Sofitel Hotels & Resorts is popping the cork on its annual Sofitel Wine Days, a fall harvest season celebration showcasing the best wine and culinary delights.

A worldwide initiative taking place now through October 31, Sofitel destinations will invite guests and locals to embark on a sensorial wine journey to discover new flavors, including some unknown and exotic varieties, and awaken their palates through new experiences including exclusive wine events, tastings, and pairing menu offerings.

Over the past 50 years, Sofitel has been committed to providing guests with the finest in French and local culinary offerings. As an affirmation to the brand's master sommeliers, high-caliber wine library and exceptional wines served, Sofitel Wine Days provides the ideal opportunity for guests to discover Sofitel's French art de vivre. This global celebration brings together hotels from around the world, hosting events that will delight amateurs and aficionados alike as they discover the secrets of wine.

For the 2018 edition of Sofitel Wine Days, Sofitel hotels in the U.S. have partnered with world-renowned French cheesemonger Roland Barthélemy to create unique pairings with select cheeses from Savencia Fromage & Dairy's "haute fromagerie" signature collection.

The playfully named, beautifully presented pairings will introduce global palates to exceptional French cheeses from a handful of regions, including:

• "Perfume of the Islands" with Saint Agur, a creamy, blue-veined cheese produced in the Velay region of Central France, accompanied by fresh banana and Madagascar pepper, and set atop a long rectangular cracker.
• "Dream" with Etorki, a semi-soft cheese made with pasteurized milk from Manech Ewes, possesses the complexity of burnt caramel and a smooth, velvety texture served on a toasted baguette with a slice of pear and topped with a thin-cut of Serrano ham.
• "Chocolat" combining Saint-André, a velvety and buttery triple crème cow's milk cheese, garnished with creamy chocolate grains complemented by a thin and crunchy raisin walnut baguette slice.

Each cheese and wine pairing is priced at $35, with cheese pairings also available without wine for $18. (Exclusive of tax and gratuity.) Sofitel Wine Days offerings and pricing may vary by hotel and restaurant.  

And in addition to the delectable wine-and-cheese pairings served at Café des Architectes, Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile will offer "Knock Knock Champagne" service with guests receiving a bottle of champagne from a refined selection to match their tastes simply by marking a specialized doorknocker on their guest room door.