From Argentina to Australia, there are endless wine cruise destinations where wine lovers and oenophiles can discover new blends. Cruises are one of the best ways for wine aficionados (and amateurs) to visit vineyards and wineries around the world while also enjoying award-winning varieties on board.
If you’re planning a vinicultural vacation, here are some of the best wine cruise destinations to consider for your next trip.
Australia
McLaren Vale, Australia
Combine wine tasting with wildlife watching in Australia’s Yarra Valley, one of the country’s most famous wine regions. Located close to Melbourne, enjoy a full-bodied glass of merlot before visiting a wildlife sanctuary to spot kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies.
Or head to the vineyards in the McLaren Vale region during a port stop in Adelaide, where you’ll learn all about the different wine varieties of the area while taking in the stunning scenery.
Greece
There are ample opportunities to get your wine fix during a cruise around Greece. In Corfu, sip on a refreshing glass of white paired with Corfiot olives and feta cheese during a visit to a countryside winery.
Santorini, Greece
In Santorini, one of the best Greek islands for couples, saunter among the white buildings and flower-laden streets before ending your stroll at one of the island’s wineries, where you’ll enjoy a selection of Greek meze and local wines.
In Katakolon, head to nearby Olympia, the city where the Olympic Games first originated, then take a private tour at a wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of regional wines.
While in Kefalonia, partner an excursion to Drogarati Cave, a spectacular cavern with orange and yellow stalactites and stalagmites, with a stop at a local winery, where you can try the region’s signature citrusy white wine.
Spain
Bilbao, Spain
For a premium wine cruise experience in Spain, sample the sparkling dry white wines of the country’s Basque region during a visit to Bilbao.
If you’re stopping in Ibiza, treat yourself to an afternoon at a winery on the island, where you’ll learn all about the process of growing grapes under the Mediterranean sun.
In Vigo, spend the day exploring the northern region’s vast array of wineries, including one in the small village of Cambados, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its famous white Albariño wine.
Seville, Spain
While in Seville, journey into one of the region’s historic wine bodegas, where you’ll sample manzanilla wine, sherry, brandy, and more.
Chile
Casablanca, Chile
In Chile, journey to the charming Casablanca Valley region during a port stop in San Antonio. At the town’s oldest wineries, learn all about wine production before feasting on a traditional Chilean outdoor barbecue.
Uruguay
Montevideo, Uruguay
Drive through the downtown area of Montevideo before heading towards Juanico, which is known as the wine capital of Uruguay. Tour one of the many vineyards and wineries that produce wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
If you find yourself in the beach town of Punta del Este, stroll through vineyards and olive groves and finish off your afternoon with a sampling of fresh cheese, homemade bread, and local wine.
Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
In Portugal, amble through the cobblestoned streets and take in the scenic views of the seaside city of Lisbon, where you can choose to visit a local wine lodge in the nearby Azeitao village and learn all about muscatel wine.
In Madeira, tour the volcanic island’s top landmarks and sites, then end your visit at a winery, where you’ll sample local Madeira wine.
Douro Valley, Portugal
In Porto, head to the nearby Douro Valley, one of the best wine regions in the world. Here, you can learn all about the history of the sweet drink, while, of course, sampling the local product.
Croatia
Zadar, Croatia
Explore the rich culinary and cultural history of Zadar on a cruise to Croatia. Taste the delicious grapes harvested in direct sunlight and salty sea air at one of the town’s vineyards, then enjoy a wine tasting paired with delicious Dalmatian treats such as fig marmalade and beefsteak carpaccio.
New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
Much like Italy or Chile, New Zealand has become a popular destination for oenophiles.
On a cruise to Auckland, take a ferry to Waiheke Island, where you’ll visit Rangihoua and sample Cabernet Sauvignons and Malbecs in boutique wineries around the area.
Read: Best Beaches in Auckland
About an hour away from Christchurch lies the Waipara wine region that spans over 3,000 acres. Sample award-winning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays during an all-day tour around the Waipara’s cellars and wineries, and finish off your day with a platter of traditional meats and cheeses.
Napier, New Zealand
In Napier, head to the vineyards of Hawkes Bay, where organic wineries and orchards await.
What better way to explore the famous Marlborough wine country than on a scenic bike ride through its countryside? Attend wine tastings at different wineries, take in the view of sprawling vineyards, and by the end of your trip, feel like an expert on all things wine.
Italy
Rome, Italy
Italy is world renowned for its mouthwatering vino, and there is no shortage of Italian wine to sample at restaurants, bars and vineyards across the country.
During an Italy cruise, visit the village of Castelmola in Sicily and admire the view of the great Mt. Etna volcano while you sip a glass of wine. Discover how the island’s volcanic soil affects the flavors and scents of the drink.
On the island of Sardinia, head to a small winery to sample local wines while nibbling on Sardinian biscotti.
Read: Why Visit Sardinia
France
Provence, France
During a port of call in Marseille, sign up for a shore excursion to nearby Provence. Bike through fragrant gardens and inhale the aromatic lavender and herb scents from the region, followed by a tasting of local wines and olive oils.
Surround yourself with the beauty of the French countryside during a wine tasting at an old chateau in Sete. It’s one of the best things to do in Marseille.
California
The Golden State is overflowing with vineyards and wineries, and a California cruise is the best way to explore different wine regions during a single vacation.
Napa Valley, California
On a cruise to San Francisco, head to nearby Napa Valley and board a vintage train that will take you back in time and through California’s famous wine region. Or pair a tour around San Francisco’s famous landmarks, including a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, with a wine tasting in Sonoma Valley.
In Monterey, try California’s delicious reds and whites at an old chateau. Visit Santa Ynez Valley’s celebrated wineries and learn all about wine production and viticulture while in Santa Barbara. California’s wine regions beckon exploration.
Read: Things to Do in Monterey
Wine Experiences On Board
On board Celebrity Cruises, you’ll find some of the best wines at sea, whether you’re in the mood for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, a French Bordeaux, or a Chilean Tempranillo.
Onboard sommelier
Allow our expert team of certified sommeliers to help you find your new favorite glass of wine. Available at all of our restaurants on board, our sommeliers are happy to provide a variety of wine pairing recommendations that can be tailored to fit your individual taste preferences.
If you have chosen a set dinner time in the Main Restaurant, you’ll be served by the same sommelier every night. Enjoy a tailored wine experience at each dinner throughout your cruise.
Wine tower
Aside from our team of experts, every Celebrity Cruises ship has a robust wine cellar filled with hundreds of wine varieties. Our Solstice Class ships boast a two-story wine tower, which keeps bottles at their ideal serving temperature.
Wine class on Celebrity
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of reds and whites, sign up for a wine class during your cruise. These classes are taught by our team of sommeliers and cover everything from wine pairings to how to properly taste wine. Every one of our wine lessons ends with a sampling of wines from around the world.
When you cruise with us, you’ll discover why we’ve been awarded 30 Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence.
Book Your Wine Cruise Today
Create the perfect wine cruise by browsing cruise itineraries, choosing shore excursions to vineyards and wineries, and selecting an onboard beverage package that includes our delectable wines.
