Exclusive Wine Cruise Gems of Southeast Europe Jun 2 - 9, 2025

host_image

Hosted by Brigid & John Forrest, Founders, Forrest Wines, Renwick, New Zealand

For many generations, the Forrests have called Marlborough, New Zealand home. With daughter, Beth Forrest now at the helm, they remain one the few family-owned wine producers in New Zealand. Founders John and Brigid Forrest both had successful careers in scientific research and medicine before they chose to leave it all behind and try their hand at a reasonably green New Zealand wine industry in the late 1980s. Thirty-five years later, Forrest remains committed to the future of wine. The Forrest brand is reserved for the premium wines from the Marlborough terroir. An enthusiasm for experimentation and innovation and progressive plantings throughout their Marlborough Vineyards over the years has created a viticultural treasure trove of alternative grape varieties. This allows the Forrest family to present a diverse, quality-focused range to the wine lovers of New Zealand and the world. Celebrating their history and a multi-generational future, and still very much hands-on, they create premium, small-batch wines under the Forrest label with an impressive library of hand crafted and different wines and styles. John’s passion, drive, ever-inquiring mind and out-of-the-box thinking has also created one of the excellent consumer wine brands in the world; The Doctors’ – naturally produced wines with a lower alcohol content.

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 Lower Danube

From the grand architecture of Budapest to the mystical “Iron Gates” to the spirit of Dracula, the lower Danube is filled with intrigue. Our Gems of Southeast Europe itinerary journeys through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, where you can taste the diversity of five countries’ age-old winemaking traditions. Southeast of the Riesling-rich Wachau Valley, the lower Danube wine regions offer a rich variety. The Szekszárd wine region is one of the oldest red wine growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. Known for producing Kadarka grapes, most notably used in the blend known as Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), the region also produces many full-bodied and spicy reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Kékfrankos and Merlot. In Serbia, a fruity plum brandy known as Šlivovitz is the drink of choice, a fitting addition to warm cocktails, while in Croatia, the town of Ilok has a winegrowing history dating back to Roman times, where cellars mature such varietals as Traminac, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.

Overview

CRUISE YEAR

CRUISE FROM :

COUNTRIES:

RIVERS:

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.

Included Features

CRUISE YEAR

Dates & Prices

CRUISE YEAR

Notes:

Ships

CRUISE YEAR

Experience More Connections