2020 WineAhoy Wine Tasting and Golf Cruises. 2020 WineAhoy European & North American Wine Tasting Cruises are designed for singles, couples, and small group oenophiles. And only WineAhoy Wine Cruises offer bespoke GOLF cruises shore excursion adventures during our wine tasting cruises in Europe & North America through our sister company GolfAhoy.com
On a WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of escorted wine tours on your own or with a group.
WineAhoy motorized Mercedes Benz transportation to vineyards – or bicycle right off the riverboat!
Play a round of golf at a challenging European championship golf course – transportation included in your GolfAhoy package.
During our WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruises our guests are immersed in engaging wine seminars, wine-pairing dinners, and wine tasting events, and the world of grape varietals and classifications, terroir and tannins are explained by WineAhoy wine masters.
AmaWaterways Wine Cruises VIDEO
WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruises are operated by WineAhoy on carefully selected European river boats with award-winning dining, access to the largest square footage balcony-cabins, and the most-luxurious-river-boat-Butler-Serviced-Suites afloat. “Best river-boat crews on the Danube – AmaWaterways” – iGolfTravelNews.com
AmaWaterways ‘value-added’ inclusions:
All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail, and Gala Dinner, GolfAhoy 19th Hole Cocktail Reception\Awards Dinner for GolfAhoy country club groups
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hours with complimentary wine, beer, and spirits
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
European River WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruises are offered along the Danube, Rhône, and Saône. France’s Bordeaux, Burgundy and Alsace regions; Germany’s Moselle and Rhine valleys; Austria’s Wachau; and Portugal’s Douro River.
Whether you’re a weekend wine sipper or a wannabe sommelier, why not take a European River WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise where winding rivers and world-class wines flow?
On a WineAhoy European River Wine Tasting Cruise, wine lovers of the world unite with the world’s most renowned winemakers and wine masters.
Sniff, swirl, and sip your way past the rolling vineyards of Europe as a certified Master of Wine – the most respected title in the wine industry – gives new meaning to the phrase “wine and dine.”
On board, your WineAhoy selected river boat you’ll learn the perfect pairings for every delicacy from cheese to chocolate, while on land you’ll walk along the hallowed halls of the ancient cellars of wine masters, makers, and merchants.
Escorted European River WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruises
Escorted European River WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruises (Book now for best stateroom selection, bonuses, and fares) Deposit $450 pp
COLORS OF PROVENCE WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – The Rhône
Besides providing captivating views of medieval towns and colorful landscapes, the Rhône River connects the dots between thousands of vineyards from Lyon to Avignon. This WineAhoy Colors of Provence itinerary takes you through this prized wine-producing region in southeastern France, known across the globe as the Rhône Valley. You’ll also get to savor some delightful wines from the Beaujolais region just to the north, where the Rhône meets the Saône. The valley traces the path of the river for almost 150 miles, hypnotizing travelers with grape-covered vines gripping its steep sides. Since it’s so large, the climate varies greatly from north to south as does the soil and wine quality. Thus, the Rhône is divided at the town of Valence into two worlds of wine: The Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône.
Cruise from Lyon to Arles
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Spend three nights in Paris before going to Lyon, France’s culinary capital. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and indulge in local vintages like Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Epicurean travelers will relish the chance to become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond,” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carriéres de Luminéres, and then let Barcelona, cast its magical spell on you.
PARIS & NORMANDY WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – The Seine River
The curvy nature of the Seine River can be disorienting when you’re in Paris. Not to worry, just remember to face downstream, so you can tell the Left Bank from the Right. This WineAhoy Paris & Normandy cruise itinerary is about as romantic as it gets, beginning with views of the art-inspiring “City of Light” that morphs into the lush countryside and the historic Normandy Beaches. France’s second largest waterway allows us to sample some of the country’s most renowned champagne, ciders, and Calvados.
Cruise from Paris to Paris
The wine variety that instantly characterizes northern France comes from the Champagne region, about 90 miles east of Paris. These sparkling varieties produce a sweet effervescence and unparalleled quality that merit exclusive classification as the one-and-only wine known as Champagne. Another specialty drink found closer to the English Channel is Calvados, which comes from Normandy’s fruit-filled orchards. Made from over 170 apples (and pear) varieties, this rustic spirit is distilled twice and barrel-aged for at least two years before bottling. The result is a liqueur bursting with mainly complex flavors.
