Criterion Wine Limited

The first May Bank Holiday Champagne Weekend has completely sold out! But if you missed out don’t despair, because due to popular demand, there will be another trip running over the second May Bank Holiday. If you have ever wanted to visit this fascinating area, discover the secret of the bubble, and find out what makes champagne the celebratory drink par excellence, then this is the weekend for you. You will see the miles of cellars dug out of chalk where millions of bottle age gracefully, learn how champagne is made, and discover what makes it so special. The town of Reims where we will be based has many other attractions including a stunning cathedral, as well as lots of lively bars and nightlife.

We will leave from Victoria, London early on Saturday morning in a spacious, executive coach arriving in Reims late afternoon, when we will visit one of the major champagne houses. After checking into our hotel, we will have dinner in a local restaurant.
Next morning after breakfast we will head towards Epernay and the Montagne de Reims, and during the day will visit two other producers. You will have free time at lunch to explore, and we will head back to our hotel early evening, and later have dinner in another local restaurant.
On Monday morning after breakfast we will visit our final champagne house, and then head back to the UK arriving late evening.

There will be plenty of opportunity to buy champagne at attractive prices, and lots of room in the coach to bring it home!

travel by full size 49 seat executive coach, crossing by Eurotunnel
two nights bed and breakfast on a twin share basis (some single rooms are available at a supplement) in the Hotel de la Paix in Reims. The hotel is very centrally located, and is a good quality 3 star with ensuite facilities, air conditioned rooms, and a swimming pool. (See www.bestwestern-lapaix-reims.fr)
two 3 course dinners with 2 glasses of wine included
visits to 4 different champagne producers, which will be a mixture of big names and smaller family concerns
the services of Christos Ioannou as wine expert and tour guide

The cost is £325 per head, with a £45 supplement for single rooms of which there are a limited number. A deposit of £95 is payable when booking, and the balance is due two months before departure.

Places are limited to 32 people, so please Christos know as soon as possible if you would like to join the tour. Numbers must be finalized by the end of march. Please call or e-mail Christos on 020-8993-2006 and cai82@hotmail.com with your contact details/address and he will arrange for a booking form to be sent to you.