Champagne for my Valentine

Travel with us for an unforgettable romantic excursion to the Champagne Region of France! There are many sparkling wines which claim to be champagne, but only “bubbles” produced in this region are given the honored title of “Champagne.” Since 1693 through to contemporary times, champagne has been paired with luxury and festivities the world over.

We start our day in the quaint village of Hautvillers, nestled above the most exclusive vineyards in the entire Champagne region. Here, we visit a local Champagne vintner (winemaker) who will share his families long standing traditions and passion for the art and craft of making fine champagne. Following this introduction, we will enjoy the first bubbly delight of the day with a tasting of three different Champagnes. We will begin with a Brut 1er Cru, a fine Champagne with lively bubbles and a revealing richness and freshness. Next, we move on to the Grande Réserve, a Champagne of golden color with bright hints of peach and apricot. Rounding off our tasting is a radiant pink Champagne Rosé extra brut that offers a clean and elegant flavor. With the happy glow of champagne in your cheeks, the charming town of Hautvillers awaits your exploration. There is free time to visit the resting place of the famous Monk Dom Perignon, stop at other Champagne houses for additional tastings (not included) or shop for your private collection. 

We leave this picturesque town and continue on to Reims, the center of the Champagne region. Here we will visit a typical French Brasserie for a romantic three-course French-style lunch. Today we indulge in the French appreciation for fresh ingredients transformed by artful cooking techniques and their pride in presentation.

After lunch, we stroll through downtown Reims and visit the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame, famous for the Russian artist Marc Chagall’s 1974 stained glass windows and fondly referred to as the little sister of Paris. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the city at your own pace. Stroll through typical French shopping street or sit down for another glass of Champagne before it is time to return home.