Rec's for a trip to Champagne

[wdonovan]

Wife and I have to decided to go to Champagne for half a week and Paris for half a week between Xmas and New Years. My company always shuts down then so we thought.... a quick trip thru the Route du Champagne, eat, taste, taste, eat, tour a couple Champagne houses then off to Paris for a couple meals, teas at Angeline's and Laduree, and New Years Eve by the Eifel Tower.
I thought it may be worth asking if anyone on the board has done the Route du Champ and has suggestions on memorable tours, visits, anything that could make our trip more rewarding. Wines worth bringing back, etc. My preferred time for the French countryside is May but that ain't gonna happen so we'd like to make the best of a winter trip.
Our family tastes in bubblies are slightly varied... My favorite everyday is Bolly Special Cuvee, wife's favorite is VC Ponsardin (much lighter than the Bolly). Both our favorite special occasion bubbly is an RD like Bollinger RD or Jacquesson (all time favorite was a 69, taken off the lees in about 84). Jacquesson is on my list to contact about a possible tour, also Drappier (newly acquired bottle, looks promising). Family taste in foods is very simple. If it's good, we like it. If it's great, we love it. That's about all I can think of to qualify my question. Restaurant reccomendations are appreciated too. We're booked at Le Cheval Blanc in Sept Sault (east of Epernay) and they have good reviews on there 2 starred chef so we'll probably dine and sip with them one eve but others will surely be needed. Thanks for your patience in reading these ramblings.

[wondersofwine]

I haven't toured Champagne area. Perhaps Bucko or others have and will weigh in. Also, you might find info in the www.wineloverspage.com forum under Travel/Dining or General Wine (which attracts more readers than the travel forum).
Will watch and see if others respond.

[Drew]

Tom Stevenson used to be a regular on this board and is extremely knowledgable re. Champagne. He has written numerous books on the subject and suggest you pick one up for your upcomming trip. Below is a link to Barnes and Noble.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?r=1&popup=0&ath=tom+stevenson

Drew