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Thinking of taking a river cruise but looking for more than just your average sightseeing trip? A themed cruise offers all the joys of travelling the waterways whilst providing you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new topic of interest. For those who are interested in learning more about wine, a wine-themed cruise makes for the perfect holiday. You’ll see all the sights whilst learning about the vintages of the area too. The Veneto is the ideal destination for any budding wine connoisseur, and there really is no better way to discover more than with a wine-themed Italian river cruise. So, get on your sommelier’s hat, because we’re about to take a whistle stop tour through the wonderful wines of this beautiful region. Valpolicella The Valpolicella region in Western Veneto is home to a distinct and varied selection of native wines. The region primarily grows Corvina grapes, renowned for producing a beautifully dry and fruity wine. Vintages in the region vary in style and price but the very best vineyards can be found in the traditional grape growing areas around Fumane and Marano. These villages are famous for their rich, volcanic soils which create a more full-bodied wine. Soave The Soave region is a must stop on your wine-themed Italian river cruise. Soave is famed for its beautiful mediaeval castle, and equally beautiful wines. Spanning the hills to the east of exquisite Verona, here the Garganega grape reigns supreme. In order to maintain the quality and regionality of this wine, today Soave wines are required to contain a minimum 70% of Garganega grapes. The result is a beautifully refreshing wine with hints of citrus and minerals from the surrounding volcanic soils. Bardolino The Bardolino region, close to Lake Garda, boasts some of the very best grape growing conditions in Italy. Thanks to above average levels of sunshine and a perfectly mild climate, Bardolino is famed for its truly exquisite wines full of fragrant aromas. For the best of the best, try to get your hands on a Bardolino Superiore DOCG. These highest calibre wines contain a minimum of 12% alcohol and must be aged for at least one year. Prosecco Last, but certainly not least, no Italian river cruise is complete without a glass of Prosecco in hand. Did you know that Prosecco is a famous wine from the Veneto? For those who enjoy a glass of bubbly, this Italian region certainly doesn’t disappoint. This popular wine is made from the Glera grape and there’s a Prosecco for every palette. Why not try out your Italian while you’re at it. For a dry wine ask for “Prosecco secco” or for a sweeter option opt for “Prosecco amabile”. For a holiday with a difference, where you can enjoy some spectacular sights and learn more about your favourite regional wines, turn your regular cruise into a wine-themed experience and add an extra layer of interest to your next adventure. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive luxury barge holidays. If you're looking for a fantastic Italian river cruise, or cruises to other great destinations, they are the go-to experts. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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