Short trip to Champagne region

[2catsand2kids]

I’d like to organise a short trip (probably 3 nights) to the champagne region for myself and DH. We’d do the tunnel and drive and I guess would stay in either Reims or Epernay and would plan to visit some champagne houses. Has anyone done a similar trip? Do you have any recommendations for places to stay, things to do, champagne houses to visit?

The big champagne houses are often owned by multinational drinks companies. Their tours are probably run by yield management software.

On the other hand, if you drive around the villages outside Epernay you can find family-run places where, if you make it clear you are there to buy, you can get a free tasting and probably a quick tour of the winery too.

Remember that you can only bring 9 litres of sparkling wine into the UK per person, so that's four 6-bottle (750ml) cases between you. My tip would be to buy at least some of that in half-bottles (375ml), which are brilliant to bring out when you have something to celebrate without too much alcohol.

Reims is fab. Been twice now. No experience of Champagne houses though.

In Reims I'd stay in thé Hôtel crystal in thé boulevard Drouet d'Erlon in thé centre. You get a reduction in thé underground parking. From memory Mumm, Heidsieck Taittinger all do tours. Going it alone visit 1 or more of the 17 grand cru villages. My personal favourite is Verzenay in thé montagne de Reims.

We did something like this with Grape Escapes, it was 5 yrs ago so not sure if they survived Covid? Stayed in Reims, visits to Moët and Ruinart, and a small provider were included. Also a fab lunch and dinner...

Holiday Inn Reims is great value and has a pool.

How is your French? These guys are very hospitable and offer a lovely tasting experience, but you’d need to understand them.

http://www.champagne-herbert-beaufort.com/en/vintages.html

I’d also recommend the Restaurant Le Cheval Blanc in Sept Saulx.