CHAMPAGNE IN CHAMPAGNE
When in Paris, our top priority after visiting the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower was a visit to Champagne. Champagne is a wine region in the northeast of France, best known for its production of sparkling wine. The term "Champagne" is actually reserved by law for wines that come from this region and are produced under its specific rules.
After much research, we booked the Champagne Houses Full-Day Tour organized by O Chateau. The tour included visits to three champagne houses, Champagne Taittinger, Champagne Vincent Brochet and Champagne Salmon, with a sommelier guide. The stop at Taittinger included a tour of their impressive underground wine cellars. The second stop at Vincent Brochet included a private, chef-prepared lunch with champagne pairings, and the third stop included a behind-the-scenes tour of the Salmon family's small boutique winery. We also learned how champagne is produced, opened a champagne bottle with a saber, and enjoyed multiple champagne tastings during this visit. It was the highlight of our trip to Paris and a nice break from the city.
Recommendations:
1) Research tours. They vary on the number of stops, the number of included tastings, and whether or not lunch is included.
2) Book a tour that includes lunch to receive the best value for your money. A private lunch is preferred over a restaurant.
3) Bring a light jacket. The wine caves are chilly.
4) Bring a bottle of water and light snacks.
5) Don't forget to tip your guide.
Next Time:
Consider staying in the area, renting a car, and visiting more Champagne Houses.
After much research, we booked the Champagne Houses Full-Day Tour organized by O Chateau. The tour included visits to three champagne houses, Champagne Taittinger, Champagne Vincent Brochet and Champagne Salmon, with a sommelier guide. The stop at Taittinger included a tour of their impressive underground wine cellars. The second stop at Vincent Brochet included a private, chef-prepared lunch with champagne pairings, and the third stop included a behind-the-scenes tour of the Salmon family's small boutique winery. We also learned how champagne is produced, opened a champagne bottle with a saber, and enjoyed multiple champagne tastings during this visit. It was the highlight of our trip to Paris and a nice break from the city.
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| ^^ Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims ^^ |
1) Research tours. They vary on the number of stops, the number of included tastings, and whether or not lunch is included.
2) Book a tour that includes lunch to receive the best value for your money. A private lunch is preferred over a restaurant.
3) Bring a light jacket. The wine caves are chilly.
4) Bring a bottle of water and light snacks.
5) Don't forget to tip your guide.
Next Time:
Consider staying in the area, renting a car, and visiting more Champagne Houses.
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