Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in the Irish Ferries wine experience? The wine experience on the W.B. Yeats is a curated mini-cruise where passengers enjoy professional wine tasting sessions led by experts from Wine Beer Supermarket. You will sample a diverse selection of premium wines, learn about French viticulture, and discover how to pair regional specialties as you sail from Dublin to Cherbourg.
2. Which French wine regions are featured during the crossing? Our tastings highlight the diversity of France’s top vineyards. Guests can explore the crisp whites of the Loire Valley, the bold and spicy reds of the Rhône Valley, and prestigious Bordeaux blends from the Haut-Médoc. We also feature selections from Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence to provide a comprehensive ferry to France tasting tour.
3. Who are the wine experts on the Dublin to Cherbourg ferry? The events feature renowned producers and sommeliers, including Jean-Hubert Fabre (Domaines Fabre), François Ozouf (representing Maison Michel Chapoutier), and Victor Bertrand (Domaine Paul Mas). These experts provide firsthand insights into biodynamic farming and the unique terroir of their respective regions.
4. Can I buy the wines I taste on board to bring home? Yes. One of the primary benefits of the Dublin to Cherbourg route is the ability to travel with your car. This allows you to purchase your favorite bottles from the tasting at warehouse prices and take advantage of the generous vehicle baggage allowance for your return journey to Ireland.
5. When are the next scheduled wine tasting events? Irish Ferries has scheduled exclusive wine tasting sailings for Thursday, 17th September and Thursday, 15th October. These events are popular and often sell out, so early booking is recommended to secure your place on the W.B. Yeats.
6. Why choose a wine tasting mini-cruise to France? A ferry to France mini-cruise combines luxury travel with education. Instead of a standard crossing, you gain direct access to French wine heritage, meeting the producers behind famous labels from the Loire Valley and Rhône Valley, all while enjoying the award-winning facilities of the W.B. Yeats.
7. What are the baggage allowances for wine on Irish Ferries? One of the greatest advantages of taking the Dublin to Cherbourg ferry with your car is that there are no luggage weight limits. This makes the Irish Ferries wine experience perfect for enthusiasts; you can fill your vehicle with your favorite finds from the Loire Valley, Rhône Valley, or Haut-Médoc without worrying about excess baggage fees. While we don't limit what you carry, we recommend staying within the Revenue "personal use" guidelines for alcohol when returning to Ireland.
Ready to explore the best of the Rhône Valley and the Loire Valley at sea? Spaces for these exclusive wine tasting events on the W.B. Yeats are limited and sell out.