It is no surprise that France appears high on the list for many when thinking about planning a unique and romantic trip abroad. As Paris has been in the limelight for the last year with the 2024 Olympic Games, Haute Couture Week, the Paralympics, and the upcoming Paris Fashion Week, the city can feel a bit overcrowded at times but filled with energy and excitement.
For a more relaxed change of pace, it is what lies beyond the picturesque Parisian streets, and into the fields of grape vines and crisp temperatures sits the region of Champagne. It consists of five main growing regions to choose from spread across 34,000 hectares reaching almost 130km between the northernmost township (Reims) and the southernmost (Troyes).
FORA Advanced Travel Advisor and Founder of The Vine Report and Vintage Departures, Candice Mathis, shares the ultimate guide to a bespoke experience, sipping your way through the region of Champagne. A seasoned expert, world-traveler, and professional wine-taster if you will, Candice is a Master Sommelier blending her passion for cuvée and curation, sharing her insider’s guide to the most perfectly planned trip to Champagne. A trip even Emily in Paris would have at the top of her list!
Starting the Journey
A journey to Champagne begins long before you set foot in France. The experience starts with understanding your preferences—whether you’re a seasoned Champagne enthusiast or new to the world of sparkling wines. At Vintage Departures, we personalize every aspect of the trip, from choosing the right Champagne houses to arranging private tours that may not be available to the general public.
Traveling to Champagne
Traveling to Champagne is seamless when you have the right connections. We take care of everything on the ground—from booking trains to ensuring you have access to a customs concierge who expedites your entry into France. This service is a gamechanger, allowing you to bypass long lines and start your adventure as soon as you land. Accessing Champagne from Paris is both convenient and scenic. The most popular way is by train, with high-speed TGV services departing from Gare de l’Est and reaching the heart of the Champagne region, like Reims, in about 45 minutes. For a more personalized experience, renting a car allows you to explore the vineyards at your own pace, driving along the picturesque Route Touristique du Champagne. Best of all, we take care of those details for you!
Champagne Houses and Vineyards
My personal favorite Champagne houses include some of the most exclusive and revered names in the industry. These visits are immersive experiences. It’s all about creating an experience that is tailored to your tastes and interests.
Dining in Champagne
Dining in Champagne is an essential part of the experience. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming local bistros, the region offers a range of culinary delights that perfectly complement the wines. I’ll share my top recommendations for where to dine, including some hidden gems that are off the beaten path — when you book your trip through us.
Tips and Tricks
One of the key advantages of booking through Vintage Departures is access to insider tips and exclusive experiences. Whether it’s getting a private tasting at a renowned Champagne house, or knowing the best time to visit a particular vineyard to avoid the crowds, these little details make all the difference. And don’t forget the perks — booking through TVD often means you get perks like upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and more.
For those who want to delve deeper into wine culture, my blog TheVineReport.wine offers articles on all things wine. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to expand their wine knowledge or plan their next wine country adventure.
If needed, I can also offer personalized styling services to ensure your wine trip is as stylish as it is memorable. I look forward to sharing my passion and helping others explore and enjoy the world of wine in a meaningful and fashionable way.
A Curated Itinerary by Vintage Departures could look like:
Morning:
- 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Start your day with a luxurious breakfast at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Enjoy freshly baked croissants, seasonal fruits, and artisanal cheeses, all while taking in the stunning views of the rolling vineyards. - 9:30 a.m. – Private Tour and Tasting at Dom Pérignon
Begin your exploration with a private tour at Dom Pérignon, one of the most prestigious Champagne houses.
Late Morning:
- 11:30 a.m. – Visit to a Boutique Vineyard: Champagne Billecart-Salmon
Next, visit the family-owned Champagne house of Billecart-Salmon. Known for its elegant and refined Champagnes.
Afternoon:
- 1:00 p.m. – Lunch at Les Crayères
For lunch, dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Parc at Les Crayères in Reims. This stunning chateau offers a culinary experience that is both refined and deeply connected to the local terroir. Indulge in dishes that are masterfully paired with a selection of Champagnes, all while enjoying the elegant ambiance of the historic estate. - 3:00 p.m. – Visit to Champagne Laurent-Perrier
After lunch, head to Champagne Laurent-Perrier, a house celebrated for its innovation and elegance.
Evening:
- 7:00 p.m. – Sunset Dinner at Château de Sacy
Conclude your day with a serene and unforgettable dinner on the back patio of Château de Sacy. As the sun sets over the vineyards, you’ll enjoy a meal crafted from local ingredients, paired with a selection of fine Champagnes. The ambiance is intimate and relaxed, making it the perfect setting to reflect on your day in Champagne.
A wealth of knowledge, expertise, and real-world experience, Mathis coordinates down to every detail for a trip one will never forget. A wine-center travel label, Vintage Departures, can curate serene opportunities anywhere in the world. But with her love of fine wine and crisp bubbles, Champagne is their specialty. And as F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, too much of anything is bad, but too much of champagne is just right.
Meet the Expert
Meet Candice Mathis, the founder of TVR (The Vine Report) and TVD (Vintage Departures) and your guide to discovering the world of wine. With over a decade of content creation experience, Candice’s passion for wine is reflected in her commitment to continuous learning. She has pursued various wine education courses, including WSET 1, WSET 2 at the Arizona Somm School, The Court of Master Sommelier L1, Wine of Argentina Master Course, Wines of the US Master Course, and WSET 3 at the Napa Valley Wine Academy. She’s also participated in master classes on Burgundy and Champagne. While Candice values the knowledge she’s gained, she believes it’s the real-world experiences—like the joy of wine tastings and the connections made in the wine community—that truly enrich her journey. She looks forward to sharing this passion with others, helping them explore and enjoy the world of wine in a meaningful way.
Given my background in wine education, and my experience as a FORA advanced travel advisor, I believe I can provide a unique perspective on curating the perfect wine country trip. As the founder of Vintage Departures, I specialize in crafting bespoke wine travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary, ensuring every detail is perfectly aligned with my client’s preferences.
FORA:
https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/announcing-foras-new-advanced-certification-training-curriculum
https://www.thevinereport.wine
https://www.vintagedepartures.com
https://www.instagram.com/thevinereport
https://www.instagram.com/vintagedepartures
How to get in touch: [email protected]