SCENIC Bon appétit

Scenic’s

Goldsbury.

The ultimate food and wine experience will garnish the glorious rivers of France next year. Scenic’s new River Cruise Collections have made it even easier to choose the perfect cruise to match your special interest. The Epicurean Delights collection has been created for those after a gastronomic journey, carefully crafted with cooking classes led by Michelin-starred chefs, tastings in worldfamous vineyards and excursions to markets, farms and distilleries to discover the secrets of the finest French produce.

From ship to shore, Epicurean Delights itineraries in the Speculator South of France and Beautiful Bordeaux showcase produce that France is renowned for, and are features of Scenic’s 2024 recent brochure release. On the 11-day Spectacular South of France cruise, the gastronomic adventure is headlined by wine-tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, regarded as the benchmark of the Côte du Rhône. Situated near the historic port of Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a charming stop to sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines.

Food adventures

Clockwise, from above: Scenic’s Epicurean Delights collection includes visits to local markets, bakeries and gourmet grocers. A Scenic Enrich event to Château d’Agassac (below right) and Scenic Sapphire in Avignon (below).

Guests can also choose to visit the restaurant of three-star Michelin Chef Georges Blanc for a cooking demonstration as part of Scenic’s Freechoice Excursion offerings, which are all included in your price.

At an olive grove near Arles, learn the techniques of olive oil production, before meeting a local in Fontvieille to hear about the lovely village lifestyle and procure some traditional Provencal recipes. Scenic’s on board chef will lead a shopping trip to a food market where guests can buy and taste the finest ingredients in the south of France, and then return to the ship for an interactive class in the Scenic Culinaire cooking school using the fresh purchases of the day to create some of France’s most popular dishes.

The 11-day Beautiful Bordeaux itinerary also includes Shop With a Chef or the option of a guided city tour. However, the hero of the region is, of course, the wine. Travel around several renowned regions, from Saint-Emilion to Sauternes. Follow the Medoc wine route comparing the remarkable reds, or cycle to a castle for tastings with an enchanting countryside view. At the 13th-century Château d’Agassac, enjoy an exclusive Scenic Enrich evening concert of classical music with an unforgettable atmosphere.

After tastings at the iconic Château Siaurac, the largest estate of the appellation in the prestigious Pomerol region, wander around the vast property’s exquisite gardens. Sail past the lush landscapes of the Garonne River, arriving in Cadillac for a special outing to the Château de Rayne Vigneau. Overlooking 75 hectares of idyllic scenery, this estate combines wine tasting and teaching traditional methods to create its superior crus. For those who like to be more active, become a picker for the day, ride through the grounds on horseback, or cycle to Château La Tour Blanche to sip its sweet, white, dessert wine.

Although synonymous with wine, Bordeaux is home to a whisky producer. At the Moon Harbour distillery, guests can taste this delicious drop. The name comes from the crescent-moon shape outlined by the river at the entrance of Bordeaux, which is featured on the city’s coat of arms.

One of the most interesting activities is meeting the most acclaimed truffle producers of the Aquitaine region, including the truffle hunter and his specially trained dog, to gain an understanding of how this rare product is found. Another foodie highlight is tasting oysters procured straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay, and served on the Scenic Space-Ship.

The culinary journey continues on board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship, where Scenic’s chefs focus on authentic French flavours and seasonal fresh produce such as the local truffles and oysters. Accompanying lunch and dinner, fabulous wines are hand-selected from the finest regional varieties. Each meal is served by professionally trained waiters, who will explain the locally sourced ingredients of every dish while refilling your wine glass – at no extra charge.

Complimentary beverages are served on board all day – not only at mealtimes – so guests can enjoy French wines and other premium beverages in the bar or in their suite. Dining is also offered in-suite, in the ship’s fine dining restaurant, or in the more relaxed café setting.

Epicurean Delights is one of the three new collections within Scenic’s 2024 brochure release. You can also discover more river cruising experiences to inspire you in the Nature’s Wonders and Seasonal Delights collections. CT scenic.com.au