Ernest Hemingway once said, “Wine and friends are a great blend.” This philosophy is at the heart of European Waterways’ dedication to offering its guests some of the most unique and exclusive wine excursions in the industry. Cruising with like-minded travellers, guests learn about the history and winemaking traditions, as well as the process, from grape growing to bottling. Excursions can feature tastings at family-owned vineyards and private tours of historic chateaux. Cruises also include gastronomic meals paired with the finest regional wines, sometimes from the very vineyard visited, where on board hosts explain the significance of each vintage and guide guests on how to best enjoy them.

This year, with France celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Rosa Bonheur, one of the most celebrated female artists of the 19th century, European Waterways has unveiled enhancements to its tour of the artist’s meticulously preserved studio.