We say to ourselves that we know them, that in the end, as Champagne growers, all wineries are more or less alike... And that without visiting them, you know what to expect... Well, think again!
After 18 months of renovation work, the Taittinger Champagne House now welcomes its guests in a completely redesigned space and with a completely redesigned tour. Under the impetus of Vitalie Taittinger, the House is getting a facelift, both in terms of decoration, with a greater emphasis on Art, and new, better laid-out spaces to welcome its local, national and international visitors. The house also offers new tasting experiences, the price of which also varies according to the type and number of cuvées tasted, in lounges set up in such a way as to encourage conviviality and exchanges between visitors. " It's often the case that people who didn't know each other at the start of the visit become friends," says Marine, one of the Maison's ambassadors. Certainly, the Taittinger moment!
Cellars steeped in history and heritage
Carved out of the Crayères de Reims and located 18 meters below ground, the cellars of the Taittinger family business are simply superb! In a unique environment combining 4th-century Crayères and the remains of the 18th-century abbey that once stood in place of the Maison's premises, the tour takes in sumptuous Gallo-Roman Crayères, part of the Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne UNESCO World Heritage Site, the oldest of which benefits from a luminous animation along its walls.
The Butte Saint-Nicaise and its basements served as shelters for the people of Reims during the war. Numerous inscriptions, drawings and sculptures adorn the walls.
The presence of Thibaud IV, Count of Champagne, the muse of the House and its famous cuvée "Les Comtes de Champagne", can also be felt in the House's legendary ornaments and coats of arms.
Redecorated tasting rooms and a new boutique
From the reception area to the tasting rooms and the boutique at the end of the visit, everything has been redesigned to give you a different experience. A video projected in a dedicated area plunges you into the family history, the brand values, the past and present heritage that the Taittinger family preserves and embellishes. Then the descent begins via an emblematic staircase that plunges you more than 18 meters underground. Once back in the cellars, the tasting takes place in a small, more contemporary lounge (depending on the options chosen, L'instant Comte, l'instant gourmet or l'instant rosé), where exchanges are facilitated and the ambassadress' advice and indications are listened to carefully.
Before you leave, take home a souvenir! Yes, but not just any souvenir. The boutique has been carefully thought out to offer a universe conducive to the Taittinger moment, combining decorative objects, tableware and tasting aids, beautiful art books or history books on Champagne, specific boxes, useful or futile, but so pretty that it's hard not to leave without something that will leave a trace of the lovely moment you've just spent.
We can't wait to discover the new restaurant and catering area scheduled to open in 2025!
This is a real visit to make with the family, with friends passing through to discover the Art de vivre à la Champenoise, or simply to recall a passage in the life of the Cité des Sacres.
More information
CHAMPAGNE TAITTINGER
9, Place Saint-Nicaise -
51100 REIMS
Tel: +33 (0)3 26 85 84 33 or by e-mail at visites@taittinger.fr.
www.taittinger.com
BONUS INEDIT: In 2018, we had the pleasure of meeting Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger in his office, a few years ago, before his daughter Vitalie Taittinger took over the management of the Champagne House.
He shared with us his fetish objects, personal and intimate items such as :
(Photographs: Hubert Lapinte - http://www.hubertlapinte.fr/ )
- The Deville logo, flat on the desk, with a diameter of at least 20 cm, features in enamel the logo designed by his grandfather Jean Deville, an artist, symbolizing the flame of warmth of the Ardennes company, reminds him of his mother.
- The Baccarat sulfure with Count of Champagne Thibaut IV returning from crusades in 1239 brought back with him the first plans of chardonnay. Owned by the family for a time, Baccarat turned its silhouette into a sulfur for Taittinger Champagne.
- The 2018 FIFA soccer ball , for which Taittinger Champagne was partner of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. A special packaging and bottle were created for the occasion.
- Taittinger's first Champagne bucket, made by his uncle François in the years 30-35, and the "Limestone" seal symbolizing the financial takeover of the House with the help of Crédit Agricole in 2006.