Quick Escape to Reims: A Champagne Lover's Dream

Paris may be endlessly enchanting, but on our last trip Mom and I opted for a bubbly adventure to Reims, only a 90-minute train ride away. Nestled in the heart of Champagne country, Reims boasts a rich history and a staggering 250 kilometers of underground cellars – a testament to its reign as the champagne capital.

A Journey Through Grand Champagne Houses

Reims is a haven for prestigious Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, G.H. Mumm, Ruinart, Taittinger, and Pommery, plus dozens of other houses. These houses offer tours, allowing you to see the magic behind the bubbly.

We visited G.H. Mumm and took a fascinating tour through their labyrinthine cellars. These cellars are almost 200 years old and a marvel of sustainability – ancient chalk pits dug deep underground that are naturally cool and shielded from light.

The highlight was the tasting, obviously. We did G.H. Mumm’s Grand Crus tasting experience. "Grand Cru" is a French term for superior quality wines, and this tasting was truly superior. We explored the nuances of Champagne by tasting a "Blanc de Blancs," a champagne made solely from Chardonnay, compared with champagnes made from Pinot Noir - Chardonnay blends. Fun fact, there are three grapes that can make champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, and two are actually red grapes. Mind blown, right? Anyways, it was fun to taste these side by side and appreciate the subtle differences the different grapes offer.

Beyond the Big Names: A Hidden Gem Discovery

While the established houses are a must-see, Reims offers exciting finds for adventurous palates. We stumbled upon Champagne Pol Couronne, a smaller house with a rich history (originally founded in 1887 and re-established in 2013). Located near the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, their showroom offered a delightful tasting of their “cuvées” (wines made from specially selected grapes or vats).

We were particularly impressed by their 2012 cuvée, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir offering notes of dried apricots and roasted almonds (in an unbelievably delicious way, not like trail mix I swear). This bottle is currently being stored at my US cellar – my mother’s home – and I'm praying she doesn’t drink it without me.

Planning Your Sparkling Getaway

Reims, with its charming town center, rich history, and incredible champagne experiences, offers an unforgettable escape. Make Reims an extension of your next Parisian adventure – you won't be disappointed!