Champagne Wine Tour | May 15-19, 2024
No wine in the world sparks more celebration and excitement than the incredible bubbles from the region of Champagne. Just 90 miles from Paris, the region is, in my opinion, actually among the most misunderstood in the wine world. We often think of this incredible beverage as a ‘luxury product’ rather than as a wine. This extraordinary food and wine experience will explore the incredible diversity of wines in Champagne, and its place as a true wine not just a ‘product’ to pour for celebratory occasions.
On this tour, we will visit at least 6 prestigious producers of Champagne, with a focus on Grower/Producers. In addition to visits in the main towns of Reims and Épernay, we will visit smaller areas of Champagne including Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avises, and Aÿ. Meals will be at restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide, including at least one 2-star Michelin restaurant. Lodging will be at a luxury hotel in the center of Reims. Guest will enjoy one evening on their own to explore the city and dine as you wish. Transportation will be in an 8-person van, driven by Michael Kirkendoll, allowing easy stops for photos or sudden changes in plans.
This tour is limited to 6 guests. Booking will be confirmed only by email. Should there be a large number of interested parties, some groups may be offered alternate dates.
This tour may be booked in conjunction with the Burgundy Wine Tour, May 19-23. - click here for info
Cost: $3,750
Deposit: $1,500, due December 1, 2023
Payment in full due by December 31, 2023
payment by check to Pane e Vino Wine Bar
credit card payments accepted with a 3% processing fee
* deposit non-refundable after December 31, 2023
* remaining balance fully refundable until February 29, 2024
* no refunds after March 1, 2024
What’s Included:
lodging in a luxury hotel in Reims, France - the capital of Champagne
all winery visits and tastings
breakfast each day at the hotel
all lunches - all lunches held at Champagne producer restaurants with tastings
3 dinners (one night on your own in Reims)
Included dinners all at Michelin recommended restaurants including at least one Two-Star Restaurant.
All lunches and dinners include either set wine pairings or up to €400 in wine purchased for the table. Additional/more luxury purchases may be purchased at group expense above the set amount.
transportation to all tastings, meals, or other planned group events
Not Included:
Flights
transportation to the hotel in Reims
individual wine purchases
meal wines above the €400 allowance
Daily Schedule (approximate)
10am, Morning Winery Visit/Tasting
12pm, Lunch
3pm, Afternoon Winery Visit/Tasting
7:30pm, Dinner
Possible Winery Visits - to be confirmed
Bollinger, Cortogne-Taillet, Dom Ruinart, Egly-Ouriet, Jacques Selosse, Krug, Moët et Chandon, Perrier-Joët, Pierre Gimmonet et Fils, Pierre Peters, Tattinger, Vilmart & Cie
Travel Suggestions and Plans
May 14 or 15: arrive in Paris
May 15: TGV from Paris to Champagne-Ardenne, transfer to train to Reims, taxi or Uber to hotel - arrive by 5pm for dinner at 7:30pm.
May 16-18: tastings, meals, tours in the Champagne region
May 19: breakfast at hotel; check-out by noon.
Guests continuing to Burgundy will travel either by train or by van to Beaune (TBD).
