More bragging rights in South Africa this week for AmaWaterways and its Zambezi Queen: From December 20 to 23, the intimate ship will host Graham Beck’s first exclusive wine weekend safari experience along the Chobe River, under the guidance of Graham Beck Cellar Master Pieter Ferreia.

Throughout the three-day voyage, guests will have the chance to sample dishes paired with select wines from the Graham Beck Wine Estate. Affectionately known as “Mr. Bubbles,” Ferreia joined Graham Beck in 1990 and today is responsible for overseeing the company’s entire wine production, producing and storing over 2 million bottles of sparkling wine.

His philosophy toward sparkling wine is simple: “I’m still in search of the perfect bubble – until then, I’ll keep refining.”

Guests on this special cruise will be introduced to Graham Beck’s new “Game Reserve” collection of wines with tastings of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage paired with dishes that are representative of the region in which the Zambezi Queen sails, such as bobotie spring roll with banana chili sauce, Botswanan beef fillet or Namibian sole.

South Africa’s Chobe River is teeming with wildlife. An estimated 120,000 elephants and more than 400 species of birds call this amazing region of South Africa home, and the Zambezi Queen even has small tender-style boats that are ideal for water-based game viewing.

AmaWaterways offers cruise-tours aboard the Zambezi Queen that pair overland journeys and luxury safari experiences in South Africa with a three-or-four day cruise. The signature itinerary even includes a rail trip on the famous Rovos Rail train.

More information on the Zambezi Queen and the entire AmaWaterways fleet throughout the world can be found by visiting our recently updated AmaWaterways Company and Fleet Overviews here on River Cruise Advisor.