COLORS OF PROVENCE WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – The Rhône
Besides providing captivating views of medieval towns and colorful landscapes, the Rhône River connects the dots between thousands of vineyards from Lyon to Avignon. This WineAhoy Colors of Provence itinerary takes you through this prized wine-producing region in southeastern France, known across the globe as the Rhône Valley. You’ll also get to savor some delightful wines from the Beaujolais region just to the north, where the Rhône meets the Saône. The valley traces the path of the river for almost 150 miles, hypnotizing travelers with grape-covered vines gripping its steep sides. Since it’s so large, the climate varies greatly from north to south as does the soil and wine quality. Thus, the Rhône is divided at the town of Valence into two worlds of wine: The Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône.
Cruise from Lyon to Arles
From romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters, this itinerary enlivens all your senses. Spend three nights in Paris before going to Lyon, France’s culinary capital. Savor the beauty of legendary vineyards and indulge in local vintages like Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Epicurean travelers will relish the chance to become an expert in all things culinary: go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond,” truffles; learn how to pair chocolate with wine; and discover how olives turn into the Mediterranean’s nectar, olive oil. Trace the steps of famous artists in Arles and Carriéres de Luminéres, and then let Barcelona, cast its magical spell on you.
TASTE OF BORDEAUX WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – The Garrone, Dordogne and Gironde Estuary
In the corner of southwestern France, the Garonne and Dordogne rivers merge together to form the Gironde Estuary that naturally divides the famous Bordeaux region into the Left and Right banks. One of the largest controlled wine regions in France, Bordeaux is made up of several sub-regions each with its own strictly governed appellation, unique climate, and terroir. Unlike most wines around the world, the quality of Bordeaux wine is determined by these factors rather than the grape varietal. Bordeaux is acclaimed for its legendary red blends, though white blends from this region also make a big impression. The Left and Right banks of the river have different soil types that bring these exceptional blends to life.
Cruise from Bordeaux to Bordeaux
Discover the gems of Spain’s Basque Country, including Bilbao, home to the Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum, and the stunning seaside resort, San Sebastián, before traveling to France’s wine capital, Bordeaux. Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings are plentiful as you visit Cadillac, Pauillac, Saint-Émilion, Libourne, and Bourg. After cruising the Bordeaux region, experience the lure of the UNESCO Loire Valley for two nights before concluding your journey with an overnight stay in Paris.
ROMANTIC DANUBE WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – Wachau Valley
Brilliant architectural masterpieces and vine-strung hillsides on the Danube River have inspired artistic creations for hundreds of years. The Romantic Danube journeys through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, so you can experience some of the most celebrated wines and sights in Europe’s heartland. Over 3,700 acres of terraced vineyards rise from Austria’s illustrious Wachau Valley. Located between the towns of Melk and Krems, this cooler-climate wine region brings a wide variety of refreshing, peppery white-grape wines to fruition. Grüner Veltliner is the most important grape in Austria. Grown in loess soils by the river’s edge, these favored wines offer aromatic stone fruit flavors reminiscent of the terroir. Riesling, the second most popular grape, loves rocky inclines, so it is extensively sewn into the rich hillside.
Cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austria’s Lake District and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Český Krumlov. Visit one of Austria’s greatest wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century, and while there taste some of the greatest examples of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines in the world.
ENCHANTING RHINE WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – The Rhine
The Rhine along with its main tributaries—the Moselle and Main—have created a wine connoisseur’s paradise. The Upper Middle Rhine’s slate soil combined with a semi-continental climate has proven to be a recipe for wine-growing success for the Rheingau vineyards, yielding high-quality white wine varieties, and some fine reds.
Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam
Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Zurich’s medieval houses, narrow lanes and town halls from the Renaissance period offer a striking backdrop to its trendy and ultra-modern metropolis. And Amsterdam’s Golden Age melds seamlessly with its lively cafés, exciting nightlife and glorious museums. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry, and music—Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote “A Tramp Abroad.” Timeless traditions remain intact—from the making of Kölsch, Cologne’s legendary brew to the making of Rüdesheimer Coffee. Sample wines from France’s Alsace region while in Riquewihr, Freiburg, and Strasbourg; and walk through the vineyards of Rüdesheim tasting the Rheingau’s Rieslings. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated-UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.
GEMS OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – The Lower Danube
From the grand architecture of Budapest to the mystical “Iron Gates” to the spirit of Dracula, the lower Danube is filled with intrigue. Our Gems of Southeast Europe itinerary journeys through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, where you can taste the diversity of five countries’ age-old winemaking traditions. Southeast of the Riesling-rich Wachau Valley, the lower Danube wine regions offer a rich variety. The Szekszárd wine region is one of the oldest red wine growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. Known for producing Kadarka grapes, most notably used in the blend known as Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), the region also produces many full-bodied and spicy reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Kékfrankos, and Merlot. In Serbia, a fruity plum brandy known as Šlivovitz is the drink of choice, a fitting addition to warm cocktails, while in Croatia, the town of Ilok has a wine-growing history dating back to Roman times, where cellars mature such varietals as Traminac, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay.
