Join in the grape harvest in Champagne

In Champignol-lez-Mondeville, in the heart of the Côte des Bar, the Champagne house of R. Dumont & Fils cultivates 23 hectares of vines. Their vineyard is 100m higher than average, with the highest point at 370m. This explains their slightly delayed grape harvests and the increased acidity in the grapes. For the 2019 harvest, visitors are encouraged to join in and discover the harvest. You’ll start in the vineyard, armed with a pruner and join the team of pickers, followed by lunch on the estate. In the afternoon, follow the journey of the freshly harvested grapes and learn about the steps that take place to produce Champagne onto to its maturing stage in the cellars. Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labour with a Champagne tasting.

Champagne R. Dumont et Fils (External link)

Experience the job of a night-time harvester. As dusk falls, the Champagne house of Gremillet, which produces 40 hectares of vines in the Côte des Bar (in the south of the Champagne), hosts apprentice pickers who visit the cellar before taking part in the pressing. Join the pickers for dinner and enjoy a fortifying feast to give you strength. A unique experience is guaranteed. Then head to Clos Rocher, a plot planted with Pinot Noir first harvested in 2013 will be popping the corks on their first bottles this year. Armed with your secateurs, join the harvest in the company of a professional - before heading to the presses for the final stage of pressing.

Champagne Gremillet (External link)

This cooperative was formed by about fifty winemakers from three neighbouring villages: Baroville, Fontaine and Arconville, whose first few letters form the name of Barfontarc. At harvest time, this Champagne house offers a half-day immersion in this festive and friendly activity, with a guided tour of the vineyard, grape picking, visit to the presses, vats and cellars to discover the stages of Champagne production. After a fascinating morning, you’ll be treated to an onsite lunch.

Champagne de Barfontarc (External link)

This small family home in Colombé-la-Fosse, was founded in 1921. They complete the entire process of Champagne production in house, using only their own grapes and conducting all of the stages of viticulture and winemaking onsite. At harvest time, A. Viot & Fils opens its doors for a discovery day. You’ll start by picking the grapes and then learn about the key stages of the harvest and the press. After a meal served in the vineyard, you’ll get to visit the cellars. A champagne tasting is the perfect end to the day.

Champagne A. Viot et Fils (External link)

Would you like to try grape picking with a professional team? Then Champagne house Marcel Vézien in Celles-sur-Ource is perfect for you. You’ll get to discover the vineyard and try your hand at grape picking before lunch with the domain’s team. Afterwards you’ll visit the press room, where the weighing, loading and pressing take place, the vat room and cellars. At the end of the day, the best picker will receive a reward!

Champagne Marcel Vézien - French only (External link)

There are a whopping 130 winemakers within Chassenay d'Arce Champagne. Founded more than 60 years ago, this winemaking domain now operates 325 hectares of Côte des Bar vineyards. The house offers varied visits and experiences centred around Champagne, one of which is "The cycle of the vine", the theme of which is adjusted, according to the season. In September, it’s the harvest that’s in the spotlight with a day tour which includes a lesson on how to prune vines as well as the manufacturing secrets of the press, followed by lunch in the cellar.

Champagne Chassenay d'Arce (External link)

It began at the end of the 19th century when Louis-Aristide Massin planted his first vines in Ville-sur-Arce, in the Côte des Bar. More than a century later, the vineyard is tended by the 5th generation of the family with great respect for the vines. As well as cellar visits and tasting workshops, Rémy Massin et Fils opens its doors during the harvest to invite visitors to discover its vineyard, join in the harvest and uncover the secrets of making champagne.

Champagne Rémy Massin et Fils (External link)

At Noé-les-Mallets, the Veuve Doussot champagne house invites you to join a morning of teamwork. They’ll introduce you to the vines, equipped with a bucket and secateurs to help with the grape picking. You’ll attend the weighing in, loading of the presses and the pressing. Then enjoy a well-earned rest with the pickers. The day ends with a visit to the winery and of course - a tasting.

Champagne Veuve Doussot (External link)