Exclusive Wine Cruise

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Hosted by Matthieu Finot, Winemaker, King Family Vineyards, Crozet, VA


Matthieu was born in Crozes Hermitage in the Rhone Valley of France. Coming from a family of viticulturists and wine lovers, Matthieu was predisposed to continue his family’s pursuit of making and enjoying wine. He first studied viticulture and oenology at Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy. After graduating in 1995, Matthieu worked in many different wine regions around France including Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, and Jura. He then worked in Italy and South Africa to gain experience around the world before settling in Virginia. Since arriving in 2003, Matthieu has worked with wineries throughout the state. He enjoys working in the Monticello Appellation most because he likes the excitement of the region’s growth and being close to Charlottesville.

Q&A With Matthieu Finot

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

From a “vigneron” family in northern Rhone, I have been a winemaker for more than 20 years, through my career i have worked in some of the most famous wine region, Burgundy, Rhone, Provence, Bordeaux, Jura, Italy and South Africa before settling in Virginia. Since 2007, with my brother, we’ve created the Domaine Finot a winery in Isere and Northern Rhone.

2. Tell us something special about yourself that would make someone unfamiliar with you want to travel with you on this river cruise?

I do have a French accent…. it helps to talk about wine!

3. What was your “Aha Moment” when you fell in love with wine?

I probably was too young to remember when I fell in love with wine as wine was always a part of my life because of my family.

4. What is one thing you are most looking forward to on your river cruise?

Sharing my love and passion for wine

5. What is something fun/unique you wish to share—perhaps something nobody knows until now?

I was born in the middle of harvest time and when my father came back from the hospital to announce my birth to the family everyone was around the press, pressing some wine…. I don’t know if I should see a sign in that!

6. What is one of the most interesting places you have traveled to and why?

I just love traveling and there are so many places that I would like to go, but I did find South Africa fascinating - the history, the diversity of culture and the landscape are quite unique.

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

La Tache, a grand cru from Burgundy, one of the best Burgundy wines that I drank when I was in wine-making school, this is the wine that also made me fall in love with Burgundy.

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.

Overview

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At A Glance

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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