The son of a baker who also won the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France title, Romain Iltis’s tastebuds were aroused at a very early age. It was only natural for Romain to start in catering before turning to his true passion: wine.

Romain began his career at the Alexandre Dumas hotel management school in Illkirch-Graffenstaden. After enrolling in Alain Ducasse’s kitchens, he joined the Chabichou team in Courchevel, where he stayed until 2005. Romain then took a 180 degree turn, swapping his cook’s apron for the apron of head sommelier at Munster’s La Verte Vallée in his home region, Alsace.

In 2012, Romain began working alongside Jean-Georges Klein in the three-star chef’s L’Arnsbourg restaurant. In the same year, Romain was awarded the title Meilleur Sommelier de France. But that was not the only prize that came his way since, like his father before him, he won the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2015 in the sommellerie category. 2015 was also the year Romain was appointed chef sommelier at the Villa René Lalique, a gastronomique restaurant in Wingen-sur-Moder in northern Alsace, once more alongside the chef Jean-Georges Klein.

With his well-honed cook’s palate and infallible nose, Romain is a great enthusiast with a special talent for pairing fine wines and food.

Supported by his two assistant sommeliers, Romain supervises one of Europe’s finest cellars: with 20,000 bottles, he can offer customers a range of surprising tastes to bring out the best in Klein’s dishes. Although he has become a prodigous sommellier, Romain has lost none of his modesty: it will be his great pleasure to serve you, when you will notice the Meilleur Ouvrier de France Sommelier tricolour on the right sleeve of his jacket, normally found on the collar. There’s no doubt about it, Romain has something of the grand cru about him!

The love story between Thierry Michon and his vines has been ageing nicely for over 20 years. What’s the secret behind the estate’s excellent wines? Respect for the land and a bit of pampering for the grapes!

Patrice Michon's vineyard was created in 1960 in Saint-Nicolas de Brem in Vendée, Loire Valley. Patrice started from scratch, expanding his holdings by buying up old vineyards in Île d'Olonne.

Patrice's is a unique terroir with an exceptional microclimate: the grapes are grown naturally over 40 hectares of clay schist soil and quartz, which gives the wine its very special character.

When Patrice's son took over the family business in the 1990s, it marked a turning point in the estate's history. Thierry Michon was keen to produce first-rate wines, and saw only one way to achieve his goal: biodynamics. Today, Thierry and his two sons, Antoine and Mickael, cannot imagine cultivating their vines in any other way.

Although biodynamic agriculture is clearly a more expensive approach, it is also more environmentally friendly and respects the balance of the vines. Chemicals have given way to herbal teas at Domaine Saint Nicolas, where the harvesting is carried out by hand. The grapes are picked only when they have reached maturity, even if it means passing through the same rows of vines several times.

“Fine wines are produced in the vineyard, not in the cellar”.

Although Thierry’s ecological awareness means that he is given to pampering his vines, his method is also motivated by a thirst for the finest cuvées. In fact, according to Thierry, it’s the quality of the variety of grape more than anything else that determines the quality of the wine.

Thierry has succeeded in his challenge of making a wine that rubs shoulders with the very best. His bottles can now be found on the tables of Michelin-starred restaurants in France and abroad, thereby lending his Fiefs Vendéens — which were awarded AOC status in 2011 — a certain degree of fame!

The vineyard shelters bear witness to the ancient wine-growing practices of Champagne, and are intimately linked to the region's identity and history

These modest vineyard huts or shacks, sometimes called “cadoles”, began to appear in Champagne in the 16th century. More commonly known as loges, these traditional structures were erected on hillsides and scattered alongside farmland paths, where they were used to store the vintner’s tools, and served as shelter for eating or taking a siesta. The huts were found throughout the region until the late nineteenth century, when — following the advent of agricultural mechanisation — they quickly fell into disuse… but were anything but forgotten!

The huts are not just a reminder of the vineyard landscape of yesteryear; they are now well on their way to shaping the future. At the very first Architecture et Champagne summer school, thirty-four student architects from France and abroad were tasked with designing and restyling eight vineyard huts spread across Champagne.

