Champagne Uncorked!

Travel to Reims

• 4.00am – Coach departs Taverham (estimated – may vary slightly and will be confirmed as below)
• Local pickups en route – as confirmed in your final confirmation details (issued 7 to 14 days before departure)
• 8.40am – Check in at Dover
• 10.40am – Channel Crossing – Dover to Calais
• Continue through the French countryside to Reims—the historic capital of the Champagne region.
• Our home for four nights is the four-star Hôtel de la Paix.
• After checking in, enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at the hotel.

Guided Reims Tour and Veuve Clicquot

After breakfast, meet our local guide for a fascinating tour of Reims, beginning with its magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture has witnessed the coronation of many French kings and is celebrated for its impressive façade, intricate sculptures and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Our guided city walk continues through the historic centre, revealing Reims’ rich heritage, elegant streets and architectural treasures. Along the way, discover how the city developed from its Roman origins into the celebrated “City of Coronations” and an internationally renowned centre of Champagne production.

Later, visit the prestigious Maison Veuve Clicquot, one of the world’s most recognisable Champagne houses. Founded in 1772, the house became closely associated with Madame Clicquot, a pioneering businesswoman whose determination and innovations helped shape the Champagne industry.

Descend into the remarkable ancient chalk cellars, known as crayères, which form part of the UNESCO-listed Champagne heritage. During the tour, learn about the history of the house and the expertise involved in creating its distinctive Champagnes, including the famous Yellow Label. The visit concludes with a tasting—a fitting finale to our first full day in Reims.

Hautvillers and Champagne Robert-Allait

Today we travel through the beautiful vineyard landscapes of the Marne Valley to Hautvillers, one of the Champagne region’s most picturesque and historically important villages.

Known as the “Cradle of Champagne,” Hautvillers is closely connected with Dom Pierre Pérignon, the Benedictine monk who served as cellar master at the village abbey for almost 47 years. Although he did not invent sparkling wine, his careful work with grape selection and blending made an important contribution to the development of Champagne.

Enjoy time to stroll along the village’s charming narrow streets, where traditional houses are decorated with distinctive wrought-iron signs. Visit the former Abbey Church of Saint-Sindulphe, where Dom Pérignon is buried, and admire the wonderful views across the rolling vineyards of the Marne Valley.

We then continue to Champagne Robert-Allait, an independent family producer in Villerssous-Châtillon. Here we will enjoy a more personal introduction to Champagne production, discovering the skills and traditions passed down through generations of winegrowers.

Our visit includes a tour of the winery and cellars, where we will learn how the grapes are pressed, fermented, blended and matured before becoming Champagne. The experience concludes with a tasting of three Champagnes, providing an opportunity to compare different styles and appreciate the individual character of this family estate.

Nicolas Feuillatte and Champagne Vollereaux

Our day begins at Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, situated in Chouilly in the prestigious Côte des Blancs. This impressive and modern production centre offers a fascinating contrast to the smaller family estates visited during our tour.

Follow the complete Champagne-making journey, from vinification and blending to ageing, disgorgement and the final labelling and packaging of the bottles. The tour provides a valuable insight into how modern technology and traditional expertise work together to produce Champagne on a larger scale. Our visit concludes with a tasting from the Nicolas Feuillatte range.

Later, continue to the village of Pierry, near Épernay, for a special visit to Champagne Vollereaux. This family-owned house traces its winegrowing history back to 1805 and has been shaped by six generations of the Vollereaux family

During the “Vine to Glass” tour, discover the work undertaken in the vineyards throughout the changing seasons and learn how careful cultivation influences the quality and character of the finished Champagne. We then continue into the historic chalk cellars to follow the complete production process – from the arrival of the grapes and fermentation through to blending, ageing and bottling.

Our experience concludes with a guided tasting of three Vollereaux Champagnes, including one vintage cuvée. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the differences between the wines and the dedication, patience and craftsmanship behind every bottle.

Return to Norwich

• After breakfast, check out of the Hôtel de la Paix and bid farewell to Reims. We begin our return journey to Norwich, taking with us wonderful memories of historic cities, vineyardcovered hills, welcoming Champagne houses and—of course—some exceptional tastings.
• 12:20pm – Check in at Calais
• 2.20pm – Ferry Calais to Dover
• Return arrival time at drop off points will be advised on the coach.