Rhone RIver Cruises

We're looking at Rhone river cruises - primarily the northern and southern Rhone, but possibly Burgundy as well, depending on the cruise. Has anyone done one of these and can recommend/discourage us from particular companies?

My ideal trip would allow us enough time in Tournon/Tain L'Hermitage to visit J-L Chave's cellar (assuming they take visitors), my favourite winemaker. Also a specifically wine-themed cruise would be great.

Also, does anyone know if there are particular times when the water levels are very low (necessitating a bus trip instead of the cruise) or when biting insects are annoying?

[Jenise]

Ted,

Haven't done one myself, but I did do a river cruise (Yangtze in China) with Viking River Cruises who do the Rhine too, and per a website of cruise fanatics we consulted at the time this company is widely considered one of the best in the category of river cruising. To the extent that anything can be extrapolated over from my China experience, I would highly recommend them.

One man's opinion: I have not been on one myself, but have talked with several whom have. To me they do not seem "wine centric" enough for me. You are in the heart of some of the most famous wine regions in the world (Southern & Northern Rhone, Beaujolais & Burgundy) but only have a few half days to explore wine country, and all your meals are on the boat. If you are going for wine specifically, you would be better off on you own. This is an easy region to explore by yourself, as the vignerons are very friendly and accessible. My first trip to France (for wine) was to this region and it was fantastic. I did it by myself, with no help, and pretty much without reservations (I did have a few milestones), but I went in February when there are no people. If I were going in season, I would do a lot more planning. On the other hand, if you don't want to have to plan, explore, or fuss, the barge can be a relaxing cruise through the wine country.