Hi,
I have visited a couple wineries in Napa, and when you go in you see the vineyards in the surrounding areas of the winery. I am wondering if the champagne houses in Reims/Epernay have a similar setting (in terms of Landscape), in that when you get to a house, do you see vineyards?
Also, has anyone rented a bike and explored Reims or Epernay that way?
Thanks!
Ashley:
In a word - no.
In the outlaying countryside there are champagne producers that have tasting rooms directly on the estate where the grapes are grown.
Reims is a full blown city. Epernay is smaller but still urban. The major champagne houses are lined up and down the main boulevard - the caves and the tasting and touring facilities are there too.
I have done tours at Moet & Chandon in Epernay in 1993 and 2004 and enjoyed it very much.
I have not toured the area on bicycle but that countryside is relatively flat and seems ideal for a bike tour. Have fun.
The Amazing Race stopped in Reims and Epernay just a week ago at Champagne houses. And yes, those were smack in the middle of the city.
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/recaps/1606/recaps.php
Apparently you can enter the caves in Epernay even if you're not part of the Amazing Race crew and nothing more than a simple tourist ;-)
