Wine Tourism in Champagne

Champagne, the birthplace of the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and viticulture. The region's picturesque landscapes, historic villages, and world-renowned champagne houses make it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Key Areas to Visit

Reims

Often regarded as the gateway to the Champagne region, Reims combines historical grandeur with viticultural significance.

• Highlights:

  • Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims): A UNESCO World Heritage site where French kings were traditionally crowned.

  • Palace of Tau: Adjacent to the cathedral, this museum showcases treasures from the cathedral’s history.

  • Champagne Houses: Visit iconic producers such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Pommery. Many offer guided tours of their cellars, tastings, and insights into the champagne-making process.

Épernay

Known as the “Capital of Champagne,” Épernay's Avenue de Champagne is lined with grand champagne houses.

• Highlights:

  • Avenue de Champagne: Home to Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Mercier, among others.

  • Champagne Cellars: Explore the underground cellars that stretch for miles beneath the town.

  • Touristic Train: Offers a leisurely overview of the town and its historic champagne houses.

Hautvillers

This picturesque village is known as the "Cradle of Champagne" and is the home of Dom Pérignon.

• Highlights:

  • Abbey of Saint-Pierre: Visit the abbey where Dom Pérignon refined the champagne-making process.

  • Local Champagne Houses: Enjoy personalized tours and tastings at smaller, family-owned producers.

Aÿ-Champagne

A small town celebrated for its prestigious vineyards and champagne production.

• Highlights:

  • Champagne Houses: Notable producers like Bollinger and Deutz offer tours that highlight their rich history and unique production methods.

  • Scenic Vineyards: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Marne Valley and the surrounding vineyards.

Experiences and Activities

• Exclusive Cellar Tours: Many champagne houses offer exclusive tours of their historic cellars, carved into chalk hillsides. Learn about the history of the house, the intricate champagne-making process, and taste several varieties of their champagnes.

• Gourmet Food and Wine Pairings: Participate in tastings that pair different champagnes with gourmet foods, including local cheeses, meats, and desserts. Enhance your understanding of how champagne complements various flavors and cuisines.

• Harvest Participation: Visit during the harvest season and take part in grape picking, experiencing firsthand the labor-intensive process of champagne production. Engage in traditional harvest activities and enjoy a meal with the vineyard workers.

• Educational Workshops: Enroll in workshops that delve into the intricacies of champagne making, from grape selection to blending and tasting techniques. Develop a refined palate and gain deeper insights into the art of champagne production.

• Biking and Hiking Tours: Explore the scenic vineyards and rolling hills of Champagne on bike or foot. Enjoy guided tours that provide historical context and stunning views, with stops for tastings at local vineyards.

Top Champagne Houses

• Moët & Chandon (Épernay): One of the largest and most prestigious champagne houses, offering extensive cellar tours and tastings.

• Veuve Clicquot (Reims): Known for its distinctive yellow label, Veuve Clicquot offers tours of its historic chalk cellars and a variety of tasting experiences.

• Taittinger (Reims): A family-run champagne house renowned for its elegant champagnes, offering detailed tours of its cellars and tastings.

• Pommery (Reims): Famous for its impressive art collection and grand architecture, Pommery provides unique cellar tours and tastings.

• Ruinart (Reims): The oldest established champagne house, Ruinart offers an exclusive tour of its historic crayères (chalk pits) and tastings.

• Bollinger (Aÿ-Champagne): Known for its rich and complex champagnes, Bollinger offers intimate tours and tastings that showcase its traditional methods.

• Perrier-Jouët (Épernay): Renowned for its floral and art nouveau-inspired bottles, Perrier-Jouët offers elegant tasting experiences.

• Pol Roger (Épernay): A favorite of Winston Churchill, Pol Roger offers detailed tours and tastings in its historic cellars.

• Mercier (Épernay): Known for its approachable and innovative tours, including a ride through its cellars on a miniature train.

• Deutz (Aÿ-Champagne): Offers a blend of tradition and modernity in its production, with comprehensive tours and tastings.

Practical Tips

Plan and Book in Advance: Many champagne houses require advance reservations for tours and tastings. Book ahead to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Transportation:

• Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the region. Ensure you have a designated driver if visiting multiple champagne houses.

• The TGV connects Paris to Reims in about 45 minutes. From Reims or Épernay, local transportation or taxis can take you to nearby champagne houses.

Best Times to Visit:

• Spring (March to May): Mild weather and blooming landscapes.

• Summer (June to August): Warm weather and numerous festivals.

• Autumn (September to November): Harvest season and beautiful fall foliage.

• Winter (December to February): Festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and fewer tourists.

Dress Code: Wear comfortable shoes for walking through vineyards and cellars. Dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures, especially in cool underground cellars.

Language: While many people in the tourism industry speak English, learning a few basic French phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.

Accommodations

• Luxury Hotels: Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa offers stunning views of the vineyards, luxurious accommodations, and a top-notch spa.

• Charming Bed and Breakfasts: Les Epicuriens, located in Épernay, offers comfortable rooms and gourmet breakfasts.

• Vineyard Stays: Le Clos Corbier offers an immersive experience with a stay in a charming guesthouse surrounded by vineyards.

Dining

• Michelin-Starred Restaurants: Le Parc Les Crayères in Reims offers exquisite cuisine paired with fine champagnes.

• Local Bistros: Au Petit Comptoir in Reims offers traditional French cuisine in a cozy setting.

• Gourmet Picnics: Many champagne houses offer gourmet picnic baskets, allowing you to enjoy a meal among the vineyards.

Unique Experiences

• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience the Champagne region from above with a hot air balloon ride, enjoying breathtaking views of the vineyards, villages, and rolling hills.

• Historical Tours: Explore the historical sites of the Champagne region, including medieval churches, castles, and World War I memorials. Learn about the region’s rich history and its impact on the world.