Joseph Perrier is the only champagne house in Châlons-en-Champagne that opens its cellars to the public, which makes it an obvious stop for anyone interested in champagne production. The house was founded in 1825 and remains family-owned, producing a range of non-vintage and vintage champagnes from its Cumières vineyards near the Marne. The guided cellar tour takes visitors through the chalk galleries where the bottles rest during the extended second fermentation that characterises quality champagne.
A tasting follows the tour — the house's blanc de blancs is particularly good. Visiting the Épernay houses is a grander experience, but Joseph Perrier has the advantage of being genuinely small and personal. Book in advance; tours run on a fixed schedule.