Reader offer: Wine and dine along the Rhone with Ian Botham and TV chef Rosemary Shrager

For food and wine lovers, a journey along the Rhone river in France promises some of Europe’s ultimate delicacies – from rich Burgundy wines and fine cheeses to zesty Provence rosé.

On this unforgettable luxury river cruise through the idyllic countryside, you’ll sail past the same landscapes that inspired artists Gogh, Cezanne and Gauguin, and unearth the gourmet secrets that make this region of France one of the world’s premier culinary destinations.

As you travel along the peaceful Rhone and Saone rivers, you’ll enjoy the area’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discover its many treasures – from the medieval wonders of Unesco-designated Avignon to Lyon’s lively river banks.

You’ll be joined on board for the week by chef, TV presenter and haute cuisine expert Rosemary Shrager, who will give a private cooking demonstration and join you on a food market visit and prepare a special dinner. 

The wine pairings will be chosen by another special guest: cricketing-legend-turned-wine-producer Ian Botham.

Ian will also be on board for the week, joining for dinner and drinks throughout the cruise. 

He’ll give a talk about his career and answer your questions in a Q&A, as well as joining you for a wine-tasting.

You’ll be sailing aboard Uniworld’s SS Catherine, an opulently decorated ship with 80 cabins across three decks, several of them with private balconies and French verandas.

All meals are served on board, prepared using fine, fresh ingredients. 

You will also have the opportunity to reflect on your adventures in the Bar du Leopard, which serves as both a dance venue and relaxation area.

There are plenty of exciting shore excursions to look forward to. 

Lovers of fine wine will be wooed by the village of Tain-l’Hermitage, where Ian will join you on a private visit to Le Vineum – the wine cellar of Paul Jaboulet Aine, one of the region’s most renowned wine-growers.

Reasons to book

Taste the wines of Burgundy: You’ll explore the celebrated wine-growing regions of Burgundy and Provence, where tradition is as deeply rooted as the grapevines on the rolling hills.

Cooking demonstration with Rosemary Shrager: Chef and haute cuisine teacher Rosemary has a penchant for classic French dishes such as moules mariniere, which you will have the chance to see up close in a private cooking demonstration.

Exclusive events with Ian Botham: The wine enthusiast will join you for a tasting and a visit to the Paul Jaboulet Aine estate’s wine cellar. 

Ian will give a captivating talk about his charity work and his new wine and gin brand, ending with a Q&A. 

He and Rosemary will co-host a special dinner one evening, with Rosemary curating the menu and wine pairings selected by Ian.

Sample regional delicacies: The Rhone valley is the jewel in France’s culinary crown. 

You’ll get the chance to sample its produce, including truffles and olives, and visit a local market in Arles to marvel at the variety of cheeses, jams, lavender and honeys.

Discover Lyon: Walk or cycle along Lyon’s secret lanes and learn why it’s the gastronomic heart of France. 

You’ll find both Michelin-starred restaurants and the more casual ‘bouchons lyonnais’, traditional eating places serving hearty fare.