A River Cruise Like No Other
I just returned from an unforgettable 8-day/7-night Bordeaux river cruise aboard the luxurious Scenic Diamond. Designed for wine lovers and curious travelers alike, this itinerary through southwest France was an ideal introduction to Bordeaux’s iconic vineyards, gourmet culture, and historic charm.
Cruising the Estuary: Not Your Average River
Unlike more common European river cruises on the Rhine or Danube, cruising in Bordeaux means navigating the Garonne and Dordogne estuary, not a traditional river. This wide, brown-hued waterway is shaped by the meeting of ocean tides and river currents, creating the rare mascaret, a tidal bore that even attracts surfers! A mascaret doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, it is quite a sight to see a river with surfing-sized waves!
No locks, no elevation changes—just smooth sailing. It’s a totally unique French river cruise experience.
A Wine Lover’s Paradise: Right Bank Highlights
Our first stop was the 13th-century port town of Libourne, gateway to Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its underground church, cobbled streets, and famous macarons (the original kind!).
But the true highlight? The wine.
As a Right Bank region, Saint-Émilion specializes in Merlot-dominant blends. I immediately went to my favorite, ETS Wine Shop, where I’d enjoyed tastings previously and purchased wines you can only find in France. On this visit, sommelier Ben led us through an incredible tasting of Pomerol AOC wines from 2016 to 2022. The shop ships internationally or packs your bottles travel-ready—perfect for bringing home a taste of Bordeaux.
🔗 Related: Why I love France and why you should too!
Caviar in the Countryside: A Delicious Detour
One afternoon offered a choice: visit more Left Bank vineyards or explore a caviar farm in Blaye. I chose the latter, and I’m so glad I did.
Caviar de Neuvic is one of the only organic sturgeon farms in France. Our guide William, who hails from the UK and grew up in France, gave us an engaging tour of the property in his British-accented English. Neuvic is filled with ponds of sturgeon and colorful flowers to attract honeybees, another food they produce. Neuvic prides itself on sustainable practices, using and recycling everything. The tour ended with a tasting of their premium caviar and a lesson on how to eat it for maximum enjoyment. Our taste, of course, was paired with Champagne, the perfect accompaniment.
A luxurious, unexpected experience you won’t find on other wine-focused cruises in France.
A Castle Concert: Scenic’s Signature Touch
Scenic includes exclusive experiences on every itinerary, and ours was unforgettable. We were treated to a private string quartet concert in the historic Fort Médoc. With a glass of Crémant de Bordeaux in hand, we listened to an eclectic set list from Brahms to Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, performed by four young and energetic female musicians.
This wasn’t a sleepy performance but a high-energy, emotional evening that reminded me how travel can touch the soul.
Cabernet on the Left Bank: Legendary Terroir
No Bordeaux wine tour is complete without a visit to the Left Bank, where Cabernet Sauvignon dominates. We toured Château Dauzac, a Margaux Grand Cru Classé dating back to Napoleon’s 1855 wine classification.
Our host explained how this historic ranking system was built on price and reputation, which are standards still respected today. Tasting a Grand Cru at the source is one of those “bucket list” moments for any wine traveler, and Château Dauzac is one of the best.
Onboard Life: Comfort, Cuisine & Community
Back on board the Scenic Diamond, the experience was equally elevated. Spacious staterooms, world-class cuisine, fine regional wines, and a friendly, international guest list (117 passengers from across the globe) made every moment enjoyable.
Scenic’s all-inclusive model means no tipping, no bar tabs, and no surprise charges, just pure indulgence. You can even enjoy daily excursions, lounging in the salt therapy room and e-bikes at no extra cost.
Final Thoughts: Why Bordeaux by River is the Way to Go
A Bordeaux river cruise is the perfect introduction to this rich wine region. You’ll taste both Right and Left Bank wines, learn from passionate local producers, and travel in style through some of France’s most historic towns and vineyards.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking to return with deeper knowledge, Wine Lovers Travel is here to help you build your ideal itinerary. We know Bordeaux and we know how to help you fall in love with it, just like we did.