I will be in Champagne for a few days and want to visit a some Champagne houses. Does anyone have any must visit suggestions. I would love to visit at least one major Champagne house as well as some less touristy places.

Thanks,

E.

PS - Do most of these places have the ability to ship the champagne that you buy back to the US? If not, how eles would one get it home, given the new security measures?

Pick a house: any house! In Epernay, we've been to Mercier, Moet&Chandon & de Castellane : in Reims, Pommery and Mumms.
We've visited lesser houses in Cumieres on the Marne River down stream from Epernay and if our holiday starts at CDG, our first stop in the hire car is Champagne LAVAL Florent, 35, rue St Jean, Cumieres or Champagne VADIN PLATEAU 12, rue de la Coopérative, Cumiers for a mixed doz.
The major houses cater for tourists big time. They charge an entry fee but give a slick presentation tour in English with tastings after. Mercier has an train in which to tour the caves. Access may be daunting for some eg Pommery had 166 steps to descend and climb (but that was about 6 years ago).Lesser houses may have less English or non on the tour.
Sorry can't tell you about shipping it back home. Our initial purchases are consumed well before we head home!!! happy tasting de pedro

Just a couple of months ago I did the same thing.. basically because we didn't make reservations , which most of them require. So we visited moet & chandon.. really amazing place., And another small one, Martel which is right in Reims. If you go to Martel there is a pastry shop right up the street that you must sample!

Hi Lily,

I would really suggest visiting smaller houses, as you will meet the family of the names on the bottles and they actually take time to explain their process to you. The champagne is also cheaper than the big boys like Moet, Piper and Veuve. They are organised and cater to all nationalities, but to get the real feeling of the Champagne district.... smaller = better!

If you don't speak French the best place I would suggest is Janisson-Baradon in Epernay,
2 rue des Vignerons - 51200 EPERNAY
par téléphone : +33 3 26 54 45 85
par e-mail : info@champagne-janisson.com

I would suggest making an appointment in advance to secure an appointment to avoid disappointment. I know that this house ships to Japan, so I don't think shipping to the US should be a problem.

Enjoy... You will love it!!