If you’re a wine lover, you’ll already know (and may even have visited) some of Europe’s most famous wine regions in France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. But have you ever thought of swapping driving along winding roads and hopping between hotels with the elegance and convenience of a river cruise? Picture winding along the Douro or Rhône Rivers or the Venetian lagoon as you sip world-class vintages and explore medieval villages, local markets and historic wine estates brimming with centuries-old winemaking traditions.
Whether you prefer the robust reds of Burgundy, the crisp rosés of Provence, or the sparkling Proseccos of Veneto, we asked river cruise expert Uniworld to give us the lowdown on the best river cruising itineraries for wine lovers. Here’s what they recommend:
1) Douro River Valley: From Salamanca, Spain, to Porto, Portugal
The Douro River Valley, stretching from Northern Spain to Portugal, boasts a rich history of winemaking along with terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards famous for Port wine. Starting in Salamanca, Spain, the Douro River winds through Portugal’s terraced quintas (wine estates), where you’ll have ample opportunities to taste the best of the region’s fortified and still wines. As the river meanders towards Porto, explore charming villages like Pinhão and Régua, where wine has been made for centuries. In Porto, enjoy private tastings of port that pair beautifully with local pastéis de nata or aged cheeses. A highlight is Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and a thriving art scene.
2) Burgundy & Provence, France
From elegant Champagne to robust Rhône Valley reds, a cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers is the perfect opportunity to savour world-renowned wines, exquisite French cuisine and the region’s rich heritage. Start your journey walking the sun-drenched streets of Arles, immortalised by Van Gogh’s famous artworks, and step into history at Avignon’s grand Palace of the Popes. From there, stop in the enchanting village of Viviers and the twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage. Finally, explore Lyon on foot or by bike as you appreciate the city’s Roman roots, stunning modern architecture and plenty of Renaissance flair – plus world-class wines and French gastronomy.
3) Arles to Paris, France
If you’re a Francophile wanting to soak up the best of the country’s culture, history, cuisine and romance, consider a “grand tour” of France from south to north. If you travel by boat, you’ll cruise along three rivers with plenty of memorable stops along the way. Start in Provence, exploring Arles and Avignon, the charming village of Viviers and the ancient city of Lyon. From there, visit Beaune in Burgundy, renowned for its history and beauty along with its chardonnay and pinot noir. From Lyon, take the high-speed train north to Paris to continue your journey along the Seine. Visit the charming village of Château de La Roche-Guyon, Normandy’s medieval capital of Rouen, and, of course, the iconic beauty of Paris. Along the way, you’ll savour the region’s best wines paired with mouth-watering French cuisine.
4) Chioggia to Burano, Italy
Cruising the Venetian lagoon is the perfect way to appreciate the Veneto region’s famous sparkling wine, Prosecco. Start off in Venice, exploring the city’s iconic waterfront shops, colourful facades and peaceful canals. From there, visit the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Visit Torcello’s famous basilica with an art historian, stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and stop on the rainbow-hued island of Burano for a glass of Prosecco with lunch. As a final stop, Chioggia is a quintessential Venetian Lagoon fishing village often called “Venice in miniature”. With a well-preserved tradition due to its relative lack of crowds, Chioggia is a wonderfully authentic and picturesque ending to your Venetian adventure.
Whether you’re a fan of pinot noir, port or prosecco, Europe’s wine regions have something to offer for amateur and enthusiast wine lovers alike, allowing you to sample the best of the continent’s wines amid breathtaking scenery at every turn. As a bonus, exploring these regions by river cruise is a seamless way to explore various destinations without worrying about accommodation or other travel logistics along the way. Let the rivers be your guide as you discover Europe’s finest wines, iconic landscapes and centuries-old winemaking traditions—one memorable sip at a time