We will be in Epernay in December and would like to go to one big champagne house and one small one. Does anyone have suggestions on both a big and a small house to visit? Thank you.
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
The big one HAS to be Dom Perignon, but you will "do" Mercier and Moet & Chandon at the same time. They are "ensemble". As you drive around the champagne region - it's not very big - you will pass dozens of small producers with their "degustation" invitation boards outside. I think you should play it by ear and just pick the one that you like the look of.
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
Do you have a car and do you speak French? If you can answer yes to both questions, there are many more options available.
Posted by
OP
Joplin, Missouri, United States
14 posts
We will not have a car and I do not speak French very well.
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
Then I'd suggest a waltz down the Avenue du Champagne and just popping in to whatever catches your fancy.
Posted by
Ipswich, MA, US
87 posts
Perrier-Jouet offers a really good and fun visit. Great cellars. Even though it's owned by LVMH, which owns Moet, Veuve Cliquot and others, P-J's Champagne is really good. Much, much better than Moet's. For the smaller producer, Albert Gratien makes exquisite Champagne: http://www.libation-unlimited.com/b-105-champagne-alfred-gratien.aspx