French Wine Odyssey

Your private chauffeur and luxury Mercedes will collect you at the airport in Paris, and you will head to the city. Check-in and hit the ground running. Your local guide will meet you in the lobby. Enjoy a walking tour of pretty gardens and squares, plenty of fresh air and photo opportunities, taking in the Ponts des Arts, Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Pyramide du Louvre and the Champs- Elysées. read more

Enjoy a private guided walking tour this morning of fascinating Montmartre. Known as the village in the city, the Montmartre neighborhood was historically used for protection in battle, due to its height (on a hill), this also being a great attraction today as it provides some of the best views of the city. The area is still very arty and quirky, having been home to many artists, singers, and writers since the late 19^th century, the famed Moulin Rouge and Le Chat Noir both nearby. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, sip a coffee in one of the bustling squares or enjoy simply people watching. read more

Drive to the scenic Vallée de la Marne in Champagne this morning, taking in the lovely views en route to Épernay where your private boat captain and professional sommelier will be waiting for you, with a charming timber boat dating to the 1920s. You will embark on a private wine cruise, with a champagne tasting of great offerings from independent Champagne Maisons on board as you sail by dreamy vineyards and quaint hamlets. Enjoy various Champagne styles (Brut nature Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Meunier, Rosé de Saignée, 100% Pinot Gris and more), with sumptuous French gourmet pairings like caviar and local cheeses- a true VIP picnic and a unique way to visit the Champagne wine country! read more

This morning offers a rustic and authentic experience, a Champagne lunch with terrific local dishes. This is such a nice contrast to the slicker, more glamorous side of Champagne, and you will enjoy the warm hospitality and above all the stellar Champagnes. Your chauffeur will drive you to one of the most prestigious Grand Cru villages, Verzy in Montagne de Reims to family-owned Maison Penet-Chardonnet. Only producing Grand Cru Champagne and with very low or zero dosage thanks to the magnificent quality of the terroir and viti-vinification processes. Following your private tour, you will be seated for a champagne tasting lunch at the winemaker’s house. After lunch, your driver is at your disposal to explore the adorable tiny village of Hautvillers (Dom Perignon’s birthplace) or the Champagne City museum in Ay, where you can discover everything you wanted to know about the history of this enthralling and unique region. read more

VIP private tour at Veuve Clicquot this morning, learn more about the remarkable story of Madame Cliquot, who having been widowed at the tender age of 27 went on to play an extraordinary role for a women in those times as head of the company and is honored for her imaginative innovations such as the riddling table, still used today. A tasting will follow with some of their finest, including some rare vintages served with tasty local cheeses. Then on to medieval Troyes; quite a contrast from plush Epernay, Troyes is much more flamboyant with tall, colorful, semi-wooden houses precariously propping one another up. Your table awaits at the refined Le Valentino, fish and seafood being the specialties here, perfectly paired with more of the regions finest bubbles. Savor the likes of “Roasted Lobster Ravioli with shellfish sauce” or “Roasted John Dory with girolles, candied tomatoes, spinach and carrot juice with citrus”. Following lunch you will have some free time to wander around beautiful Troyes, looking up at the top-heavy, tilting houses, taking in the grand gothic cathedral. read more

Visit the emblematic Clos de Vougeot this morning, stroll through the property and admire the vineyards. Dating back to the 12^th century when the original winery was built by monks from the nearby abbey. Clos de Vougeot no longer produces wine. However, the chateau remains symbolic in Burgundy. Carry on to Gevrey-Chambertin for a wine tasting lunch at Drouhin-Laroze, served with their Grand Cru wines. A wealthy family history dating back to 1850, current owners Philippe and Christine are the 5^th generation to care for the estate, their adult children Caroline and Nicolas already very hands-on. read more

Journey south this morning to the alluring Burgundian gem of Beaune. This pretty walled town in the center of Burgundy is today as it has been for centuries the heart of the Burgundy wine trade. Your first stop is a VIP wine tour in Aloxe Corton at Comte Senard. Aloxe Corton is interestingly the only appellation with both red and white Grand Crus. Your visit will take in the immaculate Clos des Meix vineyards in the Corton Grand Cru Monopole and their stunning 13th-century cellars, followed by a tasting of some of their finest. Next, a superb wine tasting lunch awaits at the mythical Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet. The Picard family has proudly owned this beautiful chateau, which sits opposite the world-famous Grand Cru Le Montrachet, since 1951. Your lunch will include an aperitif bourguignon, select charcuterie, cream of poultry soup, and a heavenly assortment of regional cheeses, each dish complementing their iconic wines. read more

