Discover the ultimate guide to the best champagne houses in the Champagne region of France. If you’re wondering which champagne house to visit in Reims or seeking the best wineries in Champagne, France, you’re in the right place. Our comprehensive guide offers insightful analysis of the top champagne houses to visit, from renowned champagne vineyards to hidden gems.
Table of Contents
Best champagne houses overview
| Champagne House | Location | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Moët & Chandon | Épernay | Luxury and meticulous craftsmanship; vintage collections |
| Veuve Clicquot | Reims | Invention of the riddling table; female empowerment |
| Pommery | Reims | Modern art in cellars; innovation in champagne styles |
| Taittinger | Reims | Family-owned; 288 hectares in Côte des Blancs |
| Mumm | Reims | 4th largest globally; official champagne of F1 and Kentucky Derby |
| Nicolas Feuillatte | Chouilly | Youngest great house; 10 million bottles sold in 2014 |
| Gaston Chiquet | Dizy | Family-run for eight generations; unique tasting experience |
| Lanson | Reims | Non-malolactic fermentation; one of the oldest in Reims |
| Mercier | Épernay | 18 km long cellars; original owner of Dom Pérignon brand |
| Devaux | Côte des Bar | Managed by “Champagne widows”; exports 75% of production |
Champagne Moët & Chandon
🌐 Website | 📍 Épernay | 📸 Book a tour
Moët & Chandon is synonymous with luxury and elegance. Founded in 1743, this champagne house in Epernay is renowned for its Impérial Brut, a blend that has become an icon in the champagne world. A visit to Moët & Chandon offers a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. Don’t miss their vintage collections, a testament to the house’s rich history.
Tip: Book a tour of their historic cellars, one of the largest in Champagne. Stretching over 17 miles, the cellars offer a unique glimpse into the house’s rich history and craftsmanship. It’s often the highlight of the visit, providing insight into the making of each bottle.
Champagne Veuve Clicquot
🌐 Website | 📍 Reims | 📸 Book a tour
Veuve Clicquot, based in Reims, is a story of innovation and audacity. Founded in 1772, it gained prominence under the leadership of Madame Clicquot, one of the first businesswomen of modern times. She invented the riddling table in 1816, revolutionising the clarity of Champagne. A visit here is a toast to female empowerment and ingenuity in the champagne industry.
Champagne Pommery
🌐 Website | 📍 Reims | 📸 Book a tour
Pommery, also located in Reims, is a house of art and innovation. Founded in 1858 as a wool trading business, it pivoted to Champagne under the guidance of Madame Pommery. She introduced Brut Champagne in 1874, a style that now dominates the market. The cellars, adorned with modern art, reflect Madame Pommery’s love for creativity. A visit to Pommery is a blend of fine Champagne and fine art.
Taittinger
🌐 Website | 📍 Reims | 📸 Book a tour
Taittinger is a family-owned champagne house founded in 1734. Known for its Comtes de Champagne, it blends tradition and elegance. The house owns 288 hectares of vineyards, primarily in the Côte des Blancs region. Taittinger is a perfect stop for champagne vineyards with a personal touch.
Tip: Don’t miss the chance to explore Taittinger’s ancient chalk cellars, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These cellars were originally Roman chalk quarries and provide a unique, atmospheric setting for ageing champagne. The historical depth adds an extra layer to your tasting experience.
Mumm Champagne house
🌐 Website | 📍 Reims | 📸 Book a tour
Mumm is a champagne house with a global reputation. Founded in 1827 in Reims, it’s currently ranked as the 4th largest champagne house globally. Famous for its Cordon Rouge, Mumm has been the official Champagne of various prestigious events, including F1 racing and the Kentucky Derby. A visit to Mumm is essential for anyone interested in champagne wineries with a sporting spirit.
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
🌐 Website | 📍 Épernay | 📸 Book a tour
Nicolas Feuillatte is the youngest of the great champagne houses, founded in 1976. With a unique story that involves a daring businessman and volunteer winegrowers, this house has quickly risen to prominence. It’s the most important champagne brand of winemakers, selling 10 million bottles worldwide in 2014 alone. A visit here offers a fresh perspective on champagne houses in France.
Champagne Gaston Chiquet
🌐 Website | 📍 Chouilly | 📸 Book a tour
Gaston Chiquet is a family-run champagne house located in Dizy. Known for its Pinot Meunier grapes, this house offers a unique tasting experience. The house has been in the family for eight generations, making it a must-visit for those interested in champagne vineyards with deep-rooted history.
Champagne House Lanson
🌐 Website | 📍 Dizy | 📸 Book a tour
Lanson is one of the oldest champagne houses in Reims, founded in 1760. It’s famous for its non-malolactic fermentation method, which results in Champagne with high acidity and complex flavours. A visit to Lanson is a journey through time, offering a blend of tradition and innovation.
Champagne Mercier
🌐 Website | 📍 Reims | 📸 Book a tour
Pablo Monteagudo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Mercier is a champagne house based in Épernay, founded in 1858. The house is known for its 18 km long cellar tunnels located 30 m underground. It was the original owner of the Dom Pérignon brand and is now the number one selling brand of Champagne in the domestic French market. A visit to Mercier offers a unique underground rail cart experience.
Tip: Make sure to experience the unique underground rail cart tour. Mercier’s cellars stretch 18 km and are located 30 m underground. The rail cart takes you through these extensive tunnels, offering a one-of-a-kind perspective on champagne storage and ageing. It’s a must-do activity at Mercier.
