Fintan K. is a wine expert and writer based in Barcelona, Spain, where he specializes in the wines of Spain, France, Italy and Germany. He holds the WSET Diploma and when he’s not exploring the wine regions of Europe with AmaWaterways, you’ll find him writing for international wine publications and judging at wine competitions. He believes that everything in life is better with a glass of wine, and he can’t wait to share the amazing wines of Europe with you.
Whether you’re preparing to host a special holiday meal or simply indulging in the season’s abundant chocolates, our beloved Cruise Manager and wine expert Fintan shares his picks for the bottles you may want to have on hand and two Wine Cruises to look forward to this year.
Dark Chocolate
A full-bodied wine with some sweetness will be ideal here.
Pair With: A powerful Zinfandel from Paso Robles or Lodi
White Chocolate
The creaminess of the chocolate will help bring out some of the fresher flavors in sweet, white wines.
Pair With: Kabinett-style Riesling from the Moselle in Germany or Moscato d´Asti from northern Italy
Milk Chocolate
The sweetness of milk chocolate calls for a wine that has enough fruit to stand up to the sugar.
Pair With: A Vintage Port from the Douro Valley in Portugal
Featured Celebration of Wine Cruises
Wine Cruises are a wonderful way to celebrate love with the person you love. With their enhanced epicurean delights and knowledgeable Wine Hosts leading in-depth tastings on board, and diverse array of excursions to wine cellars and tastings throughout your river journey, you will enjoy the romantic atmosphere that these special river cruises provide. Here are two Celebration of Wine sailings to look forward to.
Colors of Provence
March 21-28, 2024 from Arles to Lyon
Wine Host: Doug Margerum, Owner/Director of Winemaking, Margerum Wine Company, Santa Barbara, CA
Doug Margerum has been involved in the Santa Barbara food and wine scene for over 35 years. In 2001 he founded Margerum Wine Company, which produces limited quantities of wines made from grapes grown both within their Estate Vineyard and purchased from other top vineyards from in and around Santa Barbara County. Doug is excited to pour from some of his bottles while comparing them with Mâconnais, Cornas and Chalonnaise wines as you journey along the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Melodies of the Danube
July 24-31, 2024
Wine Host: Theodora Lee, Owner, Theopolis Vineyards, Yorkville, CA
Ms. Lee planted her first grapes in 2003 and her first harvest received 94-96 points from wine critic Robert Parker. Since 2014 she has been bottling her own wines with great success. In fact, her 2018 Estate Grown Theopolis Vineyards Petite Sirah ranked No. 16 in the Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2021. Sample some of Ms. Lee’s finest while cruising through Austria’s UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, renowned for its Grüner Veltliner.
Contact your preferred travel advisor to reserve your stateroom on one of these incredible Wine Cruises today!