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Sail Through Burgundy with Lee and Tessa Martinelli

June 10 -

June 17, 2027

AmaCello

FRANCE

Experience the birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside one of Sonoma County's most respected wine families. Cruise Burgundy aboard the elegant AmaCello while enjoying exclusive wine experiences, hosted events, and unforgettable moments with Lee Martinelli Jr. and Tessa Martinelli Gorsuch.

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hosted by Lee Martinelli Jr. & Tessa Martinelli Gorsuch

  • Martinelli Winery – Russian River Valley

  • Luxury AmaWaterways River Cruise

  • Exclusive Hosted Wine Experiences

  • Burgundy's Legendary Vineyards

  • Limited Availability

Why This Journey is Special

Some of the world's finest wines begin with exceptional vineyards—and few families understand that better than the Martinellis.


Join fourth-generation vintner Lee Martinelli Jr. and fifth-generation family member Tessa Martinelli Gorsuch as you explore Burgundy, where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay first earned worldwide acclaim. Throughout this unforgettable journey, you'll discover charming villages, world-renowned vineyards, and centuries of French history while sharing the experience with one of California's most respected wine families.


Guests will enjoy hosted wine tastings, engaging conversations, exclusive hosted events, and the opportunity to compare the traditions of Burgundy with the winemaking philosophies that have made Martinelli Winery a favorite among collectors and wine lovers alike.


Combined with AmaWaterways' exceptional service and intimate atmosphere, this journey offers the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and unforgettable wine experiences.

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Meet Your Hosts

Lee Martinelli Jr.

Fourth-generation farmer and proprietor of Martinelli Winery, Lee Martinelli Jr. has spent his life among the vineyards of Sonoma County. By age eleven he was already driving tractors and working alongside his family in the orchards, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for farming and viticulture.


Over the past several decades, Lee has helped establish Martinelli Winery as one of California's premier producers of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, and other acclaimed varietals sourced from exceptional estate vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast.


Known for his warm personality, engaging stories, and deep respect for both the land and the people who cultivate it, Lee enjoys sharing the experiences that have shaped generations of Martinelli winemaking.


Tessa Martinelli Gorsuch

Representing the fifth generation of the Martinelli family, Tessa grew up immersed in the vineyards, traditions, and hospitality that have defined Martinelli Winery for generations.


Today she proudly helps share her family's passion for exceptional wines while continuing the legacy established by her parents and grandparents. Traveling alongside her father offers guests a unique opportunity to experience two generations of one of Sonoma County's most respected wine families.

Her enthusiasm, warmth, and genuine love of connecting with fellow wine lovers make her a wonderful host both onboard and ashore.


Highlights

• Fourth-generation Sonoma County farmer

• Proprietor, Martinelli Winery

• Outstanding Young Farmer of Sonoma County

• Pioneer in Russian River Valley viticulture

• Renowned for estate-grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Zinfandel


"Great wine begins long before harvest—it begins with caring for the land."

Journey Highlights

INCLUDES

 Guests can look forward to:


  • Hosted Martinelli wine tastings

  • Exclusive wine discussions with Lee & Tessa

  • Hosted receptions and special events

  • Luxury AmaWaterways river cruise aboard AmaCello

  • Included shore excursions throughout Burgundy

  • Visits to historic villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites

  • Exceptional French cuisine paired with regional wines

  • Travel alongside fellow wine enthusiasts

  • Plenty of opportunities to relax, connect, and share memorable experiences

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Your Ship

AMACELLO

Elegant, intimate, and thoughtfully designed, AmaCello welcomes just 144 guests, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hotel than a cruise ship.


River cruising allows you to unpack just once while waking each morning to a new destination in the heart of Burgundy. Because river ships dock close to city centers, you'll spend less time traveling and more time exploring vineyards, medieval villages, bustling markets, and historic landmarks.

GUESTS ENJOY

Exceptional Dining

Locally inspired menus showcase the flavors of Burgundy while complimentary regional wines accompany lunch and dinner.


Included Excursions

Choose from a variety of guided sightseeing tours, wine tastings, cultural experiences, walking tours, and active excursions throughout the journey.


Wellness & Active Discovery

Walking tours, guided bike rides, fitness classes, and a sun deck walking track allow guests to stay as active—or relaxed—as they choose.


Personal Service

With fewer guests than larger ships, AmaCello offers attentive service, welcoming public spaces, and an atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection.




Day-by-Day Itinerary

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Day 1: - Lyon - Embarkation. Arrive in Lyon and settle aboard AmaCello, your elegant floating hotel for the week ahead. Meet your fellow travelers, enjoy your first hosted gathering with Lee and Tessa, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Burgundy.
Day 2: - Lyon - Beaujolais. Explore France's celebrated culinary capital on a guided city tour, browse the famous Les Halles food market, or enjoy a guided bike ride through the city. Later, visit nearby Beaujolais, where rolling vineyards and celebrated wines introduce you to one of France's most beloved wine regions.
Day 3: - Mâcon & Tournus. Visit charming Mâcon, stroll its picturesque streets, or explore the historic Abbey of Cluny. Wine lovers may choose a tasting in the Mâconnais region before relaxing onboard during a scenic afternoon cruise through the beautiful Burgundian countryside.
Day 4: - Tournus & Chalon-sur-Saône. Discover the magnificent Abbey of Saint Philibert, visit elegant Château de Cormatin, or explore the medieval village of Brancion. Later, enjoy scenic cruising toward Chalon-sur-Saône or choose an excursion featuring the renowned wines of the Côte Chalonnaise.
Day 5: - Chalon-sur-Saône & Seurre. Spend the morning discovering one of Burgundy's oldest river towns before enjoying an afternoon wine tasting featuring the prestigious Côte de Nuits region. As AmaCello continues toward Seurre, relax on deck and admire the vineyard-covered landscapes that define this remarkable region.
Day 6: - Seurre & Beaune. Today brings one of Burgundy's true highlights. Explore beautiful Beaune, home to the iconic Hospices de Beaune and surrounded by some of the world's most celebrated vineyards. Alternatively, learn the centuries-old art of barrel making during an interactive cooperage experience before returning to the ship for another evening of exceptional dining.
Day 7: - Dijon. The historic capital of Burgundy offers elegant architecture, fascinating history, and of course, world-famous mustard. Explore medieval streets, visit spectacular museums, or tour Château d'Arcelot before celebrating your final evening aboard with new friends and unforgettable memories.
Day 8: - Dijon - Disembarkation After breakfast, bid farewell to Burgundy as your extraordinary journey comes to a close.
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Accommodations and Pricing

Suite Categories

Inclusions

Deposit

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