Taittinger Champagne House (Maison de Champagne Taittinger)

Located among the ruins of the Saint-Nicaise Abbey, Taittinger’s chalk caves have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. At 712 acres (288 hectares),Taittinger is today one of the largest domaines in the Champagne region. It offers a range of world-class cuvées and vintage Champagnes; its Comtes de Champagne cuvée is among its most prestigious releases. A tasting of several different cuvées is included as part of the official tour.

Taittinger also features on numerous Champagne-region itineraries, from small-group and private Champagne-house tours to day-trip excursions from Paris; longer itineraries also tend to stop at other nearby producers, while leaving the driving to someone else.

• As Taittinger’s chalk caves are around 50° Fahrenheit (10° Celsius) throughout the year, it’s advised to wear layers.

• Whether you visit via a tour or book a tasting session directly with the winery, reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during the busy summer months.

• The Maison de Champagne Taittinger is accessible to wheelchair users and travelers with strollers.

Taittinger is located just south of the Reims city center. It’s less than a 10-minute trip by taxi from the Gare de Reims, the city’s main train station. Tours that include round-trip transfers provide a stress-free way to visit the Champagne house.

Taittinger’s opening hours vary depending on the time of year, but the house is generally open from morning until early evening—during the quieter winter months, it generally closes at lunchtime.

Taittinger isn’t the only worthy Reims Champagne house—in fact, the small city is home to several top producers. After your subterranean tour and tasting, visit some other nearby Champagne houses: top picks include Ruinart, established in 1768 and officially the longest-running Champagne producer; Veuve Clicquot, one of the largest and most popular houses; and Pommery, which pioneered the dry style of Champagne.