Last Day Cruising AmaWaterways: Exploring the Wine Region of Beaujolais Nouveau, France

Our river cruise through France neared its conclusion but with an unexpected change of plans. Due to unusually high river levels, our AmaWaterways vessel, the Amacello, remained docked in Lyon. This unforeseen circumstance, however, presented a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the Beaujolais wine region, a renowned viticultural area just 45 minutes to an hour north of Lyon.

The final full day began with a pleasant lunch in the elegant dining room of the Amacello, savoring the ship's exquisite cuisine. Afterward, a rare treat awaited: a visit to the wheelhouse, offering a glimpse into the nerve center of our floating hotel with Captain Cyrus. It was a fascinating moment to understand the captain's work and capture a few memorable photographs of the ship's operations.

Soon, we boarded a comfortable coach bus, leaving the urban area of Lyon behind and venturing into the rolling hills of Beaujolais. This region, nestled between the river and its signature hills, is a patchwork of vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. The history of winemaking here is deeply rooted, with grape cultivation dating back to the Roman period. However, Beaujolais truly burst onto the global stage in the 1980s, largely thanks to the worldwide phenomenon of Beaujolais Nouveau. We were particularly fortunate to be visiting the day before the official release of Beaujolais Nouveau, adding a touch of anticipation to our exploration.

Our destination was the historic Château de Corcelles. This impressive estate boasts a rich and storied past, originally serving as a defensive fortress in the Middle Ages. Though partially destroyed during a 15th-century conflict, it was magnificently rebuilt in the 17th century. Over time, the château's purpose evolved, and it transitioned into a thriving winery and vineyard. Today, Château de Corcelles encompasses over 80 hectares, or approximately 197 acres, of land dedicated to cultivating its prized vines.

Our tour of the château provided insight into its history and present-day operations. We explored the cool, dimly lit storage areas, witnessing where the wine rests during its maturation. The historic kitchen offered a glimpse into the château's past life. The ambiance throughout was captivating with a blend of ancient grandeur and the vibrant energy of a working winery.

A highlight of our visit was, of course, the wine tasting. We gathered in a beautifully appointed room, specifically arranged for this experience. With anticipation, we sampled the exquisite Beaujolais wines, predominantly crafted from 100% Gamay grapes – the signature varietal of the region. Our hostess guided us through the tasting, explaining the unique methods employed in Beaujolais winemaking, which differ significantly from those used for many traditional red wines. Each sip offered a testament to the region's dedication to producing fresh, fruit-forward wines that capture the essence of the Gamay grape.

As the afternoon drew to a close, we re-boarded our bus for the scenic journey back to the Amacello. The drive was a spectacle in itself, with a beautiful sunset casting a golden glow over the vineyards and the Beaujolais countryside. It was a truly breathtaking farewell to this enchanting region.

Back on board in Lyon, we noted how the river had begun to flood over its banks, necessitating an extended gangplank for disembarkation – a vivid reminder of the high waters that had reshaped our itinerary. Our final evening on the AmaWaterways boat was marked by a sumptuous dinner, a celebration of the incredible journey we had shared. The evening concluded with lively entertainment, a perfect send-off before our disembarkment day, which would be covered in a forthcoming video. This final day in Beaujolais offered a rich tapestry of history, culture, and, of course, the exquisite flavors of French wine, creating lasting memories of our AmaWaterways adventure.

You may view this experience by watching the video below! Thanks for stopping by!