Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
• Leave Reims on A-4 (direction: Châlons-en-Champagne), then exit south to Cor-
montreuil on D-9, following signs to Louvois (first tasting opportunity). You'll pass
through the usual commercial fringe before popping out into lovely scenery just 15
minutes after leaving Reims. Brake for photographs. If you toured Mumm's cellars, you'll
notice their hilltop property with a windmill well off in the distance (on the left) as you
climb the Montagne de Reims. Remember that the best grapes are grown along the slopes
of the Montagne de Reims.
InLouvois,considerastopat
Guy de Chassey
,wheredrop-insarewelcometoenjoy
atasting(assumingtheplaceisn'tbusy).Callahead,though,ifyouwanttotourtheirprop-
erty(bottlesfrom€15-20,ontheroundaboutasyouentertownat1PlacedelaDemi-Lune,
tel. 03 26 57 04 45,
www.champagne-guy-de-chassey.com
).
• Continue on D-34. A little after leaving Louvois, look for
Route de la Champagne
signs
leading left along a vineyard lane into the appropriately named village of Bouzy. Take the
short detour off to the
point de vue
for a fine view over the village and vines.
There are 30 producers of Champagne in little
Bouzy
alone, some of whom are
famous for their Bouzy Rouge (a red wine made only from Pinot Noir grapes, and not
made every year). Most places require reservations to visit, but drop-ins are welcome for
the fun tasting at
Champagne Herbert Beaufort
. You'll likely be served by Monsieur
Beaufort or his English-speaking son, Ludovic. Arrive at 10:30 or 15:30 for visits to their
cellars (free tastings, €17-23 bottles, Mon-Fri 9:30-11:30 & 14:00-17:30, Sat 9:30-12:00
& 14:30-17:00, Sun 10:00-12:00 in summer, closed Sun Sept-Easter, first
domaine
on
your left coming from Louvois on D-34 at 32 Rue de Tours, tel. 03 26 57 01 34,
• From Bouzy, leave the vineyards following D-19 to Tours-sur-Marne, then turn right
onto D-1 and carefully track signs to Aÿ.
Aÿ
(pronounced “eye”) is a lively little town that boasts of producing 100 percent
Grand Cru Champagne from all its vineyards. Detour into the pleasant town center, and
park near Hôtel de Ville and Café du Midi. Within a few blocks you'll find bakeries, char-
cuteries, cafés, and a good grocery store (that sells cold drinks).
