Paris to Normandy with Amista and Our Dry Creek Valley Neighbors

A Wine Cruise Like No Other…

…connection, community and unforgettable moments.

I couldn’t be more excited about our upcoming wine cruise from Paris to Normandy in 2026. The thought of experiencing the romance of Paris, the breathtaking countryside along the Seine, and the rich history and art of Normandy is thrilling. But after co-hosting our first Danube wine cruise in 2017, I discovered that a river cruise is so much more than the destinations.

What Makes a River Cruise Special

A river cruise offers the perfect blend of exploration and ease. Here’s what I discovered:

• Unpack once, explore endlessly – Visit charming cities, quaint villages, and scenic countryside without the hassle of repacking every day.
• Curated experiences – Choose from several options for expert-led excursions that highlight the region’s natural beauty, culinary specialties, and fascinating history.
• No planning required – Everything is taken care of, from excursions to dining, so you can fully relax and enjoy.
• Exceptional food & wine – Savor delicious meals prepared by an onboard chef, perfectly paired with the amazing wines of Dry Creek Valley.

What Makes a Wine Cruise Extraordinary

But what truly sets a cruise apart is the people. The friendships formed and the connections deepened while sharing the adventure make it an experience you’ll cherish forever. Being surrounded by fellow wine lovers, who share a love of Dry Creek Valley creates a bond that transforms a simple trip into a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Whether it’s engaging conversations over dinner, laughter-filled excursions, or simply enjoying a glass of wine together on deck, it’s the shared moments that make a voyage unforgettable.

It’s a Shared Experience

Imagine boarding the ship with fellow wine lovers who have traveled Dry Creek Valley’s one road, stopped at its two stop signs and gazed across the acres of vines to the tree-studded hills beyond. They’ve likely crossed its historic Lambert Bridge, and sipped wines from its boutique wineries—just like you. We may arrive as strangers, but we’ll already have so much in common.

Dr. Liz Thach, MW, described Dry Creek Valley in Forbes:

"Another strong appeal of Dry Creek is that it is only 16 miles long, 2 miles wide and has no stoplights. Driving through the valley is spectacular anytime of the year, with the vineyards spread out in a verdant green tapestry in the summer; covered with gold and red leaves in autumn; and filled with old vines that look like sculptures in the winter. Springtime fills the vineyard rows with yellow mustard and orange California poppies."

There’s something incredibly special about being thousands of miles from home yet surrounded by people who share a deep appreciation for Dry Creek Valley.

It’s Personal

One of the greatest joys of our Danube cruise was the opportunity for genuine, unhurried conversations. Guests told me how much they appreciated having time to connect over meals, excursions, and informal gatherings. They especially loved the rare chance to chat casually with vintners and winemakers, learning firsthand about the wines they were enjoying at dinner.

I felt the same way. It was wonderful to move beyond the quick conversations of a tasting room visit or a wine event and truly get to know the people who love our wines. The first evening, I found a group of long-time Amista wine club members from Pittsburgh gathering in a cozy dining room. Over the week, we bonded over shared experiences, great wines, and lively conversations.

It’s Community

The shared interests and time for personal connection emerged into a strong sense of community, creating lasting bonds between club members from different wineries, vintners, and winemakers.

And those connections extended beyond our guests. One of the unexpected joys of co-hosting was spending time with my Dry Creek Valley neighbors. Though we work just minutes apart and see each other at events, we rarely get to sit down and truly connect.

One of my fond memories was watching two of my fellow winery owners hit the dance floor in the lounge every night—who knew they had such great moves? Moments like these create a sense of camaraderie that lasts long after the cruise ends.

Looking Ahead: Paris to Normandy 2026

As we prepare for our Paris to Normandy wine cruise, our sense of community is already growing. Ashley and I met with our winery partners recently at Amista, gathering on the patio with bubbles and snacks, brainstorming ideas for wine dinners and master classes. We are already enjoying the chance to collaborate to ensure the 2026 cruise will be an extraordinary experience for everyone on board.

Check out a quick video message from Ashley and me

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey, where you’ll experience the beauty of France, the elegance of Dry Creek Valley wines, and the magic of shared adventures. We can’t wait to create unforgettable memories with you!

Ready to Set Sail?

Interested in joining us on this exclusive wine cruise from Paris to Normandy? Be sure to reserve your spot early!

Get the details: Wine Cruise – Paris to Normandy, June 2026