France Buying Trip 2026: Day 4 – Why It's About More Than Wine
Tonight I'm writing this from Chinon and, to be honest, it's hard to put today into words. The first three days of the trip were all about meeting new producers and exploring whether we might work together in the future....
France Buying Trip 2026: Day 3 – The First Definite Yes
Back at the hotel after day three and I think we can safely say this has been the most exciting day of the trip so far. The visits just keep getting better, but today felt a little different. We've been...
France Buying Trip 2026: Day 2 – A Very Good Day
Yesterday I mentioned we were heading into the Petite Montagne de Reims. Today didn't disappoint. Our first visit was with Maxime Ponson in Coulommes-la-Montagne, a Premier Cru village just west of Reims. Maxime has taken over the family estate alongside...
France Buying Trip 2026: Day 1 – Straight Into It
One thing that struck me almost immediately was how much Champagne continues to evolve.
Everywhere I went there seemed to be new names being poured by the glass. Producers I'd never heard of. Small family domaines quietly building reputations alongside some of the region's bigger names.
Inside Vintrepid’s 2026 France Wine Sourcing Trip: Champagne, Burgundy & Loire Valley
In just over a week, Chris will be heading back to France for Vintrepid’s latest wine sourcing trip — travelling through Champagne, Burgundy and the Loire Valley to visit producers, taste new vintages and hopefully uncover a few exceptional new...
