Champagne 

• Smaller producers: with over 1,500 producers it can get a little confusing. We are only too happy to share our experiences.
• The big houses are concentrated in Epernay, the "capital" of Champagne (Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Castellane), and Reims (Veuve Clicquot, Pommeroy...) give regular tours in English, Dutch, German and of course French.
• The best tour: One of our friends near Epernay, Nathalie, owns a small winery (30,000 bottles/year) and gives tours of the vineyards in English showing in detail how things are done. Very highly recommended (but not on Wednesday or Sunday). We can book in advance for you.