Valrhona Chocolate in Tain L’Hermitage

chocolate-1360809-mValrhona Chocolate – A Chocolate Lovers Dream

“Being the chocoholic that I am, whenever I am in Europe I scope out all I can on chocolate. My first introduction to the really fine Valrhona Chocolate was when I was on a Provence River cruise several years ago and I stopped into a chocolate shop along the Rhone River. I bought a few pieces of several brands. Unbeknownst to me, the Valrhona chocolate company was just across the river. By the time I returned to Paris after the cruise, I was ready to find more. As I have mentioned before, I love dark chocolate and Valrhona has a nice selection. I know most people think the chocolate squares are the true chocolate but I like something with my chocolate – such as chocolate covered almonds, hazelnuts, (and my favorite) dark chocolate covered orange rind and so on.

Enjoy Chocolate and Wine in Train L’Hermitage

As Valrhona has contracts with cocoa bean growers in South America and Africa, they have some really fine quality chocolate. As they are in the Cote du Rhone Wine region of France, they call some of their chocolates Grand Cru. While in Galleries Lafayette, who has a Valrhona Candy department, I was looking for a business gift and found a special wooden box of special limited chocolates – Like great wines, Vintage Single Origin chocolates bear the name and sensory signature of their specific terroir. Highly anticipated by connoisseurs, Valrhonas Vintage Single Origin chocolate bars are produced in limited quantities depending on the crop. This was the perfect gift for a fellow wine and chocolate lover. Again, as Valrhona is in the wine region of France, they have many recommendations for chocolate and wine pairing and even chocolate and beer pairing.

Cruise the Rhone River and Taste Fine Chocolate at Valrhona

While on a barge or river cruise on the Rhone River, A-ROSA river cruises offer a tour and tasting at Valrhona. We also offer several barge and river cruises with chocolate as the theme. Give us a call for more information at 713-240-6753 / 888-869-7907  or email jan@europeanbarging.com  or visit our website:  europeanbarg.com

Europeanbarging Presents a Bordeaux Wine Cruise From August 14 – 21, 2025

Europeanbarging, a Texas based company offering barge and river cruises in Europe, announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $1000 pp on a Bordeaux Wine Cruise, departing August 14 – 21, 2025.

Wine Tasting

The Bordeaux cruise, scheduled on the AMA Dolce ship will be hosted by Barons Creek Winery’s wine maker D Russell Smith.  Russell will offer several tastings and discussions on their wines and winery, as well as wine making. A pairing of their wines will be offered with a special Amawaterways gourmet meal. In addition to the multiple included excursions offered, there are many wine themed excursions as well.  Book by March 30, 2024 for the discounted rate starting at $3830 per person.

BORDEAUX SITES

Travel to France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux, on an epicurean experience. Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards and delicious wine tastings are plentiful on this wine-themed journey. Attend an exclusive wine festival in Bourg, sample Grand Cru Classé wines and experience the wonderful world of viticulture with all your senses at the immersive Cité du Vin museum in Bordeaux.  The AmaWaterways Cruise departs on August 14th and will disembark on August 21st, 2025.

The 7- day cruise promises a great time aboard the ship and on land during each scheduled port. There’s no more fitting starting point for this sailing along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers than Bordeaux, an undisputed wine capital. Enjoy exquisite tastings just as unforgettable as the wines you’ll sip. Visit the renowned vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Pauillac and Libourne, discovering timeless wine-making traditions, and visit the Bordeaux Wine Museum, a spectacular sensory experience with the power to turn even the most hesitant wine drinkers into connoisseurs.  Various cities and sights are part of the AmaWaterways Wine Cruise destinations that includes: Bordeaux, Libourne, Saint-Emilion, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac and Cadillac.

 

Grapes in Bordeaux

Grapes from Bordeaux

EXCURSIONS

The following Multi-Choice excursions are included in the cruise price:

In Saint-Emilion, choose from a tour of Saint-Emilion and Grand Cru Classe wine tasting OR Saint Émilion bike tour;

In Libourne choose Ancient Watermill and breadmaking OR Bastide town and market visit OR Château Boutinet hike with wine & tapas tasting;

In Blaye, a visit to the Citadel OR Blaye bike tour towards Les Etauliers Blaye to Bourg bike tour.

