THE SOLO TRAVELLER
Your world. Your way.
Culinary experiences
Ryan’s passion for Champagne was reason enough to join one of Kyla Kirkpatrick’s small-group Insider’s Tours to Champagne. Photograph courtesy Ryan McGrath.
Strangers in a château
For Ryan McGrath, a passion for Champagne was reason enough to join one of Kyla Kirkpatrick’s small-group Insider’s Tours to Champagne. What followed was the perfect introduction to the region, its winemakers and a group of fellow enthusiasts who would become lasting friends.
What made you decide to join a small group tour rather than travel independently?
I didn’t have anyone in my immediate circle who shared that same level of interest at the time, but I absolutely refused to let that stop me from taking this journey. Travelling with a small group also offered a massive practical bonus for me: my French was very limited, so having Kyla’s expert logistical support meant I could fully immerse myself in the experience without any of the stress or communication barriers of navigating the region entirely on my own.
How did travelling with a small group influence your experience of the region?
To be honest, the initial thought of being on the other side of the world with a group of strangers and sharing a château with them was quite scary. However, those fears completely melted away the moment we met. We all instantly connected over our shared love of Champagne, and those strangers quickly became close friends. In fact, we bonded so deeply that we are still in touch and speak with each other to this very day. Travelling as a small group didn’t just influence my experience of the region; it gave me a lifelong community of friends who share one of my greatest passions.
What surprised you most about Champagne that you hadn’t expected before you arrived?
I was most surprised by how big and incredibly spread out the Champagne region actually is. I hadn’t fully realised the physical scale of the landscape and how much distance there is between the different sub-regions and valleys. Alongside that, I was equally surprised by how warm and inviting the people were. For a region that produces some of the most luxurious and prestigious wines in the world, there was absolutely no pretension. Everyone we met was incredibly welcoming, down-to-earth, and eager to share their culture with us.
Everyone we met was incredibly welcoming, down-to-earth, and eager to share their culture with us. Photographs courtesy Ryan McGrath.
What would you say to another solo traveller who is considering joining a small group journey through Champagne?
Go for it. You will never look back! As a solo traveller, it is completely natural to feel nervous at first, but once you push past that initial stage the entire experience is incredibly exhilarating. The key is finding the right fit of host, just as I did with Kyla. When you have that level of trust and expertise guiding you, you can completely relax and take it all in.