A Bordeaux Wine Cruise: Reflections on an Unforgettable Journey
Stepping off the AmaDolce in Bordeaux marked the end of an extraordinary travel experience—a seamless blend of exquisite wines, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful connections.
Our journey began with a warm welcome aboard in Bordeaux, where guests settled into their elegant accommodations before setting sail for Libourne. The first full day featured a wine presentation by Winemakers Greg Stokes and Deborah Elissagaray, who introduced us to four regional wines while cruising through picturesque waterways.
The charming village of Saint Emilion beckoned that afternoon, with guests choosing their own adventures—some savoring wine tastings or indulging in local macarons, while the more adventurous travelers explored the medieval UNESCO World Heritage site by bicycle.
Saturday morning offered a tapestry of experiences: countryside hikes punctuated by wine tastings, immersive visits to vibrant French markets, and an exclusive Fronsac wine experience. Later, as we sailed toward Blaye, passengers were treated to a curated presentation of wines from Ursa Vineyards and Bending Branch Winery. The evening crescendoed with a specially paired dinner featuring Ursa Vineyards selections, followed by a classical performance by "La Douce France Strings."
Sunday unfolded with explorations of the impressive Blaye Citadel, with options for hiking or cycling through the countryside. Our vessel then glided to Bourg, where we celebrated the region's winemaking heritage amid historic surroundings.
The journey continued through the majestic Gironde estuary to Fort Medoc, where guests could choose between Grand Cru Classés wine tastings with vineyard tours, explorations of the celebrated Margaux vineyards, or an excursion to the coastal charm of Soulac-sur-Mer.
In Cadillac, Tuesday delivered the opportunity to taste beautiful golden wines from Sauternes, the opportunity to visit magnificent castles, and scenic cycling routes before returning to Bordeaux for a gourmet dinner paired with Bending Branch wines.
Our final full day in Bordeaux offered walking or cycling tours, market tastings of local specialties, the contemporary wonder of Cité du Vin, and the mesmerizing art installations at Bassins de Lumières.
Throughout the voyage, guests embraced their own paces—some immersing themselves in every possible experience, others discovering the simple pleasure of JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out). Daily fitness opportunities, engaging French cultural sessions, world-class wines, artisanal coffees, and gastronomic delights created a perfect backdrop for our journey.
What resonated most deeply for me was the unhurried quality time shared with wine club members, friends, and colleagues. The educational experiences were exceptional, and showcasing Bending Branch and Ursa wines along France's storied rivers—the Gironde, Dordogne, and Garonne—was truly remarkable.
This extraordinary adventure would not have been possible without Dr. Bob and Alison Young, travel experts Joe and Melissa Saltamachio, our dedicated hosting teams from Bending Branch Winery and Ursa Vineyards, Cruise Manager Camille, and the impeccable AmaDolce crew.
It's the extraordinary experiences that etch themselves into memory, and this journey was nothing short of unforgettable.
For those inspired to join future wine-themed adventures with Bending Branch:
April 2026: Luxury Uruguayan Tannat Immersion—an intimate, meticulously crafted land package showcasing Uruguay's finest Tannat experiences, with Tannat House of Texas Owner and Executive Winemaker Dr. Bob Young.
April 2027: Enticing Douro Celebration of Wine Cruise—another exceptional AmaWaterways experience that is filling quickly.
Santé!