Travelling on an Irish Ferries crossing from Dublin to Cherbourg is more than just a journey; it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture before you even hit the shore... explore the exquisite wines of the Rhône Valley, the Loire Valley, and many more celebrated regions through our unique on-board wine experience.

Embark on a delightful journey with Irish Ferries and explore the exquisite wines of the Rhône Valley, the Loire Valley, and many more celebrated regions through our unique on-board wine tasting experience.

Book Your Wine Tasting Experience

Plan your next Irish Ferries departure and book your wine tasting cruise🍷 Thursday, 15th October

With wine tourism seeing a significant rise in interest - these sailings offer a unique way to combine travel with education. According to industry reports, wine tourism in France has seen a significant rise, with visitor numbers growing by 20% between 2016 and 2023, making the Dublin to Cherbourg route a premier choice for oenophiles.

15th October Wine Tasting Event

Wine Beer Supermarket, a leading wine warehouse in Cherbourg, will be hosting the last of our wine tasting events before high season, departing on our Dublin to Cherbourg ferry to France on Thursday, 15th October.

Here is a flavour of the wines and regions you will be able to taste on board as you set sail on your ferry to France…

  • Bordeaux: Sample a varied selection from small estates across Bordeaux, including Bordeaux Supérieur, Haut-Médoc and Graves.
  • Loire Valley: Discover elegant reds and fresh, vibrant whites, including:
    • Chinon, Domaine Charles Pain – A forward-thinking organic family estate showcasing Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc.
    • Bourgueil, Domaine de la Noiraie – A classic Loire Valley appellation producing rich, full-flavoured Cabernet Franc reds.
    • Reuilly, Domaine des Victoires – A fresh, citrus-led Sauvignon Blanc offering Sancerre-like character and excellent value.
  • Rhône Valley: Savour the ripe, fruity whites and spicy, full-flavoured reds of Château du Marjolet, a popular southern Rhône estate producing excellent-value Côtes du Rhône wines.
  • Languedoc: Explore the sunny Languedoc through a characterful selection of generous, deeply flavoured reds and vibrant whites, with the tasting showcasing:
    • Minervois, Château La Grave – Warm, full-flavoured red, white and rosé wines from a sun-drenched Languedoc estate near Carcassonne.
    • Paul Mas Single Vineyard Estate wines – Discover a delicious new white Albariño alongside a vibrant red Malbec.
  • South-West France: Discover distinctive wines from Fronton and Pécharmant, including:
    • Fronton, Domaine Bellevue la Forêt – Located north of Toulouse, this leading estate offers expressive reds alongside fresh white and rosé wines.
    • Pécharmant, Domaine Farcies du Pech – From one of Bergerac’s most highly regarded terroirs, this is a rich, ripe and full-flavoured red.
  • New World and International: Enjoy an approachable selection from South Africa and other leading wine regions worldwide, including:
    • Darling Cellars, Western Cape, South Africa – Great-value wines from a cooler, Atlantic-influenced coastal region north of Cape Town, including South Africa’s distinctive Pinotage grape variety.
    • Maison Boutinot – An extensive international range spanning the Rhône Valley, Pays d’Oc brands such as Le Petit Chat, Italy, Chile and New Zealand.

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 Loire Valley to provide a comprehensive ferry to France tasting tour.

3. Who are the wine experts on the Dublin to Cherbourg ferry? The event is hosted by the Wine & Beer Supermarket in Cherbourg, and features renowned producers and sommeliers, ready to provide firsthand insights into tasting notes, 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 favourite 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 this exclusive wine tasting sailings for 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.

Key Takeaways from Irish Ferries Wine Tasting Events

Join Irish Ferries on board W.B. Yeats for exclusive wine tasting events sailing from Dublin to Cherbourg.

It's also the perfect chance to stock up on wines and beers for Autumn - and we won't say it yet, but you know the other big season!

These popular events sell out quickly, so be sure to secure your place early.

