Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways is featuring a UK wine host on one of its wine-themed cruises for the very first time.

The innovative cruise company offers over 60 wine-themed cruises each year, taking guests on journeys through Austria's Wachau Valley, France's celebrated Bordeaux and Côtes du Rhône, Portugal's Douro Valley and Germany's breathtaking Rheingau, Franconia and Moselle regions.  Each cruise is hosted by a wine expert from North America.

With increasing interest from British guests, the company has announced that their team of connoisseurs will be joined by the first UK wine host, William Betts, who formerly blended fuels for Formula 1 racing cars!

Will is set to host the 'Medieval Treasures' wine cruise from Basel to Nuremberg on 15 August 2019 when he will share his expertise on the delicious and world-renowned local wines that the group will encounter along the famous Rhine and Main rivers. Highlights of the trip include a private wine tasting in Rudesheim, an exclusive wine festival celebration in Volkach, onboard food and wine paired dinners and fascinating on board talks.  Guests will taste local cuisine, discover how wine is made and, of course, partake in tastings — all at no additional cost.

Born in Britain and living near Oxford, with a degree in chemistry and an MBA, Will started by working for a global consultancy, before building a company that designs and blends racing fuels for Formula One.

It was the extensive business travel involved that sparked and developed his passion for wine. After years of study and practical research, Will is now an experienced, qualified and award-winning wine professional who splits his time advising private clients on their wine collections, judging in competitions, and teaching professional sommeliers and enthusiasts. He has launched a highly acclaimed Gin brand and is being sponsored to study for the coveted Master of Wine qualification.

He commented “I'm excited to share my passion for the excellent wines of these historic regions, from vineyards lining sun-drenched slopes that run down to the Rhine and Main rivers. A river cruise is my ideal way to understand the wines of this region. I can't think of a better way to enjoy drifting between vineyards, quickly enough to understand the whole region and slowly enough to understand its individual terroirs.”

The seven night 'Medieval Treasures' wine cruise departing from Basel to Nuremberg on 15 August currently costs from £2,859 per person including flights and transfers (category D stateroom).

All AmaWaterways voyages include full board, drinks with meals (including wine and beer), a choice of excursions & unlimited wifi. 

To book visit amawaterways.co.uk, call tel: 0800 320 2336 or visit your local travel agent.

Prices are correct at time of issue and subject to availability.

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About AmaWaterways:AmaWaterways operates 22 luxury river cruise ships across Europe, Asia and Africa. The latest edition of the Berlitz Guide to River Cruise ships ranked six AmaWaterways ships in its top ten of the highest rated river cruise ships.

The cruise line is launching three new ships in 2019, including the revolutionary AmaMagna, which is almost double the width of traditional river cruise ships. She will offer an unprecedented range of facilities on-board including a watersports platform, wellness studio and choice of fine-dining establishments.