Raise a glass to corking cruises for a fine wine experience

HISTORY IN A BOTTLE

If floral white wines float your boat and you fancy drinking them in fairytale castles, this trip along the Moselle and Rhine with Avalon Waterways (0800 668 1801/avaloncruises.co.uk) could be a dream trip.

The rivers cut through the German wine-producing areas where reisling and other grapes have flourished since Roman times.

Keep your camera to hand as Avalon Poetry II cruises the Rhine gorge, a World Heritagelisted stretch of river with castles along its banks.

Launching in March, this new all-suite riverboat will have a sundeck with whirlpool and panoramic windows throughout.

Complimentary wines will be served each evening with a selection of regional dishes.

A seven-night Paris, Moselle and the Rhine cruise from £2,545pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from Heathrow, home collection, two nights’ pre-cruise accommodation in Paris and excursions. Departs Remich, Luxembourg, July 18.

LESSONS AT SEA

Oceania Cruises’ (0845 505 1920/oceaniacruises.com) ships are floating temples to gastronomy. As well as French, Asian, Italian and grill restaurants the mid-size Marina has a wine-tasting centre called La Reserve.

Here you can learn about production, regional varieties and tasting methods plus book a seven-course pairing meal with delights such as lobster and mascarpone pancake or 72-hour slow-cooked short rib of beef.

On this jaunt around the Baltic you’ll have the chance to visit Estonia’s quaint and ancient capital Tallinn and sample its honey beer.

You can also explore Berlin, Gdansk and Helsinki. With three days in St Petersburg there’s time for a night at the opera or a day trip to Moscow.

A 12-night Viking Trails cruise from £3,007pp (two sharing), full board. Culinary workshops extra cost. Price includes return flights from London. Departs Stockholm, August 21.