WORLD'S BEST WINE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Tour the Storied Cellars of Champagne, France
Beneath the vineyard landscapes of Champagne lies a clandestine labyrinth of tunnels and caves. It was constructed by Romans to quarry chalk, and Benedictine monks later discovered its suitability for wine storage. During World War I, French citizens operated cities within the hidden complex to avoid German detection. Today, a tour of Champagne’s crayères, or chalk cellars, captivates visitors with its intersection of fine wine and history.
While the slopes, houses and cellars of Champagne have held UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 2015, only a handful of crayère tours exist.
One of the few belongs to Champagne’s oldest production house, Ruinart, established in 1729. Located on Rue des Crayères (street of caves), it boasts fascinating chalk-mining pits 125 feet below ground that were officially classified as a historic monument in 1931. Two-hour tours are available, during which the guide will identify traces of the past like score marks left by third-century Romans. Afterwards, relax in the salon with a glass of Chardonnay-driven bubbles, or make a reservation for lunch or a multicourse pairing dinner.
Clos19, a lifestyle retail platform of French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, sells immersive experiences featuring its brands. Private, multiday tours, like “Champagne Tour with Your Private Guide: Moët, Veuve Clicquot & Ruinart” include transportation, meals, hotels and cellar visits.
The Gallo-Roman quarries of were dug in the 4th century and unfurl 60 feet or so below ground. In the 13th century, this was the site of Saint-Nicaise Abbey, widely thought to be one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in France until it was completely destroyed in the 1800s. Today, the winery’s flagship Comtes de Champagne ages inside. When visiting, allow at least one hour for the whole experience, which includes a short educational movie, a guided tour and explanation of their Champagne production, followed by a custom tasting for visitors of legal drinking age. Options include “L’Instant Signé,” a two-glass comparative of Brut Réserve
