DAY 1 DRESS: DOEN ISCHIA DRESS IN SALT | DAY 2 DRESS: STAUD MINI VINCENT DRESS | DAY 3 DRESS: FARM RIO DRESS (FROM LAST YEAR BUT THIS IS SIMILAR SHORTER VERSION)
Champagne had been on my bucket list for years — so when it was finally time to go, I promised myself I’d do it the way I do everything now: simply, intentionally, and with one carry-on. For my birthday this year, we turned that bucket list into a road trip — Reims to Épernay to Verzy, chasing bubbly through some of the most storied maisons in the world. It was everything I’d hoped for: cobblestone streets, rosé at a vineyard picnic, and a lot of very good champagne. But if you’ve followed along for a while, you know I can’t talk about a trip without talking about what I packed for it — because for me, the two are inseparable.
Every look in this post, from the vineyard mornings to the Paris evenings before, came out of a single carry-on. Nothing sat unworn, nothing got left behind, and I never once had to unpack a full suitcase at a new hotel. That’s the whole point of packing intentionally after 40: fewer pieces, more outfits, and a lot less to think about — so you can just enjoy where you are. Champagne was the second half of the celebration — the quieter, slower half after a weekend in Paris for my birthday (if you missed that post, it’s here). And through both, it was the same carry-on. Not a single new piece added between cities, nothing swapped out for the next stop.
Day 1: Reims
Morning: Started our day at Maison Ruinart tasting some bubbly. You can do a tour, have an extravagant lunch or dinner or simply swing by to enjoy a tasting or a couple of glasses of their champagne and walk around the beautiful property, which is surrounded by stunning art installations. Google reviews may say that you can’t go unless you have a reservation, don’t pay attention to it. We went and had a great time! I wore this cute Doen Ischia dress that was perfect for French countryside, versatile, comfortable and simple yet elegant. Light for the hotter afternoons and beautiful for champagne tastings throughout the day.
Afternoon: Cafe Clicquot
Early lunch at Cafe Cliquot because I’m a fan, love the story of Widow Cliquot, such a strong boss woman role model; I’ve been to their Carnival in Miami and had to swing by their only permanent Cafe. When in Reims, right?
Evening: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre site, sat across from it and just looked at it for a while, every corner was so breathtaking, walked all over town, the cobblestone square is cute. Plenty of cafes and restaurants to go to go for a glass of champagne, wine or whatever you are in the mood for. You can have a cheese plate or a full dinner. The city center has more popular places from high end to quick bites and the shops of course. You can vary depending on your mood.
Day 2: Épernay
Morning: Started at Château Comtesse Lafond because I had this pinned for the longest time. Did a tasting, learned about the house and sat in their courtyard just enjoying a leisurely morning. Next on the list was to walk the Avenue de Champagne, yes, that’s the actual name. It’s a UNESCO mile filled with some of the most expensive champagne in the world right now underneath you. You can take your pick at museums, hotels, cave tours, tastings or simply pop into one or many of the champagne houses and gardens. No reservations needed, only for the tours.
Afternoon: Moët & Chandon bar. Enjoyed a cold glass of Dom in their beautiful patio, then switched to their garden for another glass to switch up the scenery. Swing by the Perrier-Jouet garden bar, adorable! Afternoon: Pressoria Museum, great spot to learn about Champagne region and end up with a tasting overlooking the vineyards.
Evening: Back in Reims for a little tasting at Champagne Jacquart, quaint, quiet and everything we needed before wandering for dinner. I wore my Staud mini Vincent dress for a pop of color and to bear the hottest afternoon we had in Champagne. It’s simple but never boring, add a cute hat and you’re golden! Later did a tour at Thienot champagne house, it’s a newer champagne house but their story is one worth knowing. The perseverance, the modern twist and vision and how they make every space count, plus they have a rooftop with great city views.
Day 3: Verzy
The Veuve Clicquot picnic at Manoir de Verzy was cute, we were welcomed with rose champagne, toured the property, stunning by the way, enjoyed a long picnic and half a bottle, took the other half home and had a little bit before we went out again because none will be wasted on my watch! I wore this Farm Rio dress (from last year but similar here), which was made for weekends, and chillier days. Thank goodness it was cloudy because outdoor picnic and heat was not on my list. The crochet trim and floral print on this dress were perfection, and I had been waiting all summer to wear it again.
By the end of the trip, I’d worn everything I packed — some pieces more than once, and I loved that just as much. There’s a real kind of relief in not overpacking: no living out of a suitcase, no repacking chaos at every hotel, nothing left behind unworn. Just the pieces I actually needed, chosen well, and worn often. That’s the part I hope you take away from this one — not just Champagne (though go, it’s everything), but the reminder that you don’t need more to feel put together. You need the right things. Quality over quantity, always. Simple, sophisticated, intentional — that’s the whole approach, and it’s never let me down yet. Cheers to Champagne, to birthdays, and to traveling light.