Fall in Champagne

Spend some time in the Champagne area of France in the fall, wander through villages, and taste amazing Champagnes. 

There’s something unforgettable about that first glimpse of the Champagne countryside. Rolling hills brushed in gold, endless vines catching the late-autumn light, and tiny villages where every clink of glass feels like a celebration of life itself.

During a recent trip through France’s Champagne region, we followed the winding Marne Valley roads — from the historic village of Hautvillers, known as the “Cradle of Champagne,” to the charming cellars of Gobillard et Fils and finally, to the quiet village of Romery, home to one of our favorite small Champagne houses, José Marc. Each stop offered a unique taste of the region — and a deeper appreciation for the people who turn grapes into bubbles of joy.

 

Hautvillers: The Heartbeat of Champagne

Perched high above the Marne Valley, Hautvillers is where the story of Champagne began. This postcard-perfect village is best known as the home of Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk often credited with perfecting the blending techniques that define Champagne today.

Wandering its narrow cobblestone streets feels like walking through living history. Wrought-iron shop signs tell the tales of bakers, coopers, and winemakers who’ve shaped the village for centuries. Just beyond the quaint cafés, the Abbey of Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers stands as a monument to Dom Pérignon’s legacy. Step inside, and you’ll find his modest grave — a humble resting place for a man whose influence forever changed the world of wine.

From nearly every corner of the village, you can look out over miles of vineyards rippling down the hillsides — a scene that seems to stretch straight into the horizon. This is Champagne in its purest form: rooted in history, infused with craftsmanship, and kissed by nature.

 

Blanc de Blancs at Champagne Gobillard et Fils

No visit to Hautvillers is complete without a stop at Champagne JM Gobillard et Fils, a family-run estate just a short stroll from the abbey. Founded in 1933, the Gobillard family has mastered the art of crafting elegant Champagnes that beautifully express the character of the village’s Premier Cru vineyards.

Their welcoming tasting room offers sweeping views of the vines, and the atmosphere feels more like visiting an old friend than a formal tasting. We ordered a glass of their Blanc de Blancs — 100 percent Chardonnay, crisp, floral, and full of sunshine. It was the perfect midday pause, a chance to savor the moment and raise a glass to the history all around us.

If you linger long enough, you might catch a glimpse of the winemaking team in action or join a tour that takes you behind the scenes into the cellars. The Gobillard family’s philosophy is simple: great Champagne begins in the vineyard, and every bottle tells a story of place, patience, and pride.

Check out the countryside and villages

Stop at our favorite small Champagne house, Jose Marc in Romery, France

Small-House Charm at Champagne José Marc in Romery

A short drive from Hautvillers brings you to Romery, a peaceful village tucked among the vines, where time seems to slow down. Here sits Champagne José Marc, a fifth-generation family estate that embodies the soul of small-batch winemaking.

Unlike the larger houses that line Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, José Marc offers an intimate, hands-on experience. Visitors are often greeted by a family member — sometimes even the winemaker — who delights in sharing stories of the harvest, the soil, and the generations who’ve tended these same rows of vines.

The tasting here feels deeply personal. You might find yourself sampling a vintage straight from the cellar or trying a bottle adorned with one of the family’s signature capsule collections. Their Champagnes are rich, balanced, and expressive — proof that artistry often thrives far from the spotlight.