June 2:   Welcome to Bubbles Nirvana

Afternoon:  Our tour begins early in the afternoon in Epernay, the epicenter of the Champagne district (Epernay can be reached in <90 minutes by frequent train service from Paris.)  After introductions and a Champagne Seminar, we’ll head to our first tasting of the bubbly at a nearby producer located on the town’s illustrious “Avenue of Champagne.”

Evening:  Dinner will be a private event held in the formal dining room of a Champagne maker.  We’ll return to our hotel after dinner with a stroll down the winery-lined Avenue of Champagne which is flood-lit at night with dazzling works of art.

Morning:  There are nearly 70 miles of cellars underneath the city of Epernay.  Today we'll be welcomed by the Champagne Growers’ Association at their marvelous headquarters for an impressive session.   During the seminar we’ll taste wines that have been stored in Epernay’s incredible cellars, some of which are 130 feet deep.

Afternoon:  Lunch with one of the Directors of the Champagne Association will follow.  Remainder of the afternoon will be free to allow travelers to adjust to the French time zone.

Evening:  Dinner will be held at a local restaurant frequented by many of the area’s winemakers.

June 4:   "Magnifique" Cathedral & Champagne

Morning:   No trip to the Champagne region would be complete without seeing the magnificent Reims cathedral, one of the country’s most notable churches.  Immortalized by Monet in numerous paintings, this building has been the site of Coronations for Kings and Queens since 486 A.D.  We’ll have a private tour of the building with a historian to learn about this glorious example of Gothic architecture.  Then, there will be free time to explore the bustling town.

Afternoon:  Visit to one of the most legendary Champagne producers, including a private tour of their massive underground cellars, and a tasting of their highly regarded bubbly.

Evening:  Dinner will be a special event in the beautiful countryside home of one of our favorite boutique Champagne producers.

June 5:   Chocolate-Maker "Extraordinaire"

Morning:  Breakfast at the pastry shop of an extraordinary Maitre Chocolatier (Master Chocolate-Maker).  Then, a cooking demonstration will be held at this noted cookbook author’s “School of Chocolate” which has educated some of France’s top chefs.

Afternoon:  A special tasting will be held at one of the most revered makers of Champagne.

Evening:  There is no better place to spend our last night in Champagne than dinner in the formal dining room of one of the area’s most distinguished wine houses.  Part of the Dom Perignon family, this dining experiences has been one of the highlights of many former trips with Wine-Knows.

June 6:   Beautiful Burgundy

Morning:  To soak up our last sips of the Champagne countryside we’ll head to the southernmost part of the region to the renowned town of Troyes.  Once a Roman settlement, this jewel-box of a town is filled with 16^th century half-timbered homes.  There will be free time to wander, shop, lunch….and buy those last bottles of Champagne.

Afternoon:  Next, we cross the border from Champagne into Burgundy.  Our first taste of Burgundy will be at a highly regarded estate where there will be a private tour of their impressive state- of-the-art winery.  Then, we’ll check into our hotel located in the quintessential medieval walled-town of Beaune, Burgundy’s epicenter.

Evening:  Dinner in a super-charming cellar restaurant located within the city walls of Beaune---the meal will be classical Burgundian.

June 7:   Barrels and Dijon Mustard

Morning:  We’ll kick off the day with a fascinating visit to a barrel-maker whose clients are some of the world’s most distinguished wineries.   Next, we’ll tour one of the most renowned producers of the area’s famous mustard.

Afternoon:  Free time to explore the enchanting town of Beaune.

Evening:  Dinner on your own.  Be sure to reserve a spot as the town is very popular, especially on a Friday night.

June 8:   Premier Farmer's Market

Morning:  Today is the town’s celebrated weekly outdoor market.  Overflowing with produce such as perfumed berries grown in the local hills (which are used to make the famous Cassis liquor), there’s also a cornucopia of artisanal cheeses, a plethora of mustard from nearby Dijon, as well as an assortment of antiques, arts, & crafts.

Afternoon:  Next, we’ll visit one of Burgundy’s most famous wineries located in the heart of Beaune.  Their underground cellars are one of most stunning settings in all of wine country.  Thousands of bottles of Premier Cru were hidden here from the Nazi’s during World War II.   It’s likely to be an experience you will never forget.

Evening:  For dinner tonight we will dine in the private chateau of a winery with its winemaker.  His family, one of the most famous in the district, has been producing well-regarded Burgundy for > 10 generations.

June 9:   World's Most Famous Wine Auction

Morning:  We’ll kick off the day with a tour of the illustrious Hospice de Beaune, supporter of the world’s most famous charitable wine auction.  The most celebrated building in all of Burgundy, the Hospice is a must-see for any history, architecture or wine buff.

Afternoon:  Then, a tasting at one of Burgundy’s winery jewels.

Evening:  Our farewell dinner will be sure to please.  It fits all the criteria for our last celebration:  gorgeous wines, superb food & a marvelous historical setting.

June 10:   Au Revoir

Morning:   Tour ends.   Paris is <200 miles and the journey can be made by train, or we can arrange a private transport by car.

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