You can explore these new-generation loges, which have been built mainly using waste material, on a special trail.

The huts can be used as temporary exhibition spaces, a place to meet at harvest time, for wine tastings or for a spot of relaxation — in short, they let the creative spirit run wild! One shelter is equipped with a swing, another can be converted into a huge picnic table and yet another into an open-air bed, all with breathtaking views over the vines, inviting visitors and walkers to enjoy a pleasant break.

A second summer school will be held in 2018, with the promise that new, equally unusual huts will punctuate the Champagne landscape and expand the circuit. It’s a fine initiative, one that reflects the inclusion of Champagne’s hillsides, houses and cellars on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It is also an invitation to cast a curious glance at this wine-growing region — come and discover our loges and every aspect of Champagne’s heritage!

Sophisticated cuisine, the best wines from the Rhône Valley, and an immersion in this region’s unique terroir: this is the winning combination that awaits you at the Hôtel Restaurant La Pyramide ****

If there is one restaurant you can’t afford to miss in the heart of the Roman city of Vienne, south of Lyon, it is the famous La Pyramide hotel and restaurant. This distinguished establishment is an iconic location in the gastronomy of France and the Rhône region, and maintains a long tradition of preserving the local terroir with a sense of passion and sophistication.

In an inviting and elegant setting, visitors can sample Chef Patrick Henriroux’s cuisine, a marriage of the traditional and contemporary, and also enjoy wine pairings that showcase the region’s wine production, such as Côte Rotie and Condrieu.

 

In Espace PH3, the hotel’s second restaurant, the menu follows an original concept governed by the rule of three: three starters, three main courses, three desserts… and the same applies to the wine selection!

But most striking of all is the establishment’s impressive collection of Chartreuse liqueurs, where the rule of three most certainly does not apply: this collection is a world first, with no less than 152 items! At the end of the meal you will be offered a chance to sample these precious liqueurs, accompanied by the expert advice of the restaurant’s sommelier.

While La Pyramide stands out for its keen desire to promote the flavours and heritage of the Rhône Valley, other activities nearby allow you to discover the riches that this land has to offer. These include: an excursion with a difference as you travel through the vines via Segway, a trip along the Rhône river and the former tow-path by mini-train, then climbing the terraced vineyards of Côte-Rôtie, or visiting the archaeological site of Saint-Romain-en-Gal. This Gallo-Roman museum stretches across 3,000 m2 and traces the history of vine-growing in the region during the Roman era… Heritage that you can’t afford to miss!

Famed for their sparkling wines, the vineyards of Champagne need no introduction. And there’s no doubting that the region is well worth a visit (or a return visit) on one of a string of out-of-the-ordinary tours.

Champagne’s vineyards — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are packed with activities that are as unusual as they are unexpected.

What could be more exotic than climbing aboard an electric tuk-tuk for a tour of the surrounding hills and villages? Or being bowled over by the unbridled passion of a local winemaker on a private and picturesque visit in a 100% electric car? You’ll be guided by a chauffeur from the comfort of the back seat of one of these special vehicles as you set out to uncover the wealth of local attractions.

There are other equally original ways of getting around and exploring the land of Champagne. For instance, take an excursion in Marie-Antoinette’s “Impériale”, a double-decker bus with a panoramic lounge ideal for open-air tastings and breath-taking views over the sublime valley landscape. Or opt for a short road trip behind the wheel of a 2CV: your itinerary will take you to Reims — “Coronation City” — as you dive into the heart of the region’s architectural and historical heritage… not forgetting to take a detour to the area’s finest wine establishments. If you’d prefer to stay put amidst the peaceful atmosphere of the vineyards, grab an electric scooter and go on a fun gourmet getaway. You’ll find out all about the expert practices of the local producers before tickling your taste buds at a workshop devoted to making — and tasting — chocolate bouchons.

