Champagne – A Signature Product of Southern Aisne
- Stephanie Burtin
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
10% of all Champagne is produced in Aisne!
Bordered by vineyards and crowned with forests, the Champagne wine region begins in Crouttes-sur-Marne, winds around Château-Thierry along the Marne River, and continues its path toward the other Champagne-producing departments. In terms of soil, sunlight, and exposure, the gently sloping hillsides of the Marne Valley in Aisne offer the same advantages as those found upstream. The grape varieties grown here—Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay—spread across 3,500 hectares, benefit from the prestigious “Champagne” designation, just like their neighbors near Épernay.
Around 500 small winegrowers, along with the larger, more industrial Pannier cooperative, produce 10% of the world's Champagne in Aisne.
A 120-kilometer Champagne tourist route connects some of the most beautiful winegrowing villages. It offers opportunities to visit local cellars and taste their sparkling creations. You can also learn more about the Champagne-making process at the Varocien Museum of Vine and Wine—named after the traditional winegrowers of the Marne Valley.
The art of blending grapes from the three main varietals and mastering the aging process is what determines Champagne’s taste and finesse. While two to three years in the cellar is required for standard cuvées, vintage cuvées demand three to five years, and prestige cuvées even longer. In Château-Thierry, visitors can tour the medieval Pannier cellars—former limestone quarries transformed into maturing cellars for Champagne.
From the top of Mont de Bonneil, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view over the vineyards of the Marne Valley and breathe in the intoxicating aromas of the grapes—especially during harvest season. Many producers, certified with the ‘Vignobles et Découvertes’ label, will gladly welcome you to their estates, explain the winemaking process, share their passion, and invite you to taste this exquisite nectar.
Our favorites?
Champagne Météyer Père & Fils – “Art Therapy through Nature and Champagne”
Champagne Meteyer- The excellence of Champagne
In Trélou-sur-Marne, the hillside vineyards await. The sounds of nature, the tranquil atmosphere, and the slow passage of boats inspire well-being and relaxation. As Anna Météyer puts it, “You’ll feel like you’re sleepwalking—it’s such a change of scenery.”That sensation of lightness and freedom can also be experienced in the vintage Citroën Diane 6 offered by the Meteyer Champagne house. This family car takes you on a ride through the vineyards as you sip on local Champagne from Aisne.
Articles written by Aisne French tourism
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