River-Cruises

Exclusive Wine Cruise PARIS & NORMANDY NOVEMBER 2-9, 2017

martha_scott_wright

Hosted by Scott & Martha Wright, Owners
Caveau Selections, Portland, OR

Martha and Scott Wright have been importing limited production Burgundy and Champagne since 2005. Scott is the former GM of Domaine Drouhin Oregon, founded by Burgundy’s Drouhin family, and with his wife, co-founded Scott Paul Wines, one of Oregon’s premier Pinot producers. Scott found his way to wine after a long career in the music industry first as a nationally syndicated radio personality and then as a marketing executive at Epic Records. A student of Burgundy and Champagne for more than 30 years, Scott looks forward to sharing with you the keys to unlock the mysteries of these two seductive regions. He conducts master-class tastings around the country, has been a featured winemaker at the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC), and conducts annual tours in France for customers. Scott is featured in the documentary American Wine Story, and is presently co-directing a documentary feature about Burgundy (Three Days of Glory, to be released fall 2017).

BOOK NOW TO SAVE UP TO $1,500 OFF
PER STATEROOM

Q&A With Scott & Martha Wright

Why are you the right wine host for this cruise? Share your credentials and passion for wine.

We’re both lifelong Francophiles and have devoted nearly two decades to the study of Burgundy and Champagne, two of the most famous wine regions in the world. We’ve made wine in France, we’ve imported wine from France and we regularly lead small groups of customers for a very immersive week of wining and dining in Burgundy and Champagne. The California and Oregon Pinot Noirs we produced from 1999-2014 were top-rated (one earned a spot of the list of Top Ten Wines in the World from Wine Enthusiast Magazine). Scott conducts master-class tastings around the country. He is featured in the documentary American Wine Story, and is presently co-directing a documentary feature about Burgundy (Three Days of Glory, to be released fall 2017).

How do you stand out from our other incredible wine hosts?

Over the last 17 years spending extensive time in Burgundy and Champagne (as winemakers, writers, importers and filmmakers), Scott has become a true insider and one of the world’s foremost authorities on the wines of these two regions. Don’t ask us about the wines of Spain, or even Southern France, but when it comes to Burgundy and Champagne, we’ve got you covered.

How did you first fall in love with wine?

Scott: My “a-ha” moment in wine came very early on. I grew up in a family that enjoyed good food and wine, and we had nice Champagne and Burgundy on the dinner table on a regular basis. My parents let me taste everything starting at about age 12 or 13, and one night we opened a bottle of 1961 Krug Champagne. I had tasted a fair amount of different Champagnes at that point, but something about that bottle of '61 Krug just really struck me - I liked it so much more than anything I had tasted to that point. It made me realize that some wines were just more interesting and special than others, and made me want to learn more about it. Now several decades later, I’m still learning every day.

What are you most looking forward to on your river cruise?

We are very educationally focused and love to say, “join us - let’s have this adventure and learn together.” So, to do that with a bunch of great folks while gliding along the Seine, experiencing the villages from the water, the way they were built centuries ago to be experienced – what a thrill!

What is something fun/unique you wish to share?

Martha once rode an elephant down a busy street in downtown New Orleans and stopped at Emeril’s restaurant where Chef Emeril Lagasse came out and served the elephant peanut butter pie and salad. True story. Ask her about it!

What is one of the most interesting places you have traveled to?

Outside of the US, that would be Corsica for rugged, raw beauty, charming villages and boar sausage! Inside the US it is most certainly Martha’s home town of New Orleans, for its food, architecture, music, and the joie de vivre that bubbles up everywhere.

If you were stranded along on a desert island and could only have one bottle of wine, what would it be and why?

A 1945 Musigny from Domaine Comte de Vogüé. Made just weeks after the end of WWII, it turned out to be one of the best vintages of all time from one of the most prestigious domains, and incidentally, one that we’ve become close personal friends with. Scott tasted this wine a few years ago, and there are probably only a few bottles remaining in the world.

