9000 hectares of exceptional grapevines and charming villages spread all around a sea of vineyards.
Verzenay
Le Phare de Verzenay (the Vernezay Lighthouse) was built on top of a small hill by Joseph Goulet in 1909 to promote his champagne. It is now a spectacular Vine Museum, exhibiting its best technology – a must for an excellent introduction to a journey through the champagne vineyards. www.lepharedeverzenay.com
Verzy
Right after the Verzenay windmill, le Pershing Bar: a champagne bar sitting up in tree over 5 meters above the ground you can access to by a wooden footbridge. You can enjoy the magnificent vineyards view while tasting champagnes and local wines. www.perchingbar.eu
Hautvillers
The cradle of champagne: on a hillside, this medieval village particularly colorful with its blooming flowers calls for a marvellous walk along the small streets. Dom Pérignon rests in the abbey’s nave; the abbey also holds a rare relic of Sainte Hélène, patron saint of Hautvillers and Emperor Constantin’s wife. The abbey built in the 7th century was severely destroyed and rebuilt thanks to Catherine de Médicis’ donations. It is now privately owned by Moët et Chandon. www.tourisme-hautvillers.com
Tribaut’s house
Three generations of champagne producers have been passionately cultivating their family vineyards ; 12 hectares cared for by hand. You will be warmly greeted and enjoy an excellent price for quality. 88 Rue d’Eguishem, 51 160 Hautvillers – France. Tell: 03 26 59 40 57 www.champagne.g.tribaut.com
Aÿ
Over 400 hectares of grapevines and king Henri IVth ‘s favorite. Don’t miss the amazing gothic style Saint Brice Church and Villa Bissinger, a 12th century mansion now the International Institute for Champagne wines, a nice meeting place open to everyone. 15 rue Jeanson. www.villabissinger.com
Hamm and Sons . By reservation only.
Gosset House has been producing still wine and sparkling wine without malo-lactic fermentation since 1584; great style and quality champagne. Not open to visitors. www.champagne-gosset.com
Bouzy
Fully exposed on the south side this pinot noir vintage is of excellent quality. The Bouzy vineyards are unique and, have always produced a “wine for civilizations” as Talleyrand used to say.
Vesselle Champagne, a house that produces champagne as well as the divine Bouzy still wine you may both try through wine tasting. www.champagne-vesselle.net
Ludes
Canard Duchêne used to be Tsar Nicolas II‘s court supplier. As a souvenir, the special vintage bottles display the imperial double-head eagle and the sword. Cellars, art exhibits and wine tasting . www.canard-duchene.fr
