Journey through champagne country

Discover the eponymous region of France, where the original bubbly was invented

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A commanding view of surrounding vineyards from the hotel Royal Champagne. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
One of the many champagne houses to visit is Champagne Louis Roderer. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
The imposing facade of Reims Cathedral. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
Champagne Boizel is one of the houses on L'Avenue de Champagne. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
The Fetes Johanniques is an annual tribute to Joan of Arc. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
A memorial to Charles de Gaulle, who hailed from Champagne. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
Baby grapes on the vine in May. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
A contemplative view from Chateau Sacy. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
Sacre Burger is a hip burger joint with a serious champagne list. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
Some of the beautiful cellars in Champagne include those of Champagne Philipponat. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
Chateau de la Marquetterie belongs to the house of Taittinger. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE
Jambon de Reims is a local speciality. PHOTO: NICOLA LEE

Nicola Lee

Published Thu, Sep 7, 2023 · 06:00 PM

IN THE words of Napoleon Bonaparte: “In victory, you deserve champagne; in defeat, you need it.”

If champagne appreciation to you is more than just pulling a bottle of bubbly out of the fridge, head to the eponymous region of France, where driving through its vineyards and exploring the various towns and cities expand your drinking horizons.

Champagne is a larger region than you may think. Vallee de la Marne, where you’ll find towns like Reims and Epernay, is the centre of champagne production. Cote des Blancs is known for high-quality Chardonnay grapes – one of champagne’s three main grape varieties; Montagne de Reims is home to Pinot Noir grapes. Completing the trio of varietals is Pinot Meunier, for which Vallee de la Marne is famous.

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