On day one of your trip, drive from the UK to the Champagne region, taking the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. You have the complete freedom to choose your preferred crossing time, and the drive from Calais to the Champagne region is a speedy 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival at Château de Rilly, check into your spacious room with its own private balcony or terrace, and spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying your pleasant surroundings.

This evening, you may wish to dine in the Château’s on-site gourmet restaurant or alternatively, we would be very pleased to reserve you a table at one of our partner restaurants in Epernay, which is a 20-minute drive from the Château. Please rest assured that all Grape Escapes restaurant partners will follow strict safety guidelines, respecting social distance and hygiene rules.

After breakfast on day two, you will be met at the Château by an English-speaking specialist driver/guide, who will accompany you throughout the day on a private basis. You will be transported in a spacious Mercedes Viano-style vehicle and your guide will follow the necessary safety procedures whilst regaling you with tales and anecdotes of the history of Champagne and its vineyards, introducing you to the particularities of the region. You will firstly stop in a vineyard to learn about the work undertaken here, and the tour is designed to be as hands-on as possible. Here, your guide will explain the grape varieties permitted in Champagne and the yearly cycle of the work carried out in the vineyards. You will also pass through Hautvillers, the famous hilltop village where Dom Pérignon himself lived and is buried.

You will then visit a small, family-run producer of Champagnes for a private tour of the fascinating Champagne-making process from press to bottle, and at least three tastings. An al fresco picnic lunch in a picturesque setting will then be served. In the cooler months, lunch will instead be served in a private dining room. After lunch, your guide will take you to another family-run estate, situated in another of the principle regions of Champagne. After a private tour of the House, you will taste Champagnes in contrasting style to those tasted during the morning.

Ending the day in true style, you will be welcomed as the VIP guests of Champagne Taittinger. Here, you will be taken on a private tour of the estate and cellars followed by tastings of three Taittinger Champagnes including their Prestige Cuvée, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. In the evening, we will reserve you a table for dinner in Château de Rilly’s restaurant. You will be able to order à la carte and payment can be made locally.

For those who would like an additional day of activities and opt for the four-night package, e-bikes will be delivered to the Château on the morning of day three. From here, take a picturesque 10km ride through the vineyards (if you would prefer a private driver instead, just let us know and we will provide you with the relevant supplement). Your ride will conclude with a visit to a premium, up-and-coming boutique Champagne House. Your private tour will be followed by a delicious three-course lunch served in the private dining room, alongside a selection of three of the estate’s Champagnes. After cycling back to the village, enjoy a second private tour and tasting at a Champagne House located close to the Château. In the evening, a light dinner of platters of cheeses and meats will be served with a final glass of Champagne at the Château (on your own balcony or terrace if preferred).

After a leisurely breakfast and check out on day three, drive back to the UK, taking the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. If you would like to extend your trip to France and visit other regions (for more wine or just to relax), we would be delighted to provide inspiration.