Champagne Tasting at G.H. Mumm

As you may have noticed on my instagram or read in one of my earlier posts {here, here or here}, earlier this month Caleb and I returned home from 18 days in Europe and I am already dreaming of our return. While in Paris, we decided to take a day trip to one of the beautiful surrounding areas. And after realizing the Champagne region was only a 45 minute train ride away, we quickly decided we needed to go! Words cannot begin to explain how incredible of a time we had in Reims. Whenever you visit Paris, I highly recommend taking the train out to Reims.

We started our day champagne tasting at G.H. Mumm. It is located right in the heart of the champagne region and is walking distance from the train. You can also take the local bus if you don’t want to walk as much. The tour begins with a 10 minute video which shares information about how champagne is made and a bit about the champagne house. After the movie, we continued on to another room where we learned about they types of grapes G.H. Mumm uses to create their famous champagnes. Then, the guide led us down to the cellar.

I’ll be the first to admit I am a bit of a history nerd. I just love it! So I was walking around the caves like a child, wide-eyed and grinning. While the champagne house was founded in 1827, the chalk caves actually date back to the Romans! If only those walls could talk! Since the caves are 10-20 meters (30-60 feet) underground, the caves naturally stay around 10-12°C (50-54°F) and 85% humidity.

As we meandered around the many tunnels underground the tour guide walked us step-by-step through what it takes to make champagne. Let’s just say it takes a lot more than I expected and I officially savor each sip a little more after this tour. There are so many steps and countless hours are spent caring for each bottle. It really is incredible. We also learned that wine makers must follow certain of qualifications in order to call their wine champagne- simply being located in the champagne region is not enough. One of those rules is that the champagne must sit in the second fermentation stage for at least 15 months. Well, G.H. Mumm goes a step above and has their wine ferment for at least 30 months.

As you come near the end of your underground tour, we actually got to walk through a little museum of antique items used to make champagne. Again, the history nerd in me soaked this up. It was incredible to see just how much has changed in the past 20-100 years of champagne making. After the museum, you make your way up to the testing room and get to drink the champagne you just learned about. Our guide even taught us the proper way to open a G.H. Mumm champagne bottle. Who knew I had been opening it incorrectly my whole life?!

After you’ve enjoyed a glass {or three}, be sure to continue to the gift shop. We may or may not have purchased a few bottles of champagne and a set of champagne glasses. Sometimes you just need to bring the experience back home with you- right?  As long as you don’t start browsing for a rehab website, you’ll be fine. They even sell a Blanc de Noir that you can’t purchase in the United States! We brought it home and enjoyed it with my parents.

Long story short- when in Paris, I highly recommend taking the day trip and going to G.H. Mumm. We loved our tour in December and are already dreaming of returning in the spring, summer or fall. Be sure to make a reservation prior to arriving!

Watch a short video of our visit to G.H. Mumm below!
And be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for future videos!

Fun fact- You’ve likely noticed a bottle of G.H. Mumm champagne either in the store, in a movie or at the Kentucky Derby as someone sabers the cork off due to the bottles signature red sash. During our tour, I learned this red sash was inspired by the red sashes bestowed upon distinguished individuals receiving the highest of French honors. Now, this red sashed bottle represents luxury and nobility.

^^^ there are 25 MILLION bottles of wine in these tunnels!! how crazy is that? ^^^

on me
top Nordstrom {on sale for $23} :: faux fur vest from a boutique in Paris, similar here and here {on serious sale for $39}
pants Nordstrom :: coat custom, similar here :: socks Aran Sweater :: shoes Dune London :: sunglasses Karen Walker

on him
top Bloomingdale’s :: jeans Banana Republic :: shoes Nike

***Thank you G.H. Mumm for having us! All opinions are my own.