Champagne House Devaux
🌐 Website | 📍 Côte des Bar | 📸 Book a tour
Founded in 1846, Devaux is a family saga managed by three inspiring women known as the “Champagne widows”. Devaux is a ‘ boutique ‘ premium brand located in the heart of the Côte des Bar. The house exports 75% of its production and offers a range of unique champagnes, making it a top champagne house to visit.
Hidden Gems and Lesser-known Champagne Vineyards
Discover the hidden gems of the Champagne region with our guide to lesser-known Champagne vineyards. Venture beyond the mainstream houses and explore unique, family-run estates that offer exceptional quality and a personal touch.
Champagne Charles de Cazanove
🌐 Website | 📍 Reims
Charles de Cazanove is a house with a rich history dating back to 1811. Located in Reims, it’s a blend of tradition and modernity. The house is known for its Stradivarius vintage, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that showcases the terroir’s richness. With a focus on sustainable viticulture, Charles de Cazanove is a must-visit for eco-conscious travellers exploring champagne vineyards off the beaten path.
Champagne Mailly Grand Cru
🌐 Website | 📍 Mailly-Champagne
Mailly Grand Cru is a cooperative of 70 winegrowers located in the village of Mailly-Champagne. Specialising in Grand Cru champagnes, this house offers a range of exquisite blends. The vineyards are in the Montagne de Reims, known for its unique microclimate and chalky soil. A visit to Mailly Grand Cru offers an intimate experience, as the house produces only 500,000 bottles annually, making it a hidden gem among champagne houses in France.
Champagne House P. Lancelot-Royer
🌐 Website | 📍 Cramant
Situated in the village of Cramant, P. Lancelot-Royer is a family-run house that focuses on Chardonnay grapes. The house takes advantage of Cramant’s chalky subsoil to create champagnes with unique characteristics. One of the last houses to practice traditional disgorging on the fly, a visit here offers an authentic experience. Whether on a Reims champagne tour or exploring the Côte des Blancs, P. Lancelot-Royer is a must-visit for those interested in traditional champagne-making techniques.
Why Visit Champagne Houses in Reims and Beyond
Exploring the champagne houses in Reims and beyond is an experience that offers much more than just a tasting of bubbly. Here’s why you should consider adding it to your travel itinerary:
Cultural Importance of these champagne houses
Visiting these houses allows you to delve into the rich history and craftsmanship that have shaped the Champagne region. From the meticulous grape selection to the intricate bottling processes, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the art of champagne-making.
Taste the Best Champagne in the world.
There’s no better place to sip on some of the world’s best sparkling wines than at the source. Whether at a renowned house like Moët & Chandon or a hidden gem like P. Lancelot-Royer, you’re in for a treat that your palate won’t forget.
Scenic Beauty of the Champagne region
The vineyards are a sight for sore eyes, offering breathtaking landscapes as pleasing to the eye as the Champagne is to the taste buds. The rolling hills, lush greenery, and picturesque villages provide a scenic backdrop that enhances the overall experience.
How to Choose Which Champagne House to Visit in Reims
Deciding which champagne house to visit in Reims can be daunting, given the many options available. Here are some key factors to consider that will help you make an informed choice:
Ratings and Reviews
One of the most reliable ways to gauge the quality of a champagne house is to look for user ratings and reviews. Websites like TripAdvisor and local blogs often provide valuable insights into the experiences of previous visitors. This can help you identify the best champagne houses in Reims based on real-life experiences.
Type of Experience
Champagne houses offer a variety of experiences, from basic tastings to comprehensive tours that include vineyard visits and food pairings. Some even offer unique experiences like cellar tours or sabrage demonstrations. Consider what you’re most interested in to choose a house that offers more than just tastings.
Location
The proximity to other attractions can also be a deciding factor. Some champagne houses are located near historical landmarks or offer scenic views, making them a great addition to your itinerary. If you’re planning a Reims champagne tour, consider houses close to each other to make the most of your time.
What is the most famous champagne house?
Moët & Chandon is widely considered the most famous champagne house. Located in Épernay, France, it has produced luxury champagnes since 1743 and is renowned for its Impérial Brut and Dom Pérignon labels.
What champagne house is Dom Perignon associated with?
Dom Pérignon is a prestigious label produced by Moët & Chandon. This vintage Champagne is named after a Benedictine monk who contributed significantly to Champagne’s production and quality.
What is the most expensive Champagne?
Goût de Diamants holds the title for the most expensive Champagne. It’s not just the Champagne that’s luxurious; the bottle features a Swarovski crystal in the centre and is made of solid gold.
Is Dom Perignon expensive?
Yes, Dom Pérignon is considered a luxury champagne and is relatively expensive. It’s a vintage champagne, meaning it’s made from the grapes of a single exceptional year, which adds to its exclusivity and price.
How many Champagne houses exist?
There are over 350 champagne houses in the Champagne region of France. These range from renowned brands like Moët & Chandon to smaller, family-run estates offering unique blends.
What is the oldest Champagne house?
Gosset, founded in 1584, is the oldest champagne house. Located in Aÿ, it has been producing Champagne for over four centuries and is highly respected for its quality.
Is Champagne cheaper in France than in the UK?
Generally, Champagne is cheaper in France than in the UK. This is due to lower taxes on alcohol and the absence of import duties in France, making it more cost-effective to buy locally.
Who is the biggest Champagne producer?
Moët & Chandon is the largest champagne producer in terms of volume. It’s part of the LVMH Group and is known for its wide range of high-quality sparkling wines, including the famous Dom Pérignon.
Lieze Neven is a globetrotting travel writer and expat currently based in Nepal. With a passion for exploration, she has lived in Dubai, the UK, and Belgium, alongside her international teacher husband. Her parents live in France and she tries to visit Paris at least once a year. Together, they travel the world looking for the best hotels, experiences and food locations have to offer!