Wine-Centric Journeys Through Europe

 The Taste of Discovery Series: Wine-Themed River Cruises 

Rivers have always been the lifeblood of wine regions, shaping soils, climates, and centuries of trade. Scenic’s itineraries trace these liquid histories with precision and elegance. In Bordeaux, the Rhône and Saône reveal a tapestry of grand crus and family-owned domaines. Along the Rhine and Moselle, steep vineyard slopes produce Rieslings of crystalline purity. The Wachau Valley in Austria is the Danube’s most celebrated wine landscape, with steep stone terraces rising directly from the river, and creating dramatic temperature shifts that give Grüner Veltliner and Riesling their signature tension, mineral depth, and precision. Wachau wines are renowned for purity and age-worthiness, often classified by ripeness levels - Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd—that reflect the valley’s unique microclimates and traditions.

Each destination is approached with intimacy. Guests are welcomed into historic cellars and modern estates alike, often meeting the winemakers themselves—guardians of tradition and innovators of the future. Tastings are unhurried, thoughtful, and contextual, allowing the character of each wine to be understood in the place it was born.

A Curated Experience for the Curious Palate
What elevates The Taste of Discovery Series is its sense of curation. Select sailings are hosted by wine experts—masters of wine, sommeliers, or respected industry voices - who guide guests through tastings and host engaging discussions both onboard and ashore. These hosts don’t lecture; they invite conversation, encouraging guests to explore aroma, structure, and story with confidence and curiosity. Onboard, wine continues to take centre stage. Scenic’s truly all-inclusive philosophy means premium wines are thoughtfully paired with regionally inspired cuisine, served across multiple dining venues. From casual lunches with river views to elegant dégustation dinners, each meal is designed to echo the terroir just explored, creating a seamless narrative from vineyard to table.

A Sample of Scenic’s Wine Cruises:

Tastes of the Danube with Prague 
11 days Budapest, Hungary to Prague, Czech Republic
2026: July 13
2027: May 4 & June 9
Scenic’s most popular Danube cruise has been reimagined for wine lovers. Cruising west from the storied city of Budapest, you’ll travel through four countries to explore their signature wine regions, visit historic vineyards and taste carefully crafted drops from local vintners. Travelling aboard Scenic's 5-star elegant Space-Ships, you’ll experience countless moments of wonder as you’re immersed in the Danube’s proud traditions and distinct cultures. Palaces, monasteries, museums and cathedrals, each highlighting the unique story of their nation. This journey will introduce you to the flavours of the Danube and the region’s dry, elegant white wines, followed by a 3-night Prague extension. 

Tastes of the Rhine 
8 days Zurich, Switzerland to Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2026: August 12
2027: July 7 & August 11 (sailing from Amsterdam to Basel) 
You’ll go deep into the heart of the Rhine’s best wine regions as you cruise between Basel and Amsterdam. Sip aromatic whites in Alsace, crisp sparklings in the Middle Rhine, and the iconic Rieslings of the Rheingau and Moselle Valley. Visit wineries that have been run by the same family for generations and hear the stories that have shaped each vintage. Along the way, explore bustling capitals and tiny medieval outposts, gaining insight into the way the continent has changed over the centuries. Explore the grandeur of Baden-Baden, enjoy a private concert inside the Baroque Rastatt Palace, and marvel at Fabrique des Lumières, a breathtaking digital art installation in a 19th century gasworks. Travelling in 5-star ultra-luxury on your all-inclusive Scenic Space-Ship, this is a journey you will savour forever.

Tastes of Bordeaux 
8 days Bordeaux, France Roundtrip
2026: June 29 & October 22
2027: March 30, July 26 & September 25
The birthplace of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Bordeaux is one of the world’s most famous wine regions. This eight-day cruise will take you to these legendary vineyards and introduce you to winemakers who have been perfecting their craft for generations. Cruising along these tranquil waterways experiencing the authentic French way of life. Immersive Scenic Freechoice excursions and Scenic Enrich events will take you deeper into each destination, from caviar tasting at a sturgeon farm to cycling through picturesque villages and a private classical concert in Château d'Agassac. On board, enjoy exclusive wine and chocolate pairings or join an engaging cooking class in Scenic Culinaire.

Tastes of the South of France 
11 days Lyon, France Roundtrip
2026: August 2 & October 19
2027: May 30, August 12 & October 19
The flavours of Southern France come alive on this exclusive wine-themed journey. Cruising round-trip from Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France, you’ll meet passionate winemakers, hike through stunning riverside vineyards and drink wine in historic châteaux. Other memorable experiences await, from a cooking demonstration at a Michelin starred restaurant to an on-farm truffle tasting and a silk painting demonstration in Lyon. On board, learn how to make French fare from an expert Scenic chef in Scenic Culinaire and delight in a dessert buffet from a local pâtissier. Scenic Enrich experiences take you into grand palaces and cathedrals for moving private concerts.

Effortless Ultra-Luxury, Deeply Felt
Scenic’s hallmark is effortless ultra-luxury, and nowhere is this more apparent than on these themed voyages. Spacious suites with private balconies offer a front-row seat to Europe’s changing scenery, while butler service ensures every detail is quietly anticipated. Between tastings, guests may unwind in the spa, enjoy a cocktail in the Panorama Lounge, or simply watch vineyards slip by in contemplative silence. Yet for all the refinement, the experience never feels remote or formal. There is warmth in the service, generosity in the inclusions, and a genuine sense of connection—to the land, the people, and the shared pleasure of discovery.

The Taste That Lingers
A Scenic wine cruise is not about ticking off famous labels; it’s about understanding why a place tastes the way it does. Long after the journey ends, guests often find that certain flavours trigger vivid memories—a sunlit afternoon in a French vineyard, the scent of slate and river air in Germany, notes of citrus (lemon, grapefruit), white fruits (apple, pear), and delicate floral or herbal scents like elderflower, white blossom, and spices along the Danube. 

Scenic’s truly all-inclusive river cruises overview:
•    5-Star Space-Ships with up to 163 guests
•    Butler service for every suite
•    Up to five dining experiences
•    Premium beverages all day, every day
•    Masterclasses at Scenic Culinaire on select departures
•    Exclusive Scenic Enrich events
•    A range of Scenic Freechoice excursions
•    E-bikes to explore independently
•    Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
•    Return airport transfers
•    Tipping and gratuities included on board and onshore

The Taste of Discovery Series is, at its heart, an invitation: to slow down, to taste deeply, and to travel not just through Europe’s wine regions, but into their soul. For the discerning traveller, it is a journey that satisfies the senses—and stays with you, glass by glass.

Secure your Wine River Cruise and Tour Today and Save up to 35% plus save an additional CA$1,000 per couple when you book a select 2026 Wine River Cruise & Land Extension. Available till March 31, 2026 only.