Tour France's 'La Champagne' - the region. Enjoy 'le champagne' - the wine.
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The independent
traveller’s guide
to Champagne:
the region and its wine
A trip to Champagne would be nice,
Go once and you’ll want to go twice;
The countryside’s fine,
The wine is divine,
And the people are awfully nice.
Wine Destination
Publications Ltd.
44, Oakland Avenue,
Droitwich Spa
WR9 7BT UK
Tel: +44 (0)1905 773707
...Growers' cellars are invariably cramped and the chalk from the walls can easily rub off on to clothing. Always wear flat shoes and remember that the constant 11°c temperature in the cellars makes them cool in summer and warm in winter, so dress appropriately. As a courtesy to your fellow visitors, ladies should not wear strong toilet waters or scent, and gentlemen should refrain from powerful after-shave lotions. This is because their perfumes will carry and interfere with the subtle aromas of the champagnes and the tasting pleasure of your companions.
As you drive around the champagne villages you will see plenty of signs inviting you to déguster, or taste. These producers are only too pleased to give you an opportunity of tasting their wines in - the hope that you will be impressed and buy a few bottles. If your French is minimal then it is best only to stop at those who indicate that they speak English but don't be surprised if it is as basic as your French! More often than not they won't offer you a cellar tour because this takes up far too much of their time.
You should allow 1.5 hours for a formal visit, more if you are buying, and up to 45 minutes to an hour for an informal tasting. Finding your way around the villages is comparatively easy. This is because they all have directional signs with the names of all the winegrowers, producers, co-ops and chambres d’hôtes while the principal villages are invariably located on one of the well-signed Route des Vins.
As you drive around the champagne villages you will see plenty of signs inviting you to déguster, or taste. These producers are only too pleased to give you an opportunity of tasting their wines in -
You should allow 1.5 hours for a formal visit, more if you are buying, and up to 45 minutes to an hour for an informal tasting. Finding your way around the villages is comparatively easy. This is because they all have directional signs with the names of all the winegrowers, producers, co-
Below ground in the Champagne
Drappier cellars
Drappier cellars
The vines in
early morning
at Charles
Heidsieck
early morning
at Charles
Heidsieck
