Apologies if this has already been addressed. We are thinking of spending a week in Champagne next April
Whats a good village to be based at? Ideally supermarket within walking distance, some cafes and restaurants – we will be bringing two kids with us (ages 5 and 10) so would love to be to walk places with them during the day
How does one go about scheduling producer visits? Are small growers amenable to being visited? What’s the best way to set up those? What are the must see big houses? (I assume those are available online to sign up)? Must visit restaurants…
Based on those parameters, your options are likely Reims or Epernay - though they are more cities than villages. Reims has a lot more going on, so I’d suggest that as a base of operations. Make sure you rent a car.
Certain small growers are definitely amendable to being visited. I’ve had the most success finding an email contact and reaching out directly, at least a few weeks in advance. But you have to do your research - one I’ve even booked via Instagram DM.
I’ve had less experience at the big houses, but visiting the caves at Ruinart or Taittinger is a must. I’ve only done the former, and from what I gather you don’t need to visit both.
Earlier in the year I was looking into this too, but never went.
To me it definitely seemed like Reims was the easiest choice. You can take the train in and rent a car as Zac says. Hotels are at a good price compared to Paris. For eating I found this place that was on my list, but no idea if it’s really good, but I just want to pass it on in case it’s useful. https://winebar-reims.com/
For visiting small growers it is as it’s always been— try 20 and hope for a few. I was chatting with E Brochet before my trip and he was very approachable.
We did the caves at Mumm and Taittinger this spring. Hadn’t been for 40+ years, but the remain breathtaking. Both available online - not sure if or how they handle young kids
