Raise a Glass

Solihull Times Readers’ Trip to Champagne

Can you think of a better treat than a weekend of tasting Champagne?

Solihull Times is delighted to have partnered with Kate Rouse, our Food & Travel Editor and Travel Counsellor, to offer readers the chance to join an organised trip or to travel independently to the beautiful region of Champagne.

This 3-night visit will give you plenty of opportunity to taste a variety of fabulous Champagnes (some famous, others more of a hidden secret), savour some glorious French cuisine, and have some free time to explore and get to know this beautiful historic area. We are planning one trip at the end of June 2023 and another in September 2023. The group will be small, or you can choose your own dates and travel under your own direction.

Day One

Flying from Birmingham Airport mid-morning to Paris Charles de Gaulle. You will be collected by private transfer and transferred (approx. 2 hours) to your 4* boutique hotel in Epernay, right in the middle of the aptly-named Avenue de Champagne.

On arrival, what better way to start than with a glass of Champagne to welcome you to your adventure! After checking in and freshening up, you will have your first visit to the world- famous Moët & Chandon Champagne house, a short stroll from your hotel, for a tasting of two of their Champagnes.

Dinner that night will be a very casual affair in a Champagne Bar (where else?) with a six-glass tasting of champagne accompanied by deli platters.

Day Two

Breakfast will be served in your hotel. The morning will be free to explore the Avenue, relax in the hotel’s spa, or indulge in some retail therapy in the town’s many shops.

Lunch is at a quirky Champagne restaurant by the river, for a tasting of five wines and a grazing lunch.

The afternoon visit to Champagne de Castellane includes a cellar tour, a tower visit and two Champagne tastings.

Dinner is in a traditional local restaurant within walking distance from your hotel and includes a five-course tasting menu and three glasses
of Champagne.

Day Three

Breakfast will be served in your hotel followed by a private tour to explore more of the region and starting with a tasting at Champagne Ruinart.

Lunch is in Hautvillers, with three tastings of Champagne and ratafia accompanied by grazing platters and coffee.

The afternoon is a masterclass, tour, tasting of three Champagnes and a sabrage demonstration (ceremonial sword-opening) at the stunning Champagne Le Gallais.

Dinner will be freestyle, which we can pre-book at a Michelin- starred restaurant or advise on a place of your own choice.

Day Four

Breakfast will be served in your hotel.

A free morning to explore the local town of Epernay is followed by lunch: an opportunity to dine at your now-favourite Champagne bar with a final tasting of two Champagnes.

Transport will depart just after lunch for Paris and your flight home.

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This is a sample itinerary.

The price, based on travel in June 2023, is £1450 per person in a double room PLUS flights. Your holiday will be packaged by Travel Counsellors, fully protected with ATOL and with the customary no-ifs, no-buts assurances from Travel Counsellors.

This price is based on a group of 12 travelling, accompanied by a local guide to ensure you don’t get lost after sampling all the champagne! The price also includes transport, accommodation and food and drink as indicated in the itinerary.

Travel Counsellors can also quote for individual trips, bigger or smaller groups, and with the choice to have a guide or self-tour. Our service is completely bespoke, and we work with experienced companies based in the region to make sure you enjoy the best and most authentic experience.

Kate is based in Henley-in-Arden and grew up in Solihull. She has lived in many different countries, most recently spending 15 years in Portugal. She has finally returned home, only to spend most of her time taking clients on holiday, booking and planning holidays or indeed holidaying herself!