Join me for an exceptional off-the-beaten path trip to Champagne during harvest!

Harvest is my favourite time of the year to visit Champagne! You get to witness the beehive in the vineyards, see the grapes being pressed, taste the juice fresh off the press! But… Harvest is a very tricky time to visit the region because most small houses are much too busy to accept visitors, and the harvest dates are a moving target. Mother Nature decides when the grapes are ready. That said, two of my favourite producers (Veuve Olivier et Fils and Piot-Sevillano) let me bring people during harvest. I have just spoken to both of them about their harvest dates. They reckon 17 September will a good date to come visit. They will likely be harvesting, but less grapes than usual because Mother Nature has not been kind to them this year. 

Program

08:10: Rendez-vous at Gare de l'Est train station in front of track 7.

08:35-10:10: Train to Dormans. During the journey I will talk to you about the history of the wine, geography of the region, and how the industry is organised today. 

10:10-10:40: Walk along the Marne river to Champagne Piot-Sevillano. During the walk I will introduce you to viticulture in Champagne and some of the challenges this year.

10:40-12:30: Tour of vineyards, press center, tank room and cellars at Champagne Piot-Sevillano, a small female-owned organic house. Christine, the owner, was interviewed by 60 Minutes about wine and climate change (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wine-industry-climate-change-60-minutes-2021-12-26/) and she is the first woman to be elected president of the association of independent champagne producers. She was recently re-elected for another term. By the end of the visit you will understand ALL the stages involved in making champagne. And if we are lucky, you will see how the grapes are picked and pressed, and taste the juice fresh of the press.

12:30-14:30: 3 course gourmet picnic paired with 3 different champagnes at Champagne Piot-Sevillano. If weather is nice we will eat outside on the terrace with a view of the vineyards. If the weather is not nice, we will eat inside their cozy tasting room in a former primary school that Christine attended as a child that she bought and converted. I will talk to you about the different grape varieties and other wine-making choices that affect the aromas and flavours of champagnes, and why certain styles of champagne pair better with certain foods. It will also help you figure out what style of champagne you prefer, and why. (Note: before registering, send me an email to request the menu options)

14:30-15:30: Gentle hike through the vineyards to admire the views

15:30-17:00: Private visit and tasting at Champagne Veuve Olivier et Fils, another small female-owned house, but slightly bigger. If we are lucky you will see another example of how grapes are pressed, and taste the juice fresh of the press, and Sandrine might be able to join us for the tasting.

17:00-17:30: Easy hike back through the vineyards to Dormans.

17:45-19:00: Train back to Paris Gare de l’Est. During the journey back I will talk to you about whatever you want!

Duration: 11 hours 

Maximum number of participants: 6

Cost: 300€ for Delectabulles members and 350€ for non-members. Covers train tickets, cellar visits and tastings, lunch, my guiding services. 

 

Notes:

• We will go rain or shine.
• Before you register, send me an email at cynthia@delectabulles.com and I will send you the menu options for the gourmet picnic lunches. I need to order them in advance.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots that you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Bring a sweater or jacket because the cellars are chilly.
• You can check the weather here: https://meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/trelou-sur-marne/02850.
• Bring a bottle of water.