Travel – Champagne Vivant

A beautiful weekend to escape the busy-ness of Bangkok. One thing about Bangkok is the constant noise pollution, it’s very hard to find a quiet spot in the skyscraper city.

So when Jens said ‘pack a bag and leave work at 6pm’, the excitement kicked in. What a wonderful surprise, we ended up three and a half hours drive from Bangkok, it calm and peaceful Cha-am. Even better our favourite activities – a quiet, secluded villa (with BBQ) and a few bottles of great wine (cough-champagne) to enjoy.

The boy did well!

Moet & Chandon 2003 Rose / G.H.Martel Blanc De Blancs Millesime 2002, Henri Giraud Brut Nature Champagne, Henri Giraud Grand Cru

Enjoying our Moet & Chandon rose on night one (arriving at 10pm)

Giant Tomahawk Angus Steak, ready to be grilled

I’m so excited and I just caaan’t hide it. I didn’t think we would make it back to Champagne again this year, but here we go! We just booked our flights from Bangkok to Belgium, and lucky us – are squeezing in a 3 day trip to my favourite place on earth.

This will be my second trip to Champagne, and I’m excited to dive even deeper into the terroir, the makers and the history. Champagne is something that seems simple on the surface, but is full of nuances and complexity when you start your tasting journey.

Here are my observations and learnings from my first trip last year in April 2019. I’m still a Champagne novice, so read on:

Book your Champagne Houses

Whilst I do love a go-with-the-flow type of trip, Champagne is NOT the place to do it. Especially if you are flying internationally to visit the region of sparkles. Some places take limited bookings, or unavailable for a cellar door visit. Some (like Krug) can’t even be visited without an invite. Champagne is a place, you must plan!

2. Prepare to be in bed by 8pm

Line your stomach, if you start cave tours at 10am (like we did), you’ll be drinking for a decent 8-9 hours. That makes for a dizzy-ing day!

Fill your stomach for a full day of Champagne drinking

3. Sip like a somm

Champagne is very subtle. My favourite part of visiting Champagne was learning just how much the sparkling can vary from style to style. They say Champagne is not just about the bubbles, but it, itself a a great wine. Make sure to drink from the right glasses (not a shortage in Champagne), swirl, sniff (right, left, nose), take a big gulp and really taste the flavours in the back of your throat. I highly suggest watching Richard Julin’s Champagne Masterclass to deepen your knowledge of the wonderful wine.

4. You will hear the Methode Champenoise multiple times

We visited at least 10 champagne houses, that was one after another of hearing the champagne method in slightly different variations. Prepare to feel like a champagne maker by the 4th house!

5. Spend more time in Epernay than Reims

We split our time between Reims and Epernay, but going back this time we plan to spend the majority of our time near Epernay. It’s more laid back, more french (dare-i-say), and more magnifique. Given this is where Avenue De Champagne is located, it makes sense you really feel the place in the home place of the bubbles.

6. Bring back some good vintages

This is the place you will find the small houses, the grower champagnes, the sister who makes champagne who does not sell it except to a few friends and family. Fill your bags, do your research and take home a few delicious bottles to savour.

7. Learn how to Sabre

If I have time I plan to try to take a Sabre class. A unique party trick that who else can say they learn the birthplace of Champagne.

8. Buy Champagne stoppers and more

I am not a souvenir collector. In fact I hate hoarding. But the one place I can recommend to buy souvenir’s is Champagne. Buy Champagne stoppers, glasses and more. The quality is high and you will bring the gift of a reminder of Champagne (the region) back with you.

Some photos from our trip: