You’d have to go back to Roman times to see the beginnings of wine production in Reims (wow!). The cultivation of vines was then and still is now not just a tradition, but a way of life. Fast forward to the mediaeval era, and the city’s vineyards found a prominent place in the coronation rituals of French kings. Many people don’t know that Reims is actually known as the Champagne Capital because the first sparkling wine of this type was made here. Ah, we’ve piqued your interest now.
Icons of the Vine: Champagne Houses
Mention Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger in Reims and you’ll evoke images of opulence and a legacy soaked in fine bubbles. These iconic Champagne houses have become synonymous with the city’s cultural heritage. Visitors to Reims will find themselves enchanted by cellars that seem to stretch into the very bowels of the earth, echoing with tales of emperors and statesmen who favoured these celebrated tipples. Not enough people tour this part of the world but all your senses will be happy throughout, let us tell you. The wine, the surroundings, the stories – you won’t forget the trip soon.
A Taste of Terroir: The Local Grape and Soil Story
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier (huge grape and wine names!) are the stars of Reims’s vineyards, with each grape variety lending its character to the effervescence of Champagne. The terroir here is a mystical orchestra of chalky soils and a cool, northerly climate—cornerstones to the cultivation of grapes that yield the world’s finest sparkling wines. Local vineyards, such as Pommery and Ruinart, offer a journey through the very grounds where the magic begins, teaching visitors the intonations of the terroir that resonate in every glass.
Embracing the Vineyard in Reims’s Culture
To visit Reims during a wine festival is to witness the city come alive in a symphony of celebration. The Fêtes Johanniques and Habits de Lumière are just two of the many events where Reims’s citizens and visitors pay homage to the vine. It’s in these moments that one realises that wine is not just a commodity in Reims, but a cultural phenomenon that has seeped into the very soul of the city. The appreciation for wine in Reims is not just a passing fancy; it’s a way of life that is cultivated and cherished.
Imbuing the spirit of Reims’s wine culture in a single blog post is as ambitious as capturing a vintage in a single bottle. For those hoping to savour an experience that marries history, elegance, and a good dose of liquid luxury, Reims and the likes of Mumm champagne vineyard awaits with open arms and full glasses.
You love reading about wine and the latest wine subscription box has just arrived. You’re exactly the sort of person that should visit Reims. If visiting Reims isn’t feasible, visit the place through its stories of its wine.
