North East Travel News

Issue 60

Gradually virus cases reduced and talks of air-bridges emerged, there was hope at last and cautious planning began for the green light to go… True to myself on the first day permitted I was already at dawn on the road… destination? Dover Ferry Port and my gateway to the biggest stockist of much needed bubbles…France, more specifically the Champagne-Ardennes region responsible for the most famous of all the fizz, Champagne. Legend has it in 1688 Monk and Cellar Master Dom Perignon discovered the presence of bubbles in wine by accident. Having experimented blending different grapes for improved flavour he noticed a continuing fermentation in the bottles causing bubbles. Perceived as a failure the Monks despaired, but Dom did not give up. On tasting this ‘bubbly’ creation he cried out “come quickly, brothers! I am tasting the stars!” A light effervescent wine was created but there was a problem…exploding bottles everywhere.…