise include, Cochem, which has a rich Romano-Celtic heritage, Bernkastel-Kues, the region’s "wine capital” and Trier, Germany's oldest city.
Interested in taking a wine river cruise?
When it comes to planning the perfect river cruise, CAA Niagara’s Travel Consultants are the experts. To chat with a consultant, book an appointment online, call 1-800-263-7272 or visit your local CAA Branch and start making your wine river cruise dream a reality.
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