Going to Champagne
Sep 27, 2007 | 5:32 am
#16
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Travel Tips/Shipping Champagne
I'm going to Champagne country next spring and would love to visit some of the smaller producers. I have a few questions:
- Is it preferable to stay in Reims and rent a car for a day or 2 to visit the region?
- Is Epernay another viable home base?
- Is it easy enough for a non-French speaker (I can read a bit) to get around outside the 2 bigger cities in Champagne?
- 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?
Sep 27, 2007 | 9:54 am
#17
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Epernay is much smaller, thus, much more convenient. But, Riems does have that Cathedral. 
Personally, I would try to stay out in one of the villages. But, that means you must have a car--which is a good idea anyway.
As to your ability to navigate, get a detailed map of the area and you will be fine. French road signage and directions are excellent.
As to shipping wine back, why bother (except for souvenier aspect). At the moment, Champagne is mostly lots cheaper in the US than France-especially when you factor in shipping. And, I suspect you will find US Customs wants LOTS of money from you when the case arrives. Plus the shipping is going to be steep. Better to (if you must haul it back) pack it well and check it through. And, there is lots of unusual Champagne in the US if you go to the right place.
The Michelin Red guide is very helpful for finding out in the country hotels of charm and quiet. Look for the symbol of the little guy in the rocking chair.
Personally, I would try to stay out in one of the villages. But, that means you must have a car--which is a good idea anyway.
As to your ability to navigate, get a detailed map of the area and you will be fine. French road signage and directions are excellent.
As to shipping wine back, why bother (except for souvenier aspect). At the moment, Champagne is mostly lots cheaper in the US than France-especially when you factor in shipping. And, I suspect you will find US Customs wants LOTS of money from you when the case arrives. Plus the shipping is going to be steep. Better to (if you must haul it back) pack it well and check it through. And, there is lots of unusual Champagne in the US if you go to the right place.
The Michelin Red guide is very helpful for finding out in the country hotels of charm and quiet. Look for the symbol of the little guy in the rocking chair.
Last edited by biggestbopper; Sep 27, 2007 at 10:00 am
Sep 28, 2007 | 3:36 pm
#19
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Customs isn't the biggest problem when it comes to bringing wine back to the US, if the wine isn't accompanying you. The new bio-terrorism legislation is. We're moving about 100 bottles back to the US from France and our mover refuses to help us with the bio-terrorism online filing requirements. It will take me about 10-15 minutes per bottle (unique bottle - if I have 6 identical bottles it's only 1 entry) to complete the form online, and it's a major hassle to collect the required info (I don't have some of it) and submit it.
The customs, excise and duty costs aren't that high - maybe as much as 3 euros a bottle (and quite possibly less). On a 10-18 euro bottle of excellent champagne from an independent producer, that's a better deal than what you'd find in the US. But shipping it separately will be expensive (and a hassle, due to the bio-terrorism information filing requirements).
Limit yourself to 6 bottles (each) and you should end up with some good value souvenirs you can bring home in your suitcase.
The customs, excise and duty costs aren't that high - maybe as much as 3 euros a bottle (and quite possibly less). On a 10-18 euro bottle of excellent champagne from an independent producer, that's a better deal than what you'd find in the US. But shipping it separately will be expensive (and a hassle, due to the bio-terrorism information filing requirements).
Limit yourself to 6 bottles (each) and you should end up with some good value souvenirs you can bring home in your suitcase.
Oct 7, 2007 | 11:09 am
#20
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Ruinart
I would put my vote for visiting Ruinart. (This is a top-of-the-line French champagne along the lines of Dom and Krug.) It's a fantastic experience and their historic cellars simply have no equals...
Oct 7, 2007 | 11:48 am
#21
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Ruinart is a very good champagne. The Dom Ruinart line is outstandig! ^
Oct 14, 2007 | 12:09 am
#22
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I can name at least one top notch Sonoma winery where the best stuff is sold only at the winery and not through the usual retail channels.
Customs isn't the biggest problem when it comes to bringing wine back to the US, if the wine isn't accompanying you. The new bio-terrorism legislation is. We're moving about 100 bottles back to the US from France and our mover refuses to help us with the bio-terrorism online filing requirements. It will take me about 10-15 minutes per bottle (unique bottle - if I have 6 identical bottles it's only 1 entry) to complete the form online, and it's a major hassle to collect the required info (I don't have some of it) and submit it.
The customs, excise and duty costs aren't that high - maybe as much as 3 euros a bottle (and quite possibly less). On a 10-18 euro bottle of excellent champagne from an independent producer, that's a better deal than what you'd find in the US. But shipping it separately will be expensive (and a hassle, due to the bio-terrorism information filing requirements).
Limit yourself to 6 bottles (each) and you should end up with some good value souvenirs you can bring home in your suitcase.
The customs, excise and duty costs aren't that high - maybe as much as 3 euros a bottle (and quite possibly less). On a 10-18 euro bottle of excellent champagne from an independent producer, that's a better deal than what you'd find in the US. But shipping it separately will be expensive (and a hassle, due to the bio-terrorism information filing requirements).
Limit yourself to 6 bottles (each) and you should end up with some good value souvenirs you can bring home in your suitcase.
Oct 14, 2007 | 1:28 am
#23
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http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/co...rorism_act.xml
http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html
I assume Kate may be referring to the prior notice provisions:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/pnqagui2.html
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/pnfr.html
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsbtac13.html
Oct 14, 2007 | 7:57 am
#24
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The wine geeks on the Robert Parker bulletin boards. Of course you're correct Landing Gear, as there are always exceptions to the rule.
