Meet Your Host: 

Doug Margerum

Doug started his food and wine explorations while traveling with his parents at age 14 in France. His passion for food and wine was enhanced as he worked in restaurants as a cook and server throughout his high school and college years. 

Coinciding with his graduation from UCSB in 1981, his family purchased Wine Cask in Santa Barbara, which quickly expanded to include a simple bistro adjacent to the existing wine store. In 1994 Wine Cask became one of 74 restaurants in the world to earn the Wine Spectator Grand Award.

Doug sold Wine Cask in 2007 after deciding to devote all of his energies to wine making. MARGERUM WINE COMPANY was established in 2001. Doug’s philosophy is to return to wine making in its previous form of production – handcrafted and personal.

Margerum Wine Company produces limited quantities of wines made from grapes grown at the Margerum Estate Vineyard, and at top vineyards from around Santa Barbara County. Doug carefully selects the vineyards with meticulous attention to detail in all factors influencing the ultimate quality of the wines, including pruning, soil, climate, and farming methods. The wines are made at their state-of-the-art winery located on Industrial Way in Buellton.

Doug is also the winemaker/consultant for Happy Canyon Vineyards, La Encantada Vineyards and Paradise Springs of Santa Barbara. 

Your July 30th, 2026 itinerary

Day 2
Lyon

Day 3
Macon

“The South Burgundy City” Mâcon tour
OR Cluny excursion

Scenic cruising
OR Mâconnais wine tasting
OR Mâcon-Tournus bike tour

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Tournus. Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Mâcon to Tournus. (B,L,D)

Day 4
Tournus

Tournus city tour & Abbey of Saint Philibert visit
OR Château Cormatin
OR Medieval Brancion

Chalon-sur-Saône

Scenic cruising
OR Chalonnaise wine tasting
OR Tournus-Chalon bike tour

Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône, or learn about centuries old traditions while sampling the region’s famous Chalonnaise wines. Alternatively, pedal from Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 5
Chalon-sur-Saône

Historic city tour
OR Chalon-sur-Saône bike tour
Seurre
Scenic cruising

OR Côtes de Nuits wine tasting
Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You may also choose to explore the city on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Seurre. Alternatively, sample the highly esteemed vintages from the Côtes de Nuits region on a guided wine tasting, surrounded by the oaken casks and intricately tiled roofs that bring this sommelier’s fantasy to life. (B,L,D)

Day 6
Seurre

Beaune excursion
OR Art du Tonneau Cooperage Experience
OR Seurre walking tour

Scenic cruising
OR Seurre-Dijon bike tour

Visit the town of Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hospices de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Guests interested in wine making can learn more about cooperage, or the art of making wine barrels, in this interactive workshop that guides you through the process of crafting barrels through traditional methods. You may also join a guided tour through Seurre, unraveling its rich tapestry of heritage and charm. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic sailing or opt for a more active outing with a bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 7
Port of Dijon

Dijon city tour
OR Château d’Arcelot visit
OR “Banks of the Saone” Bike tour

Famously known as the “Birthplace of Mustard,” Dijon was the home to the four Dukes of Burgundy from 1364 to 1477. On a guided tour, explore Dijon’s medieval center which overflows with art and cultural heritage, showcased within several spectacular museums. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour along the Saône River and witness captivating sites such as the lock controlling the river’s access to the Rhone-Rhine Canal. Or choose to visit the stunning Château d’Arcelot, with elements dating back to the 13th century. The Château d’Arcelot blends medieval religious structures, neoclassical architecture, and even a Chinese pavilion into a fascinating architectural marvel. (B,L,D)

Day 8
Port of Dijon

DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Dijon and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Your ship

What's Included With the Cost of Your Cruise:

7-night Cruise