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Become a "Vendangeur d'un jour®" in Champagne
As September approaches, the whole of the Champagne region is abuzz! Harvesting grapes, sorting, pressing... why not try your hand at it? Put on some good shoes, pick up your pruning shears and come and discover all the secrets behind the making of this precious beverage, Champagne.
An activity that makes sense
This experience takes you to the heart of the vineyards. And not just any vineyard, since UNESCO has included the Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne on its World Heritage List!
You'll be warmly welcomed to the estate by the winemaker himself, who will share this unique moment rewarding a year's work devoted to producing a prestigious nectar recognised the world over. Let yourself be carried away by the words of this enthusiast, who will tell you all about the history of the house, the specific characteristics of the terroir, the grape varieties, the techniques and the right gestures... Vendangeur d'un jour® is a great opportunity for vineyard lovers to learn more.
More human, closer to nature, this authentic experience, to be enjoyed in small groups, with family or friends, in the heart of the vineyards, is sure to win the hearts of travellers from the Grand Est and beyond.
With pruning shears in hand, let's get hands-on!
Once the introductions have been made, it's time to experiment! Armed with small secateurs and under the guidance of the winemaker, you'll slip into the shoes of a grape-picker and pick the grapes alongside them. Young and old alike will love the game, and will leave with stars in their eyes.
"The children had stars in their eyes and were very proud to talk about their day at school on Monday. The older children really had the feeling that they had experienced a very special 'VIP' moment when they were immersed in the winery; your champagne will no longer be consumed in the same way ... it will now have a special flavour; it's now our champagne!
Yvette, a 70-year-old Parisian who came to take part with her children and grandchildren
Once the grapes have been harvested, head to the cellar and the press for a guided tour. The experience ends with a glass of Champagne (or grape juice) in your hand. Of course, you'll leave with a few bunches of grapes, your grape-picker's diploma (for a day) and a gift, specific to each winemaker, but always a gourmet one!
The Champagne region well represented
This unique and unmissable experience has recently become a brand. A guarantee of quality, "Vendangeur d'un jour" was registered in 2020 by the Vignerons Indépendants and the Reims Tourist Office. Today, more than 40 wineries are taking part, representing the entire Champagne appellation!
Montagne de Reims, Massif de Saint-Thierry, Côte des Blancs, Coteaux Sézannais et du Petit Morin, Vallée de la Marne, Coteaux Vitryats, Côte des Bar: enough to understand and try out all the typical characteristics of the Champagne terroir.
Beyond Champagne, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Alsace grape harvest. Experience this intense period alongside Alsatian winegrowers and explore the Alsace wine route.
You're sure to come away with some unique memories!
