Ah, Paris! The city that epitomizes romance, art, and the finer things in life. But what many don't know is that just a stone's throw away from the bustling city streets od Paris lies the serene and verdant region of Champagne. Ready for a day of bubbly adventure? Here's a recount of our effervescent exploration that promises to titillate your senses and leave you in high spirits, literally.
Tasting local wines is my favorite way to explore the culinary and agricultural history of a place. Visiting the birthplace of Champagne and tasting the delights from her fields is my idea of a perfect day! We did a small group full day tour from Paris, France with Champagne and Reims Tasting Day Trip From Paris. Here are some of the highlights.
Starting the Journey: Departure from Paris, France
The day dawned bright and early as we are picked up from our accommodations and set off from Paris. With the excitement bubbling up, we boarded our comfortable van with our new friends for the day, destined for the rolling hills of the Champagne Wine Region. Within an hour, the city's iconic Eiffel Tower was replaced by sprawling vineyards, each row telling the story of a region steeped in tradition and a love for the grape.
First Stop: Nicolas Feuillatte
Stepping into the vibrant embrace of Nicolas Feuillatte, we entered a realm where modern winemaking methods are celebrated with an effervescent passion. Here, in the heart of Champagne, innovation meets tradition, creating an alchemy of finesse in every bottle. Nicolas Feuillatte prides itself on a state-of-the-art facility, humming with contemporary technology designed to maximize efficiency and quality.
The center of operations is a vision of stainless-steel vats equipped with advanced temperature control systems, ensuring each varietal is fermented at optimal conditions to highlight its unique character. The winery incorporates the latest in vinification techniques, with a pneumatic press gently coaxing the juice from the grapes, preserving their most delicate nuances.
Artistry blends with precision in their computer-controlled cellars where the champagnes mature, biding their time until they reach perfection. The remuage or riddling process, a critical step in Champagne production, is modernized with gyropallets, precisely turning the bottles, encouraging the lees to settle in the neck before the dégorgement expels them, leaving behind a crystal-clear wine.
From the intricate grape selection to the delicate aging processes, every detail was imbued with passion and precision. And, of course, the tasting session was nothing short of divine. We tasted three vintages. One aged since 2012, a Brut Rose and their famed Brut Réserve. It was a sensory smorgasbord, as we savored the crisp notes. Each glass of Nicolas Feuillatte champagne is a celebration, a dedication to progressive methods, and an invitation to experience the future of Champagne's venerable craft.
Lunch at Le Table Kobus
Nestled in the heart of Épernay, Le Table Kobus offered the perfect interlude to our day. With a menu that pays homage to the local cuisine, every bite was a delightful blend of regional flavors and contemporary flair. The Duck Confit was truly the best I have ever eaten. Their exquisite dishes, perfectly paired with French wines, provided a much-needed gastronomic respite. The pièce de résistance? Enjoying this quintessential French meal while getting to know our fellow travelers.
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The Journey Continues: Mercier Cellars in the Champagne Region of France
Descending into the cavernous embrace of Mercier's wine caves, we found ourselves enveloped in the mystique of a subterranean world where history and modernity are engraved into the very walls. The air was cool and filled with the anticipation of discovery.
As I journeyed through the vast network of tunnels, I was mesmerized by the sight of endless rows of slumbering bottles, each cradling the dreams of vintages past. Illuminated by the soft glow of strategically placed lights, the aura of the caves whispered tales of the toil and triumphs of winemakers who had walked these grounds since its founding in 1858.
It felt as if time stood still beneath the earth, in an expanse that stretched for miles, a hidden labyrinth where the Mercier magic unfolds in silence. Guided by the soft rumble of a laser, automated train, we were ferried past walls etched with bas-relief artworks, a homage to the legacy of the House of Mercier, marrying beauty with the practicality of wine aging.
