Swan Hellenic recently announced an exciting new development in high-end exploration, its first-ever cultural expedition cruise offering a connoisseur focus on Wine & Gastronomy @Sea.
Departing from Lisbon on May 12, 2025, and calling at Leixoes (Oporto), Ferrol, Santander, Bilbao, Lorient, Roscoff, Saint-Malo and Honfleur on its way to Portsmouth, this “Legacy of Wine” cruise will explore prominent historical and cultural sites in depth at each port of call in the Swan Hellenic tradition. But it will also transform the experience with visits to prestigious vineyards and the producers of local delicacies, combined with unique daily opportunities to savour the finest culinary and oenological specialties, showcasing the unique terroir and rich winemaking traditions of each region.
Master of Wine Keith Isaac, general manager of Castelnau Wine Agencies, will guide the wine tastings and accompany guests throughout their voyage, offering illuminating insights that benefit from his 36 years’ expertise. The tastings will range from premium port and champagnes to Rioja, Ribera del Duero and award-winning ciders and calvados.
The privileged guests will likewise rub shoulders with multi award-winning Chef Heribert Dietrich, a member of JRE and the worthy recipient of 16 Gault & Millau points, plus a Michelin star, in his illustrious career.
Each evening aboard, Heribert and Keith will join forces to create an intimate celebration of fine wine and haute cuisine in an elegant ocean-view setting, bringing guests skillfully curated pairings with which every course tells a story. This crescendo of signature dishes, each displaying the exceptional creativity for which Chef Heribert is renowned, will then culminate in a spectacular Gala Dinner towards the end of the voyage.
“We are very proud of this significant enhancement to our cultural expedition cruising,” says Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “Every aspect has been expertly conceived to immerse our guests in transformative gastronomic experiences that enrich their voyage with new skills and insight.”