Cruise from Budapest to Giurgiu
From Budapest to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity to go to Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighișoara, birthplace of Dracula; and to Bulgaria’s natural wonders, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches and bike through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle.
FLAVORS OF PORTUGAL & SPAIN WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – The Douro
Land near a river, and naturally protected by mountain ranges, inspired winemakers to plant vineyards along the Douro, but wild landscapes and nutrient-poor soil made this an extremely difficult task. The birthplace of port wine would simply not exist today if it hadn’t been for the centuries of determined winegrowers who laboriously carved rows of vines into the steep, dramatic terrain. Their efforts proved worthwhile. Angled, rocky terrain just so happens to be ideal for the growth of grapes. Over the years, the magnitude of the Douro Valley wine region has grown remarkably, and it is now divided into three parts. This Enticing Douro itinerary cruises through all three sub-regions, giving you a taste of Northern Portugal’s famous ports and table wines.
Cruise from Porto to Vega Terron
Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming Quintas, which cling to the steep sides of the river. Taste wines from these vineyards and discover the timeless traditions of Portuguese winemaking throughout your journey before visiting some of Spain’s glorious cities.
EUROPE’S RIVERS & CASTLES WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – Alsace and Moselle
Historic villages, medieval mansions, and towering hillsides wrapped in vineyards are just a few of the amazing things that overlook the river’s edge from Nuremberg to Luxembourg. Our Europe’s Rivers & Castles itinerary takes you through the Mosel, Rhine and Main rivers to discover some of Europe’s most fascinating scenery while dabbling in the remarkable wines grown in Germany. For over one thousand years, a wide variety of tantalizing wines have been surfacing from the special soils of the Franconia region, alongside the Main River in Eastern Germany. These grapevines benefit from a continental climate with a Mediterranean influence, which is ideal for growing grapes. Both dry, fruity white wines and rare, decadent reds are made with superb quality here.
Cruise from Nuremberg to Luxembourg
From the meandering Main to the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its multitude of castles dotting its shores to the vineyard-clad hills of the Moselle, enjoy Europe at its most picturesque. Let the storybook villages of Wertheim, Bernkastel, and Cochem captivate you. Marvel at the world’s largest ceiling fresco in the Würzburg Residence and then enjoy a historic wine tasting beneath the Residenz at one of the world’s most beautiful wine cellars where you’ll taste the wine of Franconia. Fall under Heidelberg’s spell, perfectly nestled in Germany’s Neckar River Valley, and savor the many flavors of Germany with a chance to sample the world-famous wines of the Rheingau, the hearty smoked beer of Bamberg and Rüdesheim’s famed coffee.
RHINE & MOSELLE SPLENDORS WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – The Moselle, Main, and the Rhine
The Rhine along with its main tributaries – the Moselle and Main – have created a wine connoisseur’s paradise. The Upper Middle Rhine’s slate soil combined with a semi-continental climate has proven to be a recipe for wine-growing success for the Rheingau vineyards, yielding high-quality white wine varieties, and some fine reds. Germany’s Moselle River Valley yields some of the finest white wines ever produced due to its blue Devonian slate and quartzite soils. Alongside the Main River in eastern Germany, a wide variety of wines have been surfacing from Franconia due to its special soils and Mediterranean-like climate.
Cruise from Luxembourg to Basel
Paris and Zurich provide the perfect beginning and ending to your splendid journey along two of Europe’s most alluring rivers, the Rhine and Moselle. In between, expand your imagination in fairytale villages – enchanting Cochem where folklore and history come alive in every street, and in well-preserved Bernkastel with its medieval Market Square and half-timbered houses. Whimsical fantasies also come to life at Siegfried’s Mechanical Museum and at the Palace Gardens of Schwetzingen, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout its surprising landscape. And then blend Italian and German heritage throughout the way in Trier, with its Roman Imperial Baths and the Porta Nigra; and Strasbourg built on a foundation of German and French heritage, and you have the most splendid journey.
MEDIEVAL TREASURES WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise Optional add-on golf excursions by GolfAhoy
About the Wine Region – The Rhine and Main Rivers
The Rhine along with its main tributaries—the Moselle and Main—have created a wine connoisseur’s paradise. The Upper Middle Rhine’s slate soil combined with a semi-continental climate has proven to be a recipe for wine-growing success for the Rheingau vineyards, yielding high-quality white wine varieties, and some fine reds.
