Front of Mumm, Reims, France
This month we were fortunate enough to visit the champagne region of France. Our first stop was in Reims, which is the heart of the French Champagne region. We were thrilled to be able to tour.
The Mumm Family came from Germany and had been producing wine in Cologne since the 12th century. They were using the name PA Mumm. Peter Arnold Mumm had three sons: Gottlied, Jacobus and Philipp, who wanted to start a new branch of the family business in Reims, France in 1827.
Poster of GH Mumm
GH Mumm is one of the world’s largest and well-known champagne houses, therefore their tours are quite popular. We were lucky to be able to join an English-speaking tour on such short notice. When we visited, three different tours were offered. Each is approximately 1.5 hours and 28 to 50 euro. The main difference is the tasting at the end. We did “Dare the Mumm experience” which included a sensorial experience at the end. This meant that we sniffed different scents used to describe champagne and tried to guess what they were. Interesting but probably not worth the additional 7 euro.
Riddling racks in the caves
All three tours go through the facilities, caves and learn about the process of making fine champagne. Be aware that it is chilly in the caves, a bit damp and you need to be able to go up and down some fairly steep stairs.
Our tour guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable about both the history of Mumm and the champagne making process. The extensive caves which run all under Reim and connect to other champagne houses is amazing.
After the tour, we gathered to do a tasting of one of the champagnes. It was even more delicious after seeing the process that was gone through to produce it. I would highly recommend this tour. If you cannot get on one of the tours, visit the gift shop and grounds. Really lovely.
