Last weekend, I was invited on a day trip to the Champagne region! We started the day in Epernay at the Moet and Chandon caves where we learned about the three kinds of grapes that are harvested for champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir) the Grands vintages (really good years) and Dom Perignon (really good grapes from really good years). We also got to do a tasting!
In the afternoon, we headed to Reims, where we saw the cathedral where Joan of Arc lead Charles VII to be coronated. It was stunning. Of all the cathedrals I've seen in the last month, this one has the most exciting history and the prettiest chapels.
After that we headed to the Martel champagne caves. This one was way less corporate than the Moet & Chandon tour - They keep a lot of bottles for smaller producers, most of which never get exported from France. Our guide at this one looked like he spent a lot of time underground. He was very knowledgeable and showed off the ancient equipment dating back to when women weren't allowed in the caves. This tour was cheaper and came with a tasting of 3 different champagnes! a brut (not too sweet), a rosé, and a demi sec (sweet champagne)
Last week also happened to be the Fete des vendanges a wine and food festival held annually to celebrate the bottling of the Clos du Montmartre, wine that comes from a vineyard within Paris. There are foods from every region of France, traditional performers (clowns, chanteurs, etc) and free wine tastings and cooking demonstrations! Some friends and I spent Sunday afternoon wandering around tasting and enjoying the weather :)
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