Oenophiles have two reasons to rejoice this week: May 25 is National Wine Day – and AmaWaterways is celebrating by rolling out a new French itinerary that includes visits to some of the country’s most distinguished wineries, plus the list of 70 hosted wine-themed departures that will make up its 2025 Celebration of Wine River Cruises portfolio.
The new Flavors of Burgundy will be one of 21 itineraries in regions such as the Douro Valley in Portugal, the Wachau Valley in Austria and along the Moselle River in Germany. Sailing the Saône River between Lyon and Dijon, “France’s Culinary Capital,” on AmaCello and include wine tastings in Tournus, Mâcon and Lyon. Eight hosted itineraries will run in March, April, July, October and November of 2025.
Each hosted wine-themed cruise will include an expert – a vineyard owner, winemaker, certified sommelier or wine educator from North America or Europe – plus “enhanced epicurean experiences” and special wine-tasting events. North American Wine Hosts will bring their own wines on board to add a layer of diversity to the program.
“Delving into regional wine specialties throughout Europe enables our guests to gain a deeper appreciation for a country, its history, culture and people,” said AmaWaterways co-founder and executive vice president Kristin Karst.
AmaCello holds 140 passengers in 70 staterooms, most with a French balcony, and two single-occupancy staterooms that do not have single supplement fees. It launched in 2008.
