Behind the Cellar Door:
Champagne + Alsace
A Once-in-a-lifetime Journey with NCAA Basketball National Champion Marcus Ginyard
Step beyond the gates of Champagne’s most storied house and into a France few will ever know. For friends of UNC, this journey opens rare doors—to the private residence of Charles Heidsieck, an intimate dinner with a Michelin-starred chef, and insider encounters with the winemakers shaping Champagne’s and Alsace’s futures.
From the elegance of Reims to the storybook villages of Alsace, you’ll taste, toast, and travel as Marcus Ginyard’s honored guests—immersed in the beauty, friendship, and access that define journeys along The Olive Road.
What Awaits
This exclusive week weaves together the grandeur of Champagne and the charm of Alsace in one seamless, privately hosted experience.
Your time in Champagne includes accommodation at the Charles Heidsieck’s Residence Eisenhower—closed to the public—where you’ll share a private dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef and gain insider access to the legendary Crayères cellars. You’ll meet growers whose bottles rarely leave France, and experience a side of Champagne that most collectors only dream of.
From there, the road leads east to Alsace, where fairytale villages, crisp mountain air, and aromatic wines await. Through The Olive Road’s personal connections, guests will share tables and toasts with acclaimed winemakers, dine in intimate family settings, and take part in a local harvest festival known only to those who live there.
And then there’s Paris—our grand finale. For one final night together, we’ll toast a week unlike any other.
Why This Trip Is Irreplaceable
This journey could only exist because of the relationships behind it.
We aren’t visiting Champagne and Alsace the way tourists do.
We are stepping into the inner circle — welcomed by winemakers, chefs, and hosts who rarely open their doors to the public.
Our guests won’t just taste the wines;
you’ll feel the heritage in the Crayères beneath Reims,
the pride in a grower’s family cellar,
the lively joy of a village fête that the world hasn’t yet discovered.
Every plate, every glass, every conversation is curated with intention.
This is a week built on trust and friendship —
an invitation into a way of life that most will never glimpse.
If travel is about collecting moments,
these are the ones that stay with you.
Highlights at a Glance
Private access to the historic chalk cellars of Charles Heidsieck — sealed to the public, opened just for you.
Accommodations at a Charles Heidsieck’s Eisenhower Residence, a home reserved only for honored guests of the House.
A private Michelin-starred chef’s dinner at the residence — intimate, extraordinary, and available nowhere else.
Behind-the-veil visits with both legendary Houses and visionary grower-producers shaping the future of Champagne and Alsace.
A Parisian evening of full festivity and conviviality.
Hidden gem restaurant with one of the best Champagne lists in the world — the kind of place locals never share.
Wander into Alsace, where vineyards seem painted into storybook villages and winemakers pour from their hearts—for friends, not crowds.
Attend a hidden local harvest festival, known only to insiders, where the community celebrates new wines, old traditions, and the joy of sharing them.
Market and cooking experiences with Kevin, turning the region’s treasures into unforgettable meals.
Expert hosting from Amy and Kevin — trusted insiders who unlock connection, context, and delight at every turn.
Dates & Availability
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September 28-October 5, 2026
(Monday-Monday)
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Limited to 16 Guests
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Double Occupancy: $15,000 per person
Single Occupancy: $18,000 per person
15% deposit required to confirm booking
Final payment due 60 days prior to arrival
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Accommodations:
Complete private use of Résidence Eisenhower at Champagne Charles Heidsieck
Luxury boutique hotels in Colmar and Paris
Transportation:
Private luxury transfers throughout
1st class TGV between Champagne, Alsace, and Paris
Dining & Culinary Experiences:
All meals included, from Michelin-starred dining to rustic winstub feasts
Private dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Philippe Mille
Market visits and hands-on cooking experiences with Chef Kevin Callaghan
Wine & Champagne Experiences:
Curated Charles Heidsieck Experience — private cellar tour and tasting,
followed by 3-course lunch
Exclusive visits to producers not open to the public in Champagne & Alsace
Rare tastings, including verticals of grand cru Alsace wines and Rare Champagne
Cultural Immersion:
Guided tour of Reims Cathedral
Vineyard hike and champagne picnic in the Côte des Blancs
Walking tour of Colmar’s canals and medieval quarters
Immersive New Wine Festival: Fête des Vendanges in Barr
Hosts & Guides:
Hosted by Marcus Ginyard, bringing warmth, personality, and insider connection to Charles Heidsieck
Dedicated leadership from Amy and Kevin throughout, offering insider connections and seamless logistics
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While the following are not included, they can be arranged free of charge by The Olive Road.
Airfare
Optional activities (spa treatments, extended excursions)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, extra drinks)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)