The atmosphere was thick with the steady patience of the Champagne method, where the symphony of second fermentation played its quiet notes in the dark. These caves, a spectacle of wine engineering and artistry, presented a treasure trove of stories, deep within the Champagne region. To be there, surrounded by the shadows of venerable bottles and the echoes of a rich history, was to be immersed in something far greater than myself. What was the highlight of the visit? Tasting Mercier's signature champagnes, which danced on our palates with the elegance of a well-composed symphony.
A Toast to Heritage: Leclerc Briant
Our next stop at Leclerc Briant's tasting room was like stepping into a world where each bubble in my glass narrated its own little story. From the moment we crossed the threshold, the intimate space, with its contemporary decor and serene outdoor patio created an ambiance that was both welcoming and exclusive. The tasting unfolded as a journey through Leclerc Briant's exquisite range of biodynamic champagnes, each sip brimming with complex layers.
The staff, as knowledgeable as they were passionate, guided us through the nuances of every glass, from the vibrant fruity notes to the refined finish that whispered of its careful maturation. Surrounded by my fellow champagne enthusiasts and the hum of delighted chatter, I reveled in the harmony of innovative, eco-conscious viticulture and the sheer joy of discovery, one perfectly crafted taste at a time. This tasting room, with its delightful pours and insightful conversations, encapsulated the essence of Champagne, a celebration not just of wine, but of life itself.
A Pilgrimage to the Legacy: Dom Pérignon's Monastery
The pilgrimage to Dom Pérignon's monastery stop is where the whispers of history and the rustle of vine leaves came together in a harmonious chorus. As I looked into the serene grounds of the Abbey of Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon spent his days perfecting the art of winemaking, a sense of awe washed over me. The venerable walls of the monastery stood as silent witnesses to the birth of champagne, each stone saturated with tales of dedication and discovery.
I could almost hear the clinking of glass and the fizz of bubbles as I imagined the moment when Pérignon might have exclaimed, "Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!" The air seemed infused with the legacy of the monk's pioneering spirit, and even the gentle breeze carried the legacy of his work. As we headed to our final stop, I raised my heart in quiet thanks to the legacy he bestowed upon the world of wine.
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The Vineyards: Where the Magic Begins
In the afternoon, we basked in the sun-kissed vineyards that carpet the undulating landscape of Champagne. Here we encountered the lifeblood of the region: the grapevines. From Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, each varietal contributed to Champagne's mosaic of flavors. As we sipped our final taste of Champagne for the day, it was a moment of pure connection with the earth, an appreciation of the care and dedication that goes into every bottle
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The Journey's End: Reflecting on a Day Well-Spent
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with strokes of pink and gold, we made our way back to Paris, our hearts and bellies full. Conversations flowed freely, much like the champagne we'd savored throughout the day, as we reminisced on the moments that made our trip unforgettable.
From the modern sophistication of Nicolas Feuillatte to the historical elegance of Mercier, the eco-consciousness of Leclerc Briant to the historical reverence of Dom Pérignon's monastery, every experience was a testament to the region's dedication to excellence. Lunch at Le Table Kobus was the cherry on top of a perfect day, providing sustenance and further indulgence for the senses. Our tour included a visit the the Cathedral at Reims, unfortunately, the rainy weather caused significant traffic and we were unable to visit this trip.
To those considering a day trip from Paris to Champagne, I say, go forth. There is more to this region than just exquisite wines. It's a journey through history, culture, and artistry that culminates in the celebration of life's finest moments, one effervescent sip at a time. The Champagne region is not just a place but an experience, a spectrum of flavors waiting to be explored and memories eager to be made.
The next time Paris whispers to you, take a short ride to its bubbly neighbor. Toast the sun setting over the vineyards, revel in the taste of world-class champagnes, and lose yourself in the beauty of a region that has mastered the art of celebrating life. À votre santé!
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Detailed posts on day trips from Paris and what to eat in Paris will be coming out in the next few weeks. For notifications on these posts and access to my dining guides and packing lists sign up for my resource page with the link below.
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