Bourg offers a walking tour including Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern.  Later enjoy an Exclusive wine festival.

In Cussac-Fort-Medoc, Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour  OR Margaux Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting  OR  Seaside Soulac-sur-Mer excursion;

Cadillac features the Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting OR  Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit OR Cadillac bike tour;

In Bordeaux a UNESCO city tour and market tasting  OR Bordeaux bike tour.  Evening  Wine Museum OR  Bassins de Lumieres (Digital arts centre).

Optional, pre cruise land program featuring 2 nights in Bilbao and 2 nights in San Sebastian Spain ($1320 pp). A post cruise land program in France with 2 nights in the Loire Valley and 1 night in Paris ($1485 pp).

Barons Creek Vineyards was started back in 2016 as a venture of the Chase Family. In 2018, Marc and Marta Chase took over full ownership and management of Barons Creek with Wine Maker Russell Smith.   With a team of over 50 employees that operate four separate locations throughout Texas.

WINE HOST

D Russell Smith, our winemaker, has an impressive 41 years of experience. Originally from Houston, Russell began his winemaking career in Napa Valley in 1983. Russell returned to Texas in 1989 and has been making wine here ever since. In 2012, Russell bought two vineyards in northeastern Spain and makes wine there part of the year. Russel has been crafting exceptional wines in the picturesque vineyards of Texas, California, and Spain for Barons Creek Vineyards since they opened in 2015. His touch transforms grapes into liquid art. Each blend reflects his decades of expertise, capturing the essence of the vineyards and the spirit of BCV.

Europeanbarging, founded in 1998, is an ARC accredited agency, and specializes in European barge and river cruise products.

AmaWaterways, is the only cruise line that has the privileged of being inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world most prestigious culinary organizations.   Additionally, they are members of the Prestigious Tables et Auberges de France – leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative food and wine  experiences both on-board and on-shore.

The $1000 per person discount ends March 30, 2024.

For more information contact Europeanbarging at: 888-869-7907 or http://www.europeanbarging.com.

Burgundy Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Messina Hof

Europeanbarging, a Texas-based company offering barge and river cruises, today announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $750 per cabin on a Wine Cruise for its clients, slated for Spring, starting from March 20 – 27, 2025. Book by March 31, 2024 and Discounted rates start at $3280 per person, including port tax.

 

The wine cruise is scheduled on the AMACello ship and will be the 8th wine cruise hosted by the owners of Messina Hof Winery – Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, who will offer several tastings and discussions on their wines and winery, as well as winemaking. A pairing of their wines will be offered with a special AmaWaterways gourmet meal. In addition to the many wine-themed excursions, there are multiple included excursions offered in each port, including hiking and cycling tours.  Excursions feature Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options.

YOUR JOURNEY ALONG THE SAÔNE RIVER

Experience the viticultural pleasures of the Burgundy region on this river cruise curated for new and experienced wine enthusiasts alike. Indulge in wine tastings set against the backdrop of picturesque destinations. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of graceful vineyards and storied landmarks along the Saône River. Delve into the techniques that shape the renowned wines of this region, gaining insight into traditional processes that have stood the test of time. Hosted by a dedicated wine expert, this journey is a must for anyone interested in the best of Burgundy’s wines.  Cruise ports include:  starting in Dijon, Seurre, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, Brancion, Mâcon, and ending in Lyon.

Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own with a 200-year history of award-winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

The cruise rate includes all sightseeing, meals, wine with dinner, a daily happy hour before dinner, free internet, and the use of bicycles on board.  There is an optional pre-cruise land program in Paris France ($1485 per person), and a post-cruise land program in Geneva Switzerland ($1530 per person).  The special $750 per person discount offer ends March 30, 2024. Port tax is an additional $231 per person. A deposit of $400 per person is due with booking, balance is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available.

Europeanbarging was founded in 1998 and specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Located in Texas, Europeanbarging is an ARC-accredited company. AmaWaterways, the only cruise line that has the privilege of being inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations and Tables et Auberges, leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative food and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore.

For more information contact Europeanbarging at 888-869-7907 or http://www.europeanbarging.com.

