Touring Champagne

Northern France is home to great bubbly and a bucolic wine country that has upped its game

Few products in history have been more associated with the good life, glamour and celebration than Champagne. Yet in modern times, even as the sparkling wine boomed, the Champagne region itself—one of France's most historic and bucolic wine countries—remained a sleepy backwater. Up until recently, locals in Champagne didn't pay much attention to creating a travel experience worthy of the name. With the eponymous bubbly easily traveling the planet, the thinking seemed to be, why show off Champagne wine country? That approach has taken a dramatic turn. Wine Spectator's Robert Camuto explains.

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

Spain’s San Sebastián: Seaside Splendor

Spain’s San Sebastián: Seaside Splendor

Where to dine and stay in Spain’s seaside oasis

Oct 15, 2024
A Pinot Lover’s Guide to Santa Barbara

A Pinot Lover’s Guide to Santa Barbara

A deep dive into Santa Barbara’s Pinot Noir country, including travel tips and more!

Sep 30, 2024
Healdsburg's Big Moment

Healdsburg's Big Moment

Small-town America meets wine country luxury in this vibrant village in Sonoma County

Jun 30, 2024
Day Trips Through Sonoma County

Day Trips Through Sonoma County

Travel with our senior editors around the valleys of Sonoma 

Jun 30, 2024
10 Great Destinations for Food and Wine Across America

10 Great Destinations for Food and Wine Across America

Our guide to the top places to eat, drink and play right now

Nov 30, 2023
The Hamptons: U.S. Food and Wine Destinations

The Hamptons: U.S. Food and Wine Destinations

Situated on the thin southern peninsula of Long Island’s East End, the Hamptons was once a …

Nov 30, 2023