France - Champagne region
Vive la France!
The champagne area is an area in France where all the champagne in the world is made. No other bottle can be called champagne if it isn’t from this area.
The champagne region spreads in the North East of France, around the cities of Reims and Épernay.
The grapes Pinot noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay are primarily used to produce almost all Champagne.
My friend Cas and I took the heavy responsibility of discovering the different champagnes, have tastings and explore the area.
The Champagne houses:
Moët & Chandon
Since the 17th century, they’ve build an empire. Who doesn't know this brand with their white (tacky?) glasses and magnum bottles...
Champagne Vincent D’Astrée
Get the best champagne here!
It’s a bigger, old house in Pierry.
Maison du Champagne Allain Vessele
The best tour you can get around the region can be done at Allain Vessele.Plus, really good value for money
Champagne Sanchez-Le Guérdard
Overall best expierence award goed to my guy from Sanches-Le Guérdard...
They have an impressive story to tell. Stating back in the 17th century, they’ve successfully build an empire. I would really recommend going on a tour here to start your trip. They have kilometers long cellars under the city of Epernay and they give a extensive explanation about the production process and history of the brand.
Price for cheapest bottle: €35,-
Worth going? Yes!
Buy bottles here? No! 
They are too well known and overpriced for my taste. Go for the smaller houses and support the local farmers I’d say!
Half commercial, half not.. It’s a bigger, old house in Pierry. You can have a tour around the premise. From all the champagne I’ve tasted, this one was the best. Their champagnes are SO delicious that you are ruined the rest of your life with tasting ‘normal’ champagnes. But it’s 100% worth it.
Price of bottles: around €20,-
Worth going? Yes!
Buy bottles here? YES! Their tastings are very diverse and they really listen to your preferences. I’ve decided to buy a ‘Vintage Premier Cru’ from 2000. And already regretting I’ve only bought six bottles
Adress: Adress : 1 Rue Carnot, 51530 Pierry – France
Phone : +33 (0)3 26 54 03 23
Another gem in the heart of Champaign region. With this house, we have had the best tour you could wish for. Their explanation was super extensive, interesting and hands-on. With a look around every corner of the factory and the guide spoke perfect English.
Their champagens were also really tasty and very good value for the price!
Price of bottles: From €16 to €25
Buy bottles here? Yes!
Worth Going? Yes! With the tour and the cheap pricing for very good quality champagne, I’ve bulked up here with buying 8 bottles. Defo worth going!
Adress: Adress : 15 rue de Louvois 51150 Bouzy
Phone : +33 (0) 3 26 57 00 88
Saving the best for last!
We have had the best experience at Sanchez-Le Guerdard. Mostly because it was not commercial at all. This champagne house is what you want when you think of ‘small champagne farmers’. Very cosy atmosphere, old equipment, and passionate owner who will (with the best English he can) tell you all about his products.
I’ve enjoyed this tour the most, because we knew a bit about the product already (because of all the other tours), so the whole ambience and quality for the product really came to rise here.
Price per bottle: From €18 to €28
Buy bottles here? YES
Worth going? YES! Support the local farms and not only fund the bigger houses by going here!
Address: Adress : 106, rue Gaston Poittevin 51480 CUMIERES
Phone : +33 (0) 26 51 66 39
Last updated: 21-02-2022