Swan Hellenic announces food and wine-focused cultural cruiseSwan Hellenic announces food and wine-focused cultural cruise

Swan Hellenic is set to operate a 10-day wine and gastronomy-focused cruise, sailing from Lisbon, Spain to Portsmouth, UK. 

The ‘Legacy of Wine’ cruise – Swan Hellenic’s first cultural expedition cruise to focus on food and beverage at sea – is in partnership with Champagne Castelnau.

Paired tastings, gourmet dining and gastronomic excursions will be guided by Keith Isaac, a Master of Wine and the GM of Castelnau Wine Agencies, and Michelin Star chef Heribert Dietrich.

‘We are very proud of this significant enhancement to our cultural expedition cruising,’ stated Andrea Zito, CEO, Swan Hellenic. ‘Every aspect has been expertly conceived to immerse our guests in transformative gastronomic experiences that enrich their voyage with new skills and insight.’

Highlights 

Isaac will guide the wine tastings and accompany passengers throughout the voyage, providing insights gleaned from 36 his years’ expertise. 

The tastings will range from premium port and champagnes to Rioja, Ribera del Duero and award-winning ciders and calvados.

Those on board will also rub shoulders with Dietrich, a multi award-winning chef who is a member of the Jeunes Restaurateurs organisation and the recipient of 16 Gault & Millau points.

Each evening, Isaac and Dietrich will join forces on board the ship to create an intimate celebration of fine wine and haute cuisine in an ocean-view setting, bringing passengers curated pairings where every course tells a story. 

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The crescendo of signature dishes will culminate in a Gala Dinner towards the end of the voyage.

Itinerary 

SH Diana will depart Lisbon on May 12, calling at Leixoes near Porto in Portugal, Ferrol, Santander and Bilbao in Spain, plus Lorient, Roscoff, Saint-Malo and Honfleur in France, returning to Portsmouth on May 21. 

As well as delving into prominent historical and cultural sites at each port of call, passengers will visit prestigious vineyards and producers of local delicacies, with daily opportunities to try luxury culinary and oenological specialties, showcasing the unique terroir and rich winemaking traditions of each region.