Apr 22, 2009 | 1:08 pm
#25
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Sunday morning in Reims
I will be in Paris next weekend. I really want to visit a Champagne house on Sunday morning and unfortunately I only have Sunday morning because I'm going to see Un Ballo in Maschera at the Opera Bastille at 2:30pm.
I'm planning to take the TGV that arrives into Reims at 9:18am, and leaves Reims at 12:45pm
Given the short amount of time I have, I would like to visit one, perhaps two houses. Here are my choices as these are open on Sundays: Taittinger, Pommery, or Ruinart.
Which one(s) would you recommend?
I see Braniff above highly recommended Ruinart. I see on Ruinart's web site that they offer a personalized tour upon request.
Thanks.
I'm planning to take the TGV that arrives into Reims at 9:18am, and leaves Reims at 12:45pm
Given the short amount of time I have, I would like to visit one, perhaps two houses. Here are my choices as these are open on Sundays: Taittinger, Pommery, or Ruinart.
Which one(s) would you recommend?
I see Braniff above highly recommended Ruinart. I see on Ruinart's web site that they offer a personalized tour upon request.
Thanks.
Apr 23, 2009 | 11:44 am
#26
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I don't think any of the houses are open on Sundays. Visiting 2 houses in that short a period is quite ambitious anyway. Remember - Champagne is to be sipped and enjoyed; not gulped and rushed!
You'll be able to see the Cathedral at Reims and probably take a few pics outside some of the houses if that's your thing. Otherwise I'd recommend just staying in Paris and enjoying that city. As it appears you're into music, I'd suggest going to St. Sulpice for mass. (I'm not religious myself, but mass in a European church is kinda cool.) After the mass there's a free concert (about 30 min) on the massive organ. And after the concert, at the back of the church (on the left if you're facing the organ) an unmarked door will be opened very briefly and you get to walk up to see the organ up close.
When I went the organist was Sophie Veronique Cauchefer-Choplin. She was selling a few of her CDs and was very happy to chat about playing the organ at St Sulpice. (I gather she speaks English quite fluently if you don't speak French.)
You'll be able to see the Cathedral at Reims and probably take a few pics outside some of the houses if that's your thing. Otherwise I'd recommend just staying in Paris and enjoying that city. As it appears you're into music, I'd suggest going to St. Sulpice for mass. (I'm not religious myself, but mass in a European church is kinda cool.) After the mass there's a free concert (about 30 min) on the massive organ. And after the concert, at the back of the church (on the left if you're facing the organ) an unmarked door will be opened very briefly and you get to walk up to see the organ up close.
When I went the organist was Sophie Veronique Cauchefer-Choplin. She was selling a few of her CDs and was very happy to chat about playing the organ at St Sulpice. (I gather she speaks English quite fluently if you don't speak French.)
Apr 24, 2009 | 9:05 am
#27
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Apr 24, 2009 | 10:23 am
#28
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Apr 28, 2009 | 6:52 am
#29
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I will be in Paris next weekend. I really want to visit a Champagne house on Sunday morning and unfortunately I only have Sunday morning because I'm going to see Un Ballo in Maschera at the Opera Bastille at 2:30pm.
I'm planning to take the TGV that arrives into Reims at 9:18am, and leaves Reims at 12:45pm
I'm not sure when "next" weekend is and if it has been and gone I am sorry. You simply do not have time to do justice to Reims to whizz down and back like that. Personally I find the Champagne cellars a bit of a let-down apart from rows and rows of bottles there is not that much to see. If I were you I would go off on Sat to Legrand et Fille at Rue de la Bourse near the Place de Notre Dame des Victoires. It is wonderful and - whilst not a producer should amaze you with the array of bottles. They have a tasting bar (paying of course)
I totally agree with buying from Petits Producteurs - you can but Tattinger, Pommery etc allover the world and - has been said - are blended wines.
Given the short amount of time I have, I would like to visit one, perhaps two houses. Here are my choices as these are open on Sundays: Taittinger, Pommery, or Ruinart.
Which one(s) would you recommend?
I see Braniff above highly recommended Ruinart. I see on Ruinart's web site that they offer a personalized tour upon request.
Thanks.
I'm planning to take the TGV that arrives into Reims at 9:18am, and leaves Reims at 12:45pm
I'm not sure when "next" weekend is and if it has been and gone I am sorry. You simply do not have time to do justice to Reims to whizz down and back like that. Personally I find the Champagne cellars a bit of a let-down apart from rows and rows of bottles there is not that much to see. If I were you I would go off on Sat to Legrand et Fille at Rue de la Bourse near the Place de Notre Dame des Victoires. It is wonderful and - whilst not a producer should amaze you with the array of bottles. They have a tasting bar (paying of course)
I totally agree with buying from Petits Producteurs - you can but Tattinger, Pommery etc allover the world and - has been said - are blended wines.
Given the short amount of time I have, I would like to visit one, perhaps two houses. Here are my choices as these are open on Sundays: Taittinger, Pommery, or Ruinart.
Which one(s) would you recommend?
I see Braniff above highly recommended Ruinart. I see on Ruinart's web site that they offer a personalized tour upon request.
Thanks.
Apr 29, 2009 | 8:42 am
#30
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Essentially, day trips from Paris that feed my wine geek and/or feed their love of farms/fields/fresh vegetables.