Champagne and Chablis Experience – Our Self Drive Holiday
My Champagne and Chablis experience left me giddy with all its prestige and tradition, bubbling with excitement having tasted delicious wines from boutique houses and famous producers and in love with the ethos that there needn’t be a celebration in order to pop the cork; champagne is a drink to be enjoyed all day, every day. I wonder if this is something we could implement back in the UK?!
Day 1. On our first night we stayed in a romantic, elegant chateau situated in the beautiful city of Epernay. Wowed by a champagne tasting on arrival then enjoyed a first class dinner at one of Epernay’s top restaurants.
Day 2. We visited a renowned family owned estate, just moments from the chateau, explored the caves and tasted their champagne. After lunch, just a short drive away, we arrived in Reims. A bustling, metropolitan city surrounded by the vineyards of champagne and famous producers, with so much to see and do. En route, we stopped off in Ambonnay to visit a small, traditional family owned Champagne house which specialises in organic vine growing. It was fascinating to hear the techniques they use and the passion and pride they have in producing their champagne.
Day 3. We woke up in a chic, stylish hotel situated in central Reims. Having devoured breakfast, we walked the short distance to a pick-up point where we were collected by our guide. We headed off into the vineyards of Champagne on a private wine tour of the region, visiting boutique houses and enjoyed champagne tastings in each and every one. I learned all about the process of making Champagne, from picking the grapes to creating the fizz and the painstaking and dedicated traditions of ‘remuage’, turning of the bottles. After our wine tour and a quick lunch, we caught a taxi (no driving obviously!) to one of the world’s most prestigious Champagne Houses. I was blown away by the chalk-pit cellars with endless tunnels full to bursting point! The champagne tasting was incredible and an experience I would highly recommend. Dinner was delicious, at a restaurant recommended by SmoothRed, we treated ourselves to an enormous fresh fish platter and washed it down with copious amounts of champagne – what else!?!
Day 4. Before setting off towards our second destination, Chablis, we had been told by SmoothRed of a very special and unique champagne bar. We drove up the winding roads between the vineyards and into the hills, following the signs which lead to a inner forest clearing. Along a rubble track we came to the foot of a rope bridge which ascended high up into the tree tops. There awaited an adults tree house, with swings and contemporary decor, affording breathtaking views across Champagne high above the trees. A glass of chilled champagne in our hands we paused to take in our surroundings and discuss excitedly our plans for Chablis.
What a contrast Chablis is from the busy streets of Reims. We set down our bags in what I can only describe as one of my favourite hotel rooms that I have ever stayed in, a stunning boutique hotel in the centre of Chablis. First stop, a well known wine estate for a divine wine tasting experience and a stumble back to the hotel with our arms full with cases of Chablis for home. We were then picked up from our hotel by our SmoothRed guide and headed out for a late afternoon, sunset wine tour. So much to learn about the different appellations and classifications of Chablis, the history and the techniques they use to protect their vines from the ever changing weather that can affect an entire harvest. Our guide was so passionate and knowledgeable, taking us to visit several wine houses and providing a wine tasting at each to tickle our taste buds. What better way to finish the day than a gourmet dinner at a Michelin star restaurant. A gastronomic feast accompanied by the regions finest grand cru.
Day 5. Wishing to make the most of our last morning, we were up early to explore the farmers market which filled the streets of Chablis centre. Our bag packed full of local goodies; breads, cheeses, olives and meats, we pulled over on our journey home and set up a picnic on a picturesque river bank overlooking the fields and hills of France. Happy and content we continued our drive towards Calais. Needless to say our boot was full on the return journey, these are without-doubt destinations perfect for self drive holidays.