One last Burgundian cellar this morning and we’ve made it a particularly interesting one; Bouchard Père et Fils, one of the oldest estates, founded in 1731 has been on the map for nearly 3 centuries and 9 generations. It is also one of the largest, boasting over 130 hectares of vineyard, including 12 Grand Cru and 74 Premier Cru across a number of appellations. The domain includes the majestic Château de Beaune, an impressive royal fortress dating back to the 15^th century. Your private experience will take in some of the captivating grounds and cellars before a VIP tasting. Then you will hit the road and head south to Beaujolais, visiting first the quaint Chateau de Bellevue for a private tour and tasting lunch. This idyllic 19th-century residence is surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds overlooking the village of Villié-Morgon. Your tasting lunch will include Château de Bellevue – Morgon as well as choice wines from their other estates in Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent and Saint-Amour. read more

The morning is yours, so take your time, sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, go for a stroll, hit some museums, or the great shops. Lyon is a fascinating city to discover; not only is it a mecca for gourmands, it is steeped in history, which dates back over 2500 years. Visit Vieux Lyon, the UNESCO listed Renaissance quarter, explore the “Traboules,” tiny passageways running beneath and sometimes through the buildings and houses, dating back to the 16th-century silk trade, and which good use of was made of in the 2^nd world war. Cathedral Saint-Jean is worthy of a visit if nothing more than for its remarkable 14th-century Astronomical clock and check out the endless “bouchons”- typical Lyonnaise bistros. read more

At your preferred time, Mercedes transfer to Lyon’s airport for your short flight to Bordeaux (not included, we can assist with flight purchase). In Bordeaux, your chauffeur will be waiting for you and will whisk you into the heart of the beautiful city. read more

A sensational experience awaits you at Cos d’ Estournel today, one of France’s finest collector estates. This impressive domain in St Estephe has an exotic touch when it comes to the décor; architect Jacques Garcia has spread his magic here too, ornate elephant statues, blazing lanterns, inspired by founder Louis d’Estournel who made his fortune in Asia in the 19th-century contrast beautifully with the original chateau features, as do the state of art installations, namely the impressive glass bridge that crosses the large barrel cellar. Your reception will be fit for a Maharaja, and after the captivating tour, you will be seated for a tasting of their extraordinary range; Cos d’Estournel Blanc, Les Pagodes de Cos, and various vintages of Cos d’Estournel. read more

Visit the cult winemaker Château Clinet this morning in pretty Pomerol. Pomerol is relatively new on the Bordeaux wine map, not receiving recognition as a “star player” until the mid-20^th century. Yet these days many Pomerol chateaux reach much higher price tags than neighboring first-growths, prestigious Château Clinet is a prime example. Fresh, young blood is the driving force behind the Clinet team, owner and manager Ronan Laborde was only 19 when his father purchased the estate in 1999, he’s a true inspiration. read more

Visit Château Lascombes this morning, one of the largest wine estates in the Médoc, steeped with history, and thanks to its most recent proprietor successfully benefiting from an integral revamp and modernization of the winery. Enjoy a private tour and unique tasting, which includes sampling the individual varietals before the blend of the current vintage as well as some of their finest second growths. A gourmet private lunch and wine tour at Chateau La Lagune follows this is a significant highlight of this trip! Lunch is served in the kitchen, but it is the prettiest and coziest French country style kitchen you can imagine. Your private chef will prepare seasonal dishes washed down with the delicious estate wines, including some star vintages. An example of what awaits: Parmesan and Fresh Tomato Tarte Green Salade with a Tapenade Vinaigrette with Mademoiselle L 2012, Roasted Cod, Creamy Risotto and Fresh Seasonal Vegetables with Château La Lagune 2010, A Selection of fine Cheeses from Artisan Cheesemaker Beillevaire with a Dense, Warm Chocolate Cake and Sauternes finale – heavenly! read more

At your desired time your driver will take you to Bordeaux airport for your outbound flight today and this concludes your unforgettable France Wine Odyssey! We hope you have had a wonderful time and hope to see you on another Cellar Tour vacation soon. Bon voyage!read more