CAA Manitoba Spring 2018 | Page 44

This is going To Be amazing , I think as our coach ferries us up vineyard- laden hills. My camera never stops snapping during the scenic journey from Pauillac to Château Kirwan in the Médoc region. In 1855, Emperor Napoleon III established a system to help identify the area’s wines. We learn that Médoc’s distinctive terroir produces some of the world’s top-rated and most expensive vintages: Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. Everywhere we go we hear about terroir—the combination of soil, geography and climate that makes each wine unique. I’ve visited other wine regions in the world and participated in a few tastings, but I clearly still have a lot to learn! We arrive at Château Kirwan in Margaux for a special dinner and wine tasting prepared by our ship’s kitchen crew. With its perfectly manicured grounds and majestic Cruising the Garonne River 44 Spring 2018 CAA MAniTOBA courtyard, the 18th-century manor is an indelible reminder of France’s grand history. Inside, a fire roars in the stone hearth and tables are topped with white linens. Course after course arrives, each paired with a different Château Kirwan wine. The landowner briefs us on the tasting notes of every vintage. As I chat with tablemates, I discover that river cruising appeals to culture lovers, history buffs and amateur photographers— people looking for full immersion in centuries-old cities. While this particular itinerary is decidedly upmarket, there are special-interest cruises all over the world—from bicycle cruises to classical music tours—to suit any traveller’s budget. Many on this trip, myself included, have been on ocean cruises. We all agree the experience is entirely different. The sheer breadth of amenities and entertainment on an ocean liner is often the main attrac- tion. On a river cruise, the experience is more intimate—smaller ships with fewer guests, and itineraries that let you delve deeper into new cultures. pAge, Saint-Émilion’s vines and steeples