I recently enjoyed a flying visit to Reims as guest of Ruinart and Krug. Taking the Eurostar from Ebbsfleet to Paris was a pleasure despite an early start. The drive from Ashdown Park to the station took under the hour with a swift ten minute walk from the Gard du Nord to Gard du Est and a 50 minute transfer to Reims, the overall journey time was an impressive 4½hours.
Reims, if you have not been, is a stunning city with the Notre Dame cathedral at its centre and dominated by Champagne houses. On arrival we were whisked off to the superb restaurant L’Assiette Champenoise for an amazing gourmet lunch which was suitably accompanied by the Ruinart Blanc de Blanc cuvee. This was followed by a visit to the House of Ruinart, commencing with a private tour which was truly mind blowing with mile after mile of cellars deep under the city incorporating the most amazing chalk caves dating back to C1600’s and housing some of the rarest vintages. Following an educational tasting, a mouth watering dinner rounded a perfect day before retiring and time for a little detox.
The following day it was time to discover the House of Krug, an equally enjoyable experience; and one I shall remember for many years to come. The cellars here too were vast and stretched for miles over 3 floors deep under the city. A gourmet lunch at Maison Krug, the former family house, rounded off a memorable 24 hours. Needless to say the Krug champagne sampled were outstanding and made for a relaxing return to the UK.
Watch out for our 2012 Gourmet Dinners and Residential promotions featuring the House of Ruinart and Krug.
Graeme Bateman, Managing Director. Elite Hotels...