 

Cruising the Canals of France on the Deborah barge

MS Deborah barge, cruising the Champagne region of France as well as cruising from Paris to Burgundy, is a superb Premium canal barge, accommodating 22 passengers, in 11 cabins offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay.

Deborah barge cruising the Champagne region of France

On board, everything has been taken care of down to the smallest detail with 6 crew members to guarantee a personalized service. The decoration creates a particularly soft and welcoming atmosphere. Located on the upper deck is the restaurant, which offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, a lounge bar, and a relaxation area with a jacuzzi. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.  The barge also features bicycles for cycling along the canal towpath or for cycling the nearby towns and countryside.

Excursions on the Champagne itinerary can include Reims Cathedral featuring stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, champagne tastings, a falconry show at Chateau-Thierry, and a tasting of Meaux cheese in Meaux.

On the Paris and Petite Seine, enjoy a tour of Paris, a tour of the Palace of Fontainebleau and its gardens, the Medieval town of Troyes, a champagne-tasting, and a visit to Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

The Deborah has comfortable cabins, with safes, telephone, and tv with lots of movies in English.  The ship is a new build rather than a converted cargo barge from the past.  The barge features lots of windows and a white interior to give it an open feel.

Dining on the Deborah is in one sitting.  Breakfast is usually a buffet of fruits, cereals, and pastries as well as meats and cheese.  Lunch has a buffet and served food.  Dinner is a served meal featuring regional wines paired with the meal and regional cheeses.  For travelers with special dietary needs, the barge chef can accommodate most requests.   Check out our dining video on sister ship Raymond.

For more information or to check availability, please contact us at www.europeanbarging.com  or jan@europeanbarging.com or 888-869-7907.

Visiting French Chateaux on a 5 Night Loire Paddleboat Cruise

The picturesque views of the Loire Valley are truly enticing enough to make you want to experience the romance and heritage of a Loire paddleboat cruise. There’s not a minute wasted in these cruises as you explore one chateau after another discovering their secrets and hearing stories about their past.

Aptly so, Loire may be referred to as France’s Valley of the Kings. The French court has been held in different areas within this location for several periods in Loire’s history. Art consequently flourished along this European waterway as well as evidenced by the extensive collection of privately owned works housed in royal chateaus.

New for 2022 is a 5-day Loire River Cruise aboard the Loire Princess – an 88-passenger paddle boat, cruising round trip Nantes, in addition to the current 6-day cruise.  Some of the most popular chateaux that you are likely to visit on a Loire paddleboat cruise or barge cruise are:

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau – built on a small island in the middle of the Indre River, the château as it is seen today was built under Francis I by Gilles Berthelot, a wealthy financier who wanted to incorporate its medieval past alongside the latest architectural styles of the Italian renaissance. The chateau is a French national monument and possesses all the refinement found in the French Renaissance.

Gardens of VillandryChateau de Villandry — the Renaissance gardens are the most popular attraction of this chateau, known even throughout the world as Jardins a la Francaise. To get to this chateau, guests get off at Larcay as the cruise barge moors beneath a canopy of weeping willows. French heritage is distinct in the decor, art, and furnishings throughout the interior. Outside, the gardens are lush and beautifully arranged in patterns combining water gardens, flower gardens, as well as vegetable gardens.

Chateau UsseChâteau d’Ussé – rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, this stronghold with fortified towers, turrets, and steeples looks like something out of a fairytale. The castle is still inhabited today and takes visitors back to a time of legends and fairytales. It is thought to have inspired Charles Perrault when writing “Sleeping Beauty”.

Château de Brissac, known as the tallest royal residence in France, contains 204 rooms, monumental staircases, and never-ending hallways. Acquired by René de Cossé in the 16th century, Château de Brissac is still owned by the Cossé-Brissac family. Its park contains some magnificent shady spots under centuries-old trees, and the castle’s spectacular decorations and the breathtaking Belle Époque theater are not to be missed!

Loire Paddleboat CruiseIf you are looking for a laid-back getaway that puts romance and history together, booking a barge cruise and going on excursions from a Loire Valley cruise is one of your best vacation options.   The 5-day cruises start at $1400 for 2022.  The rate includes the cruise, all meals, beverages, and Wi-Fi.  As these ships have a smaller capacity, departures will sell out quickly.  Call now to book a great scenic river cruise.  888-869-7907