Last summer, while vacationing in Paris, my family and I enjoyed a tour of the champagne region of France. Our enchanted experience began in Reims, with a visit to the wine caves of Taittinger.
Our guide led us through the expansive caves. She explained the history of how the Champagne House of Taittinger came to be above the caves. It was in these caves where Benedictine Monk, Dom Perignon, first discovered champagne in the late 1600’s.
We learned that the Taittinger estate is a family-run business. Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger is at the helm, alongside his daughter, President and CEO, Vitalie Taittinger. His son, Managing Director, Clovis Taittinger, also plays a key role. The family legacy founded in 1931, dates back to 1734 and is a large part of what makes their champagne so special.
On the 270 hectare (approximately 667 acre) Taittinger estate, they grow three special grapes. When these are properly combined, they create Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunièr.
Our next stop was the famous House of Moët & Chandon in Epernay. They have been making champagne there since 1743.
Our tour commenced at a small production estate, Le Clos Cornier in nearby Mareuil-sur-Ay for Champagne Collard-Milesi.
At this quaint estate, our group enjoyed a champagne lunch. We enjoyed delicious local cuisine, served at a farm table in the garden.
If you have the opportunity to visit the region, I highly recommend booking a tour. It was an easy day trip from Paris and included private transportation. The day was like a dream that I revisit often in my mind. The special enchantment of travel is you take it with you, and forever hold it in your heart.
Cheers and happy adventures to you!
Sources:
https://www.collard-milesi.fr/en/nos-champagnes
Eileen Slovak 
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