CHAMPAGNE TOURS
These are exceptional Fine Vintage luxury French wine tours.
THE BRILLIANCE OF BUBBLES
You will visit the greatest Champagne Houses in style for a decadent, luxurious holiday. You will be treated royally, whilst learning about the incredible art of making the world’s best sparkling wine.
We have two fantastic options for touring Champagne. You can book a 3-day private tour on your own schedule, hosted by Champagne expert, Anton Hobbs. Or you can join one of our famous group tours over 5 perfect days, with a maximum of 20 other wine lovers, hosted by a Master of Wine, on the set schedule below.
Whichever option you take, you can be certain the meals will be outstanding and the quality and quantity of the Champagne you’ll be offered can only be described as lavish.
I know you’ll love this tour, and I invite you to join us.
ABOUT THE TOUR AND REGION
THE PARIS – CHAMPAGNE EXPRESS
On our 5-day tour we rendezvous in Paris in the morning and before you know it, you’re at one of the great Champagne Houses having a delicious lunch, sipping on the finest fizz, and learning all about this classic region.
After lunch we’ll check into our hotel and relax, with a visit to the awe-inspiring cathedral which is a few steps away. In the evening, we’ll set out for an unforgettable dinner at one of the great Houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, or Lanson.
REIMS – THE CITY OF KINGS
The nickname for Reims refers to the fact that most French kings were crowned in cathedral, but Reims can also be said to be the city of the wine of kings.
We’ll visit some of the famous chalk cellars, or ‘crayères’, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, apart from being perfect places to age vast quantities of Champagne in dark, humid, cool tunnels with an even temperature. Some of the houses have many kilometers of these tunnels, where their precious product can slumber during its slow, steady maturation.
Prepare to indulge in tastings and outstanding meals at the likes of Roederer, Charles Heidsieck, Ruinart, and Krug.
THE ELEGANCE OF THE HOUSES OF ÉPERNAY
The town is much smaller than the city of Reims, and the pace of life appears a little slower. There is a grace to the houses lining the main avenue but don’t be deceived here too, hidden underground, are enormous stocks worth billions of dollars.
We will be treated to wonderful visits and meals by producers such as our friends at Bollinger, Moët et Chandon, and Dom Pérignon.
THE INDIVIDUALITY OF THE SMALL GROWERS
No trip to Champagne would be complete without visiting some of the myriad of small growers. The quality varies so we have picked some of the best such as Penet-Chardonnet with 6 hectares of vineyards in the Grand Cru villages of Verzy and Verzenay. Their award-winning cuvées are highly sought after in France and abroad.
The owners of Marguet at Ambonnay have decided to return to tending the land with horses, as a more gentle, respectful way of farming. It’s wonderful to see the heavy horses at work and to hear from the owners how they are striving for total harmony with nature for their large collection of Grand Cru cuvées!
THE PINNACLE OF BRILLIANCE
There’s no question that Champagne produces the finest sparkling wine in the world. We’ll take you inside the very best Houses, deep into their cellars, to explore and taste the iconic wines.