To set the scene for you, the Bergerie estate contains 36 hectares of Chenin, Cabernet and Grolleau and is a little over 30 minutes south of Angers.

David Gitton, the young chef whose refined and inventive cuisine has not gone unnoticed by the major food critics, opened his 'La Table de la Bergerie' restaurant in buildings on the family estate in 2009. After completing international classes (USA, Monaco, London) with Ducasse and Robuchon, he moved to Anjou to sample a different style of exoticism in Champ-sur-Layon. A gourmet connoisseur such as you won’t get lost in David’s menu, which contains just two starters, two mains and two desserts. This simple approach ensures that recipes and produce are prepared with a careful attention to detail, making La Table de la Bergerie a blend of simplicity and finesse. A winning recipe: in 2017 the restaurant has gained a Michelin star. The dining room and terrace overlook the estate’s vines, but the vineyard tastes as good as it looks, something you can find out for yourself thanks to the chef’s carefully selected food and wine pairings.

For your next holiday in Alsace, we’re transporting you to the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire (Land of Art and History) that is Guebwiller.

This escape includes mountains, cultural discoveries on the Route Romane (Romanesque Road) and gastronomic delights on the Route des Vins d’Alsace (Alsace Wine Route). There’s something for culture seekers to see, eat and drink. Let’s start with what you’ll see, because this valley, nicknamed the Florival (valley of flowers), contains some remarkable historical remains within its mountainous landscape, including the Murbach Abbey, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Michel de Lautenbach and Thierenbach Basilica. Next up, what to eat. Because the farmhouse inns of the Hautes-Vosges always prepare a local marcaire (add italics) meal, favoured by cheese farmers of yesteryear. This workers’ food is substantial, to say the least, and includes a covered pastry tart or pie, smoked pork and 'roïgabrageldi' (potatoes slow-cooked in a tightly covered casserole with onions and lard), Munster and white farmhouse cheese. Finally, to improve your knowledge of the area’s seven AOC Alsace Grands Crus, be sure to take a guide or audio guide along the 50kms of stone walls that separate the vineyards.

A gourmet connoisseur such as you will be parachuted into Barr, near Obernai, to explore some of the region’s culinary delicacies.

And because you’re in Alsace, let not spare the clichés: it’s sauerkraut all round! Don’t laugh, they take it very seriously round here. Christian Boulard, chef at the Château d’Andlau restaurant, prepares the most famous example if this dish: Krautergersheim sauerkraut. As for wine, hold onto your glasses, because the 'Coeur d’Alsace' region contains seven renowned AOC Alsace communale denominations, including 'Klevener de Heiligenstein' made from savagnin rose, a grape variety that is only grown in the area, and nine AOC Alsace Grands Crus. The next day pay a visit to Gertwiller, a village famous for its pain d’épices (gingerbread). This other local speciality will add a touch of Alsace to your next stews.

Explore this remarkable wine cellar filled with extremely rare and exceptional wines.

From their 17th century vaulted cellar in Paris’s Latin Quarter, Lionel and Dominique Michelin offer a collection of superb vintages for sale. Step back in time as you soak up the history from 600 individual wines, the oldest of which dates to 1811.

Lionel knows his bottles well, having tasted them himself, and wine connoisseurs know they can trust this passionate wine lover and his refined palate. Lionel and Dominique are gourmets at heart and keen to share and pass on their unconditional love of wine. The various private tastings they offer can be tailor-made to match the needs of individual visitors. The “Tour de France of vineyards”, for example, takes you on a tour of four wine-producing regions of your choice, along with cheese and charcuterie pairings sourced from the finest producers in France.

Maybe you’re a dedicated connoisseur and lover of fine wines, or just hunting for a special vintage. Or perhaps just keen to learn more about tasting and the world of wine. Whatever your requirements, De Vinis Illustribus is guaranteed to steer you in the right direction and offer the very best in expert advice.

A champagne tasting in the house of the winemaker, is the promise of a memorable tasting experience which Dominique will share with you during a two hour workshop.

This exclusive introduction to the rituals of tasting is held in the beautiful winemaker’s house at the Fleury-Gille vineyard, in the heart of the Marne Valley, where you discover the secrets of making champagne. This workshop can even be enjoyed by children from the age of seven. Staying at the Le Danon guesthouse, with its view of the vineyard, will leave you free to spend more time exploring the champagne tourist route. Le Danon