More Time to Drink More Wine: Wine Tours with European Waterways

Maybe the French didn’t invent wine-making, but you have to agree, they’ve perfected the art.  European Waterways is offering wine lovers a unique, limited opportunity to visit two world renowned wine making regions – the eponymous Champagne, and Burgundy, France – with a new “Back-to-Back” two-week cruise option.  Through this option, guests can book the Panache hotel barge in Champagne and L’Impressionniste in neighboring Burgundy for two consecutive weeks of exploration, education and wine tastings.  As an added incentive, European Waterways will also provide a free night’s stay at the Hotel Westminster in Paris, a French institution situated along the opulent Rue De Paix.

But you need to hurry. This 13-night, back-to-back cruise opportunity is only available from mid-June through early July, when the 12-passenger Panache cruises the River Marne through Champagne’s peaceful vineyards.

A Sparkling Opportunity

The 12-passenger Panache hotel barge enjoys one of European Waterways’ most diverse itineraries. Among the highlights of Panache’s Champagne cruise is a visit to the village of Hautvilliers, known as the “cradle of champagne.” It is here that the monk, Dom Pérignon, discovered the Méthode Champenoise, from which the best Champagnes and sparkling wines are made.  In addition to a private tasting at a renowned vineyard, guests will be treated to dinner at a French restaurant. They’ll also experience an exclusive tasting and cellar tour in the village of Epernay, widely acknowledged as the “champagne capital” of the world, as well as the option to sample different champagnes each evening aboard Panache.

Another cruise highlight is La Maison Pannier, a seminal champagne house notable for its labyrinth of medieval underground cellars.  Guests can tour these subterranean vaults and finish with a private tasting.  During the cruise, Panache will also moor at Château-Thierry, the historic town on the river Marne, surrounded by the vineyards that produce some of the region’s famous champagnes.

Making a Good Impression

The second week of the cruise can continue on the deluxe, 12-passenger L’Impressionniste hotel barge, which cruises the Burgundy Canal in the wine region of Southern Burgundy.  Among wine cellars visited are Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, which awards a special prized label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages every year. Guests will also enjoy an exclusive wine tasting at the boutique Château André Ziltener, the perfect showcase of some of Burgundy’s most sumptuous vintages.  Built on the foundations of an old Cistercian abbey, the château is a mecca for historians and oenophiles alike.

In addition to numerous scenic drives through many of the region’s premier vineyards, guests will visit the Vigne de L’Enfant Jésus, a famous vineyard owned by the Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils. There, a wine expert will explain the vineyard’s production of its Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines. This will be followed by a gastronomic “repast” in the orangerie of Château de Beaune, owned by the winery since 1820.

“Wine is just one aspect of these exceptional, back-to-back cruises. France’s culinary tradition is also on full display – and a worthy companion,” noted Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “All our wines are professionally paired with an exceptional cuisine of regionally specialties prepared by our on-board master chef.  The regions are also steeped in history, and guests will relish their gastronomic experiences amid a backdrop of picturesque villages, legendary castles and ancient landmarks.”

Prices start at $12,180 per person, based on double occupancy, and include all gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers to and from the hotel barge, and use of all on-board amenities, such as bicycles and spa pools.

The Barge Experience

The hotel barging experience is different from large vessel river cruising. It offers a slower paced, “gentle voyage of discovery” along the more intimate canals and waterways of Europe that are inaccessible to bigger vessels. Founded nearly 40 years ago, European Waterways owns, operates and markets a private fleet of luxury hotel barges with cruises in France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg, and can help guests create similar, two-week cruises based on their special interest and availability. For more information, call 1-877-879-8808 or visit them on line europeanwaterways.com.

Featured photo courtesy of European Waterways.