European Wine Immersion Sailings

Helene was born in Marseille, France in the Provence Wine Region, well-known for its white and rosé wines. As part of the French way of life, she describes falling into a glass of wine the same way the French cartoon character, Obelix, fell into the Druid’s cauldron of magic potion when he was six years old. Under its spell, Helene went on to meet the owners and families of Bordeaux vineyards and developed a strong passion for the harmony created between food and wine. On a hot summer day, Helene recommends a cold Rosé from Provence served with a simple fresh pasta or pizza. In autumn, she prefers a red Bordeaux wine from the Médoc Region paired with her mother’s roast lamb. And to celebrate the holidays, a Sauternes wine to complement foie gras. She looks forward to sharing her passion for French wines with you!

Fintan is a wine expert and writer based in Barcelona, Spain, where he specializes in the wines of Spain, France, Italy and Germany. He proudly holds the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) diploma. When he is not exploring the wine regions of Europe with AmaWaterways, you will 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 cannot wait to share the amazing wines of Europe with you.

Hungarian born, Réka comes from a family of strong brewing and winemaking traditions. She is a regular and longtime member of Hungary’s largest wine club, organizes entertaining and educational tasting events for AmaWaterways, and is currently preparing for her Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certificate. Besides her passion for cruising through the notable wine regions of Europe, Réka is eager to introduce lesser-known grape varieties and wines to AmaWaterways guests from her native Danube region.

Born and raised in Brazil, Marcia is a confident wine connoisseur who can navigate a European fine wine list and expertly pair any bottle with complementary cuisine. Her credentials include the internationally renowned Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 course that has enabled her to taste wine using a globally recognized approach, as well as identify key styles and characteristics of important grape varieties. Marcia’s favorite wine is “Dr. Loosen Riesling vom Schiefer” from the Moselle region, not only because this Riesling grows close to her current residence, but also because it opens with hints of peach and pineapple, herbal spiciness and nuances of mineral character. She is continuing her wine education and looks forward to sharing her favorite Riesling’s “sweet and sour game” with you during your Europe’s Rivers & Castles Celebration of Wine Cruise!