 |
A Linz group wine tasting with Viking River Cruises // (c) Viking River Cruises 2010 |
Given that the majority of European river cruises goes straight through the heart of Europe’s wine country, they are a natural for guests who want to discuss the current harvest with the locals as well as taste the vintages just being uncorked.
Agents are seeing success with groups of wine aficionados and many are using a wine merchant as a pied piper for a group of clients who wish to learn and taste some of Europe’s premier wines.
In some cases, the merchant is also on a buying mission, and there has been at least one instance of a river cruise passenger looking at vineyards for purchase and relying heavily on the expertise of the local cruise staff and their connections in the countryside.
French Country Waterways cruises provide an intimate relationship with the winegrowers and their product. In Chablis, France, the harvest, which lasts 10-14 days, usually takes place from mid- to late September. On the eight-passenger Horizon II, passengers have the opportunity to sample different wines in different ways — some directly from a barrel, some from a stainless-steel tank and, finally, some selected vintages straight from the bottle.
When the harvest is under way, guests taste the juice from the year’s harvest. Many can also go to the vineyards and, if workers are nearby, they can talk to them one-on-one about the winemaking process. Most of the time, guests are even offered grapes to try. French Country Waterways’ 12-passenger Nenuphar, also cruising central Burgundy, France, offers a similar experience for guests. Weeklong cruises departing Sundays from Aug. 22-Oct. 16 are priced from $6,095 on Nenuphar and from $6,495 on Horizon II.
www.fcwl.com
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s 12-night Legendary Rhine & Moselle cruise offers two special wine-themed events on the Moselle River. In Cochem, Germany, clients can take part in a wine-tasting event at a vintner’s private wine estate in the village of Ediger-Eller, and at Bernkastel, Germany, they can attend a wine tasting at the wine estate of Dr. Pauly-Bergweiller, which dates back to the 17th century. Departures for this particular cruise take place on Sept. 4, 16 and 28; Oct. 10 and 22; and Nov. 3. Currently, Uniworld is also offering a Spring Savings of $200 per person from March 1 through April 30, with pricing starting from $3,299. The single supplement is also waived on the Oct. 22 and Nov. 3 departures.
www.uniworld.com
Viking River Cruises also has a number of itineraries traveling through the great wine regions of France, Austria and Germany. The 15-day Grand European Tour visits Germany’s Rhine wine region and Austria’s Wachau Valley, for example. Right now, Viking is offering two-for-one pricing on cruises, $300 off per couple on international airfare and complimentary wine with dinner onboard into March, for a starting minimum price of $2,762.
www.vikingrivercruises.com
In addition to providing complimentary local wines every night, Amawaterways also cruises through the European wine country on a number of routes, including the 15-day Provence and Spain itinerary where guests can sample Beaujolias Nouveau with a local winemaker, enjoy Cote du Rhone vineyard visits and choose a Chateauneuf du Pape shore excursion, in addition to the line’s onboard wine tastings. Future departures for this cruise take place on Sept. 7, 14 and 21; and Oct.12 and 19. Pricing starts from $2,399.
www.amawaterways.com
Although Avalon Waterways’ wine-themed Burgundy & Provence cruise has already sold out for 2010, another excellent option for wine-loving clients is its Windmills, Vineyards & Paris cruise. On this cruise, travelers get to taste Rhine and Moselle wines and the local vineyards are located in close proximity to the rivers. Avalon is currently offering a $500 per person discount on select Windmills, Vineyards & Paris departures in June, July and August and pricing is from $3,689.
www.avalonwaterways.com
An added perk for oenophiles cruising Europe’s rivers is the opportunity to bring their finds home with them. As they cruise the wine country, guests can purchase their chosen vintages freely since they don’t have to pack and unpack before going home. Also, many wineries are well equipped to ship cases for those who are stocking their cellars for the future, which can become even more economical for groups who ship their wines together.
