Marne & Aube regions of Champagne

The Reims Mountains and the Aube in the south, share a common heritage in terms of it's Pinot Noir, shared winemaking traditions, techniques, and the overall identity of Champagne as a region.

It is a little known fact that most of the grapes grown in the Aube are sold to the famous brand in the Marne. Over the years some of these growers decided to create their own cuvees with the best grapes, and build a name for themselves. We'll's visit some together on an adventure into the Aube region south of Epernay.

The Aube, is also known for its textiles, stain glass windows, Prunelle of Troyes, Jacquot Chocolate, Cider, Charouce Cheese, Andouillettes, and Briennois Sauerkraut. It is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution in 1790. Their naming "Champagne" dates to the wine growers' revolt in 1919 who wanted to be connected with the Aube rather than Burgundy.

Sample Itinerary - Starting in Champagne

▸ Day 1 Champagne Top Iconic Brand Cellar Visits
▸ Day 2 Grand Cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Vineyard Day
▸ Day 3 Visit Champagne's Oldest Estates
▸ Day 4 Depart to the Aube

We'll travel south to the Aube, where the terroir reveals a different expression of Pinot Noir. En route we'll explore the picturesque village of Vertus, renowned for its Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards.

▸ Day 5 Champagne Drappier and 11th Century Cellars

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Chateau d'Etoges
The highlight of today is a visit to Drappier, founded in 1808. Drappier has built a reputation for producing exceptional, terroir-driven Champagnes using organic and biodynamic practices that reflect the unique characteristics of the local soil and climate. Drappier's wines are known for their rich flavors and elegance, with a distinctive minerality that sets them apart. The estate offers a range of cuvées, including their signature "Grande Sendrée," (Wine Enthusiast 94 ratings in 2018), which showcases the estate's dedication to craftsmanship.

▸ Day 6 Discover Les Ricey AOC

Experience the unique charm of Les Ricey, the only village producing three AOCs, showcasing the diversity of Champagne’s winemaking traditions. It is the only area in Champagne, which is allowed to producer 3 AOCs. Champagne, Coteaux Champenoise and the Rose de Ricey, a red still wine with an extraordinary orange/red colour, a wine loved by King Louis IX.