The best time to visit is between late spring and the grape harvest in early autumn. May and June bring long days and green vineyards but few crowds. September and the first half of October are the most atmospheric — the vendanges (harvest) is in full swing, the houses smell of pressed grapes, and the countryside turns gold.
Avoid August if you can: many independent growers close for the summer holidays, and tasting appointments are harder to come by. December has its own charm, with the Habits de Lumiere festival lighting up the Avenue de Champagne on the first weekend of the month — open-house tastings, food stands and a sound-and-light show along the boulevard.