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.
Enchanting Rhine
November 1-8, 2025
Wine Host: Rich Olsen-Harbich, Winemaker, Bedell Cellars, Cutchogue, NY
Winemaker Rich Olsen-Harbich is a veritable pioneer of winemaking on Long Island, crafting award-winning and highly regarded wines. He is excited to pour from some of his bottles while comparing them with Riesling wines as you journey along the Rhine River.
Melodies of the Danube
November 12-19, 2025
Wine Hosts: Les and Sharon Heinsen, Owners, Element 79 Vineyards, El Dorado County, CA
Together, Les and Sharon create exclusive wines with extraordinary winemaking practices seldom employed by wineries in the Sierra Foothills, and even in California. Sample some of their 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!