Calling All Wine Lovers – a Rhine River Cruise is For You!
You’ve been on wine tasting trips before, but have you ever cruised along the picturesque countryside and vineyards where that wine is produced? A Rhine cruise is your chance to do just that and more. Meet the growers and experience centuries old techniques and traditions as you enjoy private tastings in historic estates.
There are four different wine regions along the Rhine.
- The Alsace region is in northeastern France, bordering Germany. It is in an ideal location in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains and has a sunny, dry climate, producing aromatic white wines like Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.
- The Rheinhessen region, often called “the land of a thousand hills,’ is on the left bank of the Rhine and produces the majority of German wine exports. It is most famous for its Riesling, but red wine varieties are gaining in popularity.
- The Pfalz region is the second largest, growing red varieties like Dornfelder and Pinot Noir.
- The Rheingau region is located between Wiesbaden and Rudesheim, Germany in the shelter of the Taunus mountain range. Also known for its Riesling, Rheingau also grows high quality spatburgunder grapes, producing full-bodied red wines like pinot noir.
Highlights of a Rhine cruise include cruising past the scenic vistas along the Rhine Gorge, A UNESCO World Heritage site, where medieval castles and steeply terraced vineyards create dramatic landscapes. Ride cable cars across vineyards in Rudesheim, take a cycling tour to visit small, privately-owned vineyards not accessible by bus, or visit September through October during harvest season when each small town has its own grape festival.
AmaWaterways, Avalon Cruises and other premium cruise lines feature onboard sommeliers or “wine masters,” to add context and background for wine connoisseurs. Special wine-paired dinners showcase chef-prepared local delicacies to harmonize with wine selections.
Your Travel Leaders cruise expert will be happy to arrange an unforgettable trip through Europe’s premier wine region along the Rhine.
