21 - 23 November 2009

Arblaster & Clarke began escorting wine tours to the Champagne region in May 1987 and have returned 10 - 12 times every year since, so we have built up many great friendships and know the region extremely well. This late autumn tour is a great introduction to Champagne, though of course those of you who have travelled with us before may decide in any case to join us again.

Champagne is the closest vineyard region to the UK so makes for a great weekend. This is where A&C first started operating, with our first tour there in May 1987. Our fun yet informative formula has actually changed little over the years - it was original then and the style of weekends remains unique to A&C.

Our aim is to taste a wide spectrum of champagnes, to visit a cross section of Houses, those that forged Champagne’s reputation such as Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot as well as the good growers that we have sought out in the villages where quality champagne can still be found for little over £10. Many of the top cuvées are superb value too and as we travel by coach you may bring back up to 36 bottles per person.

You will taste at least 25 champagnes over the course of the weekend, starting at breakfast and receive a special welcome and generous tastings at houses that we have been visiting for many years. On ever tour we have at least one meal as guests of one of the houses.

In the course of our visits, you will gain a thorough insight into Champagne. Its production, styles and the individual characteristics of a variety of wines will be described in detail from the beginning. Champagne stretches from around Troyes in the south (in the sub-district known as the Aube), to Reims in the north in the Marne district. The vineyards of the Marne are the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs (where the white grapes are concentrated) and the Vallée de la Marne.

Reims, our base for the weekend, is home to many of the great names in Champagne: Krug, Roederer, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Taittinger and Charles Heidsieck as a few examples have their cellars here. It has a long and interesting history. It was very important in the latter Roman Empire and there are several monuments still in evidence dating back to that era, including a Triumphal Arch, the Forum and the stone quarries, or crayères, which are still used as cellars by many Champagne Houses.

The 13th century Cathedral has wonderful gargoyles and statues including "the Smiling Angel" and fine stained glass windows including a spectacular piece by Marc Chagall. The early Frankish kings were all crowned here and the kings of France continued this tradition. In the First World War, Reims was besieged and partially destroyed. Thankfully, some of the most beautiful and impressive buildings, such as the Cathedral and the Palais de Vergeur remain. The rebuilding too, resulted in many fine buildings with "art nouveau" touches. Reims today is a lively commercial centre and University City. Our Hotel is in the city centre surrounded by a very good selection of shops, delicatessens, wine shops, cafés, brasseries and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.

Champagne Weekends Include:

Travel by executive coach, Channel crossing by Ferry or Shuttle (as indicated), 2 nights 3* hotel, breakfasts with champagne. 1 meal with champagnes, 2 comparative tastings,

visits and tastings. Wine Guide & Tour Manager.

The maximum party size is 36.

This Tour includes travel from London but can easily be joined from Paris

Singles Welcome