A boat ride in Châlons-en-Champagne is even more bucolic and full of charm. As you float down the river, you’ll discover this sparkling, Venice-like city and unravel its secrets as you immerse yourself in the peace and quite of an exceptional setting. Whether it’s by day or night, the monuments, gardens and ancient bridges will help you enjoy a magic moment of inner peace.

With such a wide-ranging programme on offer, there’s no doubt that your stay in Champagne will take you off the beaten track: this is a region whose array of out-of-the-ordinary experiences is matched by its sparkling attractions!

*Experiences A l’Allure Champenoise, Aÿ Eco Visire, Chocolaterie Thibaut certified Jeunes Talents du Tourisme

*Experience Champagne Philippe Martin certified Jeunes Talents du Champagne

Step into the shoes of a true cellar master as you find out all about cognac and the extraordinary know-how that lies behind it.

Maison Martell — whose rich history stretches back over three centuries, making it the oldest of all the cognac houses — invites you to pass through the gates of its landmark site. Come and discover the secrets of cognac in the Maison’s cellars, surrounded by rows of barrels, and enjoy a unique experience as you step into the Chai Création, which is usually closed to the public.

 

Amidst the prestigious eaux de vie that are stored here, you can bottle one of the Maison’s cognacs yourself, before taking a tasting and learning about the flavours of this famous amber drink.

Champagne is a region that sparkles in more ways than one and still has some fascinating surprises in store. As you’ll find when you sample these tasty – and exciting – experiences!

Twenty desks, a blackboard, and some white chalk: at first glance you might think you’d travelled back in time to a pre-war school... But on these school desks, ink and fountain pens have been replaced with champagne glasses.

 

And with good reason: welcome to the Champagne School, the perfect spot for anyone with a thirst for wine knowledge! For two hours, an instructor will teach you all about vine cultivation and champagne production. The theoretical training is backed up with a hands-on workshop among the vines. At the end, a short written test will enable you to validate your knowledge of sparkling wine, and all in a fun and entertaining way.

A stone’s throw from this champagne school, the Cave aux Coquillages (Seashell Cave) offers a visit that is both instructive and original. This exceptional location combines oenology and geology: the estate’s vines actually sit on top of an ancient tropical sea, the remains of which are 45 million-year-old fossilized shells. As you visit the galleries you will be able to admire the best preserved specimens, including a giant gastropod that is over 60cm long. A tasting of Legrand-Latour champagne is an unexpected sensory experience, and provides a better understanding of how Champagne’s sub-soil influences the region’s wine production.

An even more original venue can be found in Romery, where you’ll meet Vincent Gobert and discover his production secrets. Because when it comes to champagne, this passionate producer is certainly not short of bottle – as you’ll soon find out! Vincent will greet you in his museum and tasting centre inside a giant steel bottle, 12 metres high! This vantage point, built by the man himself, offers an unparalelled view of the entire vineyard and is a popular with visitors.

*Experience Champagne School certified Jeunes Talents du Tourisme

*Experience Giant Steel Bottle certified Jeunes Talents du Tourisme & Jeunes Talents du Champagne

The Cordeillan-Bages restaurant – member of the “Grandes Tables du Monde” – takes you on a gastronomic journey of wine and innovative haute cuisine curated by its new Executive Chef, and lover of terroir, Julien Lefebvre.

Executive Chef at Château Cordeillan-Bages since April 2017, Julien Lefebvre is no stranger to hard work: the 35-year-old gourmet from Normandy also handles catering for the group Famille JM Cazes. The owners were instantly won over by his bold dishes made from tasty local ingredients.

He is passionate about French cuisine and enjoys embellishing his dishes by producing plates that are genuine works of modern art.

After working with Mathieu Pacaud at the Parisian restaurants Hexagone, Histoires and Le Divellec, Julien Lefebvre came to sample a slice of Bordeaux life, taking over the reins from two of the great names in French cuisine: Thierry Marx and Jean-Luc Rocha.

This passionate chef is a maestro at flavour pairings and takes pride in serving local terroir produce that he selects himself after meeting local producers. His hallmark: a respect for produce and a love of fish and seasonal vegetables...