Cruise from Basel to Nuremberg
Zurich and Lucerne provide the perfect starting point before experiencing the romantic Rhine and peaceful Main rivers. Walk through thousands of years of history in the medieval towns of Rothenburg, Bamberg, and Miltenberg. Revel in the architectural gems on display—the Würzburg Residenz and Mannheim Baroque Palace. Indulge your inner child with visits to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum and the Speyer Technical Museum. Discover the Alsatian capital of France, Strasbourg, and the fairytale capital of Europe, Prague. All this and more awaits on an adventure to experience the many medieval treasures of Europe.
Pacific Coast WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruises
Plan a WineAhoy wine tasting cruise along the US & Canadian Pacific Coast.
When you think of wineries outside of Europe, there’s a good chance you think about Napa Valley. But Napa’s not the only place to taste amazing wine.
Today, many parts of California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada boast outstanding vineyards.
When you plan a WineAhoy wine tasting cruise along the Pacific coast, you’ll be able to learn and taste on the water as well as on land.
Aboard exclusive WineAhoy wine country coastal cruises, you’ll have the opportunity to taste wines and participate in activities tailored to wine enthusiasts.
Maitre D’s, who are themselves, oenophiles, will be available to explain more about the wines and help you pick your favorites.
From the port of San Francisco, you can visit two world-renowned wine regions: Napa and Sonoma.
If you spend some time in the Oregon city of Astoria, you can take a drive to Willamette Valley and explore the wineries famous for their pinot noir, or take a trip to The Cellar on 10th, a wine shop which specializes in Pacific Northwest wines.
From the cruise port in Seattle, you can visit Woodinville, which has over 117 tasting rooms and wineries for you to enjoy.
In Victoria, BC, you can take a trip to the Butchart Gardens, then enjoy delicious wine paired with tapas and chocolates.
From Vancouver, BC, you can head to the Fraser Valley, which is home to almost 30 vineyards and around 15 wineries.
Our 7 Night Pacific Coast WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruises (with add-on golf shore excursion options) are operated by GolfAhoy on Princess Cruises; Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Cruises; Holland America Line; and Crystal Cruises.
Join us on an upcoming Anton Koch escorted WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise {March to November departure dates} – and only WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruises offer bespoke GOLF excursion adventures during our wine tasting cruises on European Rivers & the Pacific Northwest in North America.
SAVE $750 PER PERSON
Romantic Danube WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruise – only WineAhoy Wine Tasting Cruises offer bespoke GOLF excursion adventures during our wine tasting cruises on European Rivers. CRUISE FROM: Vilshofen to Budapest
‘Lead-In’ lowest deck picture window ‘el cheapo’ cabin Category E fares start at US$2,649
‘Owners Suite’ Category OS fares start at US$13,399
In between fares range from US$1,399 to US$3,399
Those of you oenophiles longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven.
Grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest forever remain timeless.
Admire the beauty of Austria’s Lake District and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Český Krumlov.
Visit one of Austria’s greatest wineries, Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century, and while their taste some of the greatest examples of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines in the world.
From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor and opportunities to challenging championship golf courses.
This special Wine Cruise offers guests a perfect blend of wine-related experiences and excursions in grand capitals and charming towns.
Discover how wine is made and, of course, partake in tastings – all at no additional cost.
Join Anton Koch, Earl & Hilda Jones, Abacela Vineyards and Winery Roseburg, Oregon, on board as they lead insightful discussions and share their passion and vision for making premium handcrafted wines.
This Wine Tasting Cruise is hosted by Earl & Hilda Jones, Abacela Vineyards and Winery Roseburg, Oregon.
About Earl Jones, Owner and General Manager of Abacela Vineyards and Winery started with a chance encounter – a bottle of Pouilly-Fuissé – and resulted in founding the first award-winning Spanish varietal winery in America.
As a research physician-immunologist, Earl put his research skills to work and after three years landed in the oak savannahs of Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley.
The vineyards and winery were established in 1994/1995 and by 1998, self-taught winemaker Earl produced America’s first internationally acclaimed tempranillo wine. Tempranillo’s success led to further trials of old world wine, and Albariño and other novel wines have joined the offering.
About Hilda Jones, Vice President of Abacela Vineyards and Winery While Earl’s dream was to make great wine, Hilda’s was to live on a farm.
She left a career in medical technology to help Earl follow the dream that became Abacela Winery.
Early years found Hilda working every job in the vineyard and winery, including managing the tasting room.
When Hilda and Earl decided to build a new tasting room in 2010, “It was our goal to make each guest’s visit an experiential one.”
Both Earl and Hilda are active in the Southern Oregon Winery Association, the Oregon Wine Board, and other wine trade associations.
WineAhoy welcome aboard cocktail reception – meet and greet your fellow WineAhoy oenophiles.
Wine Tasting Golf Cruises by GolfAhoy.