$500
Deposit Per Person
TBD
Price Per Person
14
Days
12
Maximum People
Embark on a remarkable wine tour through the captivating regions of France. Starting in Paris, enjoy a light orientation walk and a guided tour with a local deaf guide, immersing yourself in the city’s history and culture. Visit iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower, then venture to the Champagne country of Reims for a delightful introduction to champagne. Discover the essence of Burgundy in Beaune and explore Lyon’s gastronomic pleasures with a cooking class and wine pairings. Journey to Avignon, stopping at charming wine regions like Vacqueyras and Gigondas. Marvel at historic sites such as the Pont du Gard and Palais des Papes. Conclude the tour with a leisurely day trip through the picturesque landscapes of eastern Provence. This unforgettable journey combines delectable wines, deaf history, and cultural immersion, offering an enriching experience for all wine enthusiasts.
MEET YOUR WINE EXPERTS
LAURA BROWN UNTERSTEIN
PETER S. COOK
Laura Brown-Unterstein is a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter who spent fourteen years in the hospitality industry, working in various restaurants and bars. As her interest in wine grew, she embarked on a journey to visit wineries, attend tastings, and earn certification. Through this, she realized the need for accessibility in the wine world for the Deaf community. Laura is now WSET Level 3 certified and works as the national sales manager for Maysara Winery. Her passion and dedication led to her recognition as a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker in 2021. She aims to use her position to advocate for change, fostering a wine industry where Deaf professionals can thrive alongside curious consumers without barriers.
Peter S. Cook is a renowned Deaf storyteller and poet with extensive international travel experience since 1984. He holds an Advanced WSET level 3 certification and serves as a wine educator, conducting workshops on Wine and American Sign Language. Passionate about accessibility in the wine and hospitality industries, he advocates for greater language access for both employers and consumers. Peter’s contributions have been recognized through his selection as one of the cohorts of the 2022 Wine Enthusiast Future 40, celebrating innovative professionals in the field. Additionally, he shares his expertise in visual information related to viticulture and vinification to promote more equitable language access within the wine industry. Currently, Peter is the Chair of the ASL Department at Columbia College Chicago.
In Partnership with Uncorked Access
Wine lovers unite!
As so many of the best things are, Uncorked Access is the result of passion, fate, collaboration, and timing. We did not write down “take wine classes” on our bucket list. It started with simply enjoying a delicious beverage and turned into so much more.
Both of us are curious by nature. Peter traveled to numerous wineries around the world and often during these visits, communication was a big deal. Almost none of the workers and winemakers knew any sign language, which led to communication obstacles. Laura is a professional sign language interpreter who became very passionate about wine. During her experiences traveling to wineries, attending tastings and classes, she couldn’t help but wonder what these opportunities would be like for her Deaf friends.
Laura knew there had to already be Deaf people pursuing wine education. She began to search for someone from the Deaf community who was equally as passionate, as she simultaneously began advocating for Deaf-friendly accessibility and inclusion in the wine industry.
Laura met Peter and they immediately connected over a love of wine. They quickly agreed that obstacles to access should be uncorked, and so Uncorked Access was born.
For more information about Uncorked Access, please visit to their website here.
14 DAYS. SIP & SAVOR. MAY - JUNE 2025.
DAY 1
Arrival in Paris. Day to relax and recover from jet lag. Have a light orientation walk around central Paris in the afternoon. Welcome dinner. Stay in Paris for 3 nights.
DAY 2
Learn about the rich history of Paris through a guided tour with a local deaf guide in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces at the Louvre Museum. Evening cruise on the Seine River.
DAY 3
In the morning we go up the Eiffel Tower. Afternoon visit to the historic INJS Deaf School. Evening orientation to the world of French wine.
DAY 4
We start our journey to several wine regions of France! We drive to Reims, also known as the capital of Champagne country. In the afternoon we visit the majestic Cathedral of Reims. We then have an introduction to champagne. Stay in Reims for 2 nights.
DAY 5
Take a side trip to Epernay to visit the center of the town and visit two different champagne producers. Afternoon free time in central Reims.
DAY 6
We take a leisurely trip through the French countryside to stop by the region of Chablis, famous for its big white wines. Afterwards we move on to Beaune, capital of the Burgundy region. Settle in our hotel in Beaune.
DAY 7
Go truffle hunting in Vosne Romanee in the morning. Wine tasting and lunch at Chateau Clos de Vougeot. In the afternoon explore the world of Burgundy in the region around Beaune.
DAY 8
Today is a deaf history-focused day. We travel to the Ferdinand Berthier museum in Louhans to learn about one of France’s prominent deaf leaders. Afterwards we pay homage to Laurent Clerc at his birthplace in La Balme-les-Grottes. Move on to Lyon. Stay in Lyon for 2 nights.
DAY 9
Lyon is known for its gastronomical pleasures. We have a tour to learn more about the specialities of Lyon and the region. We take a cooking class where we shop for ingredients at the market and create a meal out of these. We also learn more about food and wine pairings while sampling traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
DAY 10
Move on to Avignon, stopping by the region of Vacqueyras, Tavel and Gigondas, known for its robust reds. Stay in Avignon for 3 nights.
DAY 11
Visit the majestic Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard in the morning, and then return to Avignon to visit the Palais des Papes. Evening wine tasting at Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
DAY 12
Take a leisurely day trip throughout the eastern part of Provence including Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux.
DAY 13
Check out of our hotel and take the TGV high speed train from Avignon to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris we transfer to our hotel near the airport and prepare for departure on the next day. Farewell dinner and wrap up.
DAY 14
Head to the airport to return to our respective destinations.
Ready to Reserve?
HERE ARE ALL THE DETAILS ABOUT THE TOUR
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- Tour will be confirmed when we meet the minimum number of participants.
- When the tour is confirmed, additional deposits/payments may be required.
- Substantial amount of walking expected during the tour. Appropriate physical fitness is necessary.
- Please consult the most recent version of the HOT terms and conditions: Educational Tours.
- Tour itinerary and price are subject to change.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- 13 nights in 3-star or 4-star accommodations.
- 15 meals: Breakfast (10), Dinner (2)
- Services of a deaf Tour Leader on call 24 hours a day.
- Services of local deaf guides.
- All transportation mentioned in itinerary.
- All admission fees mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
- Most tips, except for your Tour Leader.
- Informative travel preparation packet.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED?
- Domestic and/or international airfares.
- All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.
- Any COVID-19 related tests.
Let's Get Started!
A $500 deposit per person is required to reserve space on this tour.
The deposit is refundable until the tour is confirmed. For each reservation for any number of persons, only one person needs to be responsible for filling out the tour reservation form and making payments.
Please do not purchase travel insurance or make flight reservations until further notice from your tour manager. For more information about the tour itinerary or our refund policy, please refer to the following links:
