Champagne Cellar Experience: Explore Our Historic Cellars

Step into the heart of Champagne and uncover the captivating history behind the region’s iconic sparkling wine. Wander through the 17th-century champagne cellars, carved into the chalky hillsides, where the art of traditional craftsmanship comes alive. As you explore the brick-vaulted passages, discover the unique terroirs and sustainable practices that contribute to the exceptional character of these celebrated champagnes. From the rich heritage to the immersive tasting experience, this journey through the historic cellars promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the dedication and expertise that goes into every bottle.

Key Points

• Discover the 17th-century heritage of champagne production in the historic, chalk-carved cellars through a guided, immersive tour.
• Gain insight into sustainable viticulture practices and the unique terroirs that shape Champagne’s distinct character during the 1-hour winery experience.
• Savor a tasting of three champagne styles and ratafia champenois, while learning proper techniques to appreciate the nuances of each.
• Explore the diversity of Champagne’s terroirs, from the Meunier-dominant Mareuil-le-Port to the Chardonnay elegance of Épernay and the Pinot Noir depth of Tours-sur-Marne.
• Complement your champagne experience with the fortified, aperitif-style ratafia champenois, showcasing the region’s innovative spirit.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Historic Champagne Cellars

The historic Champagne Cellars of Harlins date back to the 17th century, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage of champagne production.

Carved deep into the chalky hillsides, these extensive underground networks were originally used to age and store the region’s renowned sparkling wines.

Today, guests can explore the winding passages and impressive brick-vaulted cellars, learning about the traditional methods and careful craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the intricate process and natural terroir that contribute to the distinctive character of Champagne’s celebrated vintages.

Immersive Winery Tour

Stepping into the storied Champagne Harlins cellars, visitors embark on an immersive winery tour that transports them through time.

The 1-hour guided exploration begins at the 8 Rue de la Fontaine starting point, where knowledgeable hosts explore the art of champagne-making. Guests discover the winery’s sustainable viticulture practices and learn about the unique terroirs that impart distinct characteristics to the three featured champagnes.

The tour culminates in a 30-minute tasting, where visitors savor three champagnes and a ratafia champenois, an innovative expression of the winery’s heritage.

With a focus on proper tasting techniques and the preservation of biodiversity, the experience offers an enriching glimpse into the world of exceptional French sparkling wine.

Champagne Tasting Experience

Following the tour of the winery and cellars, visitors settle in for the champagne tasting experience.

They sample three distinct champagne styles, each reflecting the unique terroirs of Mareuil-le-Port, Épernay, and Tours-sur-Marne.

The tasting also includes a traditional ratafia champenois, showcasing the winery’s commitment to innovation and heritage.

Guided by knowledgeable staff, guests learn proper tasting techniques and discover the nuances of the region’s terroir and biodiversity preservation efforts.

The generous tastings and technical insights are highly appreciated by visitors, who leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of champagne making.

Reflecting Distinct Terroirs

Three distinct champagnes are featured in the tasting, each reflecting the unique terroirs of the Champagne region.

From Mareuil-le-Port, the first champagne showcases the rich, complex flavors of the Meunier grape, with notes of ripe stone fruit and a robust structure.

The second champagne, hailing from Épernay, highlights the elegance and finesse of Chardonnay, offering a delicate balance of citrus, white flowers, and minerality.

The final champagne, originating from Tours-sur-Marne, demonstrates the power and depth of Pinot Noir, exhibiting bold red fruit and a persistent finish.

These champagnes provide a captivating exploration of the region’s diverse microclimates and soil compositions.

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Tasting Champagne Ratafia

The champagne tasting experience is further elevated by the inclusion of a traditional ratafia champenois. This unique expression showcases the winery’s innovative spirit and rich heritage. Ratafia champenois is a fortified wine made by macerating grape must with the skins and seeds, then aging it in oak casks. The resulting liquid offers nuanced flavors that complement the fresh, crisp champagnes.

Characteristic	Ratafia Champenois
Alcohol Content	16-18% ABV
Aging	Minimum 1 year in oak casks
Flavor Notes	Dried fruits, nuts, caramel, and spice
Serving Suggestion	Enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with desserts

This traditional offering provides a captivating contrast to the champagne lineup, showcasing the winery’s commitment to honoring its heritage while embracing innovation.

Sustainable Viticulture Practices

Sustainable viticulture practices are a primary focus at the Champagne Harlins winery. The winery places a strong emphasis on preserving the local biodiversity and implementing eco-friendly techniques throughout their vineyards.

This includes employing organic farming methods, minimizing chemical inputs, and encouraging natural pest control. By prioritizing sustainability, the winery aims to produce high-quality champagnes that reflect the unique terroir while also reducing their environmental impact.

Visitors can learn about these practices during the cellar tour, gaining insights into the winery’s commitment to responsible stewardship of the land. This dedication to sustainability is a key highlight for many guests, who appreciate the winery’s holistic approach to champagne production.

Age Restrictions and Reservations

The Champagne Cellar Experience at Champagne Harlins has some important age restrictions and reservation details visitors should be aware of.

The tour and tasting aren’t suitable for pregnant women and children under 18 years old. While kids can accompany their parents, they won’t be able to sample the alcoholic beverages, as only fruit juices are provided for them.

For those who can participate, a reservation is highly recommended, as spots are limited. Visitors can reserve their spot and pay later, ensuring they don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the historic cellars and savor the winery’s exceptional champagnes and ratafia champenois.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Visitors’ feedback paints a generally positive picture of the Champagne Cellar Experience at Champagne Harlins, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the informative tour and vivid explanations of champagne-making, appreciating the generous tastings and technical insights provided. Many comment positively on the winery’s commitment to organic practices and quality.

However, a few reviews note that the experience could be enhanced with more interactive elements or additional information on the winery’s sustainability efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, discounts are available for group bookings. Groups of 6 or more can enjoy a special rate, making the Champagne Cellar Experience an affordable activity for parties and events.

Can I Purchase Champagne Bottles On-Site After the Tasting?

Yes, visitors can purchase Champagne bottles on-site after the tasting. The winery offers a selection of their artisanal Champagnes for purchase, allowing guests to take home a taste of the experience.

Are Pets Allowed During the Tour and Tasting?

Pets are not allowed during the tour and tasting. For safety and hygiene reasons, only service animals are permitted on the premises. Visitors should leave their pets at home or make alternative arrangements for their care during the experience.

Do You Offer Vegetarian or Non-Alcoholic Pairing Options?

Yes, the winery offers non-alcoholic pairing options for the champagne tasting. Visitors can request fruit juices or non-alcoholic beverages to accompany the champagne experience. Vegetarian food pairings are also available upon request.

How Long in Advance Should I Book My Tour and Tasting?

For the best availability, it’s recommended to book the tour and tasting at least a week in advance. However, same-day bookings may be possible depending on schedule openings. Reserving early ensures your preferred date and time slot.

Recap

Exploring the historic champagne cellars offers a captivating journey through the art of sparkling wine production. Visitors can discover the rich heritage and unique terroirs that contribute to the exceptional character of the champagnes, making for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Champagne region. The winery tour showcases the sustainable viticulture practices and traditional craftsmanship, providing an immersive and educational experience for champagne enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: