3 Champagne Vineyards You Don’t Want to Miss

France has long been treasured for its charm and elegance, from exquisite art and architecture to spectacular natural scenery and some of the most mouthwatering cuisine on earth. What better way to enjoy all the pomp and circumstance that comes along with a visit to this magnificent country than by raising a toast of the finest champagne? If sipping on the bubbly is something that interests you, here are 3 of the best champagne vineyards in France that you simply won’t want to miss!

Moët et Chandon

This spectacular vineyard features as much history as it does exquisite champagne. It was founded in 1743 by Claude Moet and has been producing some of the world’s finest bubbly beverages since that time. The vineyard covers an area of over 2,500 acres from which about 26 million bottles of champagne are bottled and sold annually, making it one of the largest champagne producers in the world. If it’s luxury you’re looking for, Moet et Chandon does not disappoint. In fact, the winery holds a prestigious Royal Warrant, which means it is the company that supplies champagne to Queen Elizabeth II, just like the many nobles and aristocrats it has served for generations. And with offerings like Dom Pérignon, it’s no surprise. The good news is Moet et Chandon isn’t reserved just for royalty. If you’re passing through Epernay and have a hankering for some fine sparkling wine, a stop at this fantastic vineyard is a must!

Krug

You can’t help but produce champagne when you’re located in the city of Reims – also sometimes referred to as the “home of champagne”. Of all the vineyards in this beautiful area, however, perhaps none is as noteworthy as Krug. Remarkably, the vineyard itself is actually quite small, with many of the grapes used in the production of Krug champagne harvested from other growers in the area. Nevertheless, Krug has established itself as one of the most prestigious brands of sparkling wine in the world. It is known particularly for the distinct oaky flavor it holds, due mainly to the fact that fermentation occurs completely in oak barrels, a process that is considered somewhat obsolete nowadays. Whatever it is, it’s working. In fact, Krug is among the world’s most famous champagne brands and you’ll know why the moment you take that first, delectable sip!

Bollinger

Founded in 1829 in the Ay commune of the Champagne region of France, Bollinger has long been an established and respected name in sparkling wine production. To this day, the house and vineyard are still managed by the Bollinger family. Over the years, the vineyard has been expanded and improved, particularly under the caring eye of Lilly Bollinger, who became quite well known for her involvement in the champagne industry and for her many witty quotes. One of them in particular embodies the love she had for her bubbly concoction: “I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I’m thirsty.” Today Bollinger produces a handful of exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines that are enjoyed all over the world. You may even have heard the name dropped in a few James Bond movies!

 

When it comes to culture and sophistication, France has long cornered the market. And there is perhaps no better way to experience this refined and elegant atmosphere than by enjoying a glass of world-class champagne. Although there are certainly plenty of vineyards to choose from that produce the bubbly beverage, these three are among the best in the world and should be at the top of the must-visit list for any champagne lover.

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