Vineyards and Champagne Houses Recomendations Reims & Metz

[TheArchitect]

Hi Guys

Driving from Calais to Reims for a stop over then on past Metz to Salzburg in September. I am looking for some recommendations for vineyards or champagne houses to visit. Its not something I have done before so I don't know if a lot are turn up and see whats going on? If in Reims it would need to be a morning visit and if in the Metz area an early lunch stop so food recommendations also would be appreciated also?

The only times I've driven through France have been in deep winter to get to the alps as quick as possible or to LeMans where stopping wasn't really on the cards. So I've not seen if these pleasant road side cafes exist or are a myth!

We are aiming to be in Salzburg for 8pm ish so got a few hours to play with.

Cheers

[JnP]

There's the "route du vin" but that's in Alsace. I only know Metz so can't tell you much about Reims

[marshalla]

Mercier in Epernay is quite a good one to visit as they're very geared up for tourists.

If you're looking to buy, my favourite is available from http://english.etoges.com/index.php?r=4 They don't advertise it, but reception at the hotel can sell you some very nice "house produced" fizz by the bottle or case. The restaurant there is also very good, but one for a leisurely meal rather than something on the way to somewhere else.

[oblio]

I agree on Mercier in Epernay - we found it the best one out of the few we did. From memory they have a train tht scoots you around underground and a glass lift which goes down passed a large wall fresco.

Moet and Chandon was also quite good.

Most places do the trip with 1,2 or 3 tastings. Depending on how much you like the stuff the 3 taster is probably the best

[TheArchitect]

Cheers for the info. Is it safe to just turn up at these places or should I call ahead and book?

[benjj]

As said above, as predictable as it is Moet is staggering.

My wife is a French wine merchant and we've been round nearly all of them. Salon and Gosset were my favourites (for the grog!) but Moet is by far the most impressive.

[HereBeMonsters]

Our favourite was Taittinger. Not one I would have chosen myself as I prefer more Pinot Noir in my Champers, but the tour was excellent. Lovely people, decent amount of free booze and good prices.

Veuve on the other hand, were wkers.

[benjj]

HereBeMonsters said:

Veuve on the other hand, were wkers.

Yep, as were Louise Waaaankerer.

[oblio]

TheArchitect said:

Cheers for the info. Is it safe to just turn up at these places or should I call ahead and book?

Turn up, from memory. If you can book them do it just in case...

Metz-wise: I havent been there for nearly 30 years but I dont recall it as a big wine growing area (I may be making that up obviously ). When I was there, there was a festival of the Mirabelle - a little damson like fruit - which they turned into everything...jam, booze, pastries etc etc