Cruise on the Rhone: taste exceptional wines (the experience is incredible)
Embarking on a wine cruise along the Rhône means treating yourself to a unique taste experience in the heart of the most beautiful vineyards in France. We invite you to discover wine in a different way, by sailing on the calm waters of this legendary river. Let yourself be carried by the current and immerse yourself in a sensory journey where each stopover is a new page in French wine history.
The Rhone Valley: an exceptional terroir
The Rhone Valley, home to prestigious grape varieties, stretches over nearly 250 kilometers of vineyards. This wine region, one of the oldest in France , offers an exceptional diversity of terroirs. From the steep hillsides of Côte-Rôtie to the sunny plains of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, each appellation tells a unique story.
As we cruise, we will discover the secrets of these iconic wines. Syrah, king of the northern grape varieties, reveals its power and elegance in the wines of Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. Further south, Grenache flourishes in the rolled pebbles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, giving birth to generous and complex wines.
Here's a look at the main appellations we'll explore:
- Côte-Rôtie
- Condrieu
- Saint Joseph
- Hermitage
- Crozes-Hermitage
- Rhone Coasts
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape
As a passionate sommelier, I cannot help but emphasize the historical importance of this region. The Rhone vineyard was shaped by the Romans from the 1st century BC , laying the foundations of a thousand-year-old wine tradition.
A taste odyssey on board
Our wine cruise is not just a series of stops. It is a true immersion in the art of tasting . On board, we organize thematic workshops to refine your palate and develop your wine vocabulary. You will learn to decipher aromas, understand the influence of the terroir and appreciate the subtleties of each vintage.
Meals on board are true symphonies of taste. Each dish is carefully prepared to highlight the wines tasted. Here is an example of a food and wine pairing menu that we offer:
| Flat | Wine |
|---|---|
| Pan-fried foie gras with figs | Condrieu |
| Lamb chops with Provencal herbs | Côte-Rôtie |
| Regional cheese platter | Red Hermitage |
| Apricot tart from Drôme | Muscat of Beaumes-de-Venise |
Our team of experienced sommeliers will guide you throughout this taste journey, sharing anecdotes and tips to deepen your knowledge of wine. We also organize masterclasses with guest winemakers, offering a unique perspective on their craft and philosophy.
Stopovers and meetings with wine artisans
Our wine cruise would not be complete without stops at the most iconic wine estates in the Rhone Valley. These visits are an opportunity to meet the men and women who shape these great wines . We set off to discover the vines, observe the cultivation methods and delve into the centuries-old cellars where the wine patiently ages.
In Tain-l'Hermitage, we visit the legendary Hermitage hill, the birthplace of one of France's greatest wines. We walk along the steep terraces of Côte-Rôtie, where Syrah flourishes on slopes sometimes reaching 60°. In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we tread on the famous rolled pebbles, real heat accumulators that give the wines their very special character.
These meetings with winegrowers are special moments of exchange and sharing. They allow us to understand the current challenges of viticulture, particularly in the face of climate change. We address topics such as organic and biodynamic viticulture, which is increasingly practiced in the region.
A journey beyond wine
While wine is at the heart of our cruise, we do not forget the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Rhone Valley. Our itinerary takes us to discover architectural gems and picturesque sites . In Avignon, we admire the majestic Palais des Papes, a witness to the time when the city was the seat of the papacy. In Vienne, we explore the ancient theater, one of the largest in Roman Gaul.
Local gastronomy also plays a prominent role in our trip. We taste regional specialties that pair so well with Rhône wines:
- The black truffle of Tricastin
- Picodon, AOP goat cheese
- The grip of Romans
- Nyons olives
As a wine-lover, I can say that this wine cruise along the Rhône offers a unique experience, combining taste pleasures, cultural discoveries and authentic encounters. It is an invitation to travel differently, to the rhythm of the river and the wine seasons, for a total immersion in the captivating world of wine.
