Few things in life are free, but if you can get yourself to Reims, France this summer, you may just find yourself leaving with a free bottle of bubbles!

The Background

According to Comité Champagne, the region’s trade association, sales of champagne are down 32% for this January to May compared to the same months in 2019. Champagne sales have been declining slowly over recent years, unfortunately the pandemic has accelerated this trend. Financial losses for the region are projected to be a whopping 1.7 billion Euros for 2020. But you can do your part to save them!

The Offer

The Office de Tourisme du Grand Reims is giving away 3,000 bottles of champagne sourced from 68 of the region’s producers. The budget for this promotion is said to be 50,000 Euros and they hope this campaign will encourage champagne lovers to visit the region this summer. The promo will continue through September 30, 2020 unless supplies run out before that. Limit is one bottle per adult.

The Rules

The rules are quite simple:

1. Stay at least two consecutive nights in the city of Reims or the surrounding area. You must stay in a hotel or guesthouse - sorry Airbnb! He and She love the elegant and historic Les Crayères.

2. During your stay, enjoy a meal in a local restaurant. You must order at least one entree and either a drink, starter or dessert - sorry McDonalds, fast food doesn’t count. Contact us for all our recommendations.

3. Book a leisure activity during your visit. Why not a champagne house tour?!

4. Register and provide receipts to pick up your ice cold bottle of champs from the Office de Tourisme near the Notre-Dame Cathedral (6, rue Rockefeller). The quickest way to register is online at www.un-été-royal.fr providing your name, address, email, date of birth and uploaded receipts. You may also register in person at the Office de Tourisme while picking up your champagne.

For your meal, He and She on Wine recommend booking a table at Chez Jérôme. The gregarious owner, Chef Jérôme, runs all aspects of this operation on his own. This multi-talented maître d, server, entertainer, bus boy, chef prepares a delightful, locally-sourced French country meal with perfect wine pairings. 23 rue de Tambour. 03 26 24 36 73

For your leisure activity, He and She on Wine suggest booking a tour and tasting at Maison Ruinart on rue de Crayères. It is our favorite of all the Champagne House tours in Reims. The underground limestone caves are a must-see!

For more info go to www.reims-tourism.com

Are you thirsty for more? Subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media by clicking the icons. Cheers!

—He and She on Wine