Join our exclusive wine tasting on the W.B. Yeats Dublin to Cherbourg ferry. Discover wines from the Loire and Rhône Valleys with experts. Book your wine experience today!

Region Key Grape Varieties Style Highlight
Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc,
Chenin Blanc
Known as the 'Garden of France' for its fresh, aromatic whites.
Rhône Valley Syrah, Grenache Famous for deep, complex reds with spicy notes.
Haut-Médoc Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Prestigious Bordeaux blends with structured tannins.
Languedoc Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre Diverse 'Luxe Rural' styles from the sunny south of France.

Conclusion
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, the wine tasting mini-cruise from Dublin to Cherbourg offers a rare chance to learn directly from the producers. With the convenience of bringing your car to transport your favorite finds home, it is the ultimate getaway for any wine lover. Book your crossing today to secure your place on the W.B. Yeats.

Wine Tasting Definitions
Cru Bourgeois: A classification for Bordeaux wines from the Médoc that are not part of the 1855 Classification but are recognized for their high quality and value. Biodynamic Viticulture: A holistic approach to farming that treats the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem, following lunar cycles and avoiding synthetic chemicals. Terroir: The complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as soil, topography, and climate.

*Terms and Conditions Terms & Conditions of booking and travel apply. Fares valid on certain sailings - 17th September and 15th October. €399 fare based on Car + 2 + inner cabin travelling together. Promotional and Sale fares may attract special terms & conditions for amendments / cancellations. Irish Ferries reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Fares are subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Charges, administrative dues and all fees are fixed amounts and are excluded from discounts and promotional offers. In the event that the outward leg is not travelled Irish Ferries reserve the right to cancel the entire booking applying the appropriate cancellation fees. Irish Ferries are responsible for the travel element of this mini-cruise, and cannot take responsibility for arrangements made with the wine retailers / growers onboard.

Ship & Ports

  • W.B. Yeats
  • W.B. Yeats
  • W.B. Yeats

W.B Yeats: per un viaggio all’insegna del lusso

La W.B. Yeats ospita fino a 1.885 tra passeggeri e membri d’equipaggio, 1.200 auto e 440 cabine, tra cui suite deluxe con balcone. La gamma di vantaggi a bordo comprende anche un Club Class Lounge, ristoranti con menu à la carte e self-service, cinema, negozi e un’ampia scelta tra bar e lounge. Il miglior modo di navigare tra la Francia e Dublino.

Vantaggi a bordo

  • Bar / Lounge
  • Reception
  • WiFi Gratuita
  • Ristorazione con servizio al tavolo
  • Ristorazione self-service
  • Una scelta di cabine  

W.B Yeats: per un viaggio all’insegna del lusso

La W.B. Yeats ospita fino a 1.885 tra passeggeri e membri d’equipaggio, 1.200 auto e 440 cabine, tra cui suite deluxe con balcone. La gamma di vantaggi a bordo comprende anche un Club Class Lounge, ristoranti con menu à la carte e self-service, cinema, negozi e un’ampia scelta tra bar e lounge. Il miglior modo di navigare tra la Francia e Dublino.

Vantaggi a bordo

  • Bar / Lounge
  • Reception
  • WiFi Gratuita
  • Ristorazione con servizio al tavolo
  • Ristorazione self-service
  • Una scelta di cabine  

W.B Yeats: per un viaggio all’insegna del lusso

La W.B. Yeats ospita fino a 1.885 tra passeggeri e membri d’equipaggio, 1.200 auto e 440 cabine, tra cui suite deluxe con balcone. La gamma di vantaggi a bordo comprende anche un Club Class Lounge, ristoranti con menu à la carte e self-service, cinema, negozi e un’ampia scelta tra bar e lounge. Il miglior modo di navigare tra la Francia e Dublino.

Vantaggi a bordo

  • Bar / Lounge
  • Reception
  • WiFi Gratuita
  • Ristorazione con servizio al tavolo
  • Ristorazione self-service
  • Una scelta di cabine  

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