Jens De MaereThe late summer sun burns my skin. I am continuing my personal Tour de France, this time within the rough area around Reims. The Champagne region which becomes my new love. There’s an escape room in wine cellars, a vintage car ride through vineyards, a relaxing champagne yoga session, and even a sword class. Champagne- the name itself melts like candy on your tongue. Champagne—it makes me feel that little bit melancholy just saying it now.
My love journey begins at Fred et Cécile’s place. Here I recover from the three-hour drive to the Champagne region. I can smell the summer. And after a hearty, typical French breakfast (including baguettes and cheese of course) I start my new expedition. Dear champagne region, I’m ready to discover your secrets, will you embrace my love?
Champagne Méteyer et Fils
Anna Meteyer. That’s the name of my first heroine of the day. She takes me with her through the vineyards in her vintage car. A vehicle with a history that extends beyond my own family tree. A frugal carriage that carries me through her domain like a prince on a horse. Under a bright sun, I hear Edith Piaf singing about Champagne. ‘Per un dolce segreto, Per noi, Un amore proibito, Ormai resta solo un bicchiere, Ed un ricordo da gettare via’. A sweet embrace between us, a forbidden love. Only the glass remains, and we can throw away the memory.
As I cross the narrow streets, I think of la vie en rose. Or mother of pearl, because after that we drink a glass of Champagne from Méteyer et Fils. It’s the sparkle of noble oxidation. I’m sold. And I’m in love.
View this post on Instagram
Escape room in domain Château-Thierry
Full of excitement, and with a healthy dose of competitiveness, I continue my pursuit of love towards Château-Thierry. Here an escape room awaits me in the cellars of Maison Pannier. (I’m Romeo looking for his Juliette). Champagne Pannier, let me uncork you. Armed with a flashlight, I begin with the game called ‘The Secrets of the cellars’. I won’t spoil the actually game, but after an hour of sweat and toil a glass of original Pannier awaits.
Champagne Lévèque Dehan
On we go for another vintage car ride through the vineyards. This time I’m in a Volkswagen van with Eric van Lévèque Dehan behind the wheel. Eric becomes my second hero of the day. He tells about the origins, the working methods, the crafts, and the different flavors of his effervescent pleasures; the love child to his pursuits.
View this post on Instagram
Champagne Louis Brochet for yoga and Wine
Baz Luhrman once advised me to do something every day that scares me. Well, this is what exactly I’m afraid of, a champagne yoga session. Me, stiff plank, yoga? Yet miraculously, I hold my own. The thought of a glass of liquid gold afterwards soothes the pain of the uncomfortable stretches and positions hostess Smahane from Louis Brochet has me assume. I use all my senses to discover their champagne and completely relaxed, I make the most out of this moment.
View this post on Instagram
Meeting Champagne Pol Couronne and the Champagne saber
My crusade of love takes me to the heart of Reims, for what might be the coolest thing I get to do this trip. Armed with a blunt sword, I cut like a knight through bottles of champagne. I am the Magnum of love with Pol Couronne. Suddenly I am there in just a few pours. My boyish heart pounds, I am head over heels in love and not only with the great Champagne. Behind the corner there is the magnificent cathedral of Reims. It stole my heart!
View this post on Instagram
Color influence workshop at Champagne Devaux
On the third day I am the first guest at Champagne Devaux, for a workshop and tasting based on the influence of color and the taste of champagne. My face turns red as the late summer sun does its utmost to bronze the blush on my cheeks. With a troubled heart, I leave for Champagne Barfontarc in Baroville. There, a picnic is awaits for me in the middle of the vineyards. Even the umpteenth champagne tasting can’t get me down (I really like this area).
View this post on Instagram
The harvest festival at Champignol-lez-Mondeville
The last mission in my quest for pleasure is a great harvest festival (the pinnacle of the year). Delphine guides me through the vineyards with lots of fun champagne-related activities along the way. Soon, it’s time for the last tasting of my trip. I’m seriously going to have to kick my addiction to this divine golden potion (although my cellar in Antwerp is now well stocked!)
This was a stunning history lesson Reims. Really quite something.
View this post on Instagram