Taittinger Champagne Tasting in France

If you are planning a trip from Paris, do yourself a favor and book a day trip to Reims and visit the Taittinger Champagne House– you will thank me later, I promise. It’s a quick 45 minute train ride and an absolute must do! Not only will you taste some of the best champagne in the world, you will also learn about the champagne making process and stand inside caves that are full of history and date back to the 4th century. Simply thinking back to our tour and tasting has be grinning from ear to ear- it was really that incredible of an experience.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you likely know that I love supporting family run companies. So when I learned Taittinger Champagne is a family owned house, my love for their bubbly only deepened. And not only is Taittinger the largest family owned champagne house in the world, but they are also one of the only houses who get to store their wine in the famous chalk caves in Reims!

The tour begins with a short video about the caves and the company’s history. Once the video ends, you begin your descent almost 60 feet underground into the caves. Part of their cellars are located in the old Abbey of Saint-Nicaise {which date back to the 4th and 13th century and were built by Romans} and part of their caves were built by monks. As you tour the caves you will not only find remnants from when the monks used the caves as a monastery and wine cellar, but you will also see old carvings from individuals who took refuge in the caves during World War I. {yes, the history nerd in me was in heaven & wishing the chalk walls could talk. any other history nerds out there like me?}  The Taittinger caves recently became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As we meandered through the ancient caves our guide showed us each step of the champagne making process. Who knew there was such an art and so many steps behind making a single bottle of champagne? We walked past thousands of bottles of bubbly and I was shocked to learn each bottle in the cave was turned by hand during the riddling process {see the video below for more details about the riddling process}. I will forever appreciate each sip of champagne a little more after this tour.

After we finished our tour of the caves, we made our way back upstairs and entered one of their tasting rooms. Our room was decorated with historic pictures, old Taittinger labels, family heirloom pendants, gorgeous art and the most comfortable leather seats. I would love to go back with family or friends and spend a few hours sipping champagne in that room. We tasted the signature Brut La Francaise, the Brut Prestige Rosé, Les Folies de la Marquetterie and the Comtes de Champagne 2006 Blanc de Blancs Brut. Each bottle was delicious and we ended up bringing home one of their signature bottles and their Comtes Blanc de Blancs. Be sure to hit their gift shop on the way out, as their prices are cheaper than you will find anywhere else!

Visiting Taittinger was such an incredible experience and I am already planning a return trip during the warmer months so we can tour the vineyards with family. It was the best day trip from Paris and one of the highlights of our trip!

 

Watch the video below of our cave and champagne tasting!
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t done so yet!

 

 

^^ the face was carved by an individual taking refuge in the caves during the war & the statue is remnants from the monks ^^

^^ stairs are remnants from the monks ^^ 

^^ the natural damp atmosphere & chalk caves cause mushrooms to grow every now and then ^^

^^ sometimes bottles explode in the process ^^

^^  carvings from World War I  ^^

I believe you should always have a bottle of champagne in the fridge because you never know when you may have a reason to celebrate- whether that be receiving good news or because it’s a Tuesday! We love popping open a bottle of bubbly at home & creating a simple cheese board or enjoying some pizza.

What do you enjoy pairing with champagne?

on me:
shirt Nordstrom :: shawl old, similar here :: pants Bloomingdale’s :: boots Dune London
socks Aran Sweater :: watch & cuff c/o Daniel Wellington

on him:
shirt Bloomingdale’s :: pants Banana Republic :: watch c/o Daniel Wellington



**Thank you Taittinger for having us! All opinions are my own.

 

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16 Comments

  • Reply
    Allie
    March 2, 2017 at 9:58 am

    This looks like the most amazing tour ever! I’ve never tried Taittinger, but have seen it in the store. Might need to pick up a bottle and have a girls night this weekend. Also, love your video!!!

  • Reply
    thinkmaghq
    March 2, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    I used to drink Taittinger back home in England. I’ve never seen it here in Toronto. But you’ve reminded me of how delicious this champagne is. I recently started drinking rosè a couple of years ago, it’s my favourite. I’m thrilled you had a chance do to this. The history in Europe is like nothing you will ever see again.

  • Reply
    Sabrina
    March 2, 2017 at 8:04 pm

    This looks like fun!! I would do this in a heartbeat. Great photos!

  • Reply
    Christie Brown
    March 2, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    You had me at champagne… and France ahaha. I’m so jealous that this is your life. :P One day I’ll get to France. One day. *sigh*

    Christie’s Take on Life. xx

  • Reply
    Ashley Hargrove
    March 3, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    This seriously looks like so much fun!! Mega jealous!

  • Reply
    Kasey
    March 3, 2017 at 10:25 pm

    This looks amazing, Chloe! What a fun experience!

  • Reply
    Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie
    March 4, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    What a cool place to visit! That underground gave is fascinating! So much history!!

  • Reply
    Rach
    March 6, 2017 at 6:26 am

    This tour sounds amazing!! This definitely something I would be into!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  • Reply
    Katie Ann Lehman
    March 11, 2017 at 11:13 am

    I wish I liked champagne 😭 because this place looks so amazing!!! Such a fun trip.

    Xo
    Katie Ann
    http://www.the-holly-tree.com

  • Reply
    Nataly Kimball
    March 12, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    This looks like so much fun!

  • Reply
    Amrita Sen
    April 5, 2017 at 11:40 am

    Looks like an amazing tour. Eager to know about the historical facts as I am also a history nerd like you.. :-)

  • Reply
    Katie @ Zen Life and Travel
    April 5, 2017 at 11:48 am

    Um, yes please!! This looks just plain awesome. I am a sucker for bubbles. I will definitely check this out the next time I make it back to France. I did some wine tastings at vineyards and wineries in Tuscany and it’s just magical to sample the product where it’s made. Love this!

  • Reply
    Carmen Baguio
    April 5, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    What an amazing experience! I love champagne, so tangy and bubbly. We try to do a food tour every place we visit.

  • Reply
    Riely
    April 6, 2017 at 12:47 am

    Of course, French Champagne and visiting Reims is a must! This is definitely a tour for me! I love hearing about the history to the caves as well. Such an incredible experience for you. Now I need some champagne.

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    April 6, 2017 at 7:59 am

    This looks amazing!! I will definitely do this if I visit there, thanks for the idea. Also I love your photos, great article! :)

  • Reply
    Katherine
    April 7, 2017 at 10:20 am

    Just pinned this for when we plan our trip to Paris! So excited!!

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