“I like to promote the work of producers and act as a link between the product and our guests. ”

While all his food reflects the Médoc way of life, “Shellfish” are his true signature dish.

Visit the restaurant before mid-November to sample Chef Julien Lefebvre’s new menu.

Arnaud Le Saux, the discerning Head Sommelier at Cordeillan-Bages, reveals his wine pairings and discoveries... A journey through the world of classic, and unexpected, food and wine pairings

A native of Nantes, Arnaud Le Saux first discovered the world of wine during his studies at catering college. “I knew nothing about wine. I took a one-year vocational diploma, visited different places, met various people, and never looked back”. After these early days in France, followed by time in England and the United States, Arnaud Le Saux arrived at Château Cordeillan-Bages to take up the post of Head Sommelier in 2013.

He compiled his wine list for guests who come to explore the Bordeaux wine region. It contains over 1,500 different wines, from Bordeaux Grands Crus to an outstanding selection of wines from other regions, plus a special section for Champagne and Burgundy. “I adapt to suit different tastes but always include a selection of bottles that I’m keen want to share with others. ”

For this wine lover, a good wine is “a wine you want to drink again, as soon as you’ve finished your glass”; a great wine, is “one that delivers a particular emotion and makes a lasting impression”.

 

Attentive, always ready to explain wine in simple terms and talk to winemakers, who he meets on a regular basis, Arnaud Le Saux also creates food and wine pairings in perfect harmony with Chef Julien Lefebvre: “A good food and wine pairing is a question of balance. The wine shouldn’t alter the dish, and neither wine nor dish should overwhelm one another. ”

Wine lovers and professionals who would like to extend the experience can pick from one of the 1.5 hour tasting sessions organised by the Cercle Lynch-Bages: discovering the Médoc, the art of blending, great terroirs of Bordeaux, food and wine pairing, and more.

Or why not put yourself in the winemaker’s shoes and attend the VINIV workshop? You’ll get the chance to visit some of Bordeaux’s finest vineyards and produce your own wine from start to finish!

The vineyards of Bordeaux boast no fewer than six wine routes and almost as many different ways of visiting them, including by bike, motorbike or helicopter… Here’s a little look at how you can make your way around.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or only get out once in a while, a bike ride through the vineyards of Bordeaux is an unmissable experience — and for good reason: some of the routes have become absolute musts, including the highly popular Roger Lapébie Trail, a 57-kilometre ride through open countryside, or a trip through the vineyards of Saint-Émilion. And don’t forget the many estates and châteaux that will tempt you to pedal along country trails and through fields of vines — some of these establishments have even become cycling “ambassadors”.

And did you know that you can now take the controls of another type of handlebar as you explore Bordeaux’s wine trails by motorbike? There are a number of packages for hiring two-wheels (including Harley-Davidsons) and arranging your road trip for a day or more. Or, if you’d prefer to take a (comfy) back seat rather than a plain saddle or sidecar, why not take a trip in a London taxi? A knowledgeable driver will escort and guide you through the vineyards, where you can enjoy a novel on-the-go wine tasting. Or perhaps you’d rather drive a hire car yourself? Take the wheel of one of the electric vehicles that are ready and waiting to help you discover the vineyards of Margaux and the legendary châteaux of the Médoc.

If you’re after something even more original, then treat yourself to a visit to a vineyard from the heavens! Thrill-seekers can fly over the vineyards of Bordeaux all the way to Arcachon Bay by helicopter. Or why not pilot the machine yourself on an introductory flight? Or do you fancy a different type of aircraft? No problem! Enjoy your first trip in a microlight, taking off in Libourne and flying over the Saint-Émilion wine-growing region, a classified World Heritage site. Last but not least, there’s all the charm of a trip in a balloon with the promise of an unforgettable experience as you spend three or four hours flying above the most beautiful châteaux in Bordeaux, a sense of serenity and the good life your only guides.

In short, whether you go by road or through the skies, you’re sure to find an itinerary that will delight you on one of Bordeaux’s wine-themed tours which, we guarantee, will be one-of-a-kind!