LVMH, the parent company of Dom Pérignon, uses former monk's Benedictine abbey for private receptions and VIP tastings. A visit to this picturesque and historic spot in the flower-filled village of Hautvillers is a highlight of any trip to Champagne. Contact the Bookings Team to arrange a visit or private event.

Visiting the chalk caves—some of which have been in use since Gallo-Roman times—is a wonderful way to learn more about the complex, time-consuming process of Champagne-making and is a highlight of many visitors’ trip to the region. However, after your second tour (guided visits are 45 minutes to an hour) the vast cellars begin to look the same and you will hear the same information about flocculation, remuage and disgorgement repeated over and over. To keep things fresh, pick out one or two maisons (ideally one in Reims and one in Épernay) and book a private tour and tasting. These arrangements should be made as far in advance as possible (two months is recommended during high season.) Even if you don’t want a private visit, it is still advisable to book in advance, as group tours fill up early.

A few of the most interesting caves to visit: Taittinger, Ruinart, Vranken Pommery, Möet & Chandon, Dom Perignon

One of France’s most respected and celebrated Champagne houses, Krug was family owned for 165 years before it became part of LVMH in 2008. With an exclusive repertoire of masterfully blended wines and Champagnes, and the specialty Grand Cuvée varietal, the house has perfected the art of the bubbly libation. The heir, Olivier Krug, is still deeply involved as the house master and oversees the 50 acres of vineyards, expansive cellars and country house that comprise the property. While Krug is not open to the public, Indagare is able to coordinate tours and tastings at this extraordinary estate. An afternoon at Krug includes a walk through the picturesque vineyards and cellars as well as a blending workshop to learn how the master blender combines multiple vintages and varieties to create the lauded Grand Cuvée without a formula, just memory and taste. As one of the most innovative Champagne houses, Krug has collaborated with renowned musicians to pair their music with specific Champagnes, a special and unique tasting experience for any Champagne connoisseur. An elegant and exquisitely prepared dinner held inside the grand mansion house concludes the visit, expertly complemented with Krug’s finest reserves.

Located on Épernay’s impressive Avenue de Champagne, Möet & Chandon’s slick marble lobby and boutique is glitzier than some of the other grand maisons. After an introductory film, the tour passes by salons that hosted Napoleon Bonaparte (a good friend of Claude Möet), before heading to the underground caves, which span over 17 miles. Across the street, the Hôtel Trianon (so-named because it is based on Versailles’ Trianon) was built to host French kings and is now a private reception hall.

The Reims Cathedral is a can't-miss site in the Champagne region. Built in the High Gothic style from 1211–1516, the cathedral has a long and fascinating history—for instance, it was the symbolic center of the Archdiocese, and it served as the location for the coronation of the French kings. It is celebrated for its 13th century architecture and sculpture work; however, the cathedral is best known for its breath-taking stained glass windows. While beautiful original frames have been restored from the 13th century, the primary attractions are the additions made by such modern artists as Brigitte Simon and Marc Chagall.

The grande dame of the grand maisons, Ruinart was founded in 1729 in Reims. Four of its 24 chalk cellars are listed as historic monuments. Tours here are the longest and most expensive of all the champagne houses. The two-hour visit concludes with a tasting of two cuvees of your choice.

Tattinger continues a tradition begun in 1734, when Jacques Fourneaux opened the world’s third Champagne house. In 1932, Pierre Taittinger purchased the company and its grounds, and renamed it after himself. Visits here begin with a film about the brand’s history, followed by a tour of the vast cellars, which include the crypt of a 13^th-century abbey that was once used by monks for wine storage. Taittinger’s cellar now stores about 15 million bottles.

The unmissable Vranken Pommery turreted buildings on the outskirts of Reims were designed by Madame Pommery (1819–1890) herself. Reinforcing the brand’s historically important connection to art and design, this house showcases artworks from its permanent collection throughout the 11 miles of its chalk cellars. Among the most striking subterranean installations: a sculpture made from the brand’s signature blue bottles by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos and a neon installation by French artist Jacqueline Dauriac that creates a glowing rainbow tunnel through stacks of ripening bottles of bubbly.