Festive wine-tasting holidays in France

Wish yourself a Joyeux Noël this winter on a festive wine-tasting holiday during Reims’ Christmas Market with specialist operator Grape Escapes.

Available from 24 November until 24 December 2010, the new tailor-made breaks are based in the historic city of Reims, located in the heart of France’s prestigious Champagne growing region.

Featuring a half-day guided vineyard tour to the Montagne de Reims and Champagne house visits with tastings, wine lovers will also have time to stock up on festive party fizz from local hypermarkets and pick up seasonal gifts from the Christmas Market’s 125 wooden stalls.

The site of the first French Christmas celebration in 496, Reims’ Christmas Village lights up the city each year during the run up to Christmas with street entertainment, magicians, carol singers and colourful market stalls selling festive decorations, gifts and delicious traditional local food and drink.

Grape Escapes’ Christmas Markets Champagne Tour costs from £249 per person and includes return Dover to Calais ferry crossing with P&O Ferries for a car and two passengers; two-nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the Holiday Inn Garden Court; a visit to one of the large, prestigious Champagne Houses including a cellar tour, a half day guided tour in the Montagne de Reims paying a visit to a small, family run Champagne House including tastings and a three course dinner at a restaurant in the bustling main square of Reims.

For more information, visit: grapeescapes.net