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.

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13 Comments

  • Reply
    Nataly Kimball
    January 26, 2017 at 10:25 am

    This looks like so much fun! Champs in my favorite! xo, nataly

  • Reply
    Tal
    January 26, 2017 at 10:28 am

    I’m not much for Champagne, but I would love to visit this place! Great over view of the place and the 25 million bottles of wine!!! Heaven :)

  • Reply
    Ane
    January 26, 2017 at 10:47 am

    Oh wow! This is definitely the kind of tour I’d love to go on! Booze and history and trivia! Heaven! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

  • Reply
    Mary Powers
    January 26, 2017 at 10:54 am

    I am definitely adding this to my must do Paris list!!! This would be a dream!! Loved the video ❤

    – Mary
    http://www.missmarypowers.com

  • Reply
    Holly Habeck
    January 26, 2017 at 11:00 am

    Wow, it looks like you had such a great time! I would love to do that when I go to France someday <3 Also, lovely video!

    http://theblondechiffon.com

  • Reply
    JessicaHxoxo
    January 26, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    Girl oh my gosh this is my first time to your blog and I’m in LOVE!!! Seriously, I want to be real life friends with you lol. How long we’re you in Paris for?! ITs literally my DREAM city!! My fiance and I just booked our honeymoon there for this June and I’m so excited it can’t come soon enough! (I mean the wedding too of course lol ;) ) but ah! You are just so so cute and I love your layout! The side by side pictures are gorgeous. Mwah!

    xo, jess

    alljessedup.com

  • Reply
    Brittany Ferrell
    January 27, 2017 at 10:45 am

    Paris is my favorite place in the entire world and the last two times I have visited, I have wanted to make it to the Champagne Region and not made it! I am so jealous! Like you, I am a history nerd, and want to see all of those caves as much as I want to taste the champagne. It looks as beautiful as I had envisioned in your pictures! You have inspired me to make another trip!

  • Reply
    Ruthie Ridley
    January 27, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    I love a good champagne!! What an awesome experience!!!

  • Reply
    Sarah Anne Stubbs
    January 27, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    How fun! I love champagne and would love to do that!

  • Reply
    OnceUponADollhouse
    January 28, 2017 at 6:37 pm

    This is so fantastic. We are in the midst of planning a wine trip to Paso Robles and you’re inspiring us to drink more champagne!

  • Reply
    Ashley Hargrove
    January 29, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    This sounds like so much fun!! Something I definitely want to try sometime!!

  • Reply
    Kasey
    January 29, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    This tour seems awesome! Definitely a place to visit! And I’m loving your videos!

  • Reply
    Cece Lam
    January 31, 2017 at 1:22 am

    Whoa, I definitely have a newfound appreciation for champagne! Thanks for sharing with us your tips and experiences!

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