Champagne Christmas

From 1693 through to contemporary times, champagne has been paired with luxury and festivities the world over. What better time is there than the Holiday Season to indulge in a short escape to France for a little bubbly, sightseeing, and Christmas shopping with friends? If this sounds like your perfect day out, we invite you to join us for a fun and festive journey that pairs Champagne and Christmas together into a celebration of culture, tradition, and holiday joy in the Champagne Region of France.

Our first stop will be the quaint village of Hautvillers, nestled above the most expensive Champagne vineyards in the entire Champagne region. Here, we visit a local Champagne vintner (winemaker) who will share his family's long-standing traditions and passion for the art and craft of making fine champagne and provide our first bubbly delight of the day with a tasting of three different Champagnes.  Starting with a Brut 1er Cru, a fine Champagne with lively bubbles revealing richness and freshness, followed by the Grande Réserve, a Champagne of golden color with hints of peach and apricot, finishing off with a Champagne Rosé Extra Brut of radiant pink color and elegant flavor. With the happy holiday glow of champagne in your cheeks, the charming town awaits your exploration. There will be with free time to see the resting place of the famous Monk Dom Perignon, visit other Champagne houses for additional tastings (not included) or shop for wines for your private collection.

From here, we travel to Reims, where we will be completed immersed in French flair and the Christmas spirit at the Fest de Noel de Champagne, a bustling, bright, and colorful Christmas market, located at the steps of the Cathedral Notre Dame de Reims. Take your time exploring the Cathedral and charming French Christmas village, it is truly a feast for all the senses. Sample the thick, rich, hot chocolate, nibble a savory crepe filled with ham and cheese and see the beautiful handmade ornaments and decorations while you stroll the market.

Now it's time for the grand finale of the day! We travel south, to Epernay, the heart and soul of the Champagne region, where the famous  “Avenue de Champagne” awaits your discovery! This street is famous for featuring all the grand Champagne Houses in one opulent central location. During the holiday season, each House along the Avenue de Champagne is beaming with Christmas lights and magnificent decorations. Their doors are to the public open, welcoming you in to enjoy champagne tastings, dazzling light and sound shows, and culinary delights, including fine cooking demonstrations with top chefs.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience provides you with the unique opportunity to sample an array of authentic, quality French champagnes in a magnificent holiday setting.