A stay in the beautiful city of Reims is an opportunity to learn about the history of champagne, and of course, to participate in tastings. At the head of their House for nearly a century, the Taittinger family never stops striving for excellence. With 288 hectares, the Taittinger vineyard is today the third largest estate in Champagne. It is also certified High Environmental Value. Anyone planning a visit to Reims in the near future should not hesitate to visit the Taittinger House, which gladly opens the doors of its cellars located in Gallo-Roman chalk pits listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of 2022, the cellars will be closed to the public for renovations for a period of two years, before returning even more beautiful and revealing many surprises. During this period, champagne lovers will be able to enjoy other experiences combining history and tasting.
The cellars of the Taittinger house, an extraordinary heritage
Before they close at the end of the year for renovation, the champagne cellars belonging to the House of Taittinger continue to welcome the public for visits and champagne tasting in Reims. Located in ancient Gallo-Roman chalk pits dating from the 4th century, from which stone blocks were extracted for construction purposes, they also served as the basement of the 13th century Saint-Nicaise abbey, which was destroyed during the Revolution.
A visit to the Taittinger cellars in Reims is an opportunity to watch a video presenting the House, before going into the prestigious galleries where millions of bottles are stored. We also learn more about the elaboration of champagne, from harvest to aging. The guided tour ends with a tasting of the cuvées. Brut Réserve, Prestige Rosé, Nocturne, Brut Millésime or Folies de la Marquetterie, it's up to each of you to appreciate these great vintages and to note all their subtleties.
A new experience at the Demeure des Comtes de Champagne
While the work is being carried out, the Maison Taittinger team is offering champagne lovers and other enthusiasts of its history the opportunity to move to the center of Reims and the Demeure des Comtes de Champagne. Located at 22 rue du Tambour, visitors will enjoy an exceptional experience. This residence, which is one of the rare vestiges of the medieval period in the capital of Champagne, was once used as a reception place for the Counts of Champagne, after the royal coronations that took place in the cathedral of Reims.
Now owned by the Taittinger Champagne House, it is here that the experience called À la table de Thibaud IV, where the soul of a house is born, will soon be offered. This unique moment will offer participants the opportunity to converse with the Count of Champagne Thibaud IV, to attend his exchanges with his guests, while tasting the vintages that he inspired: the Brut Reserve and the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. This visual, sound and taste experience will be available upon reservation.
Virtual visit of the champagne cellars of the Taittinger House
Since its creation in 1932, the House of Taittinger has perfectly combined tradition and modernity. It is constantly seeking to offer the best experience to its visitors. Vitalie Taittinger, President of Champagne Taittinger and great-granddaughter of the founder Pierre, has set up a virtual visit of the superb cellars of the house. The idea? To offer an immersive experience from the comfort of one's sofa.
The online visit allows you to dive into the heart of 2,000 years of history, with the discovery of the most beautiful archive images. A journey that spans from Antiquity to the First World War, via the Middle Ages. Just let yourself be guided to discover what the Saint-Nicaise abbey looked like, who Thibaud IV was or admire the graffiti that decorate the vaults of the chalk pits and their meaning.
There is no doubt that this immersive online tour on a fluid and elegant website will make you want to take the road for a real visit of the cellars in Reims in the Marne, as well as going to the Demeure des Comtes de Reims to enrich your knowledge on one of the most prestigious champagne houses.
