Oceania Cruises will present an exclusive Gérard Bertrand food and wine pairing luncheon, a new flagship experience designed to further elevate its renowned culinary and wine offerings.
Debuting aboard Oceania Allura™ during her inaugural voyage, departing July 18, 2025, the experience will also launch on Oceania Vista® in September, and will be available on Oceania Marina™ and Oceania Riviera™ ships by 2026. This new experience adds to Oceania Cruises’ extensive collection of immersive offerings that educate and entertain, giving guests even more ways to personalize their journeys at sea.
This indulgent six-course luncheon pairs exquisite dishes with hand-selected premium wines from Gérard Bertrand, highlighting the sustainability and art of living for which the renowned winemaker from the South of France is known. The carefully curated menu invites guests to explore unique flavor profiles, regional varieties, and pairings that unite food and wine in extraordinary ways.
The experience, guided by Oceania Cruises' expert chefs and sommeliers, takes place at the line's flagship French restaurant, Jacques, and offers an intimate and educational luncheon for up to 40 guests.
Appealing to both connoisseurs and curious novices, this experience transports passengers to the sun-drenched vineyards of southern France and exemplifies Oceania Cruises' dedication to providing hands-on and meaningful culinary experiences. Guests will discover Gérard Bertrand's award-winning wines, crafted with care using organic and biodynamic practices, paired with exquisite dishes developed by the line's culinary team.
“At Oceania Cruises, we are always looking for unique ways to spark curiosity and create deeper connections through our onboard offerings,” said Jason Montague, Director of Luxury at Oceania Cruises. “Our guests aren’t just looking to enjoy exceptional food and wine. They want to explore, learn, and personalize their luxury vacation in meaningful ways. The new Gérard Bertrand experience is a perfect example of how we continue to expand our diverse collection of discovery-guided offerings, allowing travelers to connect with the place, the people, and the culture from a fresh perspective.”.
Alexis Quaretti, Executive Culinary Director of Oceania Cruises, added: “Collaborating with Gérard Bertrand to design this unique pairing menu has been an exciting opportunity to unite culinary artistry with world-class French wines in an inspiring and accessible way. It is a magnificent addition to our range of pairing experiences and a true reflection of our commitment to offering The Finest Cuisine at Sea. From hands-on cooking classes at The Culinary Center to sommelier-led lunches, immersive tastings, and demonstrations, we are constantly evolving to surprise, delight, and inspire our luxury guests.”.
Example of a Gérard Bertrand Pairing Menu:
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Potato fritter, “Sturia” Ossetra caviar, vodka and lime Chantilly
Wine pairing: Gérard Bertrand Cabrières 'Clos du Temple' Rosé, Languedoc-Roussillon, France -
Venetian “Risotto” of minced squid, scallop, leek, lemon segment
Wine pairing: Gérard Bertrand Château l'Hospitalet La Clape White Blend, Languedoc-Roussillon, France -
Duck and foie gras pâté en croûte, lemon relish, pickled vegetables
Wine pairing: Gérard Bertrand Château l'Hospitalet La Clape Grand Vin (Syrah/Grenache/Mourvèdre), Languedoc-Roussillon, France -
Braised short rib of beef, pressed potato cake, glazed carrot.
Wine pairing: Gérard Bertrand Minervois La Livinière 'Clos d'Ora', Languedoc-Roussillon, France -
Cervelle de Canuts, Lyonnais goat cheese spread, pumpernickel bread soil, radish
Wine pairing: Gérard Bertrand Kosmos 888 Red Blend, Languedoc-Roussillon, France -
“Callebaut” Gold chocolate cake, caramel and white chocolate mousse, hazelnut praline, gold leaf
Paired wine: 1975 Les Vignerons de Maury 'Maury' Tuile Vieille Réserve, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
This new experience joins Oceania Cruises' extensive collection of food and wine pairings, each featuring innovative menus and premium, often rare, vintages selected by the line's talented chefs and sommeliers. Other experiences include:
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The Moët & Chandon Champagne Experience: a three-course journey with rare vintages paired with signature cuisine, prior to dinner on selected nights at Aquamar Kitchen, aboard Oceania Vista and Allura.
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Pairing Lunches for Connoisseurs: menus with Mediterranean influence and selections of premium wines, guided by expert sommeliers.
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The Dom Pérignon Experience: an exclusive six-course dinner featuring rare vintages in an intimate setting.
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The Odyssey Menu: a seven-course exploration of global flavors paired with fine wines.
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Private Dinner at Privée: exclusive multi-course dinners with wine pairing for only eight guests per night.
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La Reserve and Moët & Chandon Champagne experiences: intimate tastings and discovery-guided menus, including Jacques Pépin's celebrated La Cuisine Bourgeoise , a journey through multiple eras
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