Criterion Wine

Wine Tours CHAMPAGNE WEEKEND & Xmas Market 26th–28th November 2010

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.
During the weekend we will visit one ‘Grande Marque’  the prestigious house of Taittinger, and 3 hand-picked smaller family producers in the best villages including Andre Clouet in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. 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. 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!).
There is an optional group dinner at Restaurant Continental on the Friday evening and you will have time to try one of the many other restaurants and bars in Reims on the Saturday evening. There will also be free time to explore the Xmas market which is right outside our hotel.
The tour includes:-

  1. travel by full size 53 seat executive coach (with WC), crossing by Eurotunnel
  2. 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)
  3. visits and tastings at 4 different champagne producers, which will be a mixture of big names and smaller family concerns
  4. the services of Christos Ioannou as wine expert and tour guide

The cost is £275 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 beginning of October.
SORRY THIS TOUR IS SOLD OUT BUT THERE WILL BE ANOTHER CHAMPAGNE WEEKEND IN 2011 SO LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED AND WE WILL SEND YOU DETAILS AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE


Next Wine Tour
25th February - 6th March 2011 South Africa - Wine Cape Town and the Garden Route
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