I'm going to Champagne country next spring and would love to visit some of the smaller producers. I have a few questions:

1. Is it preferable to stay in Reims and rent a car for a day or 2 to visit the region?
2. Is Epernay another viable home base?
3. Is it easy enough for a non-French speaker (I can read a bit) to get around outside the 2 bigger cities in Champagne?
4. Is it easy to assemble a case of various champagnes (preferably from small houses or obscure growers) and then ship it back to the US? i.e. Are there stores similar to the UPS store in Reims or Epernay or could one ship from the Post Office. Any idea what it would cost?