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, 17th September
🍷 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.

17th September Wine Tasting Event

Wine Beer Supermarket, a leading wine warehouse in Cherbourg, will be hosting the last of our Spring/Summer wine tasting events before high season, departing on our Dublin to Cherbourg ferry to France on Thursday, 17th September.

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…

  • Jean-Hubert Fabre represents Domaines Fabre in the Haut-Médoc region of Bordeaux. This family-owned estate is renowned for its Cru Bourgeois status, a testament to their commitment to 'quality without speculation.' They offer a diverse selection of high-quality Haut-Médoc wines, including their exceptional Margaux estate, Château Bellevue de Tayac.
  • Michael Goncalves from Les Grands Chais de France showcases the depth and complexity of Italian reds, including Chianti, Primitivo, Nero d'Avola, Memoro, Brunello, and Masi Campofiorin.
  • Victor Bertrand presents wines from Domaine Paul Mas, encompassing nearly all of Languedoc Roussillon in the sunny south of France. This includes Terrasses de Larzac, Pezenas, Languedoc, the ever-popular and great value Arrogant Frog range, as well as single vineyard Malbec and Albariño reserve wines.
  • François Ozouf presents a curated selection from the Maison Michel Chapoutier range. Recognized as a global leader in biodynamic viticulture, Chapoutier consistently ranks among the 'World’s Most Admired Wine Brands' by Drinks International. As a pioneer in biodynamic farming, Chapoutier highlights exceptional parcels from the Rhône Valley.
  • Chris Bullimore presents a curated selection of the finest WBS family estates, featuring wines from the Loire Valley, Rhône Valley, Alsace, Burgundy, and Provence.

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.

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.

Plan Your Trip

Drive Normandy

Bring your car & take it all in. Normandy has it all ! Visit its picturesque villages, sample its world famous cuisine or relax on the glorious beaches along the Alabaster coast, and enjoy the sunshine.

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Package Holidays in France

We’re delighted to offer a wide range of accommodation all around France for your holiday needs. From self-catering breaks to the action and adventure of a Theme Park, or a relaxing getaway at a French Chateaux or hotel. All our France package hoildays are fully bonded. Contact our expert holidays team by phone on 03717 300 400 (UK) / 0818 300 400 (ROI) or email so they can get you our best price on ferry, accommodation and park passes.

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Normandy Gastro Guide

There are distinct aspects of Norman food culture that you just can’t find anywhere else in the world. During your next holiday, why not follow our Gastro Guide by award winning author Trish Deseine.

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Ship & Ports

  • W.B. Yeats
  • Dublin Port
  • Cherbourg Port

Travel in style onboard W.B. Yeats
Dublin to Cherbourg

The majestic W.B. Yeats follows the Irish Ferries tradition of honouring great Irish literary figures. Having joined our fleet in 2019, it offers an enviable cruise-style travel experience. Guests are also invited to enjoy the ‘Lady Gregory Restaurant’ and the ‘Maud Gonne Bar & Lounge’. Other facilities include a Club Class lounge, self-service restaurant, cinema and shopping.

 

 

See deck plan

What's Onboard

  • Welcome reception area 
  • Tax Free shopping
  • Waiter service restaurant
  • Self service dining 
  • Cafe / Bar 
  • Club Class Lounge 
  • Free Wifi (T&C's Apply)
  • En-suite air conditioned cabins
  • Luxury suites with private balconies 

*Selected Bars and Restaurants may be closed at certain times of the year.

Explore this ship

Dublin

Move easily from vibrant city-centre life to the peaceful tranquillity of its charming coastal villages in less than 30 minutes. You’ll sample art, culture and nightlife in a bustling city that’s easy to get around, before immersing yourself in nature and heritage on its stunning outskirts. Why not embark on a hike or a cycle in the soaring Dublin mountains?

Dublin Ferryport is situated 2 miles from the centre of Ireland's vibrant capital city.

It’s also positioned at the heart of Ireland’s road and rail network. Dublin Port Tunnel is situated within the port complex & provides quick access to the M50 & M1 motorways, the main routes to the North and South of the country.

A public bus service operates from the terminal building to the main bus station in Dublin City Centre.

Dublin Port Directions

The GPS co-ordinates for Dublin are: 53.3479, -6.1954

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Cherbourg

Cherbourg is situated at the Northern tip of the Cherbourg Peninsula and provides an excellent gateway for travel by road to and from the North and East of France, Paris, and onwards to Holland, Belgium and Germany.

The city's railway station is at the end of the line from Paris and regular services operate to and from Paris-Saint-Lazare via Cae

Cherbourg Port Directions

The GPS co-ordinates for Cherbourg are: 49.6462, -1.6114

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