This is a journey across one of the world’s great viticultural landscapes, a place where 70-million-year-old chalky soils produce wines of unmatched quality and complexity. Guided by veteran sommelier (and doyenne of a famous French-Mexican food family Sophie Avernin), we’ll make our way from the sparkling vineyards of Champagne to Burgundy’s Côte D’Or, indulging in big vintages; Époisses cheeses; and long, languid meals amid the vines. One room remaining;book here.
Guide
Renowned Sommelier, Bon Vivant Sophie Avernin
R&K Host
R&K Co-Founder and CEO Nathan Thornburgh
Overview
From Champagne to Burgundy
This is a journey across one of the world’s great viticultural landscapes, a place where 70-million-year-old chalky soils produce wines of unmatched quality and complexity. Guided by veteran sommelier Sophie Avernin, we’ll make our way from the sparkling vineyards of Champagne to Burgundy’s Côte D’Or, indulging in big vintages; Époisses cheeses; and long, languid meals amid the vines. One room remaining;book here.
Travel by private luxury coach from Paris to Reims-Champagne, the historic heart of sparkling wine (with alternate direct-from-airport transfers for guests arriving by plane on April 23)
Check into Hostellerie La Briqueterie, a luxury hotel set within a four-hectare wine estate in the Champagne region
Catered dinner at the museum by Chef Cyril Harrois, one of the region’s most talented young culinary stars. With bubbles and a big wine pairing, of course.
Travel to the vineyards of Champagne Henri Giraud for a tasting of at least four iconic vintages
Lunch overlooking the vineyard, at the stunning Bellevue Restaurant, under the care of Executive Chef (and Michelin star holder, and former Meilleur Ouvrier de France winner) Christophe Raoux, accompanied by Henri Giraud champagnes
Visit and tasting at the family-run 19th-century champagne estateBillecart-Salmon
Cocktails and classic dinner at the warm, stately Le Clos Corbier in Champagne
de la Fontaine, 10 Pl. Du Pasquier, 21190 Puligny-Montrachet, France
+33 3 80 21 30 06
Big Burgundy breakfast
Walk to the iconic Olivier Leflaive winery for a little pre-lunch tipple.
Lunch at our 19th-century redoubt Como le Montrachet hotel with its spectacular views and Grand Cru everywhere
TRUFFLES! We’ll be hunting them among the oaks and hazelnuts of Burgundy.
Indulgent last dinner at the meticulously sourced, Michelin-starred Rotisserie du Chambertin, helmed by celebrated Michelin Green Star Chef Thomas Collomb
Day
5
FAREWELL TO THE WINELANDS
One last breakfast at Como Le Montrachet
Private transfer back to Paris
What’s Included
All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, as well as snacks and beverages between meals
Expertise and services of our experienced trip leaders: at least one guide and one host per trip
Additional guides and experts from the region
Transfers from the airport or central Paris on the starting day, transportation back to your flights or central Paris on the final day
Daily Roads & Kingdoms gifts related to the themes, activities and narratives of each trip
All gratuities for accommodations, meals, guiding or transport
What’s Not Included
International airfare to and from the journey (note: some trips begin and end at different airports)
Airport transfers on days that fall outside of the trip dates
Personal bar tabs (when not with the group)
Personal laundry or spa services
Personal travel insurance
Meet Our Hosts
Local Guide
Sophie Avernin
Sommelier, Bon Vivant
The daughter of the first family of French cuisine in Mexico, sommelier Sophie Avernin is considered one of the most recognized women in the wine world both for her vast knowledge and irreverent, charismatic personality. Trained at the storied Hotel School of Lausanne, she apprenticed for Juan Muñoz—considered the best sommelier in Spain—before relocating to Mexico, where she is a member of the first generation of the Mexican Association of Sommeliers. Her connections and passions are driving this itinerary, and we’re thrilled to have her leading this journey through the iconic winelands of Champagne and Burgundy.
R&K Host
Nathan Thornburgh
Co-Founder, Journalist
A former TIME Magazine senior editor and foreign correspondent, Nathan Thornburgh co-founded Roads & Kingdoms in 2012 and ran the independent media company with Matt Goulding and Anthony Bourdain for years. He is an Emmy- and National Magazine Award-winning producer and editor and has reported everywhere from Russia to Iraq. R&K’s League of Travelers is his latest attempt to marry travel, journalism, and la dolce vita.
Where You’ll Stay
Hostellerie La Briqueterie
Champagne Fields Forever
Just a stone’s throw from Épernay and an hour and a half from Paris, this newly renovated luxury hotel surrounded by vineyards features elegant guest rooms, herb and rose gardens, and an excellent restaurant run by Chef Nawal Rezagui. Also on site? A heated pool and extensive spa, perfect for unwinding after a day on the vineyards.
Como le Montrachet
Place du Village
Como le Montrachet is a 19th-century ‘place du village’ inn turned luxury boutique hotel at Puligny-Montrachet, one of the world’s most renowned wine destinations. Surrounded by the vineyards of Burgundy’s Côte-d’Or wine region, it’s a perfect base for the second half of our wine-soaked journey.
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