Criterion Wine News
CHAMPAGNE and XMAS MARKET WEEKEND
Friday 25th – Sunday 27th November 2011
Start celebrating Christmas early with this wonderful Champagne Trip to the atmospheric
Christmas Markets in Reims!
Following the hugely successful sell-out Champagne trip in July I have organised
another one in late November with the added attraction of a Xmas Market which
will be in full swing in Reims - it will be the perfect time to stock up with
Xmas presents! I have organised several of these trips in the last 5 years and
have excellent contacts with many small producers - the visits to them are always
the highlight of the weekend. The last trip in July was fully booked with a waiting
list so if you would like to come on this one don't delay!
You can see the rave reviews of the last trip in this link: http://www.meetup.com/The-London-Wine-Dining-and-Travel-Meetup/events/16657433/
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. The Xmas
market stalls will line the main pedestrian thoroughfare which is a stone’s throw
from our hotel and there will be plenty of free time to visit the Christmas
Village where street entertainment, magicians, carol singers and more
than 100 colourful chalets welcome visitors with theirgifts, decorations and
delicious festive fare.
We will leave from Bressenden Place, Victoria, London on Friday morning around
7.15 am in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. There will be an option to be
collected from Stop 24 service station at Junction 11 on the M20, one junction
before the Eurotunnel terminal, where you can park for approx. £5 per day. We
will arrive in Reims late afternoon and go straight to visit one of the major
Champagne houses for a tour and tasting in their extensive cellars. There will
be the option to join a group dinner that evening in a Michelin listed local
restaurant. Or if you prefer you can choose one of the many other lively bars
and restaurants.
During the next two days we will head towards Epernay and the Montagne de Reims
to visit three family producers, two on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. These
producers are all situated in the best villages and are hand-picked for the quality
and value which they offer. At each one we will taste various champagnes from
their range and you will be able to buy supplies at attractive prices (the coach
has plenty of luggage space!). On Saturday lunchtime there will be free time
to wander round the town of Epernay.
We will head back to the UK after lunch on Sunday, arriving back at London Victoria
around 9 pm.
The tour includes:-
- travel throughout by full size 53 seat executive
coach, crossing by Eurotunnel
- two nights bed and buffet breakfast on a twin
share basis (some single rooms and Upgraded 'Privilege' 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 small swimming pool. (See www.bestwestern-lapaix-reims.fr)
- visits and tastings at 4 different champagne
houses, one Grand Marque and three smaller family producers
- the services of Christos Ioannou as wine expert
and tour guide
The cost is £279 per person sharing a double or twin room,
with a £50 supplement for single rooms of which there are a limited number.
There are also a few upgraded twin/double ‘Privilege’ rooms available for an
additional cost of £40 per person (not available for single rooms). If you
are prepared to share a twin room with a person of the same sex but do not
have anyone to share with, I will try and match you up, but if there is no-one
suitable you will have to pay the single supplement. A deposit of £75 is payable
when booking, and the balance is due two months before departure.
Places will be limited to 35 people and numbers must be finalised by the end of September, but the tour is likely to see out well before then so please let Christos know as soon as possible if you would like to join the tour. To request a booking form send an e-mail to christos@criterionwine.com