Scenic River Cruise in France : Five Stop Ever Wine Lover Needs to Make in France

Step back in time to 1872 in pretty Podensac in the Bordeaux countryside, and you’ll have witnessed the moment brothers Paul and Raymond Lillet decided to create France’s first aperitif. Little did they know that two centuries later, Lillet would still be the only fortified wine in France, with it now reaching iconic drink status in the country. It is the equivalent of an Aperol spritz in Italy. With Scenic, you will be taken through the scarlet red gates of the Podensac winery, where you’ll not only sample the sweet citrusy wine but will learn more about Lillet’s rich history.

Overlooking the waters of the Bassin a Flot on the banks of the Gironde is the architecturally unique Cite du Vin, a museum dedicated to wine. Since opening in 2016, costing a momentous $130 million, it has become the ultimate destination for wine lovers. Not only in France but for the whole world. Its shape is inspired by the movement of wine swirling in a glass. Inside is a truly interactive experience, with tastings, seminars and a tour. The highlight has to be a The Buffet of the Five Senses which breaks down every wine aroma so you can finesse your nose.

One of the most magical estates in France, the Château de Rayne is a masterpiece. Standing proudly above 185 acres of undulating landscape, the sprawling picture-perfect vineyards boast a rich history. For almost four centuries, the 17th century Château de Rayne has created one of the finest Sauternes in the world. With Scenic, you’ll not only enjoy a luxury wine tasting experience but also learn of the traditional methods this idyllic vineyard uses to create its superior crus. For those who like to do rather than purely watch, you can become a picker for the day or simply ride through the grounds on horseback.

Breathtakingly beautiful, the Beaujolais wine region stretches from Macon down towards Lyon. That’s just over 70 kilometres of magnificent vineyards, all creating one of the world’s most popular wine varieties. The countryside here is known at La Terre des Pierres Dorées, the land of the golden stones, and is doesn’t take long to realise why. Each picture-perfect village throughout this region sets the stage for limestone buildings, of all shapes and sizes. On your Scenic Space-Ship, we will glide right into the very heart of this region. You will meet a local vintner to sample some of his best vintages and learn of the history of Beaujolais’ journey to global adoration.

If you gaze up from the Rhône River, the village of Tain L’Hermitage is breathtakingly beautiful. A labyrinth of cobbled streets, framed by vibrant green countryside and an abundance of vineyards. Here you can sample the famous Côtes du Rhône wines, considered some of the best in the world. A credit to the stone-filled and fertile grounds here. You can pair your glass of wine with chocolate from Cite du Chocolat Valrhona, a museum filled with the finest chocolate in France.