Lunch With Champagne & Ratafia Champenois

Savor the flavors of Champagne with a intimate lunch in the heart of the region. This exclusive experience, limited to just eight guests, promises an authentic culinary journey complete with delightful dishes and memorable champagne. Priced affordably, the menu features local specialties and a knowledgeable host to guide you through the flavors. With a high rating, this charming setting offers a chance to indulge in the region’s renowned gastronomy. What more could one ask for?

Key Points

• Exclusive, intimate lunch in Reims, France, limited to 8 participants, with delectable regional dishes and champagne/ratafia pairing.
• Starter of duck rillettes with ratafia champenois, main of chicken with forest sauce and local cheeses, and dessert of fruit tartlet.
• Hosted by a knowledgeable local expert, providing an immersive experience in the Champagne region’s culinary traditions.
• Highly rated at 4.8 out of 5 with 16 reviews, praised for delicious food, memorable champagne, and personalized service.
• Offered at $72.71 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, and accessible for wheelchair users and those with service animals.

Experience Overview

The provided experience offers guests an intimate lunch with champagne and ratafia champenois in the historic house of Julien Chopin in Reims, France.

Limited to eight participants, the experience takes place in a private setting, allowing for a personalized interaction. Priced from $72.71 per person, the lunch includes a starter, main course, and dessert, accompanied by alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

With 16 reviews and a 4.8 rating, the experience is highly recommended by previous travelers who highlight the delicious food, memorable champagne, and knowledgeable host.

Starter: Toast of Duck Rillettes With Ratafia

As the meal begins, guests are served a toast of duck rillettes, a rich and flavorful pâté, paired with a glass of Ratafia champenois.

The rillettes are made from shredded duck meat that has been slowly cooked in its own fat, creating a smooth and velvety texture.

The toast provides a crunchy counterpoint, while the Ratafia, a sweet and aromatic fortified wine from the Champagne region, complements the richness of the rillettes.

This opening course sets the stage for the upcoming culinary experience, whetting the appetite for the main dishes to come.

Main: Chicken Fillet With Forest Sauce, Wild Rice, and Local Cheeses

For the main course, guests are served a chicken fillet smothered in a rich forest sauce.

The chicken is paired with wild rice and two local cheeses – the soft and creamy Chaource and the more pungent Langres.

The forest sauce, made with mushrooms and herbs, complements the juicy chicken perfectly.

The wild rice provides a nutty texture, while the cheeses offer a tantalizing contrast of flavors.

This balanced and flavorful main dish showcases the talents of the chef and the quality of the regional ingredients.

Dessert: Fruit Tartlet

To end the meal on a sweet note, guests are served a delectable fruit tartlet.

The tartlet features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a selection of fresh, seasonal fruits. The juicy berries and citrus provide a vibrant counterpoint to the rich champagne and ratafia.

The dessert is perfectly portioned, allowing guests to savor the flavors without feeling overly full.

The fruit tartlet is a harmonious conclusion to the overall dining experience, complementing the preceding courses and rounding out the indulgent champagne lunch.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The meeting point for this experience is Domaine Julien Chopin, located at 1 Rue Gaston Poittevin, 51530 Monthelon, France.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. It starts at 12:00 pm and lasts for the duration of the lunch experience.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Guests can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

Traveler Feedback

What do travellers have to say about this experience? According to the reviews, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

Some key highlights:

1. "Delicious food, memorable champagne, intimate atmosphere, knowledgeable host."
2. "Lovely start to holiday."
3. "Delicious lunch and memorable Champagne."
4. "Highly recommend this place."

Travellers praise the quality of the food and champagne, the intimate setting, and the knowledgeable host.

They describe the experience as a "lovely start to [the] holiday" and highly recommend it.

The reviews suggest this is an excellent opportunity to sample champagne and ratafia in a personal, high-quality setting.

Unique Selling Points

A key unique selling point of this experience is its private and intimate nature. Limited to just eight participants, this lunch allows for a personalized and exclusive encounter.

Rather than a large group tour, the small group size enables a more engaging, interactive, and tailored experience. The focus remains squarely on the food, wine, and hospitality, without the distraction of a crowded schedule or itinerary.

Guests can savor the Champagne and Ratafia champenois in the very place they’re produced, creating an immersive and authentic experience. This intimate setting sets it apart from more generic Champagne region tours.

About the Host

As the host for this exclusive lunch experience, Champagne Julien Chopin brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the region’s winemaking traditions.

The host:

1. Is a third-generation champagne producer, carrying on his family’s legacy.
2. Shares insider stories and insights about the champagne-making process.
3. Explains the unique terroir and production methods that create the distinct Ratafia Champenois.
4. Guides guests through a tasting of the house’s exceptional champagnes and ratafia, pairing them expertly with the gourmet lunch menu.

This intimate experience offers an authentic taste of Champagne culture, led by a true local expert.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Event?

There’s no formal dress code specified, so guests can feel free to dress comfortably in casual attire. The focus is on enjoying the delicious food, champagne and ratafia in an intimate setting, rather than adhering to a particular dress code.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Wine or Champagne?

No, participants can’t bring their own wine or champagne. The experience includes a curated selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Outside drinks are not permitted as the focus is on enjoying the host’s recommended pairings.

Is There a Vegetarian or Vegan Option Available?

The activity doesn’t mention vegetarian or vegan options. However, guests can likely request alternative dietary accommodations in advance. It’s best to contact the host to inquire about any special menu options available.

Is the Activity Suitable for Children?

The activity is not specifically designed for children. While the lunch menu doesn’t include vegetarian or vegan options, the host may be able to accommodate dietary needs with advance notice. The intimate setting and alcoholic beverages suggest this experience is better suited for adults.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies That Can Be Accommodated?

The experience can accommodate various dietary restrictions and allergies. Guests should notify the host in advance so they can prepare an appropriate menu. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other special diets can be catered to with prior notice.

The Sum Up

This exclusive lunch in Reims, France offers a delightful culinary experience showcasing authentic regional flavors. Guests savor a menu of artfully prepared dishes complemented by exceptional champagne and ratafia champenois in an intimate setting. With high ratings and a knowledgeable host, this personalized experience promises an unforgettable exploration of the Champagne region’s gastronomic delights.