Editorial by Taylor Ranker, founder and CEO of Questmont Virtual Family Office
A Vine Affair is a locally based, Champagne and caviar concierge owned by Champagne educator and caviar sommelier Gina Lyons. A Vine Affair brings the world of Champagne, fine wine and dining to collectors, and enthusiasts, through private tastings, and dinners, in their homes, on their yachts and in other fabulous locations, throughout the world.
While Lyons hosts most of these experiences herself, her relationships in the Champagne world have brought her clients closer to Champagne, when hosting representatives and chief executive officers of the “maisons” in the local Tampa area, and around the United States, such as Champagne Louis Roederer, Billecart-Salmon and Charles Heidsieck, to name a few.
As someone who has personally been immersed in Lyons’ experiences, when I say it’s VIP, I mean it. How about having dinner with 10, in the Crystal mansion, sitting next to Chef Du Cave “Big Dog,” and having him open vintage champagne that the family never released to the public?
Everything A Vine Affair offers is the definition of luxury, while creating immersive, and interactive, experiences around Champagne and wine.
In 2022, Lyons expanded her offerings and brought her clients closer to Champagne, in the northeast of France, with her first five-star, all-access trip. Visiting the region four or more times yearly, she now hosts a small group of VIPs for the trip of a lifetime, in Champagne.
Lyons has left a lasting impression on those who have her as a guide on these once-in-a-lifetime excursions. Not only has she hosted us in Champagne, and arranged for a birthday dinner in St. Barts, she puts together over-the-top functions at our home, which include the finest Champagne tastings and ever-so-impressionable caviar “bumps.”
“With once-in-a-lifetime, exclusive access and incredible opportunities directly with the winemakers, this was a trip of a lifetime for me. Gina’s thoughtful preparation before our trip, elegant touches and attention to detail, in every interaction during our time in Champagne, made it a world-class experience. It exceeded my every expectation and now I have memories to last a lifetime.”- Neen J, Tampa
A Vine Affair’s group trips include experiences such as a vineyard cocktail hour and a private cellar dinner, featuring Champagne Frerejean Fréres, a boat cruise along the Marne River, where you can sip on Champagne Philipponnat’s Clos des Goisses, meet the chef de caves and CEOs of Champagne Billecart-Salmon and Champagne Charles Heidsieck, during intimate dinners and tours. The trip also provides an opportunity to visit the families, vines and homes of grower producers such as Champagne Geoffroy, Gimmonet and Moussé and, of course, a touch of Michelin, with a private dining experience with two-starred Chef Philippe Mille, in the home of Champagne Leclerc-Briant.
“Getting to see both Reims and Epernay, along with different-sized producers and growers, created a well-rounded experience. I felt like every day was another behind-the-scenes adventure.”
– Lauren F, Tampa
Beyond the experiences, her group stays in the Royal Champagne Hotel, one of the finest hotels in the region.
“It was my favorite hotel I have ever stayed in (and I have stayed in some magnificent places around the world) – a few things that were remarkable to me: 1. They used our names every time they saw us 2. We went up for breakfast at 11 a.m., after service had finished, and they still brought us a basket of pastries and offered to make us omelets (even though we were between breakfast and lunch) 3. The turn-down service with hot tea and treats was amazing 4. The sleep aides were so cute 5. The daily treats of Madeline, cookies, etc. were lovely 6. ‘Free’ mini bar is a lovely touch 7. A coffee machine plumbed into the water that we don’t have to refill is lovely 8. The welcome Champagne box/bucket on arrival was lovely 9. The welcome champagne and check-in process was so easy 10. The settlement of our check and the small gift when we checked out was so easy and so lovely”
Neen J, Tampa
In 2023, Lyons expanded her team adding local partners and key experts who assist in creating the experiences. She now offers a personal concierge service that communicates in English, French and Spanish, allowing each traveler to have bespoke expertise in France.
A Vine Affair privatizes its VIP Travel Experiences for groups of eight or more. A group can receive all the benefits of its insider’s tours while it hosts a group at the destination of choice, with the added luxury of personalized planning.
“The A Vine Affair Team was AMAZING! They managed the group expertly and made sure everyone was getting the most out of their trip. They went above and beyond to solve any issues and offered personalized service where needed. Gina is an inspiration and the respect and admiration from the Champagne house hosts is obvious”.
Becky G, Tampa
“It was an absolute trip of a lifetime! We had an amazing time. Every time I thought Gina could not outdo herself, she did and then some! Truly a remarkable vacation and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
Michelle G, Tampa
In 2024, A Vine Affair has expanded its offerings to include new wine regions and luxury destinations.
A Vine Affair’s 2024 Travel Calendar is currently taking reservations for trips to Saint Barts, Champagne and Bordeaux, and The Hamptons. In 2025, they will be adding Burgundy and other destinations.
“Gina’s thoughtfulness and planning was top-notch (and I’m a tough critic as this is my business) and we were so fortunate and honored to be on one of her early trips. Since being home, I’ve told some of my foodie/wine friends a couple of highlights of our trip and they were in awe (and very jealous) and asked how we found this trip….things happen for a reason and we are so blessed to have been connected when we did. Thank you for making this trip far exceed our expectations…we are well traveled and have very high standards and this was an AMAZING experience!” -Mike and Kelly-Ayn. ♦
To secure your reservation on one of A Vine Affair’s 2024 trips, head to avineaffair.com or email [email protected].