A few weeks ago I was invited to Paris by Sofitel to celebrate Sofitel Wine days. Sofitel Wine days is an Annual Event which runs between 21st of Sep – 31st of October to celebrate the best of wine. It takes place at all Sofitel hotels around the world and offers a great opportunity to discover new wines and flavours. Custom food menus with wine pairings are available at each hotel throughout the month.
We were in France for two nights. During our visit to Paris we stayed at Sofitel, right next to Faubourg Saint-Honoré, a beautiful shopping street full of designer shops. The hotel is also a stone throw away from the famous Champs-Elysées and Paris’ main attractions. The closest stations are Madeleine & Concorde.
The hotel itself is luxurious with a strong fashion emphasis. My previous experience with Sofitel has been quite corporate, however this branch has more of a boutique feel. From the moment you step inside of the hotel you’re welcomed by friendly staff and a lovely fresh smell. My room was stylish and comfortable, especially the bed (if you ask, they’re also happy to run you an oil bath for free).
The first day in Paris included a stroll along Champs Elyses followed by a dinner with wine pairing at Blossom restaurant. We were lucky with the weather on both nights and got to dine at their outdoor terrace Le Jardin Blossom. We had a three course menu which was paired with wine as a preview for Sofitel Wine Month.
Our meal included:
Poached egg in red wine sauce, paired with Morgan Chateau de Pizay red wine.
Sea bass fillet, gnocchi, mushroom, spinach sprout served in white butter with Laurent Perrier Champagne, paired with Montagny 1er Cru white wine.
Pear marinated in Red Wine and Sweet Spices, paired with dessert wine.
The following day, we drove an hour and a half to the Champagne region to visit Perrier Jouet Maison Belle Époque. We passed through beautiful scenery until we reached Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, where the grand mansion is located. The whole house is filled with art, even in the cellars. We got an underground tour taking us through the history of the brand and the production process. Some vintage bottles have even been stored in the cellars since 1874 and are not for sale. They’re kept as a record to show how the flavour and style have evolved throughout the years. After our tour we got to have a drink in the beautiful garden followed by a lovely 3 course lunch.
The following day we returned back to London and paid a visit to Sofitel St James where we took part in a cocktail masterclass with Alain Milliat Jus de Degustation. In honour of the wine days, cocktails have been created using the grape juice of Alain Milliat. The cocktails were sweet, smooth and refreshing. The Sofitel Wine Month runs from 21st of Sep – 31st of October so there is still plenty of time to check it out. Thank you for a wonderful trip Sofitel.