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in the many flavors of Europe on one of AmaWaterways unique Wine Cruises, which let you add a unique, epicurean dimension to one of our European itineraries. Like our standard river cruises, guests have the opportunity to join tours that highlight the famous sights in each port of call. These special itineraries, however, offer guests a perfect blend of wine-related experiences and excursions in grand capitals and charming towns. You’ll taste local cuisine, discover how wine is made and, of course, partake in tastings — all at no additional cost. Whether you have a seasoned appreciation for fine wine, or simply indulge in a sip here and there, this is a wonderful way to uncork the traditions of the local culture and learn about the region you’re visiting.

About the Wine Region – The Seine River

The curvy nature of the Seine River can be disorienting when you’re in Paris. Not to worry, just remember to face downstream, so you can tell the Left Bank from the Right. Our Paris & Normandy cruise itinerary is about as romantic as it gets, beginning with views of the art-inspiring “City of Light” that morphs into lush countryside and the historic Normandy Beaches. France’s second largest waterway allows us to sample some of the country’s most renowned champagne, ciders and Calvados.

The wine variety that instantly characterizes northern France comes from the Champagne region, about 90 miles east of Paris. These sparkling varieties produce a sweet effervescence and unparalleled quality that merit exclusive classification as the one-and-only wine known as Champagne. Another specialty drink found closer to the English Channel is Calvados, which comes from Normandy’s fruit-filled orchards. Made from over 170 apple (and pear) varieties, this rustic spirit is distilled twice and barrel-aged for at least two years before bottling. The result is a liqueur bursting with mainly complex flavors.

Itinerary Overview PARIS & NORMANDY (WINE CRUISE)

7-NIGHT CRUISE
CRUISE FROM : Paris to Paris

Begin your journey through northern France in Paris, the “City of Light,” where you will embark your cruise. Visit the village of Giverny, where Monet lived for 43 years. Explore Honfleur, a charming French harbor town made famous from artist’s paintings. Stroll through Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, followed by an unforgettable excursion to the famous Normandy beaches. Visit the charming town of Les Andelys home of the impressive Château Gaillard. Conclude your journey with the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and the Louvre in the magical city of Paris.

COUNTRIES: France
RIVERS: Seine

At A Glance Paris & Normandy (WINE CRUISE)

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
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Included Features Paris & Normandy

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7-NIGHT CRUISE

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Dates & Prices

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EMBARK November 2
7-NIGHT CRUISEParisParis
Save C$750 Per Person
PRICES ARE PER PERSON
ADD 2 NIGHTS PARIS POST-CRUISE
Category E
Fixed Windows
INCLUDED IN PRICE
LOCATED ON DECK:
Piano Deck
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Category D
Fixed Windows
ADDITIONAL C$374 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Piano Deck
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Category C
French Balcony
ADDITIONAL C$1,124 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Violin & Cello Deck
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Category B
French Balcony
ADDITIONAL C$1,374 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Violin & Cello Deck
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Category A
French Balcony
ADDITIONAL C$1,499 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Violin Deck
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Category A+
French Balcony
ADDITIONAL C$2,749 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Violin Deck
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Suite
French Balcony
ADDITIONAL C$2,999 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Violin Deck
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Notes:
ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price)C$210 per person.

Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; Suites 100% of twin price.

Single Supplement for LandC$400 per person.

BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

**Note: Monet’s home and other attractions in Giverny are closed in March, November and December. Guests may participate in alternative excursions or visit another city on these cruises.
Terms & Conditions:

All rates are per person for cruise only, include port fees and are based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-40.

Ship

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AmaLyra
The AmaLyra offers spacious 170-255 sq. ft. staterooms, most with French balconies, complimentary high-speed internet and WiFi, a walking track along our Sun deck, and guided bicycle tours at stops along the river.Learn more

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