Destination:Cuisine
By Miranda Noelle Plume
Destination:Cuisine
By Miranda Noelle Plume
Take your taste buds on a journey to savor forever with AmaWaterways.
There are two types of people in the world: those who eat to live and those who live to eat. For the ones who unabashedly fall into the latter camp, a culinary river cruise with AmaWaterways is beyond compare. With culinary-focused itineraries throughout Europe and South America, AmaWaterways provides an endless variety of delicious dishes in regions known for their expertise and devotion to extraordinary food and drink. Are you ready to embody the very essence of “eat, drink, and be merry”? Bring your appetite and let’s set sail.
The Rich Wines of Bordeaux
Consider yourself an oenophile? Bordeaux is calling your name, and AmaWaterways is primed and ready to take you on a culinary adventure you’ll never forget. Cruise along this southwestern French region where some of the world’s finest red wines, including the prestigious blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, are produced. The area’s diverse terroir allows for a wide range of wines, from the structured and age-worthy reds of Médoc to the luscious, sweet whites of Sauternes. A river cruise through Bordeaux is a radiantly immersive experience, which includes visits to the famed Cité du Vin wine museum and several historic châteaux.
Food and wine pairings in Bordeaux are a true culinary delight. The region’s cuisine emphasizes robust, hearty flavors, making it an ideal match for its powerful wines. Think of a perfectly seared duck breast with a reduction sauce, paired with a rich, tannic Médoc. For a sweet treat, try the local canelé, a small pastry with a custard center and caramelized crust, best savored alongside a glass of Sauternes. Your taste buds are tingling with anticipation already, aren’t they?
“Think of a perfectly seared duck breast with a reduction sauce, paired with a rich, tannic Médoc.“
“Think of a perfectly seared duck breast with a reduction sauce, paired with a rich, tannic Médoc.“
Medellín’s Vibrant Food Scene
Off the ship, opt for a land tour in Colombia to discover the country’s many pleasures. Medellín, the jewel of Colombia’s coffee region, proudly features a rapidly evolving food and wine scene, and you owe it to yourself to partake. While not traditionally known for wine production, Colombia’s emerging viticulture is beginning to make waves, particularly with wines from the nearby Andean regions. These young, fruity wines pair beautifully with the bold flavors that Colombian cuisine is known for all over the world.
“These young, fruity wines pair beautifully with the bold flavors that Colombian cuisine is known for.”
“These young, fruity wines pair beautifully with the bold flavors that Colombian cuisine is known for.”
The city’s gastronomy is a delightful blend of traditional and modern influences that will tantalize your taste buds in more ways than one. Start your culinary adventure with bandeja paisa, a hearty platter featuring beans, rice, ground beef, fried egg, and chorizo, best enjoyed with a local red wine. The arepa, a versatile, thin corn cake often served with cheese or meats, is a must-try snack that’ll perfectly whet your appetite for more. Medellín’s growing number of gourmet chocolate makers are also making a mark, offering unique flavors enhanced with coffee-infused wines.
The Magic of Truffle Hunting in Provence
Thanks to AmaWaterways’ gorgeous Provence itinerary, you can experience the captivating adventure of truffle hunting. Guided by trained dogs or pigs, hunters scour oak forests for the prized black truffles. Once harvested, these aromatic gems are celebrated in local cuisine. A simple dish of scrambled eggs or pasta with shaved truffles becomes an extraordinary experience when paired with a regional wine like a Grenache-based red or a Viognier. Give yourself the gift of enjoying a plate of truffle-infused risotto, complemented by a glass of bold, peppery Syrah. Another must-try is the Bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew bursting with flavors of the Mediterranean, best enjoyed with a crisp white wine like a Bandol Blanc.
Provence’s markets are also a feast for the senses, offering everything from lavender-infused honey to freshly baked bread. Explore these bustling markets, sample the local olives and cheeses, and don’t miss the opportunity to taste the sweet Cavaillon melon, perfectly matched with a chilled glass of rosé.
“Sample the local olives and cheeses, and don’t miss the opportunity to taste the sweet Cavaillon melon.“
“Sample the local olives and cheeses, and don’t miss the opportunity to taste the sweet Cavaillon melon.“
Experience Burgundy, France
Get a glimpse of a few of the incredible sites you can visit while cruising along the Saône River through Burgundy, the “Heart of the French Countryside.”
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