Day 1: Friday 10th November
Around 7am, meet our coach outside the Hilton Doubletree Hotel, Victoria and set off towards Dover and the Ferry Terminal. After making a brief stop at Stop 24 service station to collect some passengers we’ll check in, and after Passport Control we’ll board our ferry. The crossing takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. Once in France we join the motorway and drive across the gently undulating plains of northern France to the Champagne region, stopping for refreshments en-route at a motorway service station.
Arriving in Reims late afternoon we’ll check-in to our hotel. Then we’ll head straight to the Vignerons Independants Wine Fair (see further details below). There will be hundreds of wine producers from all over France, including all the major wine regions. You can taste as many wines as you like and buy your favourites.
Day 2: Saturday 11th November
After breakfast this morning we’ll go to one of the Grand Marque Houses in Reims for a tour of their extensive cellars and a glass of their non-vintage champagne. We’ll head back to our hotel and there will be some free time to explore the city, browse the shops, and to have lunch.
Early afternoon we’ll head towards Epernay and the Montagne de Reims where we will visit the first of our three family champagne producers. Situated in the best villages they 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.
Late afternoon, we return to our hotel in Reims. This evening is free to go back to the Vignerons Independants Wine Fair and/or try one of the many restaurants and bars in the town.
Day 3: Sunday 12th November
After breakfast this morning we head back towards the vineyards to visit another family producer. Then we will head either to Epernay for some free time and for lunch, or back to Reims. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free in Reims – maybe a visit to the majestic cathedral or a final visit to taste a few more wines at the Vignerons Independants Wine Fair! This evening is free to enjoy Reims and its restaurants.
Day 4: Monday 13th November
After breakfast we check out and visit our final family champagne producer. After free time for lunch, early afternoon we drive back to Calais and the Ferry terminal. After our crossing we expect to arrive at Stop 24 at around 8pm and at London Victoria at around 9.30pm.
TOUR ENDS
Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants
The Salons des Vins Vignerons Independants will be held in the REIMS PARC DES EXPOS, Site Henri Farman 51000, approx. 1 ½ miles from our hotel. The opening times are as follows:
- Friday 10th November: 11am to 8pm
- Saturday 11th November: 10am 8pm
- Sunday 12th November: 10am to 8pm
- Monday 13th November: 10am to 4pm
There will be several food stalls at the Fair. Nearer the time you will be able to search the website and see which producers from the various regions will be attending.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday our coach will take us to the Salon des Vins (Wine Fair) and bring us back to our hotel – timings to be arranged.
