September/October 2026
Kickoff, Paris - Sunday the 27th of September 2026
Finish, Lyon - Monday the 5th of October 2026
Day 0 – Pre-Trip | Saturday 26th September
Arrive in Paris. We’ll gather for welcome drinks at the legendary Legrand Filles et Fils wine store, followed by dinner (venue TBC). This is an unofficial, casual get-together, a chance to settle in and meet the group.
Day 1 – Champagne | Sunday 27th September
We’ll meet at 12:00 in the 6th arrondissement, or if you’re staying nearby, I’ll pick you up from your hotel. Then we’re off, into the van and down to Champagne. We’ll stay and dine at the iconic Hotel Les Avisés (Jacques Selosse).
Day 2 – Champagne to Chablis | Monday 28th September
A day of tasting in Champagne before we make our way to Chablis. We’ll arrive in time for an apéritif in the courtyard of Hostellerie des Clos, then stroll down to Au Fils du Zinc for dinner.
Day 3 – Chablis to Burgundy | Tuesday 29th September
A morning of tastings and a little vineyard tour in Chablis, followed by a light bite in the town square. Then we head to Burgundy, check into The Lodge, and unwind — stretch your legs, read a book, or have a nap. Dinner that night is at The Lodge, cooked by Tom, and will be particularly special. Expect a few surprises, including DRC La Tâche and a couple of other gems from the same stable.
Day 4 – Burgundy: Côte de Beaune | Wednesday 30th September
Our first full day of tastings in the Côte d’Or, focused on the Côte de Beaune. We’ll have a relaxed lunch at Hotel du Centre in Meursault. There’s an option to do the tastings by bike today, those up for it will ride with Tom, while I’ll drive the van for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. Dinner is at Le Soleil in Savigny-lès-Beaune, fresh, lighter fare with a short but exceptional wine list.
Day 5 – Burgundy: Côte de Nuits | Thursday 1st October
North we go ,Pinot country. No bikes today, unfortunately. Lunch at Le Chambolle, framed by sensational Côte de Nuits tastings on either side. Dinner will be at the beloved Ma Cuisine in Beaune: classic, humble, and home to one of the great wine lists.
Day 6 – Burgundy: Côte de Beaune | Friday 2nd October
Morning tastings in the Côte de Beaune, with another chance to ride with Tom if you wish. Back to The Lodge for a freshen-up before a long, lazy lunch at Cellier Volnaysien, the quintessential Burgundian restaurant. No tastings this afternoon. Just a gentle return by van or on foot, and a relaxed evening on the deck. Tom is on the pans, if the weather’s kind, Tom will cook alfresco.
Day 7 – Burgundy | Saturday 3rd October
Market morning. We’ll head into Beaune to shop for the evening BBQ. Seafood, meat, salads, we’ll decide together over breakfast. Lunch is at Au Fils des Clos in Meursault, a gorgeous setting, exquisite food, and a knockout wine list. I tend to iron a shirt for this one, but no pressure. We’ll walk back to The Lodge (or take a taxi, if you prefer a nap or a glass of wine). That evening, our final dinner at The Lodge: simple, top-quality produce from the markets, cooked well and shared over stories and wine.
Day 8 – Roanne: Maison Troisgros | Sunday 4th October
Today’s the day. Maison Troisgros, one of the finest restaurants in the world and the longest-standing 3 Michelin star. We’ll drive via the Chagny markets and have a light, casual lunch from the stalls (a dozen oysters for me, but there’s something for everyone). On arrival at Troisgros, take time to relax, stroll the grounds, take a dip, and prepare for an unforgettable dinner. A crisp dry Martini is tradition before we head in.
Day 9 – Lyon & Au Revoir | Monday 5th October
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a morning walk before checkout at 11:00. Then we hit the road for our final stretch to Lyon and say our goodbyes.
A Few Practical Notes
Wine Pace
It might sound like a lot, but the trip is beautifully paced. The focus is on quality and high-end value. There’s always the option to drink more, but never pressure. It’s as indulgent or relaxed as you like.
Cost
$19,500 AUD includes absolutely everything from Day 1 to Day 9.
1st payment (1/3): 30 September 2025
2nd payment (1/3): 31 January 2026
Final payment (1/3): 30 June 2026
Travelling like this, tasting this level of wine, staying in these places, and dining like this… the value is genuinely outstanding.